Benmarl Winery 2009 Slate Hill White
You don’t see many blends of chardonnay, riesling and traminette, but that’s what Benmarl Winery puts together to create it’s Benmarl Winery 2009 Slate Hill White ($17). The riesling (30%) and traminette (5%) aren’t overt, but no-doubt contribute subtle complexity and acidity.
Pear, apple and pineapple fruit aromas dominate the note with subtle lemon and lemon zest notes.
That pineapple character steps forward on the medium-bodied, well-balance palate, with pear and sweet lemon notes in the background. Simple and overtly fruity, it has a round mid-palate that is kept fresh with acidity, leading into a medium-length finish.
At $17, I want a bit more complexity, but it’s a definite summer sipper.
Producer: Benmarl Winery
AVA: New York
ABV: 13%
Price: $17*
(2.5 out of 5, Average-to-Very Good)