The 2009 vintage on Long Island had one of the longest growing seasons on record.  Thanks in part to an extend spectacular fall that allowed vineyards to hang fruit a bit longer.  Most of the white wines I tasted from the 2009 vintage have been some of the best in my opinion.  And now that some of the 2009 red wines are coming across our table they are becoming very distinctive wines that show ripeness and balance.

This Merlot from Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead is a fine example with some time decanted.

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Merlot ($20) shows alot of typical Long Island notes, like plum, cherry and spice.

initially, the nose was reductive with a notes of sulfur, but after some time in the glass and decanting, those aroma’s blew off.  I was then picking up notes of Plum, sour cherry, dried herbs, fresh earth, clove spice and tobacco.

The palate brought notes of plum and sour cherry again with some vanilla, espresso, chocolate and spice.  The tannins were chewy with a nice amount of acidity to make this a food friendly wine.

Sláinte!