WTN: Bedell Cellars 2005 Gallery (White Blend)
This week on Appellation America, I have recommended a white wine that I think captures the unique terroir of Long Island’s North Fork as well as any I’ve tasted.
2005 Bedell Gallery ($45), from Bedell Cellars is a complex, richly textured blend of 52% chardonnay, 32% sauvignon blanc and 16% viognier. This is a unique blend for
the North Fork, or most anywhere else for that matter. Five separate
lots of chardonnay were barrel fermented in French oak with primarily
native yeast, and were blended with the viognier and sauvignon blanc.
Pale straw yellow in the glass, the aromas immediately rise up
from the glass — before swirling even begins — with lemons, vanilla
bean, toasty marshmallow and oak, minerals and subtle baking spice that come
together in a layered-yet-fresh nose.
This blend is absolutely seamless
on the palate, with the three varieties coming together without any
rough edges. The result is an elegant, well-balanced wine that is
nimble on the palate but extremely flavorful. Citrus, vanilla and
mineral flavors fill the mouth and just the right acidity brings
balance and potential longevity. Balance is truly on display here.
Read more about this wine at Appellation America.
