Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2005 Claletto Cabernet Sauvignon (Long Island)
Now this is something a little different and definitely delicious. Winemaker Roman Roth has outdone himself with his Wolffer Estate 2005 Claletto Cabernet Sauvignon ($85), a wine that makes his 2005 Barbera (Long Island's first) seem absolutely pedestrian.
Made with 100% cabernet sauvignon (from Roanoke Vineyards on the North Fork) a portion of the grapes were allowed to dry on the vine, resulting in an Amarone-style wine that brings a lot of flavor and alcohol (15.9% ABV) to the glass.
Extremely dark, and inky in the glas, this wine has dense, warming aromas of speck-wrapped roasted figs, anise, blackberries and vanilla. Big and even meaty, it shows layers of black licorice, fig and blackberry flavors with sweet, plush super-ripe tannins.
There's a hint of alcohol heat on the finish, but it's not overwhelming. The finish lingers for minutes.
Only 118 cases were made and it will be fascinating to see how this wine develops in the cellar. At $85, it's clearly not an everyday wine, but taste it in their tasting room if you can. Every Long Island wine lover has to taste it at least once.
Grape(s): 100% cabernet sauvignon
Producer: Wolffer Estate Vineyards
AVA: Long Island
Price: $85
Rating: 
(4 out of 5 | Delicious, Distinctive
)
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