This is not Paumanok Vineyards current Festival Red release, they are currently offering the 2011.  Never the less, this is intended to be had young, and boy was this young.

Paumanok Vineyards 2010 Festival Red ($22) (Sold Out) captures the essence  of the great 2010 vintage.  A blend of 42% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot it never lets down and shows all varieties mingled together in one glass.

The nose brings cherry, plum, ripe sweet red fruits, herb, and a bit of the 2010 heat at first open.  24 hours later the aroma’s are more concentrated with hints of savory herbs showing.

On the palate you are presented with the same notes as the nose brought but with time open, you can pick up more exotic spice and more cherry then berry notes.

Bright and clean with some gripy tannins.  It carried a lengthy finish with hints of dark cherry, plum and tobacco.  There was a hint of dried flowers on day 2.

Sláinte!