In 2022 we made no red wine and though it was a bitter pill to swallow (Mother Nature was to blame) we adjusted and knew better days were ahead of us. After working with farmer John Wagner for over 10 years, he took pity on us in 2023 and offered us one of the oldest sites for Cabernet Franc on his farm…what we call the Railroad Vineyard. Planted in the early 1990’s, this is a powerful, broad shouldered Cabernet Franc that is going to be a keeper for the long haul. It reminds us of Caywood Cabernet Franc in its structure but more red fruit driven, think roasted strawberry than forest fruit. Thank you John, for the introduction.

Rooted in vines planted in the early 1990s on gravelly soil, Railroad continues to show profundity and dimension. In 2024, it leans into a more complete ripeness without sacrificing balance, with roasted raspberry, and violet over graphite. It is the closest wine to our Rhône Valley sister estates. True to its namesake, this is a wine of presence and direction, built to carry forward with time.

vineyard details

East side Seneca Lake - Lodi
Soils: Honeoye silt loam on shale
3% to 8% slopes
Elevation: 720 ft.
Years Planted: mid-1990s
Harvest Date: Oct. 17
Hand-harvested and sorted
Spontaneous fermentation in wooden vat, 20% whole clusters
Aged 12 mo. in barrel and 2 mo. in stainless steel tank
Bottled unfined / unfiltered
Alcohol: 12.7% by vol.
Production: 443 cases