Ravines Wine Cellars
Le Petit Caporal Red Blend
Finger Lakes, New York, USA
2017 | Red Blend (Meritage)
(43% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Cabernet Franc / 17% Merlot)
Ravines Wine Cellars; Le Petit Caporal
Finger Lakes; Geneva, NY, USA
(92-93; Drink 2023-33)
2017 | Red Blend (Meritage)
(43% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Cabernet Franc / 17% Merlot)
Ravines Wine Cellars; Le Petit Caporal
Finger Lakes; Geneva, NY, USA
(92-93; Drink 2023-33)
Both this and their max. blend are delicious, and probably among the best red blends in the region. Probably the best? I think so.
Both this and their max. blend are delicious, and probably among the best red blends in the region. Probably the best? I think so.
Oct 9th, 202013 October 2018; Ravines Wine Cellars, Ravinous Table Lunch & Tastings.
Post lunch tasting, no formal notes.
13 October 2018; Ravines Wine Cellars, Ravinous Table Lunch & Tastings.
Post lunch tasting, no formal notes.
Producer Note (Because I thought it was interesting):
"Le Petit Caporal is an homage to the spirit of adventures and leaders; people of strength and integrity who are born to change the world. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the stellar Argetsinger and Glen Eldridge vineyards bordering Tug Hollow Creek, which carves its way through a deep ravine to the East side of Seneca Lake.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Cabernet Franc (28%), and Merlot (4%) from the Argetsinger and Glen Eldridge Vineyard, located on the South-East side of Seneca Lake."
Ok this wine caught me off guard, was looking for something in the cellar that we hadn't had yet, and it needed to pair with beef tomahawks on the grill tonight, so I dug out this bottle...And wow, as @Mike R says I don't like it, I ❤ it!!
I'm normally not a new release drinker, usually believing that many (not all) wines do need rest to come together. This is young and showing a little heat (13% ABV) but not distracting at all. FLX region wines never seem to disappoint, this is $35 retail, I believe our Club price was $28, we'll be getting more.
The nose has mocha dusted blueberry and chocolate covered cherry.
Palate has cherry, blackberry, fresh ground coffe and very minimal oak influence.
We'll hold some of this until tomorrow (I think 😉) and I'll update my notes... It's soo tasty!
24hr Update: Holding strong, nose lightly muted and palate is consistent. Noticed a touch of a green note showing late in the evening on Day 1, not present on Day 2.
Producer Note (Because I thought it was interesting):
"Le Petit Caporal is an homage to the spirit of adventures and leaders; people of strength and integrity who are born to change the world. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from the stellar Argetsinger and Glen Eldridge vineyards bordering Tug Hollow Creek, which carves its way through a deep ravine to the East side of Seneca Lake.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Cabernet Franc (28%), and Merlot (4%) from the Argetsinger and Glen Eldridge Vineyard, located on the South-East side of Seneca Lake."
Ok this wine caught me off guard, was looking for something in the cellar that we hadn't had yet, and it needed to pair with beef tomahawks on the grill tonight, so I dug out this bottle...And wow, as @Mike R says I don't like it, I ❤ it!!
I'm normally not a new release drinker, usually believing that many (not all) wines do need rest to come together. This is young and showing a little heat (13% ABV) but not distracting at all. FLX region wines never seem to disappoint, this is $35 retail, I believe our Club price was $28, we'll be getting more.
The nose has mocha dusted blueberry and chocolate covered cherry.
Palate has cherry, blackberry, fresh ground coffe and very minimal oak influence.
We'll hold some of this until tomorrow (I think 😉) and I'll update my notes... It's soo tasty!
24hr Update: Holding strong, nose lightly muted and palate is consistent. Noticed a touch of a green note showing late in the evening on Day 1, not present on Day 2.
Cabernet Sauvignon at 37 percent, 36 percent Cabernet Franc, the rest Merlot in this vintage so less Cab Sauv and Tannins dominated. Good balance and easy drinking. March 2024.
Cabernet Sauvignon at 37 percent, 36 percent Cabernet Franc, the rest Merlot in this vintage so less Cab Sauv and Tannins dominated. Good balance and easy drinking. March 2024.
Mar 7th, 2024
Paired well with thin rib eye steaks, asparagus and new potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised. First time trying the LePetite Caporal and I enjoyed it
Paired well with thin rib eye steaks, asparagus and new potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised. First time trying the LePetite Caporal and I enjoyed it
Feb 26th, 2024
Dark berries, leather tobacco, med body, acid, length, and intensity. Food friendly, tannins were a bit harsh at first but much improved when paired with BBQ, and more mellow the next day.
Dark berries, leather tobacco, med body, acid, length, and intensity. Food friendly, tannins were a bit harsh at first but much improved when paired with BBQ, and more mellow the next day.
Aug 21st, 2022
Can Sauv, Merlot & Cab Franc from Argetsinger and Two Gorges vineyards. Great smoky, earthy red fruit. Nice tannins, good finish. Quite good. Needs another year or two for a bit more integration.
Can Sauv, Merlot & Cab Franc from Argetsinger and Two Gorges vineyards. Great smoky, earthy red fruit. Nice tannins, good finish. Quite good. Needs another year or two for a bit more integration.
Jul 21st, 2022Nice balance of fruit and earth, great acid and tannin structure, satisfying finish.
Nice balance of fruit and earth, great acid and tannin structure, satisfying finish.
Dec 11th, 2021