A Moment In Wine Show 408 – Gramercy Merlot 2010 Reserve – Gramercy Vineyards

Today in a Moment in Wine we are going locally to Mattittuck, Long Island, NY.  I visited Gramercy Vineyards a few weeks ago and met with Carol Sullivan, the owner of Gramercy Vineyards.

The vineyard is best known for their Merlot, which is an interesting grape to grow this far north.  The climate in North Fork Long Island combined with great soil and the winds from the ocean make a perfect growing condition.

Gramercy Vineyards makes their Merlot using traditional methods, letting the grapes sit by themselves to start the macerating process.  After a few weeks they press them and put the juice in oak barrels for aging.

Today we are tasting the Gramercy 2010 Merlot Reserve.  The color in the glass is a dark, ruby red pretty color.  Nice aroma of very ripe fruit with cedar and sandalwood undertones.  Tasting it is rich, ripe berry flavors with black pepper, anise and that classic Merlot taste of a cedar-pencil.  A great soft, velvety mouth feel with lots of layers of bright fruit with soft tannins.

At 9 years old, this wine is drinking perfectly right now.  It would pair well with roasted pork on the grill or just enjoying drinking on the back porch.