Business & Tech
5 Local Wines to Buy Your Boss
Want to impress your boss this holiday season? Show off with some of the East End's top splurge wines.
As the holidays approach, many of us have to start thinking about what we can buy for our bosses. As "the wine guy" in my office, it is expected that my gift be one of wine -- and that it be delicious.
It helps to know what your boss likes in wine. Does she favor California cult cabernet sauvignons? Does he prefer Bordeaux? Maybe Champagne or red Burgundy?
Regardless, if you want to impress, you can't go wrong with any of the wines on this list. They aren't the lowest-priced wines from Long Island, but you don't want to pinch pennies with the person who decides if you get a raise in the new year, do you?
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1. The Grapes of Roth 2004 Merlot ($50)
In a classic cool-year style, this merlot from winemaker Roman Roth's (Wolffer Estate, Roanoke Vineyards) private label displays bright red cherry aromas with pencil lead, minty menthol and gently earthy-tobacco notes on the nose. Elegant and seamless, the medium-bodied palate brings more fresh red cherry flavors with subtle cinnamon spice, thyme and that earthy-tobacco character. The long finish displays hints of pencil lead and wet gravel.
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2. 2007 Musee ($75)
Have a boss who thinks Long Island can't make serious wines on the world stage? This is your wine. A blend of 73% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 5% Syrah, it was recently awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator. The full ripeness of the hot 2007 vintage is on display here, with hints of cocoa bean, dark roast coffee, vanilla and star anise.
3. 2007 Tuthill's Lane Vineyard Merlot ($60)
Another intensely ripe red from the 2007 vintage, this one is 100% merlot delivers ripe blueberry and black plum primary flavors with cherry cola, sassafras, fig, vanilla bean and smoked meat complexity. The tannins are firm, but ripe -- and point to a long future in the cellar if you so choose.
4. 2005 Christian's Cuvee Merlot ($100)
Bursting with crushed blackberry and blueberry character, accented by subtle notes of dried plum, toasty oak, vanilla, dark-roast coffee and licorice, this medium-full bodied blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon is remains elegant and is well structured, with ripe, but firm tannins that provide the structure
5. 2008 Meditazione ($40)
Is your boss a wine geek? This is the wine for her. A white wine made using red wine making techniques, this blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, tocai fruilano, muscat ottonel and pinot grigio is one of the most unique wines made locally. Exceedingly complex aromas and flavors of black tea, dried apricots, roasted hazelnut, winter green, grilled peaches and dried orange peel are framed by subtle tannic structure and a sherry-like saline dryness.