Drink This: Atwater Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
This cab was a surprise standout during a recent tasting session
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I’ve been hard on Finger Lakes cabernet sauvignon over the years. It doesn’t perform consistently enough here on Long Island ( where growing seasons are generally warmer and longer) for many wineries to make quality varietal wines — so it always struck me as an interesting choice for the cooler Finger Lakes region (other than for rosé or as component in blends).
Of course, it’s idiotic to make grand generalizations in wine. You’ll always be proven wrong.
This Atwater Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($42*) is terrific, proving — yet again — that I’m not always right.
The nose is plummy with black cherry and black currant fruit qualities along with delicate earthiness and a faint-but-distinct minty eucalyptus note.
Medium-bodied, the palate is nicely structured, framing ripe dark fruits — plum, cherry, and currant again — with that same earthiness lurking in the background, some more mint, and a savory spice element. With its low oak footprint, this is a style I can get behind for the region, at least when the fruit is properly ripened like it is here.
Atwater Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Region: Finger Lakes AVA (New York)
ABV: 13.5%
Production: 120 cases
Rating: 90 pts
Price: $48* (Sold Out)
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*sample provided by winery