Whitecliff Vineyard Rose' of Pinot Noir Olana Vineyard 2017 Outstanding! (NY)

Michael Migliore and Yancey Stanforth-Migliore own Whitecliff Vineyard, a wonderful winery down in Gardner, NY. They have won numerous prestigious awards, and were recently voted best winery in the Hudson Valley. But they have a new project - the Olana Vineyard at Cherry  Lane Farm, just by the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, south of Hudson, NY. Michael and winemaker Brad Martz have taken care as they planted and nurtured their new vineyard these last three years.

This is an historically good grape growing region. The numerous farms in the southern part of Columbia county have grown table and wine grapes for more than 50 years. Brotherhood's main vineyard was the next farm, and is now the home of Tousey, who have garnered scores of 90 or more consistently. So we know the region has tremendous potential. The Whitecliff Vineyard can be seen from the river, and indeed the bridge itself, where I took this photo.

The Hudson Valley was not known for rose' wine, but has been catching up to the industry in recent years. No better example of it is there than Whitecliff's Rose of Pinot Noir Olana Vineyard 2017. This wine starts off with gorgeous, mouth watering aromas of cherries, strawberries, line and tropical fruits. On the palate the strawberries are fresh, vibrant and tart, with a lovely second wave of bright cherries, also slightly tart with minerals, lime, and tropical notes, and a lovely, creamy smooth finish.

This is evry bit as good as any rose in the state, and an incredible first wine from what will soon be a source of some of the best fruit in the valley. The potential is outstanding!

A famtastic wine from Michael, Yancey, and Bard! Congrats!