Lenz Wine Club Pickup 01 MAY 2021

As we come out of our bunkers from the covid winter, this was one of our first real pickups; stop, taste, enjoy not just a drive-by grab of the Lenz Winery quarterly wine. We had a chance to enjoy what turned out to be an actual lunch with our sit-down tasting in the courtyard under the vine arbors. The food was not the traditional nosh but a selection of salads, sandwiches, and wraps, one better than the next. This quarter is consisting of 6 bottles, including two of my favorites. The favorites are the old vines Merlot and old vines Cabernet Sauvignon followed by two different roses and last but not least, a sauvignon blanc. The background in the pickup picture is some of the wine racks in the cellar, soon to be an actual wine cellar courtesy of Selective Homes. The 2013 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic as 2013 was a good year for the fruit. It is, in many ways, close to a left bank Bordeaux as they added a bit of Merlot, Malbec, and Franc to the final blend. The results are remarkably smooth with well-balanced tannins full mouthfeel with notes of cherry and currents. While Lenz suggested that the wine will continue to age well over the next 15 – 20 years, I find it too good not to enjoy now. The 2013 Old Vines Merlot is purebred with just Merlot grapes from one of the oldest blocks of vines around, dating back some 30 years. The result is a rich, well-balanced wine with subtle dark fruit notes such as black cherries and plums. The finish is long and pleasant. As this is an unfined wine, it will continue to develop over time, but who can wait. The 2015 Estate Selection Merlot is authentic, but in a nod to the right bank Bordeaux, Lenz had blended in a bit of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The results are a bit more tannin and rich fruits, including red cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. I would expect this Merlot to develop even more as it rests in the cellar for a few more years. The first of the rosé is a 2016 Firefly Rosé. The Firefly rose is built from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Gewurztraminer. The complex blend creates a fine crisp wine with flavors of cherries, strawberry, and if chilled just right, maybe even a hint of pineapple. The Firefly is a fun, approachable, easy-drinking wine best shared with friends at a backyard party. Next is the 2020 Estate Selection Blanc De Noir. If you like Pinot Noir but are looking for a well-chilled summer fun time version, this is it. Very pale red yet preserving all the fruit flavors of a more traditional red Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir is a young wine and best enjoyed this summer. Last but far from least is the 2019 Estate Selection Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc is new to the Lenz lineup and is off to a strong start. The nose opens with a floral scent that reminded me of hibiscus in full bloom and maybe a hint of fresh-cut grass. It is crisp with a good acid balance, medium mouthfeel, and flavors of pear and berry on the palate. When paring with a dozen or so Blue Point Oysters on a sunny deck, this fine Sauvignon Blanc is the quintessential Long Island meal.

Lenz Club Pickup May 2021

Lenz 2013 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Lenz 2013 Old Vines Merlot