Maybe I’m not the only one, but September always feels a bit like January, though it seems to conversely fly by at break-neck speed. We had superb weather in Southern Ontario this month, with lots of sunshine and summer-like temperatures, which naturally influenced my Cab Franc imbibing! Here are some highlights from recent weeks.

Fjord Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Rosé, Hudson River Region, New York (12.7% abv., SRP $22USD): Winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli is among New York State’s most enthusiastic Cabernet Franc champions making several styles of the grape at both his own winery, Fjord Vineyards, and as winemaker at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro. His 2023 Cab Franc Rosé is fine example of the style that really highlights the bright, beautiful, naturally high acidity that the wines from the cooler, more marginal climate of the Hudson Valley can display. Made by direct press, the wine shows citrus-y and red fruit notes on the nose and palate, with a mix of lime zest, blood orange juice, …

Tasting Diaries: September 2025

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