Vinny Aliperti's wines at Billsboro Winery have long been among my favorites. And among my favorites are the very cellar-able Cabernet Franc. Billsboro is one of those cult wines for me. Not super widely available, this producer has had a long line of success. For almost two decades, when I went to the Finger Lakes on a regular basis, his wand his wife Kim's spot, was always a must stop. Friendly, great, intimate tasting room, and super wines.
Sawmill Creek Vineyards is owned by the Hazlitt family, with Eric Hazlitt, a sixth-generation grower, managing the vineyards along with his wife, Tina. His family has been farming grapes on the land since 1852. The vineyard is a family operation, and Eric's children also work on the farm, making it a multi-generational business. Sawmill Creek is among one of the premiere grape growers on the east coast.
The Billsboro Cabernet Franc Sawmill Creek Vineyards 2018 is a standout. I recently pulled it from my library to share with friends for dinner the other night. The nose explodes with a complex layer of raspberry, cassis, with hints of orange blossoms and spice. On the palate dark raspberry and dark cherry come across with notes of spice, toasty oak, and finishes with lovely peppery tannins. Incredibly well balanced, and super sophisticated, it is a spectacular wine.
Congrats to Vinny and Kim.