At the beginning of the month, I attended the Cab Franc Forward event in New York City, and ran across Forge Cellars. Their Forge Cellars Cabernet Franc Willow Vineyard 2024 is one of my favorites of the tasting.
Forge Cellars in located in Burdett, New York and is owned by Louis Barruol and Rick Rainey, and the winemaker is Leana Goddard. Léana was born and raised around Grenoble near the French Alps. She moved to Bordeaux and was quickly drawn into the wine industry. In 2018 she graduated from the University of Bordeaux with a degree in Oenology. She began interned with Louis’ as intern at Château de St. Cosme. In 2018, she helped with harvest in Burgundy at Jacques Prieur in Meursault. Later that year, she started at Forge Cellars, splitting her time between the United States and France until 2022, when she transitioned to full-time in the Finger Lakes and at Forge Cellars.
"New York Cabernet Franc covers the range of emotions and interest. From fruity and Light examples... to exotic, richer flavors that invite you to take a moment to contemplate. The range is fantastic!" said Rick Rainey of Cab Franc in New York.
Forge Cellars Cabernet Franc Willow Vineyard 2024 is a deeper, dark version of this varietal wine. The fruits are forward with dark cherry and raspberry, black currant, with notes of spice and a good grippy finish packed with black tea and white pepper. This was an exceptionally well structured wine, with layers of aroma, flavor, and texture. It was an absolutely fantastic wine. Fruit forward but austere. One of the best Cabernet Francs from the region.
Rick Rainey at the event.