Back in January or February I stopped in on Conor Quilty and Meadowbrook Winery and I've since tasted a number of their wines. Two absolutely have stood out. I retasted just a few weeks ago Meadowbrook's Chardonnay 2023. And I recently (May) took part in a Cabernet Franc Eastcoast tasting panel with Lenn Thompson of the Cork Report, Keith Beavers of Vinepair, Allison Slute of Cabernet Franc Chronicles, and Byron Elmendorf winemaker at Macari Vineyards. That's where I again tasted Meadowbrook's Cabernet Franc Reserve (this time the 2023). I also feel, this review is a little tardy, but better maybe better (mea culp) because I waited.
Just for reminder's sake, I fell in love with their 2023 Press Cut Pétillant Naturel. And recently drank their two Chardonnay 2023 and Chardonnay Reserve 20023. The bright acidity of the Chardonnay made this and bright and zesty wine, with lots of fresh Green Apple and Ripe notes, with a lovely lemon zest appeal and notes of peach and apricot. Lovely lovely wine. The Chardonnay Reserve had all the charm of it's brighter cousin, but also carried some real gravitas. The acidity was not diminished, but the addition of some oak was enough to give the Reserve Chardonnay a lovely, sexy roundness that was absolutely incredible. This is a big dinner wine. A grown up wine without the heaviness of some oaked Chardonnays. I shared this with Stephen and Lilly Casccles, over dinner. It was definitely an instant winner. One of my new favorite oaked Chardonnays. Beautifully layered and complex. I was instantly in love.
I had previously tasted the Meadowbrook Cabernet Franc Reserve 2022 and found it to be hugely fruit forward and rich. I loved it;s fruitiness, with notes of fresh cherries, red raspberries, red cassis and notes of minerality, a hint of cedar, and a lovely finish, soft, subtle, but with just enough tannin and white pepper to close out flexing it's complexity. Absolutely wonderful wine! One of my new instant favorite Eastcoast Cabernet Francs - although I gushed allover Conor's Whole Berry Cabernet Franc 2022.
Meadowbrook Cabernet Franc Reserve 2023 is made with some whole berries, and 1/3 appassimento grapes (70% weight) fermented and aged separately. The wine spent 22 months in neutral French Oak.
The nose on this is a combination of bright and dark red fresh cherries, a scent of something floral, and whiffs of vanilla and toast. There are notes of red raspberry. Pomegranate. Cranberry. Hints of spice, and lovely structured tannins of black tea rounded out by white pepper. There's also enough acidity to carry the fruit forward long after you have swallowed your sip of this luscious wine. This is a super approachable Cabernet Franc with layers of flavors, complexity, and balance. Truly sensational.
Tasting the two Cabernet Francs in a short period was a tremendous experience. Conor, since he debuted at Unionville many years ago, has always showed he had a way with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. HIs two entries here, as well as his sparkling, have once again come to light in a most beautiful way. It's early days at Meadowbrook, but it's easy to see Meadowbrook Winery leap-frogging to one of the better producers on the Eastcoast in only a matter of several years if this wines are any promissory note on the future.
As it is, Meadowbrook is sensational.
