WBW: Waters Crest Winery 2001 Meritage

Fatemah said 250 cases with bonus points for a producer under 1000 cases per year.

I drink a lot of wines from small, local producers (but then, you already know that). But I wanted to fine the smallest production wine I could.

I think I've accomplished just that.

The numbers on Waters Crest Winery 2001 Meritage?

50 cases were made. 186 cases total winery production that year.

That's right...I think I showed Fatemah who's boss *wink*

So,  I had the wine and the dual WBW to drink it for. But what to eat along side? I didn't take pictures (I was too busy cooking and wouldn't let Nena lift a finger on her birthday), but the menu looked something like this:

• Organic green leaf lettuce with toasted walnuts, organic baby heirloom tomatoes and fresh goat cheese, with balsamic dressing
• Filet mignon with pancetta and Maytag blue cheese crown and balsamic reduction over haricot verts and toasted sweet potato gnocchi with Vermont butter-sage sauce

I also picked up a French apple tart at Whole Foods for dessert. Nena was a happy birthday girl for sure.

But, we're not here for food now are we? On to the vino:

Eyes: Rich, slightly opaque garnet

Nose: Nicely aromatic. Blueberries, cherries and anise accented by a faint earthiness.

Tongue: Medium-bodied, with dominant cherry flavors. Soft, slightly dusty tannins give it just enough structure. Other flavors include licorice, wet earth and blackberries. Definitely a controlled, refined bottle that shows off some of what makes Long Island North Fork reds so promising.

Price: I have no idea. It was a wedding gift from Jim and Linda Waters, and it sold out long ago. My guess is in the 25-30 dollar range.

Lenn's Grade: B+
Nena's Grade: B+

Technorati tags: food & drink | wine | tasting notes | long island | wine blogging wednesday

Comments

[Ian Scott]

Sounds like the special woman had a wonderful birthday dinner! And yup, you beat me as far as low production wine goes! :)

I have to tell you, this is fun! When I started my home winemaking blog, I had no idea there were so many great folks blogging about wine - and I'm learning about a lot more than just making it.

This WBW is awesome.

[The Corkdork]

Any percentages for the Meritage mix? Just curious...CD

[Lenn]

Unfortunately, it's not on the bottle and not on their website.

I do have an email in to Jim to find out. Stay tuned.