ROANOKE VINEYARDS FUTURES TASTING PARTY 13 FEB 2022

By LONG ISLAND WINE DAD March 01, 2022

Now that we picked up the Roanoke Vineyards futures wine samples, we need to try them. As the samples were five full bottles (Figure 1) and once opened, they needed to be finished; we enlisted the help of our friends (Roanoke members also) and our kids. The future bottles were fully labeled, and four of the five came in two wood cases (Figure 2). Roanoke provides a well-produced set of tasting notes that helped us understand the different wines (Figure 3A…3D). The future selection consisted of a representative cross-section of Roanoke’s entire red portfolio. In addition, we put out a collection of meats, cheeses, fig compote, nuts, and a simply outstanding Short Rib Pot Pie from NOFO Pot Pie at the Cooperage Inn to pair with the wines.

First up is 2020 The Hill – A Site-Specific Field Blend. This wine was hand-harvested by members and blended in the field, producing a 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc mixture. The wine was very young with a solid nose of Cherry and a hit of Cedar or pencil shavings. The fruit burst forth without any overpowering tannins and a nice hit of Acid. The Hill was well worth a revisit and resulted in a commitment to a one-case order.

The second was a 2020 Lighting Fields Site-Specific Cabernet Sauvignon. Again, the name reflects the field in which the grapes were grown. Lighting Fields is a rich, dark, color wine with plenty of legs. Again, the black cherry and plum fruit are in the foreground, with notes of chocolate and graphite slightly present. Again, the tannins are very well represented, as is the Acid, which will need some time to rest and develop its full potential, maybe five years if we could wait that long?

Third, the 2020 Site Specific Cabernet Sauvignon is already a rich, complex wine with well-structured Tannins developing. Notes of tobacco and old leather provide a lingering finish. As is true with any very young wine, the fruit is very pronounced, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. This wine expanded beautifully over the hour that we let it breathe. The wine is well worth a revisit.

Fourth, when it comes to Long Island Reds, preference is given to Cabernet Francs over the Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2020 vintage of The Poet Site-Specific Cabernet Franc showcases Long Island typicity and terroir. A robust nose of red fruit and rich body make this an outstanding wine bursting with flavor and lighter on the tannins than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Noticeable were black fruit, bramble, fig, and cherry. The Poet will be a top-shelf wine in a year or two. Given the drinkability now and the future potential, we ordered a case.

The fifth and last was the 2020 Site Specific Gabby’s Cabernet Franc, by far a favorite. Gabby’s is almost a pure Cabernet Franc with only the slightest touch of Merlot blended in.

Of course, as is often the case when the kids join us 5 bottles did not quench their thirst, so we need to call up the reserves. This time we called upon the Channing Daughters Winery portfolio and opened a Blaufränkisch and a Roseto Syrah, two fine wines to finish out the evening. Overall, a wonderful tasting experience.