Forge Cellars: 2021 Cabernet Francs
No.4 | Producer Feature
On the opening pages of the Forge Cellars 2021 Vintage Offering you will find the title “Exploration is the lifeblood of Forge Cellars.” This is a statement that I relate to whole-heartedly. I also share a strong desire to explore and ever-ending curiosity when it comes to learning - particularly about Cabernet Franc - and I always feel a certain kinship with those that share this level of passion for this grape variety.
Conceived by Rick Rainey and Louis Barruol in 2011, Forge Cellars has been built on a foundation of exploring the terroirs of the Finger Lakes through the lens of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - and now, much to my delight, Cabernet Franc. The winery’s first foray into the world of Cabernet Franc came in 2019 with one wine from the Willow Vineyard on the east side of Seneca Lake. In 2021, they made three single vineyard Cabernet Francs. Prolonged periods of extreme cold in January 2022 sadly resulted in no fruit for the winery to continue their Cabernet Franc pur…