In 1993, Scott Osborn and his wife Ruth purchased Fox Run Vineyard. It was a small winery, and the Osborn's completely reinvented it, expanded it, improved it, until Fox Run and Scott are at the center of New York wine. He helped create a new image for the region and New York wine. It has been a remarkable ride. In there, he hired several of the region's legendary winemakers, especially Peter Bell. With Bell's retirement, Scott has seen a smooth transition to current winemaker Craig Hosbach. Today, Fix Run's wines are available in more than 30 states, And Scott is among the smartest and accomplished people in Eastcoast wine.
I tasted the Fox Run Cabernet Franc 2024 Unoaked twice. Once up in the tasting room in Penn Yan in April while touring the Finger Lakes, and again with Lenn Thompson, Allison Slute, Keith Beavers, and Byron Elmendorf, at an Eastcoast Cabernet Franc tasting on Long Island.
According to Craig Hosbach, the 2024 unaoaked Cabernet Franc experienced a "a warm, fast fermentation" that "resulted in a wine with good color and soft tannins. Aged in stainless steel opposed to oak to maximize the varietal expression of Cabernet Franc."
The flavors on this wine started off with a fresh, ripe cherry nose, that matched itself on the palate. There were touches of cranberry and cassis, a hint of minerality. It's very straight forward, but in a way that makes it easy to drink. This was a lovely, fresh wine, perfect for cheese, poultry, fowl, pork, pasta, and Burgundy styled stews. A perfect summer red, and a great lunch wine. Super versatile and a terrific buy. Perfect to serve to friends and family. The kind of bottle when shared with friends and family makes for a memorable meal.
Congrats to Craig, and Scott and Ruth. Another winner.