I first wrote about Neposnset in 2008 when I tasted their wines at a Wineries Unlimited event. So I was thrilled when I recently found a bottle of Neponset Winery Merlot 2008 Southeastern New England.
They're conveniently located in the suburban town of Needham, Massachusetts, off Exit 19B, I-95/Rt. 128, just 3 miles south of the Mass Pike. Their wines are available for sale at the winery and a select group of wine shops in the Boston area.
I am a fan of their Chardonnays and their Pinot Gris. But I finally had one of their red wines. The Merlot.
Thirty years ago John Commando was introduced to the art of producing wine. Neponset Winery is the fruition of a dream to start a small winery. With the help and encouragement of his wife, John began his "virtual" winery. Neponset Winery is dedicated to making fine wines in small batches. They purchase juice and grapes from top growers in Massachusetts and California.
Dominique served this with a home made pasta dish. Pasta with peas, onions, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper with grated Parmesan. The wine was up to the task. It had wonderful plum and dark fruit flavors, with decent acidity and solid tannins. There was nice structure and balance to the wine. It was a lovely surprise. A nice wine made from local New England fruit.
This was a lovely, dry, dark red wine. It stood up very well, and showed beautifully. Congrats to John and the Neponset Winery folks. Wonderful wine.