March05_nyccIn the wake of some great coverage of the New York Cork Club, I’m happy to announce our March Selections…a steel-fermented favorite and a enchantingly flavorful cabernet franc.

First is the 2005 Steel Fermented Chardonnay ($16) from Peconic Bay Winery. When I first moved to long Island less than a decade ago, I was still a wine newbie and had only experience oaky, heavy chards from Australia and California. This was was amazing…it actually allowed me to taste the chardonnay grape for the first time. Fresh on the nose with almost sauvignon-blanc like grapefruit and other citrus, there is also a faint mineral note that I’ve always enjoyed. The palate is just as fresh, with a light, lithe body with loads of citrus and terrific acidity. A mouth-watering wine for sure.

Our second selection this month comes from Corey Creek Vineyards and I knew I wanted to share this 2005 Cabernet Franc ($30) with you the second I got my first sniff. Cherry and other red berries mingle on the nose with a wisp of smoke, subtle green herbs and earthy dried leaves. I love the flavorful, rich mid-palate on this wine, with flavors in line with the nose. Well balanced with well-integrated, fine tannins, this is a fine example of this style cabernet franc.

If you haven’t signed up for the club yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Everyone who has signed up has given me great feedback so far and as the club gets more established, I hope to bring you even better and more interesting wines.

Of course, I’m enjoying the research aspect of the club too. I just tasted a Finger Lakes chardonnay that is aged partially in New York oak…truly a NY wine…and one you just might see in a future shipment.

Join the New York Cork Club today.