I have been drinking wines from Haight-Brown since I first discovered them back in the late 1980s or early 1990s. More than two decades ago, Sherman Haight Jr. planted Chardonnay and Riesling on the slopes of the Litchfield Hills, near the historic town of Litchfield. In 1978, the State Legislature passed a Farm Winery Act and Haight Vineyard became Connecticut’s first established winery.The Haight-Brown Vineyard and Winery is situated on ten pastoral acres, and is a classic New England farm winery.
Today, the tradition at Haight continues under new ownership. Courtney Brown & Amy Senew purchased Haight Vineyard from its founder, Sherman Haight Jr, in March, 2007. They intend to maintain the family run winery appeal while at the same providing some much needed love and care to the vineyards and winery.
The other night I was going through my wine cellar, re-arranging bottles, and I came across this wine. I had forgotten I had it. At my age I forget more of the wines in my cellar than remember them. I paired it with a roasted chicken, with creamed spinach and garlic bread.
It was the perfect compliment.
Railway White, a proprietary blend, from what I could discern, is a blend of whites, dominated by Seyval Blanc, blended with other grapes. My guess might be un-oaked Chardonnay or even a touch of Riesling? Or maybe it's Vignoles? or Vidal Blanc? Anyway... This stainless steel white wine had an overwhelming nose of green apple and tropical fruits. Very nice minerality. And very nice acidity, which gave the over wine real integrity. A beautiful dry table white. Not too much pucker at the end, but just enough to let you know it was there. And the fruit lasted a nice, long time. A lovely, lovely, well balanced, well crafted wine.
Congrats to the winemaking staff at Haight-Brown!