2021 Forge Cellars Arlo Cabernet Franc [D93]

Producer: Forge Cellars  
Region: Finger Lakes, New York  
Varietal: Cabernet Franc  
Year: 2021 

Decanter, 93 Points 

"There is a sweet edge to the high-toned plum and blackberry fruit in this convincing Loire-style rendition of Cabernet Franc, replete with attractive notes of earth, black tea, and violets. The palate has a savoury edge, pleasant freshness, and firm but not astringent tannins. The grapes come from the vineyard owned by Arlo Ringsmuth, located on the southeast side of Seneca Lake between Leidenfrost and Breakneck Creek. They were picked on 28 October to be fully ripe and fermented with a modest inclusion of whole clusters in open-top wood fermenters." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"With complete candor, we can admit that our fascination with “collecting sites” can sometimes seem a bit crazy. Despite the possibility that we truly are a bit mad, the utter joy of watching people discover and connect with different vineyards is unparalleled. Certain sites speak more deeply to some people than others, favorite bottlings are born, and fond memories are recounted. This is the beauty of bottling up such a diverse region, in all of the wines we produce, you can be transported to many places, feel nostalgia from a particular flavor or smell, and experience the thrill of finding “the one” in the lineup. 

After our experiences with Willow Cabernet Franc in 2019 and 2020, our collective interest in expanding our work with this grape was without question, and when an old friend and farmer came to us with an opportunity to procure Cabernet Franc grapes from him, we leapt. Arlo Ringsmuth’s family farm is located in Hector, between Leidenfrost and Breakneck Creek. Planted in 2016, it’s a site that reveals a deep, dark, voluptuous side of Cabernet Franc." 

Alcohol: 13% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.