Finger Lake reds

[Jim Mc]

Any opinions on what the best Finger Lake red of the future will be?

I've enjoyed some nice Pinot Noirs, and have just recently started trying Cab Francs but I'm still not quite used to the taste. I guess I still like the Pinot Noir better.

[Thomas]

Jim, you must be a neighbor!

When good, the Pinot Noirs are great. The problem is: that grape is an inconsistent producer in our wild climate.

Many wineries are doing good work with Cabernet Franc, and I believe because of the grape's somewhat less fickleness in the face of strange weather (and its earlier maturity cycle) it promises to be better than Pinot Noir for red table wine from the region.

Right now, I like Anthony Road and Hazlitt Cabernet Francs. Others are coming along.

Pinot Noir is of course great here for sparkling wines.