Whitecliff Vineyard Sky Island Red Wine 2012

 

What else is there to say about Whitecliff Vineyards? They've been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Valley Table magazine, and many others. Michael and Yancey Migliore have gone from a start up to a burgeoning star on the New York wine scene. Whitecliff is a star in the Hudson Vlley and is becoming a well regarded producer state wide.

Recently I brought a bottle to a party. I walked around pouring the wine, and not teling people what it was. Many came back asking it I had any of the fabulous Italian wine! I laughed, These were real wine people. Oooops!

What was it? Whitecliff Sky Island Red Wine 2011! Michael and his team drew their inspiration from the blends of Bordeaux. Like a good Meritage, the wine is a blend of five noble grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  The nose is one of dark stewed fruits - plums, raspberries, cherries, and red cassis. Also whiffs of vanilla and spice. All those red flavors come through on the palate as well. The fruit has good enough acidity to linger. And the back of the wine provides great tannin and structure. A beautiful and elegant red.

The people at the party were astonished. And you will be to!