cabernet franc
05/172007 /
By Dan Dunn
Is Long Island poised to become the Napa Valley of the eastern seaboard? Nearly 30 wineries will be making their case on May 16th at “Brooklyn Uncorked,” a trade/consumer showcase of the best wines from this bourgeoning viticultural region. The Imbiber is unable to attend because, on the recommendation of my spiritual advisor/bookie, I’m headed to a secluded spa in Belize to have my soul cleansed by a Mayan high priest. Here’s a bullet-point compendium of some of Long Island’s best bets:
Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay 2006 ($15, Bridgehampton, NY) — Fantastic value; fresh green apple flavor; there was no malolactic fermentation, and as a result the flavor is quite crisp; a delightful young cool-climate Chardonnay that pairs nicely with seafood and gourmet cheeses.
Wölffer Reserve Chardonnay 2003 ($18, Sagaponack, NY) — Highlighted by hints of caramel, butter and toasted almonds; long finish; classically composed Chardonnay that’s got some sass to it.
Bedell “Taste Red” 2005 ($30, Cutchogue, NY) — The Scarlett Johansson of red wines: sexy as hell and a little wild, but also goes great with a Woody Allen movie; an intriguing blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah from one of the North Fork’s premier wineries.
Macari Bergen Road Meritage 2002 ($30, Mattituck, NY) — Spicy, medium-bodied; you’ll taste plums and black cherries as the wine blossoms inside your mouth; tasted this with four friends/wine snobs, all of whom rated it an eight or higher on a scale of one to ten.
Paumanok Assemblage 2004 ($36, Aquebogue, NY) — Oh, my, what a bottle! A delicate balance of black and blueberries, mingled with savoury spice; this wine has yet to come into its own – cellar it for a few years, and then the sky’s the limit.
Palmer Cabernet Franc 2004 ($19, Aquebogue, NY) — Minty off the bat, then comes a hint of pepper – fairly common for this varietal in cooler climates; soft tannins; ready to drink now… so what are you waiting for?
Vineyard 48 Reserve Chardonnay 2005 ($30) — Tastes like a sour apple sucker dipped in vanilla ice cream.
For more on the “Brooklyn Uncorked” event, log on to http://www.ediblebrooklyn.net.
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