Let me say this right off the back. Number 1 I am a schmuck!!!! Number 2 Black Birch Vineyards is one of the best new wineries, not just in Massachusetts but in New England. I have been posting about this on Facebook since 2016, but apparently, I have shown them no love on these pages. What kind of ass am I? I was going over some notes for a new e-book of reviews of New England wineries, and suddenly realized I hadn't ever reviewed wines on this blog from what I consider the best winery in the state? What?!!!!
Black Birch Vineyard is a boutique winery located in the farming-rich community of Hatfield, Massachusetts, not far from Amherst. The winery was established in 2012 by Ian and Michelle Modestow. Black Birch was originally located where Glendale Ridge is now. Black Birch Vineyard moved to Hatfield, MA in 2017 to expand wine maker Ian Modestow's vineyard and vision. They now have more than 19,000 vines stretching across 12 acres of rich Connecticut River Valley soil, with more than 10 grape varieties. In short, Ian Modestow has this crazy idea, that he can produce high quality, sophisticated wines in Massachusetts.
Then in September of 2019 I went to his winery and did a full tasting with my friend Rich Srisch and sister Claudia Pazmany. Black Birch Cabernet of Rose 2018 was a classic rose, filled with fresh strawberries, bright cherries, and hints of lime and a hint of floral notes. Zesty and refreshing. Lovely!
Black Birch Epic White 2018 is made mainly from Vidal Blanc. As promised, aromatic tropical and stonefruit notes come through loud and clear, and give way to zippy lime rind with notes of fresh pineapple. Super clean, crisp, and absolutely lovely. Super easy to drink.
Black Birch Epic Red 2017 is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Marquette. The nose and palate both explodes with a stew of red-berries. There's enough earthiness, spices, and pepper to provide real structure and complexity. Love elegant layers lead to lasting fruit . Absolutely impressive! Really loved this one.
Of all the wines, I was skeptical of the Black Birch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Really? A Massachusetts Cab Sav? The wine started off with dark raspberry, ripe cherry with hints of red and black currants. There were some herbal notes, as well as a hint of bramble, and a lot of black tea and black pepper. But the cherry prevailed in the end very, very nicely. A very very nice wine.
Ian Modestow is crazy. He thinks he can make great wine in Massachusetts. But he's a mad genius. And he's making terrific wine proving all of us skeptics wrong. Love his zeal, his excitement, his passion for his grapes and his wines. It is infectious. And more importantly - it drinks beautifully.
Ian Modestow is one of the hottest new winemakers on the scene in Massachusetts and New England. And Black Birch show nothing more than some incredibly love wines and the sky is actually the limit. Wow!