Visitors to Long Island's North Fork have been driving right by the McCall family's Corchaug Estate for years — without even knowing it.
Located directly across the road from Pellegrini Vineyards in Cutchogue, the 21-acre vineyard is planted with 11 acres of pinot noir (the region's largest planting) and 10 acres of merlot. Until 2007, Russ McCall sold all of his fruit, but in started keeping some of it for his own McCall Wines label.
McCall Wines 2007 Pinot Noir ($24) was made in the Hudson Valley by at Millbrook Vineyards by winemaker John Graziano.
Millbrook Vineyards has been buying pinot from McCall for years and continues to do so.
The nose is intense and classic, showing bright black berry and pomegranate aromas with a dusting of earthy spice, and light caramel notes.
Medium-light in body with fresh acidity, the well-balanced palate brings straightforward, ripe black cherry and strawberry flavors with subtle spicy oak and a long finish that is a bit earthy.
Producer: McCall Wines
ABV: 12.8%
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Price: $24*
Rating: 86