2005 Red Fern Cellars, Long Island, NY: Tasting Notes (K)

Located not far from the very "in" area of the Hamptons, Aaron Munk's Red Fern Cellars is the only kosher winery on New York's Long Island. The winery's 2005 wines were tasted first during my recent visit to the USA and then again today, blind in my own tasting room, my tasting notes holding consistently between tastings. Worth looking for the wines. See the winery's internet site at http://www.redferncellars.com/

Best
Rogov



Red Fern Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Long Island, N.Y., 2005: Dark garnet towards royal purple, medium- to full bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins, opening to reveal a blackberry-blackcurrant profile, the fruits matched by notes of black pepper, anise and, on the moderately-long finish a note of demerara sugar. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K

Red Fern Cellars, Merlot, Long Island, N.Y., 2005: Light garnet in color, light- to medium-bodied, with softly caressing tannins and aromas and flavors of cherries, blackberries and blueberries, those highlighted by hints of anise and freshly ground coffee. Not overly complex but a good match to food. Drink now-2011. Score 88. K

Red Fern Cellars, Syrah, Long Island, N.Y., 2005: Dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with gripping tannins that need some time to settle down. Opens slowly in the glass to reveal blackberries, black cherries and bitter-sweet chocolate, those followed by notes of wild flowers and sage. Drink now-2012. Score 89. K

Red Fern Cellars, Chardonnay, Long Island, N.Y., 2005: Glistening gold in color, medium- to full-bodied, with generous oak but that set off nicely by lively acidity. On the nose and palate generous citrus, citrus peel and citrus flowers, those with an appealing creamy texture that fills the mouth nicely. On the finish a welcome note of stony minerals. Drink now-2011. Score 89. K

Hi Daniel.
Are the Red Fern Cellars wines available in Israel?
If so, do you know where?
Shavua Tov.
Zvi

Zvi, Hi

Red Fern is a quite small producer and I believe their wines are available only via the winery directly or through several shops in the New York area. Best might be to send them an email to inquire.

Best
Rogov

Interestingly, the winery's website claims a minimum of a decade of aging potential for their wines (they clock the 2005 cabernet's drinking window extending to 2022). Anyway, Daniel, do you have notes on their 2004 cabernet and merlot?

Zvi, the wines are also available through kosherwine.com, though I'm not sure if they ship to Israel.

Thanks,
Allen

Amazing that they get Syrah and Cab Sauv to ripen on Lawn Guyland. Nes Gadol Hayah Sham.

Rogov -- Just seconding Allen's request for TN's on the 2004 cab and merlot. They are both on sale at kosherwine.com for a very nice price. Thanks.

Apologies...missed the earlier request. My most recent tasting notes for the wines in question follow.

Best
Rogov

Red Fern Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Long Island, N.Y., 2004: Medium-dark garnet, medium- to ful-bodied, with somewhat chunky tannins. Opens nicely to show black and red berries, those supported by notes of spicy cedar wood and earthy minerals. An appealing country-style wine. Drink now-2010. Score 86. K (Re-tasted 14 Mar 2009)

Red Fern Cellars, Merlot, Long Island, N.Y., 2004: Dark ruby towards garnet, full-bodied, with once gripping tannins now settling in nicely. On the nose and palate near-jammy black cherries and blackberries, those rich with spices and earthy mineral overtones and, on the long spicy finish a hint of strong tea. Drink now-2010. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 14 Mar 2009)

Daniel and Allen - thanks.
I e-mailed the winery and they promptly responded that they might have a case in Yerushalayim.
Zvi