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Health & Fitness

Patch Blogger: Raphael's Reds are the Unanticipated 2009 Vintage

2010 was a stellar season for the North Fork. This is evident in the 2010 white wines. As we all wait for the red wines from this extraordinary year, I can't help but wonder about the 2009 reds.

It has already been established that 2010 was a stellar season for the North Fork, and is possibly the greatest wine vintage in Long Island’s history.  This is evident in the 2010 white wines that have been released this year, early spring. As we all wait in excited expectation for the red wines from this extraordinary year, I can’t help but wonder about the next round of releases – the 2009 reds. 

Les Howard, Raphael’s winemaker, has recently completed bottling on limited production, reserve reds from 2009 that will be kept in the library until the right time, but the winery itself is looking forward to releasing its most popular red selections from the vintage that is only whispered about among the Long Island wine world (as if it may bring bad luck to say it out loud). With Raphael’s upcoming releases, winemaker and winery family are proud of the 2009 results. Les states, “2009 was a challenging season for the North Fork, but it has established itself as a fine vintage.” 

Taking a sneak peek into the wines you can anticipate and sample at Raphael’s Peconic tasting room within the next few weeks, I have included a list with tasting notes.

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Available now, the 2009 Cabernet Franc is produced in the emerging style of the North Fork - fermented in separate stainless steel vats at 60 and 80 degrees F., and blended late for optimum complexity. Older oak barrels were used in the production of this wine, allowing it to retain the fresh, vibrant aromas of the grape. Dark black fruit flavors of cassis and black cherry, with aromas of rosemary, violets and liquorices, and soft, chewy tannins make this Cabernet Franc a rich, elegant red wine that will complement any cuisine.

The 2009 La Fontana is an Old-World style red blend. Intense, ripe flavors of cassis, black cherry and plum predominate, balanced by nuances of chocolate, tobacco and oak barrel notes. Velvety tannins provide a firm structure and long finish. In this classic blend, Merlot lends a dense mouth feel, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds bramble and herbal aromatics. Malbec and Petit Verdot give depth and complexity. This is an interesting, full-bodied wine to be enjoyed with fine cuisine or aged in the cellar for up to ten years.

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The 2009 La Tavola is bright and fruity, with mouth-watering berry and licorice aromas. Lush, juicy flavors of blackberry and dark fruit round out the mid-palate and spicy notes of rosemary and tobacco linger on the finish. The wine is made from younger vines and is a blend of four of Long Island’s most important grape varieties; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.

The 2009 Estate Merlot is an elegant, structured wine with bright fruit aromas, a full body and balanced acidity. Nuances of blackberry, blueberry, thyme and truffle blend with subtle oak tones, and fine tannins contribute to a lingering finish. A touch of Malbec adds lively complexity to this classically styled Merlot. Cellar or enjoy now with hearty cuisine. [*Please Note: This wine is releasing through Raphael’s Reserve Club on August 15th but will not be available in the tasting room until later this year. You would need to join the club to purchase your bottles this summer.]

So, how is the 2011 growing season shaping up, you ask? According to Les Howard’s reports, 2011 is shaping up to be an excellent vintage, like the stellar 2010, and he is confident that we’ll once again have the chance to make some truly memorable wines. Right now, most of the work is in the vineyard, where we’re seeing the first hints of ripening. After a somewhat cool and wet spring, the weather has cooperated nicely. The sweltering heat wave of July accelerated ripening and we’ve settled into a pattern of beautiful dry summer days that will hopefully continue through the fall. Raphael’s crew is busy applying netting to protect the grapes from the migratory birds which come through Long Island on their annual flight south. Predictions tell us that the first grapes will be harvested in early October, beginning with the Sauvignon Blanc.

It’s exciting to learn about upcoming releases and to arrange for special tastings. Also, even though it is premature to know exactly what the 2011 harvest will bring, I think we all like to hear progress reports so we can day dream about sipping some amazing wines from a remarkable vintage.

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