Saint Pauls Mountain Vineyards

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 14, 2020

Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

A wide array of wines, ciders & spirits can be found at St Pauls' three locations, ~ Hendersonville (Appalachian Ridge Cidery), Flat Rock tasting room and the five acre vineyard farm location which opened in 2012.  Fourteen French vinifera and German/Austrian grape varieties are grown at two sites which are at 2,300' and the other at a nearby ten acre 3,000' elevation Blue Ridge mountain crest.  Though there are many offerings, I came specifically for this winery's light ruby colored Cabernet Franc which interestingly belied its appearance.  A rather sharp initial bite greets your varietal typical anticipation. Though I have pleasantly experienced Cab Franc wines in Virginia and Northeast Georgia, ~ I also sensed a slight unexpected sophistication in this North Carolina example after letting the wine breathe for an extended amount of time (my wife disagrees with me on this note).  I'll set aside a few bottles for two or three years to compare tastes.  I'm going to give this a politically corrected, thumbs up since it will hold up to most smoked meats or a Southern Lowcountry Boil.