By Lenn Thompson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Today's tasting note is going to be a quick one about a new release from Mattebella Vineyards, a producer you'll be reading about more here on LENNDEVOURS soon.
This Mattebella Vineyards 2008 Rose ($15) is primarily merlot (92%) with a small percentage of cabernet franc (8%), and it tastes like many Long Island roses tastes — mostly of strawberries.
The nose is dominatedly almost completely by grocery store strawberry aromas with a touch of red apple skin in the background.
Medium-bodied and dry, this isn't a wimpy rose. Again, strawberries dominate with a light earthiness, no doubt from that cabernet franc.
The acidity is bright, almost brash, and the finish is medium-long and dry.
Ultimately, this probably falls into the "just another Long Island rose" category — a group filled with wines where simple strawberry flavors aren't joined by much else.
Still, it's balanced and refreshing and would probably be very versatile at the table.
Producer: Mattebella Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 11.8%
Price: $15
Rating: 
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)