Drink This: Heron Hill Winery 2022 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc
A cab franc-lover's cabernet franc worth seeking out this summer
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I don’t know that Heron Hill winemaker Jordan Harris and I have ever talked about it, but tasting the wines he’s made since arriving in the Finger Lakes in 2020 it’s clear to me that he loves cabernet franc. Not what he can bend or manipulate it to be. He loves cabernet franc in all of its fruity-savory-earthy glory.
During last year’s panel tasting, the 2020 vintage of this wine was my — and the panel’s — favorite cabernet franc from the Finger Lakes). I like the Heron Hill Winery 2022 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($40*) just as much.
A mix of fresh and dried herbs mingle with ripe fruit aromas of black plum, blackberry, and cassis. A distinct black licorice note peeks out as it sits in the glass, bringing a bit more complexity.
The medium-bodied palate brings more black-and-blue fruits — blackberry, black currant, blueberry, and plum — with licorice and a sprinkle of minty herbs. There is nice mid-palate concentration here, with soft tannins that give it a supple feel, and enough acidity to bring freshness. The finish is long, with blackberry, black licorice, and a crack of black pepper. On the third day open there was some dark roast coffee too.
Though not yet available, it will be released this summer and is worth seeking out once it is.
Heron Hill Winery 2022 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Region: Finger Lakes AVA (New York)
ABV: 13.8%
Production: 120 cases
Winemaking: Aged 10 months in French oak, 15% new and 15% second-use
Rating: 94 pts
Price: $40* (Summer 2024 Release)
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*sample submitted by winery