Bloomer Creek, ‘White Horse’ Red 2020

• producer: Bloomer Creek
• region: New York
• country: USA
• grape variety: cabernet franc, merlot
• production notes: dry farmed, woman owner/ winemaker

From the importer: “In 1982 Kim Engle and Deb Bermingham purchased a thirty-acre farm in the Finger Lakes region, ten acres of which they planted to a variety of cool climate grapes. They named the vineyard Bloomer Creek and for the last three decades they have meticulously farmed it using organic methods. They employ no herbicides, no irrigation, fruit is hand-harvested, and only natural native yeasts are used for fermentation. They often utilize whole clusters in their winemaking, including the whites, extended lees aging, and they allow fermentations to progress at their own rate without using temperature control. Auten Vineyard, a gently sloping site on the west side of Cayuga Lake, was first planted to Riesling in 1997, with additional vines added in 2001.”

Matured in oak for two years, this wine is plummy, dry and tannic with notes of cocoa and baking spices and a pleasant earthiness. Let breathe for a bit before drinking.