In case you have been living under a rock or not on Facebook or twitter or do not have access to network television or even daily news papers, Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue will have the honor of having its 2009 Merlot poured at the Inauguration Luncheon.  A great honor for Bedell Cellars, Long Island Wine Country, North Fork Merlot and anyone who had a hand in making this wine, past and present.

I was not going to review this, I figured it would be hard to come by.  I also figured with all the media surrounding this, why write about it.  However, with my recent visit to Empire State Cellars, they just got a shipment in of it so I figured, why not.  I wanted to see if this was indeed presidential.

Bedell Cellars 2009 Merlot ($30), now sold out at the winery, comes from some of the oldest vines on Long Island.

The nose brings aromas of cherry, raspberry and dried herb with notes of fresh soil, spice, cedar and subtle vanilla .

The palate brought more to the plate.  Cherry, raspberry  plum and vanilla intermingle with each other.  The flavors were ripe, juicy red berries.  Nice acidity and good tannins gave some good structure.

It had a lengthy finish of plum and spice.  It did show some heat at the start of the finish.

I had really hoped I would not get caught up in this whirlwind, but I could not resist.  Today this will be served at the White House during the Inaugural Luncheon.  Was this wine presidential? Who am I to say.  What I do say and I do hope is that both sides of the aisle can agree that Long Island is making some fine wine these days.

Sláinte!

Related articles

• FOX-TV Covers Bedell Cellars at Innaugural Lunch (eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com)
• Suffolk Times: Bedell is on Obama’s Innaugural Table (eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com)
• Long Island Wine Chosen For Lunch At Obama’s Second Inauguration (newyork.cbslocal.com)
• inaugural wines spur a white house beatdown (grapefriend.com)