Corey Creek Vineyards is the sister winery to one of Long Island’s most well-known and well-regarded wineries, Bedell Cellars. (Both are owned by Michael Lynne, New Line Cinema’s co-chairman and co-CEO)

More and more (of late) the whites are being produced uner the Corey Creek label while the reds, including some of the region’s top merlot, are bottled using the Bedell Cellars label. I just noticed today that the 2004 viognier is labeled as Corey Creek for the first time. And, sadly they only made enough to send to their wine club. The 2003 was one of my favorite whites.

The Corey Creek Vineyards 2003 Chardonnay is 100% chardonnay from 23-year old vines, which is pretty old for Long Island. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in stainless steel as well. 630 cases were produced.

Eyes: Pale, super-translucent straw-yellow. Darker than I
expected given its stainless steel beginnings (it was darker than the
2004 steel-fermented chardonnay I tasted it against)

Nose: Roasted pears and golden delicious apples accented by sweet baking spice and sweet corn

Tongue: Medium body and well balanced. Pear and apple aromas
carry over to the palate with hints of pineapple. Semi-long finish that
features a bright, crisp citrus note.

Price: $18

Grade: B

Comments: I’m checking with the winemaker to make sure the tech
notes I have are accurate, because I think this wine may have seen some
oak aging. It’s not buttery or oaky or heavy, but the baking spice on
the nose (nutmeg, cinnamon) makes me wonder. Regardless, this is the
style of chard that I prefer…crisp, refreshing and food friendly.