Ravines Wine Cellars 2022 Cabernet Franc and Heron Hill Winery’s 2023 Blaufrankisch signal a new era in FLX reds
By Andrew Harris,
The days where Finger Lakes region red wines have been overshadowed by Rieslings and Blancs and Ice Wines appear to be coming to a pleasant sunset. The amazing Dr. Frank and Weis Vineyards have won world acclaim for taking advantage of the lake country climate and intelligent vinifera.
According to Forbes Magazine, who publishes the results of the Beverage Testing Institute’s annual “rigorous, blind-tasting process,” into a prestigious list that guides wine buyers all over the world. Read the full review of the two Finger Lakes standouts with link to full article below:
From Forbes.com :
Ravines 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 12.9% ABV, 750 ml. Platinum Medal, 96/100 Points, Best Cabernet Franc
The Finger Lakes region of New York has a classic continental climate, with summer temperatures in the 80s F, short growing seasons, temperamental spring and autumn shoulder periods, significant humidity, and occasional afternoon rain showers. The region’s deep glacial lakes, particularly Seneca Lake, where Ravines’ vineyards sit, provide crucial temperature moderation, preventing frost damage while preserving acidity in ripe fruit. Ravines’ vineyards are situated on steep slopes with highly complex soil layers.
The 2022 blend comprises 61% from White Springs Vineyard (eastern exposure, Honeoye loam over limestone soils, planted 2003–2004) and 39% from 16 Falls Vineyard (western exposure, clay/loam over shalestone soils, planted 1998–2002). The limestone-rich soils at White Springs are particularly rare in the Finger Lakes and contribute mineral complexity.
The wine is fruity and herbaceous, with mineral undertones, featuring aromas of red cherry and plum liqueur, pencil shavings, graphite, as well as subtle green peppercorn, fresh tobacco leaf, and dried herb notes. A crushed-stone minerality, candied cherry, and subtle floral notes become more pronounced as the wine opens.
It’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity on the palate, expressing flavors of sour cherry, raspberry, and tart plum, along with herbaceous undertones of fresh mint and green pepper. A saline minerality, likely reflecting limestone- and shale-derived soils, emerges mid-palate. The tannins feel silky and well-integrated, providing a ripe tannic backbone.
The finish is long, fruity, and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of tart red fruits that fade into a mineral salinity.
Heron Hill Winery 2023 Ingle Vineyard Blaufrankisch, Finger Lakes, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. Platinum Medal, 96/100 Points, Best Blaufränkisch
Blaufrankisch, also known as Lemberger, an Austrian variety, rarely cultivated in the United States, finds compelling expression in the Finger Lakes’ cool-climate regime. The lakes’ moderating effect on temperature, combined with steep glacial slopes and limestone-rich soils, creates conditions that favor the variety’s characteristic black fruit, spice, and subtle herbaceous character. Heron Hill’s Ingle Vineyard shares the same cool-climate advantages as other Finger Lakes sites, including short, warm ripening seasons that preserve acidity and promote phenolic ripeness in dark varieties.
The wine is fruity and peppery, with aromas of black plum, black currant, and ripe cherry, the typical dark-fruit signature of Blaufrankisch, interwoven with bright red cherry, strawberry, and subtle florals. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and herbal undertones of basil add complexity. With aeration, cocoa powder and hints of caramel emerge alongside a mineral salinity that reflects the Finger Lakes’ limestone and shale soils.
It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins, showcasing flavors of black plum, black currant, red cherry, strawberry, cocoa, caramel, and subtle spice notes of pepper, cinnamon, and clove. The Finger Lakes terroir accentuates the mineral salinity and herbal character, including basil, black pepper, and thyme, that define Blaufrankisch’s personality.
The finish is medium-length, minerally and spice-driven, with lingering notes of black pepper, red fruit, and cocoa.
