Cabernet Franc

[Thomas]

Randy, touche. True enough that good growing plays a major role in any quality wine production. But it often does not supersede climate by much.

As for good drainage, re, Cabernet Franc; another benefit of the Finger Lakes. If there is one thing the region has, it is drainage. Of course, this year we haven't had any water from the sky to drain.

And since most vineyards are on slopes, we also have good air drainage, if canopy management is done well.

As for the olive oil quality; I find it interesting and rather like it when it is not the shining star of the wine; remember, I also mentioned nutty, which is a qaulity i find often in NY Cabernet Franc, not to mention those few producers whose Cabernet Franc offer great jammy fruit.

I am convinced this is the red wine that the Finger Lakes should expect to perfect over time. It certainly offers a better shot than the other great Bordeaux varieties that are problematic at least eight times out of every ten years. And what Cabernet Franc does for blending with those two others is an outstanding example of why the French learned to blend a long time ago.