In 1996 the McCall family partnered with the Peconic Land Trust to save Fort Corchaug and the farmland adjacent to the family’s property from the threat of development, after which they replanted corn and potato fields and added twenty one acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. They released their first vintage in 2007. In 2010 they erected a wind turbine in the vineyards, drastically reducing their carbon footprint and introduced a small herd of prized Charolais cattle that graze among the vines, creating a harmonic ecosystem and some of the best beef on the East Coast! The North Ridge Vineyard, planted by Dr. Gristina over 40 years ago, produces a small amount of low-yielding, high quality, old-vine fruit. Harvested by hand this medium-bodied 100% Cabernet Franc sees some neutral French oak contributing subtle vanilla and baking spice notes that round out the inherent blackberry and herbaceous green pepper aromas and flavors. Firm and dry with dusty tannins, it pairs perfectly with roast chicken, moderately spicy sausages or a soft goat cheese.