Premier: Wine Made Easy

It is certainly nice to see New York State wineries producing good quality wines other than Riesling. Arrowhead Springs Meritage is one of them. Comprised of practically equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, it offers an interesting combination of mint, chocolate, tobacco and, interestingly, freshly cut grass on the nose. With the first sip, you are greeted with red fruit, candied orange peel with medium body and good acidity. On the mid-palate, flavors of allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper emerge finishing with a touch of creaminess due to the 23 months of aging in American and French oak. A splendid offering reminiscent of a young Bordeaux.

The Johnson Family 2008 Chardonnay presents itself in the glass as icterine in color. The first scent on the nose yields lemon with a hint of nectarine. My first sip seemed a little oak-heavy (like a throwback to the California chardonnays of the 1990s). But I soon discovered that I simply was tasting it too chilled. After allowing the wine to rest at room temperature for ten minutes, offerings of lime peel and pineapple began to emerge balancing the oak. Eventually a warm butter texture and flavor comes to the fore and follows through to the medium finish along with a more understated oak presence.

This Languedoc offering provides ample acidity to balance the hefty oak and tannins that are present. A very floral nose, with hints of coconut that give way to roasted espresso. Dark cherries are also prevalent throughout. This is, without a doubt, one of the best Languedoc wines I have tasted.