By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor For years, Comtesse Therese and its owner-winemaker Theresa Dilworth produced mostly red wines, with a chardonnay made in Russian oak the lone white. In 2009 that changed when Dilworth added sauvignon blanc to the portfolio. That first wine was a bit underwhelming, but the Comtesse Therese 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($28) is a completely different story and wine. Two-thirds of the fruit that went into this wine was grown at Palmer Vineyards, with the remaining third coming from Dilworth's own vineyard. Only 95 cases were made. Melon rind and citrus — white grapefruit and lemon —…
Posts Tagged“comtesse therese”
Comtesse Therese 2006 Hungarian Oak Merlot
By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor 2006 was anything but a banner year on the North Fork. What was a mediocre growing season to begin with was worsened by two early frost events in early fall. The reds from the vintage generally — remember, there are always exceptions — reflect that as a lack of ripeness and fruit intensity. This Comtesse Therese 2006 Hungarian Oak Merlot ($21) largely lacks under-ripe or green flavors but does lack some concentration. On the nose, scents of cigar box, black pepper and brown spice are a bit too much for the understated red cherry aromas.…
Comtesse Therese 2005 Hungarian Oak Merlot
I know that the oak debate, among winemakers and wine geeks, usually centers American vs. French oak, with everyone arguing passionately in favor or their preferred barrel. But, as much as I tend to prefer the more expensive French cooperage, I really enjoy what a third type of oak, Hungarian oak, brings to the table as well. That spice, and more understated raw oak flavors are on display in Comtesse Therese 2005 Hungarian Oak Merlot ($18), an extremely approachable, enjoyable red. The nose is playful and spicy, blending bright red berries — cherries and raspberries — with violets, black pepper…
LENNDEVOURS Q&A: Theresa Dilworth, Co-owner and winemaker, Comtesse Therese
For today’s edition of LENNDEVOURS Q&A, we sit down with Theresa Dilworth of Comtesse Therese. What (and where) was the first bottle of wine you remember drinking? I do not remember the first bottle of wine that I ever drank. I do remember though, when I was in law school in NYC, becoming very interested in the Sherry-Lehman wine shop on Madison Avenue, and especially the Sherry-Lehman wine catalog. I used to read every issue from cover to cover, studying all the descriptions of wines, the prices, the scores, trying to figure out which ones might be good. The wines…
WTN: Comtesse Therese 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Cabernet Franc (North Fork)
Some of the wines that display Long Island’s true nature–terroir if you will–are actually red blends, not the varietal merlots that are often lauded as the region’s best. I know, shocking. I should be strung up for suggesting such a thing. Of course not all blends are created equal. There are more than enough wines that fall into the "meritage" catetory that seem more like a way to use up extra lots of lesser reds than anything else. Theresa Dilworth, co-owner of and head winemaker for Comtesse Therese isn’t making one of those. This blandly named but far-from-bland blend of…
For Affordability, Count on the Comtesse
I find myself defending Long Island wines way more than I should have to. First, I have to defend them against those who just don’t see what the big deal is. To them, I say that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are locals making outstanding wines. Not every wine or winery—but some. And the number seems to grow with every successful vintage. And then there is price. That’s the other complaint—and honestly, it’s a bit harder to stand up for Long Island wineries in this regard. There are a lot (and I mean a lot)…
A little preview…and some great news
My column in this weekend’s issue of Dan’s Papers is about Comtesse Therese’s current releases. Check it out this weekend in print or be patient and I’ll publish it here as well. That’s the preview portion of this post. The good news is that after years of writing almost exclusively about Long Island wines in Dan’s Papers, I’ve finally been given the go-ahead to write about most anything wine related. I look forward to using this opportunity to expand my wine expertise and to bring it to you as well. Don’t worry–New York will always be my focus, but I…
WTN: Comtesse Therese 2005 Blanc de Noir (North Fork)
People sometimes tell me that I’m crazy when I smell "non-grape" things in a wine. This wine is for them…if only because it is a perfect example of non-grape aroma. In fact, I could have titled this post "Wanna Experience Peach in a Wine?" or something of that ilk. Personally, I didn’t care for this wine much, but it’s an excellent example of the wonder of wine grapes. Theresa Dilworth, co-owner and head winemaker of Comtesse Therese, made 127 cases of her Comtesse Therese 2005 Blanc de Noir ($18). First, don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not a sparkler.…