By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.
Channing Daughters Winery 2008 Cuvee Tropical ($20): 8% muscat ottonel and it really stands out on the nose, which shows peach, green apple and pineapple aromas with a serious dose of flowers. Medium bodied with a lightning bolt of acidity, but a bit watery flavor-wise on the mid-palate into the finish. Peach, apples and flowers, but a bit bitter on the finish.
Hunt Country Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc ($18): Sweet aromas of strawberry and raspberry with some vegetal-herbal notes and subtle spice on the nose. Palate is juicy and very fruit-forward — mostly strawberries — with sweet, spicy oak. Simple without much tannin structure. Some jalapeno on the finish.
Macari Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc ($35): Blackberry and black plum fruit on the nose with light spice, tobacco leaf and sweet wood. Also a subtle, but distinct, Brussels sprout note. Juicy on the medium-bodied palate with firm, dusty tannins. Black fruit and chocolatey oak dominate with layers of spice, licorice and tobacco. Finish is long and peppery.
Macari Vineyards NV Collina 48 Merlot ($13): Blend of 2006, 2006 and 2008. Cherry and plum aromas with woodsy earth and a wisp of juniper berry. Cherry compote and fresh plums on the palate with some freshness. Mid-palate shows surprising density at this price point. Slightly rustic, but not bitter tannins and the oak is a bit too obvious on day two. Finish that shows some herbal qualities. Great value in local merlot.
Palmer Vineyards 2010 Pinot Blanc ($17): Not hugely aromatic, with light note of green apple, citrus blossom, blanched almond and leesy spice. Very apple-driven on the palate with subtle leesy qualities. Huge acidity that is slightly out of balance, turning sour on the finish. This is a wine that usually improves and becomes more complex with time in bottle.
Palmer Vineyards 2010 Rose Merlot ($19): Strawberry and red cherry on the nose with hints of tomato leaf and herbs. Medium-weight palate with good balance. Dry, clean finish. Flavors match nose. Medium-length finish. Satisfying rose with good acidity. Food friendly.
Paumanok Vineyards 2010 Semi-Dry Riesling ($22): Apricots and peaches mingle with beautiful citrus blossom aromas and a bit of spicy lychee on the nose. Shows some RS up front, but it's quickly scrubed away by terrific acidity. Peach, apple and apricot flavors dominate with a little lime zest and more citrus blossom. Long, clean finish.
Rooster Hill Vineyards 2009 Gewurztraminer ($17): Nose is faintly riesling-like in its peachiness. Also some ripe citrus, with subtle rose petal and lychee. Far spicier on the palate with intense peach and light floral notes. Some RS that brings weight on the mid-palate but doesn't taste particularly sweet. Good acidity and a lively, if a bit short, finish. Nice varietal bitterness at the end.