By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief
Here are some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table over the past week but won't be reviewed as standalone posts.
Alison Wines 2005 Reserve Merlot ($16): Minty, mouthwash-like nose with a little cherry and not much else. Short, low tannins with just a little acidity. Mint, mint, mint and a little cherry. Rating:
(1 out of 5 | Not Recommended)Fox Run Vineyards 2008 Riesling ($14*): Super-ripe peach/apricot nose with a little dried pineapple. Big fruitiness on the palate with okay-not-great balance and hints of honey. Not precise, but a nice zesty finish helps. Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Hunt Country Vineyards NV Classic Red ($9*): Blend of DeChaunac, merlot, Noiret and Rougeon. Nose is all cherry Ludens/candy at first with raisins and a little black pepper. Simple and short, but pleasant. Raisin, plum a a little spicy oak. Decent acid. RS comes through on the finish. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)
Hunt Country Vineyards 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14*): Tight nose with light golden delicious apple and golden raisin aromas. Similar flavors with a little honey added. Nice fruitiness but needs acidity to balance 2+% RS. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)
Palaia Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc ($22*): Surprisingly light color. Lots of oak on the nose — raw, vanila and caramel. A little cherry in the back but not much. Raw, bitter oak on the palate with smoky vanill. Fruit hard to find on the palate. Good acidity to go with lower tannins. Long finish of vanilla and campfire. Rating:
(1 out of 5 | Not Recommended)Palaia Vineyards 2006 Merlot ($21*): Red cherry and plum accented by smoky American oak and a little chocolate on the nose. Medium body with simple flavors that match the aromas. Soft mid-palate. Just enough structure and a nice, medium-length finish. Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Peconic Bay Winery 2008 Riesling ($22*): Extremely pale yellow-green. Lemony citrus nose with white flowers, a hint of anise and peach. Tangy and citrusy on the palate as well. Good balance between acidity and residual sugar. Medium finish with lemon and lime zest. Simple, but refreshing. Not a great value though. Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($40): Black cherry and blueberry nose with coffee, licorice and a meaty/black olive note with a little spice. Medium-body with surprising intensity for the vintage. Dark fruit with grippy, dry tannins. More coffee and black olive with a long, earthy-spice finish. Rating:
(3.5 out of 5 | Very good-to-Delicious)Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir ($18*): Smoky nose with strawberry, red cherry and a little grilled mushroom. Softy cherry and vanilla on the palate with subtle earthiness. Much less overt smokiness. Nice acid on the finish. Solid for the money. Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Warwick Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16): 25% cab franc. Nice, classic cassis and black cherry fruit on the nose with a little oak and vanilla. A bit more oak shows on the palate, where cassis and cherry carries through. A little earthy with a little herbal edge. Solid structure and nice grip. Finish is a short and a bit too oaky. Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
(* Ratings Guide)