Long Island—a Bordeaux in the making?

At long last, the PWS will present our first ever Long Island event on Thursday, September 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. As they say, “better late than never”, and this event is truly overdue. Overdue because Long Island has emerged over the last thirty years as one of this country’s great wine regions and, with its maritime influenced terroir, as, arguably, the unique wine region in the US. Not only will we taste our way through Long Island, we will look at the region as a “destination”. Join us as our speakers, Bob and Jackie Rogers of the Long Island Wine Council, take us on a sight, sound and tasting trip through eastern Long Island. Here is the evening’s tasting lineup:

Wolffer Big Apple Wine NV (pre-pour): That’s right, apple, as in seven different varieties grown exclusively, on Long Island, for Wolffer. Elegant sweet perfume of fresh apples with some fine creamy yeast. Light-bodied, the mouth-feel is clean and vibrant. The crisp acidity is well balanced by the residual sugar. The wine has a lively zing and a beautiful finish.

Raphael 2009 First Label Sauvignon Blanc: The winner of the Long Island blind tasting for Sauvignon Blanc shows intense aromatics of the fresh fruit and the unique essence of its terroir. Elegant and delicious, this wine offers thirst-quenching flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit and herbs along with a unique minerality.

Wolffer La Ferme Martin Chardonnay 2007: Lush, yet elegant aromas fill the glass with hints of ripe peaches and some mineral notes. The mouth-feel is vibrant and medium bodied with beautiful play between the lush ripe fruit and elegant acidity. Minimal oak.

Domaines Corey Creek Rosé 2008: A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is pure and clean with bright acidity and a clean finish with bright cherry and boysenberry aromatics. Perfect with light seafood and pastas.

Bedell First Crush Red 2007: This inaugural bottling is produced of 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc, entirely in stainless steel. The nose is full of bright, purple fruit aromas of crushed grapes, sweet plums, Bing cherries and raspberry.

Bedell Cabernet Franc 2008: This elegant red is made in the emerging style of the North Fork with minimal oak aging allowing the fruit to sing! Aromatics of lavender, cranberry and wet gravel provide the entrée to a rich soft palate. Savory and juicy with flavors of cherry, fresh herbs and a saline earthiness on the finish. Very food-friendly!

Raphael 2005 Estate Merlot: Full flavored, velvety ripe tannins and a unique saline minerality in the classic North Fork style. With blackberries, cassis, tobacco and thyme swirling around funky layers of vanilla and smoke, this wine outclasses many in its price category. One of Long Island’s great wine values.

Wolffer “Diosa” 2008 Late Harvest Chardonnay: Probably Long Island’s best dessert wine. The aroma is full of ripe peaches, honey, apricots and a hint of lime. On the palate, ultra lush and vibrant with bursts of rich, ripe fruit. Excellent acidity, balance and longevity.

The pre-pour begins at 6:45 PM.

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