Wine of the Month

Peconic Bay Winery 2001 Merlot

Peconic Bay Winery
31320 Main Road
Cutchogue, NY 11935
Phone: (631) 734-7361

www.peconicbaywinery.com

Winemaker: Greg Gove

Comment:

Long Island has become one of the nation's most watched new wine-growing areas.  With a micro-climate many compare to Bordeaux, the area now contains 30 wineries known for producing Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc -- the classic grapes of Bordeaux.

This wine is a multiple award winner, form the Los Angeles County Fair to the 2006 New York Wine and Food Classic, where it won the Best Merlot Wine prize.

Peconic Bay was established in 1979 and produced the first wine in 1984, making it one of the original producers on Long Island.  The winery was purchased in 1999 by Ursula and Paul Lowerre from Ray Blum, the founder.  Mr. Blum passed away this January 10th after an illness.

The Tasting Note from the winery:

This vintage possessed unusually ripe tannins. Because of this, I was more aggressive in extracting color and tannin from the grapes. The result is a very complex and concentrated wine that will continue to improve for many years. The flavors are redolent of soft black cherries with notes of cedar, tobacco and chocolate enveloped by firm, ripe tannins that enhance the long silky finish.