By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
These are a selection of New York wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:
Kings Garden Vineyard NV King's Cab ($20): Cigar box, red cherry and backing chocolate on the nose. Juicy and fruity on the palate with smoky oak and some vanilla. Maybe a little RS? Lacks structure, but brings nice approachable flavors. Rating: 82
Kings Garden Vineyard NV Syrah ($20): Light nose with cranberry, pomegranate and a little meaty funk (brett?) Subtle sweetness to the red fruit flavors. A little varietal black pepper, but surprisingly light. Not under-ripe, just not much to it. Low tannins and low acid. Rating: 77
Lakewood Vineyards 2008 Crystallus ($17): Blend of Lemberger, pinot noir and cabernet franc. Nose is smoky with cherry-raspberry fruit that is a little sweet/jammy. Hints of pepper and brown sugar. Sweet red fruit greets the palate but is cut by a sprinkling of black pepper. Subtle mushroom-earthiness. Low tannins with high acid that leads to a rustic finish. Rating: 83
Lamoreaux Landing 2009 Estate White ($10): Honeydew melon, pear and grapefruit — with a little lime candy on the nose with a perfume-y floral note. Off-dry and fruity but much more subtle than expected. Floral, pear and melon flavors that are far from intense. Rating: 83
Lieb Family Cellars 2008 Bridge Lane Cabernet Franc ($15): Nose brings white pepper, plum and raspberry with rhubarb and roasted Brussels sprouts. A little under-ripe on the palate. Red cherry and plum and lots of pepper — again with Brussels sprouts/asparagus flavors. A touch of raw, toasty oak peeks through. Medium finish. Rating: 82
Macari Vineyards 2005 Reserve Merlot ($36): Nose of dried red fruits — cranberry and cherry — along with some fresh red cherries, black pepper and backing spice. Dried fruit qualities are even more forward on the palate — raisin, prune and dried cranberry — with a bit more brown spice and black pepper. Medium-intensity tannins are well-incorporated and subtle acidity keeps it fresh. Medium-long finish shows a little oak and leather. Rating: 85
Macari Vineyards 2010 'Early Wine' Chardonnay ($17): Nearly colorless in the glass, it delivers aromas of candied citrus, lemon balm, white pepper and a weird pencil eraser note. The palate is intensely citrusy — mostly lemon — wiht a little green apple edge. Fresh with good acidity and a little RS. Long apple-y finish that is somewhat candied. Wish this were under $15. Rating: 84
Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Gewurztraminer ($19): Big aromas of lychee and rose petal are backed by lemon rind and pineapple fruit. Mouth-filling flavors of melon, pineapple and lychee with a bit more understated rose petal character. A little on the sweet side — edging on flabby, but not there. Just okay acid — more would really elevate. Rating: 85