Long Island Wine: Macari Vineyards
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Aug.2,2009
Macari Vineyards
150 Bergen Ave
Mattituck, NY 11952
(631) 298-0100
www.macariwines.com
Living in Southern California for 12 years now, I have indeed gotten spoiled from all the lovely California wines avaiable at my fingertips, but going back to my roots was definitely interesting and fun. But don’t underestimate Long Island wines. Give them the right variety and they can kick your butt in the bottle.
I haven’t gone wine tasting on the North Fork of Long Island since ‘96 and my, has it exploded. Well, not literally, but there are definitely a heck of a lot more wineries. One of them definitely stood out.
Macari Vineyards has a gorgeous tasting room. And yes, darn it, they grow their own grapes. Joseph Macari Jr and his wife Alexandra run a good show. Alexandra was awesome. She knows her stuff and she’s got good stories to tell so go visit. The staff was also great. Some people may not want to be swayed in any way, but I actually like when the pourers have their favorite wines off the top of their heads when I ask them.
The wines on board that day:
Collina 48: Chardonnay $9.99: With a splash of Sauvignon Blanc added, this crisp Chardonnay delivers refreshing fruit and versatility. Clean mouthfeel, but not invisible to substantial texture.
2007 Reserve Barrel Fermented Chardonnay $22.99: As I’ve said before and will say again, I am indeed a sucker for a lovely VOB Chard. Vanilla, Oak, Butter to clarify my vernacular. Alexandra mentioned that she is not a massive fan of this kind of Chardonnay. In spite of that, man, can she pull it out of the velvet hat. But it’s the balance of acidity in this wine that should pull non vob’s to the oak table. We’re not talking that cheap butter bomb taste here people. We are talking a well made, carefully thought out yummer for anyone with a smart tongue and an appreciation of a complex combo of old world and new world Chardonnay styles.
2008 Early Wine $16.99: A hint of residual sugar (which I am not a fan of) but interesting (which I AM a fan of)! Aromatic, with tropical fruits, hints of sweetened citrus peel and melon. Crisp ending. Definitely something to try.
2007 Rosé $12.99: A French style dry Rose’, 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. Nice fruit. Very versatile.
Sette $16.99: Boasting a fruit forward tannic element, it yells plum and spice. 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc, 100% yum.
2004 Cabernet Franc $26.99: One of my favorite grapes, it is a solid wine with essence of lingonberry and pheromone. Tons of big sweet fruit and structure.
2004 Merlot Reserve $35.99: One of my favorites, this has moderate alcohol (13.8%), unfiltered, super concentration and nice body. Notes of mocha, vanilla and caramelized core. Soft solid tannins and lush fruit. Go for it.
2004 Bergen Road Meritage $42.99: I do love a blend. 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Juicy red fruit, ripe cherries, and loose supple tannins. The barest hint of spice and sweetness.
Block E Chardonnay 2005 Dessert Wine $39.99: Unless a dessert wine is very special, I stay away from the stuff. This was nice. Ice wine style, oven baked apple tart, thick mouthfeel, appropriate finish.
If you are on the Island, don’t miss Macari. I don’t know if I would go first or last. If you go first, it may spoil you with wonderful taste. If you go last, you may not be able to relish in it like you should.
On second thought, go first.
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Wow, thanks for the invite, Wiens! My boss recently returned from a trip to Temecula and he brought back a case from you guys as well as a high recommendation. I will certainly have to look you up next time I’m in the enchanted valley.
Great job Sam!
Sam, the next time you are out visiting the Temecula wineries, I’d love to invite you to try our “Big Reds” at Wiens Family Cellars. Cheers!
Some Highlights from Temecula, my notes are no doubt less detailed than yours, and became harder to read the more I drank-hazard of the trade:-)
-Churon Winery White Grenache (I believe it was an 08). This is the first wine I have tried that had a smokey, almost bacon-like aftertaste. Unique for that if nothing else.
-Churon: Gold Nectar ‘08, Sweet and Happy Muscat blend, easy to drink, enjoy on a warm summer day.
-Churon Tawny Port-This is what Port should taste like, rich woody flavor of vanilla and golden grapes filled with the warmth of the summer sun.
-Keyways Winery Barbera ‘07 ($29) A nose like a jar of raspberry jam, rich and inviting. A little too much spice at the end but it starts with a succulent strawberry, moves quickly to a tobacco burn and then finishes smooth and slightly woodland.
-Keyways Zinfandel ‘07 ($32) BBQ nose, ends on a ripe, bright fruit note of small berries and blends quite delicately to a smoked cedar with just a whiff of something that may have once been vanilla. Very drinkable.
-Keyways Cabernet ($31) WTF? A sweet Cab?! So simple, almost too easy to drink. I could have this alone with no accompaniment, and that makes it a very dangerous wine indeed.
-Longshadow (The Fun Winery) Cinsault ‘06 ($30) Slight earth notes, beautiful woody butter finish with a hint of cherry.
-Longshadow Reata Red ‘06 ($38) A light wine, a bright fruit punch in the mouth. Overpriced.
-Longshadow Syrah ‘06 ($26) Smells of old forest, deep oak, almost sweet with flavors of plum and no painful alcohol burn, easily quaffed.
Thats about all thats worth mentioning. When you go to Temecula, stay away from Stuart, they always seem to disappoint. Longshadow has a very youngish and “hip” feel to it, which can be fun, and the staff at both Keyways and Churon were very personable and didn’t have a problem recommending other vineyards to check out.
Hope some of this helps.
Thanks!
Sam