2022 Fjord Vineyards Cabernet Franc – Eastern Division Best of Show at International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Fjord Vineyards was the Professional Judges winner at the 5th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition in the “Eastern Division”. They were up against a strong field of contenders. Additionally their Cabernet Franc in the Eastern Division received a Double Gold Medal & Best of Category from the Professional Judge’s and a Silver Medal from the People’s Choice Judges.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The label drawing reflects the Hudson River highlands and how the fjord and now the Hudson River was carved out. Their winery is between the Storm King Mountain to the west and Mt Beacon. The winery owners, Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann, founded the winery in 2013 and for the last ten years have been producing sustainably grown wines. They are located at 251 Ridge Road in Milton, New York. While researching it turns out Fjord Vineyards also owns and has the same winemaker as Benmarl which won the People’s Choice Judges Best of Show and was a Double Gold Medal winner (story being published soon). After reviewing the area via the internet, no wonder why Hudson Valley AVA is so well known! The Hudson Valley AVA comprises about 224,000 acres with only 500 acres planted in vines. The scenery and natural beauty of the area is spectacular. Additional reading can be found at:
https://hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com/
https://www.winetraveler.com/new-york/best-hudson-valley-wineries-hotels-itinerary/
Currently Fjord Vineyards makes the following white wines: Riesling, Albariño and Chardonnay. For their red wine lineup they offer Merlot, Pinot Noir, a red blend and of course their Cabernet Franc.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened the wine and initially it was a bit closed up. However after letting it breathe for about hour, every nuisance of this award winning wine came to the forefront. First on the eyes, a more Chinon appearance with lighter brick coloring (picture above does not show this but photo with food does) and medium viscosity. On the nose raspberries, violets and an aromatic eucalyptus rose up in the glass. On the palate cherry cola, cranberries along with an herbaceous quality were the dominant flavors greeting the imbiber. Secondary flavors of blackberry, tobacco and light pyrazine characteristics were evident. The elongated soft finish was counterbalanced with noticeable welcoming velvety tannins.
Their 2022 is listed on their website for $30 and comes in at 13.9% alcohol. A very worthwhile and quality award winning wine!
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Chose this wine to have with a seared and BBQ’ed filet mignon this evening. Served medium rare and topped with crumbled Stilton blue cheese from England. Accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and fresh Cesar salad (not pictured). The wine with its tannins and acidity was a wonderful match with the meat and intense and bold cheese topping. An excellent food and wine pairing.
Looking forward to visiting the region and especially tasting Fjord Vineyards Pinot Noir and Albariño wines!
Sláinte,
Michael