Brokview Station Estate Frontenac 2012

   

 

According to the university of Minnesota, "Frontenac reflects the best characteristics of its parents, V. riparia 89 and the French hybrid Landot 4511. This vine has borne a full crop after temperatures as low as -33ºF when properly cared for. It's very disease resistant, with near-immunity to downy mildew. Frontenac is a consistently heavy producer, with small, black berries in medium to large clusters. Frontenac's deep garnet color complements its distinctive cherry aroma and inviting palate of blackberry, black currant, and plum. This versatile grape can be made into a variety of wine styles, including rosé, red, and port."

 

 

 

Ed and Sue Miller, owners of Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards, along with Marketing Director Karen Gardy, made a strategic decision in making this wine. Goold's is one of the oldest continuously operating, same family owning apple orchards in the entire Capital Region. And they had made red wines before. But this would be their first estate grown red wine.

 

Ed chose Marachel Foch, Frontenac, and Marquette grapes to grow. Ed has been farming since 1977. Over the last three years, he and his staff have done an incredible job growing this vineyard. Now he fruits of their labor have come home.

 

 

The Brookview Station Estate Frontenac 2012 is the first of a series of ultra premium estate grown wines to come from that winery. And if this wine is any indication, we're all in for a treat. Without question, this is the best full-bodied dry red estate Frontenac I have tried on the east coast. Big red cherry and raspberry, with hints of cassis and plum, are well balanced with acidity and tannins to make a classic red wine. 

This is an excellent dry red table wine. An excellent first offering. Exciting to see what Brookview will develop next in this line. But for now, it's exciting enough!!

 

Try a bottle asap!