We're continuing our Francsgiving feature list with Paumanok Vineyards' 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet Franc, an East Coast Bordeaux-style red wine that's absolutely perfect for the Thanksgiving table and cool-weather dining.
When it comes to age-worthy, Bordeaux-style red wines produced on the East Coast of the United States, there is no denying that Long Island's North Fork American Viticultural Area is in a league of its own. The region sees its red grape varieties ripen consistently and with exceptional harmony due to a mix of copious sea breezes, extended sunshine hours, and good drainage courtesy of sandy loam soils.
Jump to:
The Massoud Family Legacy and Maritime Terroir
Paumanok Vineyards was founded in Aquebogue, New York, in 1983 by the Massoud family and is widely recognized as one of the founding estates of Long Island viticulture. Despite its historical role in New World wine, the estate's guiding philosophy is strictly, thoroughly, and recognizably Old World.
Additionally, the area's summer heat and autumn frosts are regulated by the Atlantic breeze, which graces the Cabernet Franc with an extended ripening time on the vine to achieve phenolic maturity without losing its natural freshness.
What Makes Grand Vintage a Benchmark Release
For starters, Paumanok does not produce a "Grand Vintage" every year, instead reserving such bottles exclusively for exceptional growing seasons. With the 2021 harvest seeing ideal conditions across the North Fork, the 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet was chosen from among the estate's finest lots, allowing this bottling to result in a wine with remarkable density, refined structure, and vibrant character.
Quick Facts
| Spec Feature | Details |
| Winery | Paumanok Vineyards |
| Appellation | North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Estate-Grown Cabernet Franc |
| Fermentation & Oak | Fermented with 50% whole berries; aged in French oak barrels |
| Alcohol Content (ABV) | ~13.5% |
| Retail Price | $55.00 – $65.00 (750ml) |
Tasting Profile and Sensory Breakdown
Color and Visuals
On pouring, the Paumanok 2021 introduces itself with a midnight purple hue and deep garnet edges. The wine's concentration and opacity instantly hint at the wine's depth and structure compared to lighter cool-climate expressions of the Cabernet Franc varietal.
Aromatics
Black licorice is first off the top of the glass, set over rich berry notes and copious cassis. Deeper into the glass, the wine offers syrupy vanilla and warming spices, with a hint of fresh herbs and perhaps just a touch of antique wood. Towards the bottom of the glass, the wine finds a foundation of earthy essences, and the fresh herbs mellow into dried tobacco leaf and crushed, dried herbs. This creates a beautifully complex aromatic profile that simply begs to be lingered over.
Palate and Finish
On the first sip, the wine greets as medium-to-full bodied, with a layered-yet-balanced and round mouthfeel. The wine carries concentrated flavors of spiced plum, while the dark berries from the aromatics carry over quite nicely, with the unexpected addition of bay leaf and green olive. The wine's tannins are supple and lead into a long, acid-driven finish. Very enjoyable.
Serving, Decanting, and Cellaring
Optimal Serving Temperature and Glassware
I recommend serving the 2021 Grand Vintage slightly below room temperature, or at roughly 62F to 65F. I recommend using broad-bowled Bordeaux glassware to allow for the dark fruit, antique wood, and dried herb aromatics to fully develop and remain complex in the glass.
Decanting Recommendations and Aging Potential
- Decanting: I recommend allowing this wine to decant for 45 to 60 minutes before serving, since it has a concentrated fruit core and a firm tannin structure.
- Cellaring: The 2021 Grand Vintage can be fully enjoyed right now, but will age deliciously for 8 to 12 years in a temperature-controlled cellar.
Gourmet Food Pairings for Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage
Rich Red Meats
This maritime Cabernet Franc is a terrific partner for rich red meat due to its concentrated fruit and structured tannins.
- Pairing Idea: A tender eye-of-round roast would pair deliciously, as would a beef bourguignon or a garlic-and-butter skirt steak.
Charcuterie and Cheese
The bottle's earthy, savory undertones align deliciously with artisanal charcuterie boards.
- Pairing Idea: A board featuring aged gruyere, smoked gouda, Prosciutto di Parma, or black truffle salami. Conversely, see our guide here for how to create the ultimate artisanal charcuterie board.
The Jewel of the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is a notoriously difficult holiday to pair with wine, as explained here in my Thanksgiving Turkey wine pairing guide. With that said, it is a truism that red wines often steal the spotlight for casual holiday sipping, but Thanksgiving calls for a serious, celebratory bottle that can anchor the main course. Thankfully, the Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet Franc is a great choice for the Thanksgiving table, offering a rare combo of Atlantic richness and cool-climate acidity. Here's why the 2021 Grand Vintage pairs so well with the Thanksgiving feast:
- Harmonizes with Both White Meat and Dark Meat: Unlike heavy Napa Cabernet Sauvignons that can overpower roast turkey, the 2021 Grand Vintage complements turkey breast while possessing enough dark fruit depth and structure to stand up to richer dark meat and gravy.
- Complements Herb-Forward Stuffing: The signature aromatics of Cabernet Franc act as a natural bridge to classic holiday seasonings such as sage, marjoram, and rosemary.
- Cranberry and Fruit Reduction Synergy: The 2021 Grand Vintage's dark fruit core deliciously mirrors the tart-sweet profile of most homemade cranberry sauce recipes, as well as things like plum chutneys, which works to tie the entire plate together.
Verdict: Is the 2021 Grand Vintage Worth It?
Value and Score
Clocking in at roughly $55 per bottle, the Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet Frank punches well above its price-point. Its bouquet, structure, and palate all compete with Napa Valley reds or Bordeaux reds, reds that often cost twice as much as the Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet France. In my opinion, this makes it a quintessential benchmark bottle against which to judge other East Coast red wines.
For these reasons, coupled with its sophistication, balance, and cellaring potential, I'll award the Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet Franc 95 out of 100.
Where to Buy
This is a limited release and can be purchased directly through the Paumanok Vineyards tasting room in Aquebogue, NY, as well as on their official website, or through specialized East Coast wine merchants.
And that's our review of the Paumanok 2021 Grand Vintage Cabernet. If you enjoyed this review, or tried any of the suggested pairings, be sure to let us know in the comments below; we always love hearing from you.
Cheers!
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, with no additional cost to you.
Leave a Comment