By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief $100 for a merlot…from Long Island? Yes. Wolffer Estate Vineyards' Premier Cru (the former name for this wine) is perhaps known as much, or more, for it's price tag than it's quality. But, the wine sells — in part because of the wineries Hamptons locale, but also because it happens to be very good. And unlike some of Long Island's other high-priced "reserve" wines it is only made when winemaker Roman Roth thinks the fruit coming into the winery warrants it. I can respect that. 2005 was one of those years, even though what was a…
Posts Tagged“premier cru”
WTN: Wolffer Estate 2004 Cabernet Franc (The Hamptons, Long Island)
Wolffer Estate, one of two quality-focused producers in the Hamptons, focuses mainly on two varieties: Merlot and Chardonnay. They make no fewer than four different bottlings of each — including Long Island’s most expensive wine the Premier Cru Merlot, which retails for $125 and a succulent, lively late harvest chardonnay. Some of those wines are good for everyday drinking. Some are stunningly delicious and complex. But still, who can live on only merlot and chardonnay? I know that I can’t and, as you probably know, I’m a big fan of Long Island cabernet franc. Wolffer’s winemaker, Roman Roth, makes a…
WTN: Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2002 Estate Selection Merlot (The Hamptons, Long Island)
I’ve written about the wines of Wolffer Estate several times, so I probably don’t need to provide much background here. Just know that despite vineyards that have slightly more chardonnay in them than merlot, Wolffer, and winemaker Roman Roth are devoted to Long Island merlot. They are a founding member of the Long Island Merlot Alliance and also create Long Island’s most expensive merlot — their Premier Cru Merlot ($125). One can easily argue the merits of both a $125 bottle of Long Island wine and the LIMA, but today we’re talking about Wolffer Estate Vineyards’ 2002 Estate Selection Merlot…