Boundary Breaks, 2018 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, New York, USA
Cab Franc du Jour #30
Boundary Breaks was founded in 2007 when Bruce Murray, a central New York native, returned to the Finger Lakes with the goal of growing and making world-class Riesling. Noticing the potential for Cabernet Franc on his site, he planted his first vines in 2013.
The vineyards sit on a gentle west-facing slope on the east side of Seneca Lake, the deepest of all the Finger Lakes. The eleven lakes of the region were formed after the last Ice Age as the glaciers receded approximately 10,000 years ago, and they remain central to the viticultural success of the area. In the case of Boundary Breaks, proximity to Seneca Lake is critical. Because of its depth, Seneca Lake almost never freezes in winter, acting as a natural heat source that protects the vines from the coldest temperatures. In spring, the lake slows the warming of the surrounding land, delaying budbreak and reducing the risk of late frost. In fall, the warmth accumulated by the lake through the growing season extends the season long enough for Cabernet Franc to reach phenolic ripeness.
The estate has 5 acres of Cabernet Franc planted on those west-facing slopes, which capture the stronger, warmer afternoon sunshine to enhance ripening. The soils are Cazenovia silt-loam of glacial origin, a heavier soil with moderate drainage and a pH similar to that of calcareous-based soils.
The wine is vinified in small 1-ton open-top fermenters and aged in older French oak for approximately 10 months.
Wine Details
Producer: Boundary Breaks
Region: New York, USA
Sub-region: Finger Lakes (Seneca Lake)
Soils: Cazenovia silt-loam
Alcohol: 12.5%