With all the Merlot grown on Long Island, it’s a shame there aren’t more wines like this. Moderately priced, and well worth it, this wine delivers good dark-fruit flavors (blueberry, ripe cherry) and pencil shaving, a nice mouthfeel, and the bouquet of a wine twice the price. There is a touch of barnyard to the nose and palate, but not enough to overpower. A nice job from one of the older vineyards on the East End (1981). ——M.D.(12/1/2006)—— 85