While I enjoy some of their reds, its the white wines at Channing Daughters Winery that really stand out in my mind. Their winemaker, Christopher Tracy, can almost always be counted on for balance in his whites. In other words, if he uses a lot of oak, there’s always ample fruit and acidity. The wines also tend to be layered and nuanced, which is good because they aren’t the most affordable wines on Long Island.
Tracy makes a few, distinct, chardonnays and Channing Daughters 2005 Brick Kiln Chardonnay was released a few months ago.
The 100% chardonnay fruit that went into this was hand picked from their Brick Kiln Vineyard, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented. It displays aromas of juicy pear, vanilla, baking spice and just a small squirt of lemon. On the palate, those baking spices really come through — mostly nutmeg and cinnamon — with fruity pear and apple flavors. This wine is pretty well balanced and shows just a little spicy lees character.
The finish, which is medium long, has a distinct pear note with a little butter.
Price: $20
Grapes: 100% chardonnay
AVA: The Hamptons, Long Island
Cases Produced: 283
Drink: Now or over the next year or two