Macari Vineyards 2010 “Katherine’s Field” Sauvignon Blanc
By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Almost since its inception in 1995, Macari Vineyards, located in the North Fork town of Mattituck, has been a top producers of Long Island sauvignon blanc. The 100% stainless steel “Katherine’s Field” bottling in particular — named for owner Joseph Macari Sr.’s wife Katherine — is a consistent and refreshing wine.
That wine’s release is always one I look forward to every spring or early summer — but this year I was even more curious about it. It’s the first Macari sauvignon made by Kelly Urbanik, who joined the winery almost a year ago after leaving Bedell Cellars.
A new winemaker — not to mention the hot, dry growing season — have combined to make Macari Vineyards 2010 “Katherine’s Field” Sauvignon Blanc ($23) a fine expression of Long Island and 2010.
Intense and fruity, the nose shows a lot of sweet Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit with somewhat tropical aromas, a bit of hay and intriguing sweet herbal notes.
Ripe and forward, but balanced with softer acidity, the palate shows similar sweet lemon-grapefruit citrus character, but with distinct tropical fruit flavors of guava and papaya joining the party. The herbal qualities are still evident, but much less so.
The finish is medium-long with a certain tart and citrusy quality. A bit of heat (the wine is labeled 13.9% abv) detracts a bit from the otherwise clean finish.
Producer: Macari Vineayrds
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13.95%
Price: $23*
Rating: 88
