I'm very excited to tell you about the wines I've selected for this month's New York Cork Club shipment.
First, I'm happy to announce the first club exclusive release -- Roanoke Vineyards 2004 Blend 2. The 2003 bottling was named New York's top red blend but sold out long ago. This vintage -- which has the potential to be even better -- hasn't even been released yet but if you join the club (or are already a member) you'll get a bottle later this month. It's a cabernet franc-dominated blend that is showing well in its youth, but also has cellar potential for the next several years.
The other wine this month is one you should drink soon, even the day you get it!
It's Macari Vineyards 2006 Early Wine Chardonnay. The grapes
for this wine were picked on September 17, the wine was bottled October 16 and the final
product released on October 23.
Previous
vintages -- especially the 2005 bottling -- had definite sweetness, but
the 2006 is bone dry, crisp and delicious. A super-pale yellow in the glass, tiny
bubbles cling to the inside of the glass. The nose is clean, bright and
fresh with crisp apple, pear and lime aromas that are accented by faint
mineral notes. A burst of lively pear, green apple and lime flavor
greets the palate with terrific acidity and a surprisingly long finish.
So what are you waiting for? Join the New York Cork Club today. I've several more tricks up my sleeve in coming months. There are going to be some fun wines included.
Well done, Lenn. Having had both wines, I can attest to their quality. Getting the Roanoke Blend 2 was quite a coup. Is it the first time a Roanoke wine is available outside the tasting room?
Posted by: Sean | February 06, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Sean,
Thanks for the endorsement. And yes, I think this is the first time Richie has released something outside of the tasting room first.
And, as you said, it's an awesome wine...hopefully people will jump at the opportunity to get it early!
Posted by: Lenn | February 06, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Had to post under this entry, we had the Roanoke on Saturday, it was absolutely outstanding. I may have to put it right up there with Assemblage as one of my favorite LI Blends. Score one for the NYCC this month, i'll definitely be seeking out some more Roanoke wines (would be alot easier if they sold some to Stew's!).
Posted by: Jeff | March 05, 2007 at 08:35 AM