I have had the opportunity to drink Paumanok Vineyards wines twice in the last few months. Once was with Kareem Massoud at the Cab Franc Forward event in New York City. And most recently I tasted four wines not a month ago at the winery itself. Both times I was equally impressed, as I always am when it comes to Kareem and his winemaking abilities.
“I was speechless,” Kareem told Kathleen Willcox and Robin Shreeves of the winery's 2023 awards -Winery of the Year and a Governor’s Cup Win! Kareem started watching his father, Charles, make wine since he was the age of ten. Kareem may be a second-generation winemaker. But he's a first rate one as well. As my fellow east coast wine scribe, Lenn Thompson of the Cork Report, wrote of him, "Winemaker Kareem Massoud is one of Long Island's best."
I think the world of his wines. In my most recent tastings, though, I have really been especially impressed with them. Each year they improve my subtle margins. And continue to excel not just in this region, but for the whole state and beyond.
Paumanok Minimalist Chardonnay is absolutely fabulous lovely notes of green apple and red apple, little bit of tropical fruit, nice beautiful ending. Flavor lasts and lasts
Kareem shared a bottle of the Paumanok Cabernet Franc 2010 at the Cab Franc Forward event in NYC. It stood the test of time beautifully in 2025. Dark stewed fruit and a hint of cassis. The tannins were mellow but not lost. Great structure. Great depth. Impressive for a 15 year old bottle.
Paumanok Cab Franc 2022 was special. It had loads of bright and ripe berry. Nice notes of spice. A hint of Eucalyptus. Well balanced tannins. Great complexity. You could really savor this wine. The cherry stretched out for a goof long time. Exceptional.
Paumanok Cab Sav 2022 started off with big dark fruit. Lot's of stewed dark cherries. Black berry. Cassis. Black pepper. Balanced tannins. Cherry and black pepper lingered. A wonderful wine just waiting for roasted meats or perfect with a spicy pasta dish.
Paumanok Assemblage 2021 is their Bordeaux-styled blend. It was made from 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 19% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Earthy nose. Savory. Herbs and spices. An a compote of dark fruit. Black cherries. Black raspberry. Plumb cassis. Pepper. Lovely smooth. PV adds something here for sure. With dark fruit and pepper lingering nicely. Big wine with staying power. Absolutely loved it!
Kareem Massoud's wines excel beyond regional descriptions. These were all next level wines. Wines that would drink well in any region in the US or elsewhere. They showed depth, finesse, and passion. They definitely highlight a consistent guiding hand, an experienced touch. You must go to Paumanok Vineyards - and see what next level wine is all about.
