This November, Perry took a well deserved break from the farm and headed west to be with brother Ryan. A little try at surfing, California wine tasting (just to remind her how good Long Island wines are), and cooking the bird for Ryan and friends filled her time.
We are in the thick of pruning and baby, it is cold outside!!! Pruning is the real trick in the vineyard. It is our way of predetermining the number of grape clusters for the season and managing the balance for each individual vine. We remove approximately 85% or more of last year's growth. Remember that we have 12,000 vines to prune so it's a lot of cutting. I love that Wallie (the goose) sticks right with us and gives us a good chuckle.
Perry and I have done lots of rearranging and finally have logistics working pretty well in our compact cellar. We also purchased a new diaphragm pump, a delight after our last one! In December, we pressed our wines off their skins and transferred the juice from the tank into barrels. The wines will go into hibernation for the next few months with the malolactic fermentation continuing to work its magic in a nice slow Burgundian fashion. This means the process should finish in the spring.
The Old Field is trying something new this year. Since our Blush has been so popular, we are making a Merlot Rose as well. When I tasted it last week, it was so fruity and bright that I can't wait to share it with all you.
This summer we had one Cochin chicken who loved sitting on eggs the consequence being that we had eight new chicks hatch out. They are teenagers now and are enjoying the run of the vineyard but hate the snow between their toes.
Wally and Brownie are still hanging out on the pond and will until the freeze sets in and Wally is laying her huge eggs again. If you are interested in tasting a goose egg, let us know.
Our new winter quarters are working beautifully. Cozy and bright, people are nestling in and enjoying wine and company. We cannot thank Ryan enough for making winter visits more spacious and enjoyable for all.
We have made our schedule for the year and have added a few new things and changed some old. Please click here to find out the dates of our events.
Hope your holidays were great fun and that you didn't have any trees fall down (haha)! This 75 foot tall, 4 foot in diameter, Maple tree fell down on Christmas Eve, killing 20 Merlot vines. Perry, Nick, and Maureen practically ran into it walking back to her house after eating and spending the evening with Ros and Chris.
We hope to get more newsletters out this year to let you know what is happening on the farm. Hope to see you soon and stay warm.
Ros, Chris, Perry, Ros, Maureen, Suzanne and Nick.
2006 Mostly Steel Chardonnay New Release!
100% Chardonnay (10% barrel fermented, 90% steel fermented), has a fruity nose with lemon, granny smith apple, grapefruit, and a zesty dry finish. Clean and fruity this wine pairs with filet of sole almandine.
$17.00/bottle $183.60/case
2005 Cabernet Franc New Release!
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc this light to medium bodied wine exhibits subtle tannins with a palate of dried fig, cinnamon clove, and black fruit, ending in a long soft finish. As you breathe in the aromas you may find a scent of violets and black pepper. Let this wine air before serving with Lamb, grilled vegetables, or steamers in a garlic sauce.
$27.00/bottle $291.60/case
2002 Merlot
This 100% Merlot has spent 24 months in French oak. Mature tannins and a palate of black cherry and
cedar are the hallmarks of this vintage. Soft and silky this wine will continue to enrich with age. A great
Accompaniment to chicken, poached salmon and turkey.
$24.00/bottle $259.20/case
2005 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Having aged in French oak for 4.5 months this Chardonnay is displaying caramelized flavor along side Chardonnay topical fruits (guava and pineapple) and Bosc pear.
$21.00/bottle $226.80/case
Rooster Tail
In keeping with our first Rooster Tail this blend (91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc) has characters of blackberry, mulberry, and a touch of spice. A Lighter, smoother wine (which can even be chilled) which goes perfectly with a burger, pasta, pizza, or leftovers!
$14.00/bottle $151.20/case
2001 Merlot
This 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc blend has an earthy aroma with blackberry, plum, and blueberry ending with spice and black pepper. 30 months in French oak. Incredible with a steak, venison, or mussels in a red sauce! <
$19.00/bottle $205.20/case
2004 Blanc de Noir Sparkling
Made from 100% Pinor Noir fruit, this driest of Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, will delight your mouth with its tiny bubbles.
This bright brut exhibits flavors of orange zest, white cherry, lemon rind and cardamom, ending with a touch of yeastiness.
Enjoy it with Long Island oysters, sushi, or a pear crumble.
$40.00/bottle $480.00/case
Prices are exclusive of shipping, handling and New York sales tax. Click here to shop online.
Visit us in our tasting barn, open Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 4 PM. We're 1 mile east of the Southold Village traffic light, on the right, on Rt 25. Look for a red fence, white gate and grape vines.
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