So I was at the New York Cab Franc Forward event in NYC earlier this month. I tasted the new Cabernet Franc from Lieb Cellars. Now, I had met Russell Hearn their last winter, and a technical glitch accidently (I thought) deleted my files on those wines. I recently discovered two photos from last year's tasting. But of course, it doubled the fun of writing about Russell today. This family run winery is among my favorites, And Russell is a winemaker of particular note - he is talented as he is important.
Lieb Cellars in Cutchogue, NY, is owned by longtime winemaker Russell Hearn, his wife Susan Hearn, their family (Shelby Hearn Ulrich and Brad Ulrich), and business partners John and Renée Fondacaro. The group purchased the 54-acre vineyard and winery in late 2023, merging it with the Hearns' personal label, Suhru Wines.
Known for their signature dry, clean and fruit-forward style, Suhru & Lieb Cellars offer a portfolio of estate-grown, still and sparkling wines grown on their beautiful vineyards, tucked away on Oregon Road. They have 54-acres of certified sustainable vines, including the largest contiguous plot of Pinot Blanc in the United States. TheLieb Cellars label is known for the classic vitis vinifera grape varieties and elegant sparkling wines - Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Russell started winemaking in Western Australia before working in New Zealand, France, and the US. He has been making a difference on Long Island since 1993. He has been an innovator and helped establish numerous wineries and labels on the island ever since. He is a well-liked, well-respected industry professional. When the annals of Long Island wine are recounted, he is in its pantheon.
Last year I was truly impressed with Russell's Lieb Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc 2021. An elegant wine with notes of cherry and raspberry, with lovely floral notes, and a hint of bramble. Pretty spice notes. A lovely wine that finished smooth, and with fruit that lingered and lingered. An excellent wine. Elegant. Layered. Complex and well balanced. Truly, something special.
Aged in Hungarian oak for 10 months, this wine is brilliant. The Lieb Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc 2023 features ripe cherry, bright red raspberry, fresh red plums, and a whiff of violets, vanilla, and other spices. There's notes of white pepper as well. Bright, fresh, well constructed, the wine is again complex and well balanced. An exceptional example of this cool climate varietal wine. Absolutely loved it!
Russell Hearn has a way with Cabernet Franc. And you ought get out and try some ASAP!