Throughout the years and in our relationship with the grower, Matt Doyle, we have struck a balance between retaining the wildness of Caywood while giving it the bit of refinement needed to uncover the brushstrokes of this rich site. We now have Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming from this historic site.

These Cabernet Franc vines were planted in the early 1990’s, part of the Gold Seal plantings that have been receiving some fame as of late. Shallow topsoils and close proximity to the lake make for Cabernet Franc that is more wild or savage than our other wines. With allusions to wild fruit grown in the forest, Caywood shows more old world Cabernet Franc character, hints of earth, wild herbs than the others. This is a wine that has a big story to tell, with time.

vineyard details

East side Seneca Lake - Lodi
Soils: Honeoye silt loam, 3 to 8% percent slopes
Elevation: 700 ft.
Year Planted: Early 1990s
Harvest Date: Oct. 18
Hand-harvested and sorted
Spontaneous fermentation in wooden vat
Alcohol: 12.2% by vol.
Production: 310 cases