Lenn Thompson, Editor and Publisher
There's been a lot of TasteCamp content this week (for obvious reasons) so let's get back to some of the actual wines being made in New York. Not that this wine doesn't have a TasteCamp connection -- we tasted this Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc ($32) on our visit to Roanoke Vineyards Saturday morning.
As you've probably read elsewhere, 2006 wasn't a great vintage for reds on Long Island. It was cooler growing season and was marked by a lot of overcast days and higher-than-average rainfall. Still, even in down years, the best producers put out quality wines, like this one.
The nose on this ruby-brick red shows sweet red fruit aromas -- cranberry and red cherry -- with vanilla, a bit too much oak, toasted nuts, tobacco leaf and hints of anise.
The medium-bodied palate is a little earthier than the nose, with the leafy, oaky notes more pronounced and fruit a bit subdued on the forepalate. The sweet vanilla cran-cherry flavors come back on the mid-palate and contnue through a medium-long finish, where they are joined by dusty earthy and cocoa powder flavors. The tannins are relatively light, but food-friendly acidity brings structure.
There might be a bit too much oak here for the fruit, but it's not over the top.
Grape(s): 87.5% cabernet franc, 6.25% cabernet sauvignon, 6.25% merlot
Producer: Roanoke Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13.2%
Price: $32
Rating: 
(3 out of 5 | Recommended)
(Ratings Guide)
I bought that puppy last weekend!
Posted by: 1WineDude | May 07, 2009 at 08:37 PM
I wanted to buy it and then I thought it was like $50 for some reason! Definitely would have picked it up for $32.
Posted by: Taster B | May 08, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Bought it at their "Cab Franc Tasting weekend" or something last fall. Good stuff, but the oak does make it a troubling breakfast pairing.
Posted by: Bryan | May 10, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I like so much this part or article... thanks for wrote.. have a nice day!
Posted by: Problem Solving | September 14, 2009 at 06:49 PM
hey i think that is a good idea keep up the good work
Posted by: Generic Viagra | September 17, 2009 at 09:41 AM
This wine is one finest that I've ever taste.
Posted by: Autumn Mist Out Fitters | November 24, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Thanks for the compliment Autumn Mist! Glad you enjoyed our wine. We just released our 2007 vintage and it is over the top. Visit our tasting room and find out!
Cheers
Posted by: Adam Ehmer | November 24, 2009 at 08:05 PM