Flanked by Storm King Mountain to the west and Mt. Beacon to the east the Hudson River flows through one of the oldest Fjords in North America. Acting as a gateway to the Hudson Highlands, this geological wonder helps create the unique micro climate that allows us to grow high quality wines here in the valley. Founded in 2013 by Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann, Fjord Vineyards strives to craft wines that reflect where they are grown. For the better part of a decade, Matthew has been sustainably growing world class wines here in his native Hudson Valley. He's been making great wines for Benmarl Vineyards, and he's now making stellar wines at Fjord. Those of us lucky enough to have been here a while, have seen him jump in a decade from an apprentice to an innovator. His techniques and wines are daring and impressive. He has become a true artisan...and a leader. Casey compliments Matthew as his sounding board and his amplifier. She is the fresh face of the vineyard, in touch with the social media zeitgeist.
Casey and Matthew are friends, and they have made their home here in the valley, with their young family. They are drawing a whole new generation of young wine fans who are flocking to them, and well they should. They are what the valley needs, they are what the valley should become. Lifestyle, energetic, involved. A family endeavor.
I recently tried a whole bunch of Fjord wines while at the New York Botanical Garden Wine and Daffodil event this past spring. The first wine I tried was the Sauvignon Blanc 2016 sourced from the South Fork of Long Island. The wine was aromatic, crisp, with big bunches of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. A wallop of a wine - lean, light, elegant, crisp. Excellent.
This Dry Reisling 2014 was sourced from Seneca Lake fruit in the Finger Lakes. A tropical fruit bomb on the nose, it exploded with exotic aromas, as well as a pop of green apple on the tongue and a bright, zesty finish on the back of the palate.
The Fjord Chardonnay 2014 Hudson River Region was among my favorites. It was aged 8 months on the lees. A lovely blend of green and red apples, and fresh pear, the wine is light and lively, but has just enough cream and vanilla on the finish to impress even the most jaded chardonnay drinker. Exceptional!
The Fjord Cabernet Franc 2014 Hudson River Region was also impressive! Perhaps the most impressive. The wine was fermented on the skins for 21 days, and the wines aged in two-year old French oak for 14 months. This rounded off the wine, without overwhelming it it with new oak, allowing the fruit to show through. The nose vibrates with cherry, blackberry, dark raspberry, and violets resonating out the the glass. Those flavors come across as well, with hints of spice, graphite, and vanilla all blending seamlessly. A wonderful dry finish. An impressive, impressive achievement.