Palmer Vineyards on Sound Avenue in Aquebogue can be an under the radar winery. Owned by the late Robert Palmer’s family he marketed Palmer Vineyards and made it a brand.  Since Miguel Martin, the Spanish-born and talented winemaker at Palmer came on board in 2006, he has made great strides in improving that brand with quality wine.

Palmer Vineyards will always be the place that turned me on to Gewürztraminer, it will also be the first vineyard that my wife and I ever had Cabernet Franc, (which we hated, but now love).  I have always been a fan of Miguel’s Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Merlot, and in 2009 I thought his Riesling was one of the best of the 2009 vintage.  Today, he may be know for bringing Albariño to Long Island (should be tasting it this week) or nailing Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay at the Smackdown, but the Cabernet Sauvignon that he made in 2007 captivated me.

Palmer Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24) is a top 3 Cabernet Sauvignon from that vintage for me.  I found this wine delicious, approachable and affordable.

On the nose notes of blackberry, cassis, leather and tobacco cigar box lead the nose with hints of spice, earth, tar, espresso and sweet vanilla finish out the secondary aromas.

On the palate the wine brings ripe juice dark fruit, blackberry, plum, prune and dried black cherry.  Delicious cocoa powder, anise and clove spice mingle with the fruit forward palate.

Velvet smooth tannins with mouth-watering acidity balance out the palate with a smoky dried herbal meets mixed berry bramble finish.

This wine, at under $25 is a huge value considering the great 2007 vintage and the ageability of this wine.  Go and get some of this wine and hold onto it for a while.  You will be rewarded.