I first visited Roanoke Vineyards in July of 2016. That's when I truly fell in love with Roanoke Vineyards. The winery is owned Richard "Richie" Pisacano and his wife, Soraya Pisacano, Richieis also the vineyard manager at Wolffer. Their 10-acre Riverhead estate is open exclusively to their wine club members and their guests.
Co-founder, Gaspar "Gabby" Pisacano, took meticulous care of the Twelve Rows block he started beginning in 2006, and through the epic 2015 vintage. Gabby's 2007 vintage scored 92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and The New York Times raved about it. “He had a great energy,” Richie once told the press. “People looked forward to seeing him. So many times they walked in and it was, ‘Where’s Gabby?’” Roanoke's esteemed late vineyard master continued to influence the varietals from one vintage to the next. With meticulous pruning, Gabby understood the importance of eliminating fruit to enhance airflow, minimizing disease risks. Today, they continue Gabby's meticulous approach. These rows get more attention and more touches than any other vineyards in the total vineyard. It is a painstaking process.
Roanoke Vineyards Gabby's Cabernet Franc2022, made from 100% estate fruit, starts off with red stewed fruits of cherry, red raspberries, bright cranberry, and plum. Also notes of red boysenberry. That fruit comes through on the palate as well as notes of vanilla, and a hint of earthiness. The fruit is very strong on this one. On the back end of nice firm black tea tannins with a note of white and black pepper. And the fruit just lingers, and lingers for a very long time. In a blind tasting, I was able to pick this wine immediately. A terrific wine perfect for food and bringing family and friends together. Richie, you did Gabby proud.
Roanoke's Gabby Cabernet Franc 2022 is where legacy meets great taste.