SUHRU WINES TASTING 18 MAR 2022

During part of our Mid-March pick-up expedition, we added in a new winery (well, new to us) for a full tasting. Jo is the driver today, so I was able to explore a large selection of the Suhru Wines portfolio, two flights, a total of 8 wines in all. The Tasting Room is located in a small building that you quickly drive by, so be on the lookout for the roadside sign (Figure 1). The main entrance is a reminiscence of a professional office such as a dentist’s office. (Figure 2). The inside opens up to a bright, colorful airy room with request tables and a bar. There is also outside seating with a fine view of the parking lot but a perfect ambiance overall. The team greeted us, walked us through our choices, and provided details on each tasting wine. Under the heading of it a small world while chatting with the server, we found out that he had grown up in the same town and knows our future daughter-in-law! The wine tasting menu has many options for flights, wine by the glass, and the ability to curate a tasting flight (Figure 3). In addition, there is a Small Bites Menu (Figure 4) to pair with the wines; however, we passed on partaking as we were still digesting lunch from the Cooperage inn.

One red and one white flight were needed to explore the portfolio fully. Each flight was four different wines, and about a 2+ oz pours each (Figure 5), and Jo, not wanting me to drink alone, enjoyed a glass of Suhru’s NV Brut (Excellent). The two flights and glass of brut arrive tableside on color code trays with descriptive liners naming each of the wines we were about to taste. Also, the Suhru Wines Website provides tasting notes below.

First up was a four-glass White/Rosé flight, including 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Dry Riesling, 2020 Pinot Grigio, and 2020 Rosé (Figure 6). Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorite wines in general, and the Suhru Wines 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (Figure 7) lived up to the expectations of a world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp acidity, nose rich in orchard fruit, a touch of herbaceous notes, and a minerally finish combine for a wine destined to pair with Long Island Oysters. The Suhru Wines 2020 Pinot Grigio (Figure 8) is a clean, crisp, light orchard note on the nose, finishing with tart apple notes. This one is a take-home wine for daily enjoyment. Suhru Wines 2019 Dry Riesling (Figure 9) is a classic New York state Dry Riesling showing on the nose floral notes of Honeysuckle, stone fruit (Apricot), and Petrol. There is a slight hint of residual sugar on the palate that complements the bright acidity perfectly. The only thing that could make this better is if it was produced from Long Island Grapes. Lastly in the white flight is the Suhru Wines 2020 Rosé (Figure 10). Light fun, easy-going wine with floral notes of Roses and Zucchini flowers on the nose. The taste is bright with notes of Bramble and Raspberry from the Merlot and a hit of cherry from the Cabernet Franc. The Rosé is a refined everyday wine perfect for a backyard pool party.

After a brief pause, it was time to explore the red flight, consisting of four wines (Figure 11). The Suhru Wines 2020 Teroldego (Figure 12) was the first of the reds, and it did not disappoint. The Teroldego grape is new to us as we have only come across it at Channing Daughters when blended in with other varietals. The nose contains fruity notes of Raspberry and a hit of Vanilla. Taste is notable: Raspberry, cherry, and a hint of orange peel with light, well-structured tannins reflecting it being the parent of Syrah. Suhru Wines 2019 Shiraz (Figure 13) is an Australian name for the old French grape Syrah and is a dominant wine from the land down under. The Long Island Shiraz is far less typical but still a fine boutique wine. The nose has good fruit notes, including blueberry and plum. The palate opened with cherry tobacco notes and a bit of pepper. The tannins are present and might benefit from a year or two more in the cellar, but the Shiraz is a fine wine pairing well with spiced meat dishes now.

Being a Long Island boy Cabernet Franc runs through the veins, and the Suhru Wines 2019 Cabernet Franc (Figure 14) is a welcome addition to the home cellar. Rich notes of Bramble, strawberry, and Raspberry greet the nose with a herbaceous hint. The palate is bathed in cherry, well-structured tannins, old leather, and a hint of Vanilla. This Cabernet Franc is a keeper. The Suhru Wines 2019 Ember (Figure 15) is a Long Island version of the classic right bank Bordeaux blend with Merlot leading the Penta-mélange. Black cherry, currents, and Bramble tickle the nose appealingly. Plums, currants, and cherry notes come to the forefront on the palate. The tannins are already smooth and the finish long with notes of Herbs and chocolate. The Ember is a keeper for the cellar to be shared with close friends and family.

Al the wines in the tasting flights were excellent, and the team made the experience all the better. In many ways, the flavor profile of the wines is not dissimilar to that of Bridge Lane Winery. Several wines will be added to the cellar inventory and restock often. So, naturally, we need to take a few bottles with us; however, they will be enjoyed long before they can rest in the cellar. In addition to the Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Teroldego, we pick up a four-pack of Rosé and Pinot Grigio cans for the beach (Figure 16). Suhru Wines is a small place with a large selection of fine wines that may require a membership to keep up our home inventory.