This wine was given to me by Richard Olsen-Harbich, Raphael’s winemaker.  I tasted this with Rich in the tasting room, but he was gracious enough to allow me to take this home and enjoy it some more with my wife and more importantly, take notes.

Raphael 2004 Cabernet Fran is 100% Cabernet Franc and it was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 75 degrees.  It was hand harvested.  The 2004 growing season was a typical season for Long Island.  This Cabernet Franc was made in the liking of Rich to the tradition of the Loire Valley.

On the nose, I was getting alot of cherry and Currents.  With just a kiss of plum.  As the wine started to open up, I was picking up a wonderful floral aroma, maybe a touch of violet.

On the palate there was a wonderful earthy tone.  I was picking up some tart berries, like raspberry and cherry.  There were some subtle spices and a minerality that was really very nice.

This was a well balanced wine that showed great acidity and soft tannins

The finish was moderate with some green pepper popping up at the end.

I enjoyed this wine alot.  My wife enjoyed this even more.  She loved the fact that there was no oak and she could taste the red berries.

This retailed for $18.00 in the tasting room a while ago, but is currently no longer available for purchase.  If you can find it, pick it up and enjoy it now.