Catherine A.
Yelp
This was probably my favorite stop on our day long winery tour. Everything here was so relaxed, picnic style, "come as you are end enjoy some wine with us" vibe. We had picked up sandwiches at a nearby deli and camped out in some lawn chairs they had set up by the grapes. There were also picnic benches in the shade for those of you who melt in the sun). On our own time, you meander into the small barn to sign up for a tasting. And when I say small barn, I mean, it actually just kept getting bigger and bigger as they have a beatiful gallery and event space that would be a perfect setting for a wedding reception of 100+. EVERYONE there is so excited you're there and ready to do whatever it takes to make your wine tasting experience even better. The Tastings:
2012 Sauvignon Blanc: 3.5/5 stars. Grapefruit nose; steel, grapefruit, lemon, new lawn taste. Sweet without reaching "riesling" status, slightly oaky flavor on the finish. $24/bottle.
2012 Chardonnay: 2.5/5 stars. I am a chardonnay person and hold these wines to the highest esteem. I was not impressed. Very tart, very acidic and unenjoyable. $18/bottle.
Our Wine Tasting Guide noticed my reaction and admitted he had felt the same and offered to give me a sample of their "upgraded chardonnay."
2012 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented: 5/5 stars. Now THIS is a chardonnay! You can practically smell the butter wafting into the air while it's being poured. The chardonnay was so smooth, oaky and buttery just as a good chardonnay should be. If you're wanting an amazing chardonnay in New York, this is a must buy. $20/bottle.
2012 Pinot Noir: 3.5/5 stars. This was drier than I was expecting for a pinot with a very heavy berry flavor (black/raspberry; black cherry). There is a slight woody hint that would make this perfect for dinner wine. $30/bottle.
2008 Merlot: 3.5/5 stars. This merlot was very smooth with a vanilla nose and a blackberry/cherry taste. You can taste the cedar, but it's not overpowering which makes this very drinkable for wine-enthusiasts and wine-newbies alike. $20/bottle.
2011 Cabernet Franc: 3.75/5 stars. Bourdeaux blended, this wine was so pleasing to drink. Fruity here, floral there with a quick hint of pepper at the finish to spice it up. I would drink this wine year round. $30/bottle.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon: 4/5 stars. Much more acidic than the rest, yet still lighter than I was prepared for. The black currant flavor is very powerful and subdues any blackberry and tanin flavors. I would love to throw this bottle in a decantur and enjoy over dinner with friends. $29/bottle.
2007 Merlot Reserve: 3.75/5 stars. This wine was very cherry forward with a hint of berry flavor to finish. There is no smokiness to this wine, just smooth all around. (wine price not listed at time of tasting).
2010 Pinot Noir Barrel Fermented: 4/5 stars. This is their Gold Medal Wine! Get it while it lasts.. This Pinot is bold and rich in flavors of heavy berries (black berries, currants, etc). This wine is SMOKEY. It is very smooth on the nose and during the initial taste, but will rock your socks on the finish. My husband would have been bananas for this wine. This is the wine I want with my next duck or steak dinner! $55/bottle.
Overall, I had a great time enjoying company of strangers on the lawn; the hospitality of the vineyard staff; serenity of the vineyard. I would definitely make the trek back to Cutchogue for this winery.