Lieb Family Cellars is a producer that has a special place in the hearts of the LENNDEVOURS team.
It was our first "home" winery. Back before I was even writing about wine (professionally or not) or knew much about it, this was a winery Nena and I discovered together and we even joined the wine club. When we got married three and a half years ago, we toasted one another with Lieb’s sparkling pinot blanc.
And, over the years, we’ve bought quite a bit of their second-label chardonnay, named Bridge Lane. We’e served it at parties, bought it for pinot-grigio loving friends who want to try Long Island wine, and consumed quite a bit of it ourselves. At $14 (less with the club discount) it’s been a good house wine for us.
The 2005 vintage, however, was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe it was the hotter-than-usual growing season, but it is just a bit flat.
Made entirely in stainless steel with 10% pinot blanc blended in, the nose isn’t expressive, but offers some nice apple and pineapple-mango aromas. Medium bodied and fruit forward, the palate has more apples, a little melon, sweet lemon and tropical flavors. Typically, this wine is fresh, and crisp, but this vintage seems a bit flatter, with just barely enough acidity. It still finishes clean, and certainly doesn’t delve into the flabby realm. It’s a little flat though and just not lively enough.
Grape(s): 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc
Producer: Lieb Family Cellars
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Price: $14
(2 out of 5 | Average)