Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017 Review – Ideal Wine

Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on April 8, 2022.

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I have to admit that Cabernet Franc isn't my favorite varietal out there. But there is one winery I'll buy bottles from again and again, and that is Heron Hill in the Finger Lakes.

This one has everything I look for in this grape, and even though I open every bottle with a bit of apprehension, I always walk away pleased.

Heron Hill Makes Some Seriously Delicious Cab Franc

Heron Hill Cab Franc

This Cab Franc from the Finger Lakes was pale ruby in color with medium aromas of black cherry, vanilla, cola, dried herbs, pomegranate, cranberry, nutmeg, clove, cedar, eucalyptus, tomato leaf, and leather and tobacco that came out if you let it sit a while. The aromas were developing.

On the palate, the wine was dry with medium acidity, chalky tannin, alcohol, and finish with medium+ body and flavor intensity. We detected notes of dried red cherry, black cherry, cranberry, vanilla, sage, pomegranate, and tomato leaf and little, if any, of the aged characteristics detected in the aroma.

Cabernet Franc Food Pairing – Meatloaf

Ah, meatloaf. One of the world's least exciting dishes. We made this purely because of the absurd amount of ground beef we have in our deep freezer and picked the Cabernet Franc to pair with it specifically to liven up the meal.

That it did.

This was likely all having to do with the acid and fat pairing as the fruit notes really sang here. Some of the herbal notes in the wine helped compliment our heavily seasoned loaf as well.

Score: 4 / 5

We'd buy another bottle of this one.

Overall, while I am normally not a fan of Cabernet Franc as a varietal, I make an exception for Heron Hill's Reserve. This one is truly delicious, and I'd always love to have a bottle on hand. Would I pair it with meatloaf again? Yes. Would I make meatloaf again? Eh, not entirely sure on that one- but that is no fault of this wine because it was delicious.

Heron Hill is located at 9301 Co Rd 76 in Hammondsport, NY. We visited in 2020 and enjoyed this bottle in 2021.

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