The Cork Report Tasting Table for May 2, 2025

Beneduce, Bluestone, Buttonwood, Chronicle, Damiani, Cape May, Heron Hill, Keuka Spring, Lakewood, Lieb, Macari, M Cellars McCall, Montezuma, Osprey's , Pindar, Ria's, Rosemont, and Trestle 31

Happy Friday and welcome to a super-sized edition of the Cork Report Tasting Table.

As always, these are short, mostly unedited reviews of recently tasted wines — more or less straight from my notebook.

All wines were tasted over the course of 2-5 days.

Buttonwood Grove Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Franc ($25*)
Finger Lakes AVA (New York)
Grassy-sweet herbal edge to bright red fruit aromas with a little cola spice. Medium body with good fruit and flavor concentration. Cherry cola with raspberry and strawberry with subtle savory dried herbs on a long finish. Nice freshness and softer tannins. 89pts.

Cape May Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc ($60*)
Cape May Peninsula AVA (New Jersey)
Smells like campfire and black and blue fruits with some licorice. Medium-full bodied palate with significant oak tannins that need time. Fruits are a bit more red berry than dark, with smoke and vanilla. Polished and well-made but oak footprint masks some of the varietal qualities. 87pts.