#texsom

It is true: Life is too short to drink bad wine. With the insanity that is going on these days, I’ve decided to stop hoarding my wine collection and start enjoying them. I can’t think of a better bottle to start with than this 2014 Cabernet Franc from Element Winery.

First of all, I would like to thank TEXSOM for introducing me to Master Sommelier Christopher Bates. The first year that I volunteered for the TEXSOM wine competition I was introduced to this vivacious redhead who I was told is a winemaker in the Finger Lakes. As someone who grew up spending summers in that region that used to be known for sweet wines that came in a box or jug, I wasn’t impressed.

But I did go and check out more than once his FLX Wienery on Seneca Lake. He is so passionate about making the Finger Lakes region a food and wine destination, and believe me he’s done it.

I’d love to have dinner at his F.L.X Table in Geneva, but it is next to impossible to get a reservation (hint!).

FLX Wienery is darn good though - every time I have gone I’ve gotten stuck in a thunderstorm, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying their off the charts Poutine, house-made sausages, and fries with truffle mayo. They bill themselves as “High-End Low Brow Food” - that’s the perfect definition. They also sell their Element wines there as well, so I decided to buy a bottle of the Pinot Noir to take home.

I thought I didn’t like Pinot Noir, and I also thought I didn’t like Finger Lakes wines, but they made a liar out of me on both fronts. There was nothing sweet about this wine, it was light, had lots of minerality, ripe fruits and a hint of spice - it was perfection. After that I was hooked and decided to join their wine club because I discovered unless you are at one of the F.L.X Hospitality locations, these small quantity wines are hard to find.

My recent shipment had some very special wines, including this 2014 Cabernet Franc. Not only is it a stellar wine from the Finger Lakes region, but I would also put it in a blind tasting with other Cab Francs from anywhere including Napa Valley. The tasting notes on the website share that only 390 cases were produced, and it is showing “ incredibly elegant structure that retains vibrant acidity and freshness, this wine has a long life ahead of it.” The grapes were hand-harvested, and fully destemmed before fermentation. This may be too much information for you, but it really makes you understand why some wines are so special, and some are just… beverages.

On a recent early morning drive on my way to Corning, I thought I’d do a drive-by of the winery - I’ve always been curious. It couldn’t have been more than 8:30am, but when I drove by I saw someone that looked like Christopher, so I decided to stop and let him know I had been by. Sure enough, it was his Dad Robert.

When I told him that I met his son at TEXSOM, he invited me in and gave me the tour, as well as letting me taste some of their wines right from the barrels. He also treated me to stories, knowledge, and a morning I will never forget.

I think I drove him crazy when I kept taking pictures of his hands, but to me, that is the soul of the winemaker. The hands are what nurture the vines, harvest the grapes, and make the wines.

This is what I love so much about wines, and the people that make up the wine industry. I swear they are the most kind, giving, interesting people you will ever meet, and everyone becomes fast friends over a glass (or two) of wonderful wines and delicious food.

Covid 19 is crippling all of us, especially small business owners. Dallas and New York are on Shelter in Place regulations, and now you can’t get a table at F.L.X Table because no one can.

Please join this Lifestylist in supporting our small local businesses, especially the restaurants and wineries that are near and dear to my heart. Joining their wine club is a great way to support them, and trust me, you’ll win as much as they do.