The 12 LI Wines of Christmas: #9 Paumanok Vineyards 2004 Assemblage

This post is a part of my 12 Long Island Wines for Christmas series
that will run from now until Christmas 2007. See the entire series here.

When I woke up this morning, I realized that I only had a few more days to announce the final four selections for my 12 Long Island Wines of Christmas series. Like every year, and in every way, it seems that the holiday has sneaked up on me.

The #9 wine in this mixed case of Long Island wines is one that is tasting well now, but should be even better in years to come Paumanok Vineyards 2004 Assemblage ($36). Made with 38% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc and 12% petit verdot, this blend is a highly aromatic wine with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry jam, star anise and cinnamon.

The palate is medium-to-full bodied with intense flavors that closely match the nose — dark fruits and spice. The tannins are slightly grippy, but ripe and well integrated. There is also juicy blueberry-blackberry note on the mid-palate and a subtle earthiness on the finish, which is nicely lengthy.

This is a wine that I wish I had a few cases of in the cellar. Instead, I think I have a single bottle.