2022 Lakewood Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen, New York

The 2022 Lakewood Cabernet Franc offers a bright and expressive nose of tart red berries, wild strawberries, fennel, and herbal tea. The palate is light-to-medium-bodied, revealing flavors of sour cherry and a subtle hint of cocoa powder. Balanced by crisp acidity and soft, chalky tannins, the wine finishes with a clean, slightly spicy kick that highlights its cool-climate origins.

Lakewood Vineyards is a multi-generational, Certified Sustainable estate on the western shores of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, New York. Founded by the Stamp family in 1951, the 100-acre estate remains family-owned, with women driving key business and production roles. Co-owners Liz Stamp and Teresa Stamp Knapp lead sales and tasting room operations, while Abby Stamp Wilkens serves as the assistant winemaker. After earning her enology degree from Cornell University and working harvests in Oregon and New Zealand, Abby returned to co-craft the winery's 42,000-case annual portfolio alongside her father, head winemaker Chris Stamp.