Manolo Gomez is the winemaker at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. He manages the vineyard's 22 acres and produces various wines. He is supported by Assistant Winemaker Cori Duffer and Vineyard Manager Julio Rivas. I love their red blends, and remain a big fan of this winery. But with all the rage about Cabernet Franc, I wanted to make sure I called out this wine in particular, as it struck me at the tasting.
Cabernet Franc, one of Sugarloaf Mountain's most planted grape varieties. The wine itself is estate grown, and aged for six months in French oak. This is one of the deeper styled Cabernet Francs so much more prevalent in Maryland and Virginia. The color starts off with a deeper red tinged with purple. There is big fruit flavors, with ripe cheery, dark raspberry, stewed plums, and red cassis. There are also notes of earthiness, as well as tobacco, and cedar. Wisps of spice, black tea, and white pepper to finish. And long lasting fruit. This is a very sumptuous, sensuous, and seductive wine.
Congrats to Manolo and Julio, and Cori and the staff!