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Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Exceptional - Bedell Cabernet Franc 2020


Have been a fan of Bedell Cellars for a long, long time. Bought two of my largest tanks from Bedell when I had my own winery - and Kip Bedell, one of the best of the LI pioneer winemakers, loaded them onto the tractor trailers himself with a forklift. I'm an idiot for that kind of history. 

I recently had a lovely Bedell Cellars Cab Franc 2020 with the internationally known British antique furniture expert Mark Cooper. Cooper made one of his famous off-the-cuff curries, which are always exceptional. 


Bedell is blessed with two great winemakers. Richard Olsen-Harbich has been the long time winemaker and overseer of Bedell, guiding the winery to new heights and great wines. He's been making wine on the island sine the days of Bridgehampton Vineyards. Currently Bedell's Director of Winemaking, he wrote the AVA for the region, he helped institute the Sustainable guidelines for the region, and has been one of it's finest winemakers. His new book SUN, SEA, SOIL, WINE is an erudite and insightful look into Long Island wine as well as New York and East Coast wine. 


Bedell Cellars' Marin Brennan is the new winemaker making high waves with small wines, that are artisanal and innovative. She is one of the most exciting young winemakers on the East Coast. She has a tremendous palate and a deft hand. She's made a slew of surprising and delicate wines that have drawn a lot of attention.
 
The 2020 Cabernet Franc 2020 was stunning. The wine is aged in neutral oak, in an attempt to produce a more fruit forward red. On a warm summer night, with a spicy curry, this wine stood tall and impressive. Fresh fruit, filled with cherries and black berries, hints of tobacco, smooth tannins, and lovely layers of flavor. Truly a pretty, pretty wine. 

One of the best examples of East Coast Cabernet Franc made consistently. Truly a wine that would stand out in any region. An exceptional wine.