Sweet vanilla mingles with ripe cherries and plums on the nose and palate of this supple, soft Long Island Merlot. Bright acidity and a hint of green, leafy herbs add freshness on the palate. Finishes on a slightly grippy, tannic note. ——A.I.(12/31/2011)—— 85

From the oldest vineyard on Long Island comes this well-oaked wine. Fruit is missing from the bouquet, which has mint and spice but also nail polish and horsey notes. The flavors are on the weedy side, with tomato and sweet oak trying to cover. Still an okay wine, light-bodied and smooth, with high acidity. But definitely less ripe than better vintages. ——M.D.(12/1/2006)—— 83

——J.C.(10/2/2004)—— 81

Strong mint and menthol aromatics give way to intense fresh-cut cedar flavors. There's just too much wood for this woodchuck to chuck.——J.C.(4/1/2001)—— 82