Raphael Cabernet Franc Reserve Review

_{This post has been sponsored by Raphael Wine. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.}

Today we're returning to Long Island's North Fork American Viticultural Area for a look at Raphael Vineyard and Winery's Cabernet Franc Reserve. Whether you're a foodie looking for a red wine to pair with steak or duck, an enthusiast looking for a decent introduction to Long Island wine, or are in search of your next premium bottle of red, Raphael's Cabernet Franc is worth exploring.

So, if you fall into one of those camps, read on for tasting notes, an overview of the Raphael Winery, as well as my review and pairing suggestions. Now, let's get to it.

Wine Overview

Quick Facts

• The Winery: Raphael Vineyard and Winery was founded in the mid-1990s in Peconic, New York by John Petrocelli and his wife Joan. John designed the 70-acre estate himself to mimic an Italian Mediterranean monastery, while also engineering the winery for a gravity-flow system that moves the juice and wine gently through production without the need for aggressive mechanical pumping, which works to protect the wine's flavors. The cellar was taken over by acclaimed winemaker Anthony Nappa in 2013, who helped to cement Raphael's reputation as a top-tier East Coast destination.
• ABV: About 13.5% alcohol by volume.
• Price: As of this review, the bottle is available directly from Raphael Vineyard and Winery for about $50-60 USD.

Region - North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York

The North Fork of Long Island AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a boutique wine region that is heavily maritime-influenced. It is located roughly 90 miles east of Manhattan, and was recognized federally in 1986. Today, it serves as the dominant heart of New York's coastal winemaking, hosting the vast majority of Long Island's 60+ wineries.

Flanked by the Long Island Sound to the north and Peconic Bay to the south, the area enjoys a moderated climate, as the surrounding waters absorb heat, prevent severe winter freezes, and extend the autumn growing season by up to a month compared to inland New York.

Aromatic and Tasting Notes

On the Nose

Excellently expressive. Off the top of the glass, there are notes of ripe dark fruit, particularly dark or black cherry with hints of juicy plum. Deeper into the glass, the dark fruit is framed in dried herbal notes and baking spice - with perhaps a hint of cocoa. This is balanced by background floral essences, particularly lily of the valley and earthier tones, such as wild mint and singed lavender.

On the Palate

Medium-bodied and balanced. The wine introduces itself with juicy notes of rich, bright cranberry, alongside darker fruit notes of blackberry, and perhaps a hint of pomegranate. These fruit notes give way to a mid-palate anchored tightly by a well-balanced acidity.

Finish

The wine features pillowy, velvety tannins that softly cushion the palate, leading into a smooth, savory finish with a touch of herbaceous bell pepper.

Wine Score

I'll award the Cabernet Franc Reserve 96 points, primarily for its outstanding price-to-quality ratio. This is a deeply expressive wine, with an excellent structure anchored by refined tannins and pleasantly balanced acidity. The aromatics beg to be lingered over, with the bouquet of black cherry and plum carrying over beautifully to the palate.

Food Pairings

• Roasted Duck Breast: My go-to pairing for this wine would be roasted duck breast, particularly for recipes served with fruit-based reductions or a plum sauce or cherry sauce. The wine's bright acidity will cut right through the rich duck fat, while its dark cherry notes will deliciously complement fruit reductions or fruit sauces.
• Lamb: Grilled lamb chops or leg lamb prepared with herbs and garlic would be a delicious pairing, as would an herb-roasted rack of lamb.
• Risotto: Wild mushroom risotto, or truffle risotto, prepared with lots of parmesan cheese, would pair deliciously with this wine.
• Grilled Beef: Grilled or seared steak with herbs or a nice butter and herb sauce would be an excellent pairing, as the beef would serve as a delightful canvas for this wine's velvety tannins.
• Local Pairings: Though oysters are traditionally paired with crisp white wines, local North Fork sommeliers do frequently pair this specific Cabernet Franc with roasted oysters topped with a savory bacon and herb butter, which showcases the region's maritime terroir.

Who is this Wine For?

I would say the primary audience for this wine are those who love cool-climate bottles, and those who love New World wines prepared in Old World styles. If you prefer wines made with the earthy, structured style of France's Loire Valley or Right Bank Bordeaux over the heavier, high-alcohol style of California's fruit bombs, then this wine is for you.

This wine also holds special appeal, in my opinion, for enthusiasts who look for wines that give a "sense of place." This wine is basically Long Island's maritime climate in a bottle, carrying the maritime salinity, high acidity, and herbal nuances that typify the North Fork.

And that's our review of Raphael's Cabernet Franc Reserve from the North Fork of Long Island. If you enjoyed this review, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below; we always enjoy hearing from you.

Cheers!