Wines Finger Lakes (New York) Forge Cellars - Cabernet Franc - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Forge Cellars 2021 Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes AVA stands as an elegant example of cool-climate red winemaking in the United States. This wine is crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc, a grape that thrives in the region’s moderate conditions and is noted for its delicate tannins, vibrant acidity, and aromatic purity. Harvested in 2021, a vintage marked by steady, cool weather and a long ripening season, the grapes benefited from optimal maturity and balanced flavor development. Forge Cellars is known for its minimalist winemaking approach, often employing gentle extraction and restrained use of oak to allow the expressive character of the terroir and grape to shine through. Expect a wine with inviting aromas of red currant, raspberry, and subtle green pepper, supported by graphite and a hint of earthy spice. The palate is supple, fresh, and nuanced, with bright fruit, lightly floral notes, and a refreshing mineral backbone—a hallmark of this region’s best Cabernet Francs.

The Finger Lakes, located in upstate New York, is gaining deserved recognition as a premier cool-climate wine region in North America. The area’s unique geography, with deep glacial lakes and slopes of well-drained shale and limestone soils, creates natural temperature moderation—crucial for growing grapes in a region with cold winters and warm, but not overly hot, summers. The combination of lake effect and mineral-rich soils gives wines from Finger Lakes both vibrancy and a sense of place. While the region is most celebrated for Riesling, reds like Cabernet Franc flourish here, yielding wines of elegance and structure.

To complement the lively, food-friendly character of this Cabernet Franc, pair it with classic dishes such as grilled pork tenderloin with rosemary and garlic, mushroom risotto, or herb-roasted chicken. Regional New York pairings, such as duck breast with cherry sauce or local soft cheeses like Nettle Meadow’s Kunik, highlight the wine’s acidity and fruit profile.

For an ideal tasting experience, serve this wine slightly cool, at around 15-16°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes can help the aromas fully unfurl, especially in its youth. Enjoy over the next 3-6 years as it continues to gain complexity in the bottle.