HUDSON-CHATHAM WINERY

An extraordinary Baco Noir made from 50-year-old vines grown in the Finger Lakes. The berries were left on the vine as long as possible to bring out a most unique flavor profile. Winemaker Steve Casscles’ resulting wine, handcrafted, unfiltered and unfined, is an intoxicating deep, dark, dry red, led by deep, dark sour cherry, and other stewed dark fruits, with hints of vanilla and mocha. Big fruit up front, with a great balance of fruit, acid, and tannin.

This is the second vintage of this highly acclaimed, unique reserve meritagestyle wine. It is the first New York State “Super Blend” being made up of signature grapes from three of New York’s most accomplished wine regions – one-third Merlot grown on the North Fork of Long Island; one-third Cabernet Franc, the most popular growing red varietal of the Finger Lakes Region; and one-third Baco Noir which is fast becoming the most wellknown red grape in the Hudson Valley.

Available in October. The Dallas Morning News named this wine the best sherry, nontraditional grape, in 2010. A semi-sweet sherry that has aromas of hazelnut, almond, sweet honey and figs, is made using the traditional solera method. Steve Casscles and Ralph Cooley made only 75 cases this year. This widely-acclaimed wine usually runs out before Christmas, so get your advance orders in now.