CEREGHINO/SMITH REDS....WOW!!!!

"The essential point of collaboration—whether in marriage, art, music, or winemaking—is to create something that the individuals involved could not achieve separately. A few miles south of Kingston, in a funky old stone house, a collaboration that encompasses all four Cereghino-Smith strong suits is producing some high-quality wine in an improbable place," Peter Barrett wrote in Chronogram magazine.

At both Bounty of the Hudson and Second Saturday Walk in Catskill last weekend, their wines continued to impress!

I'd like to say that I had a favorite, but it would be difficult.

Little House 2007

50% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Petite Sirah. Aged for 14 months in hybrid American/Canadian Oak barrels. With this Rhone style blend, Fred and Paula are celebrating the Quadricentennial of the Hudson Valley and the Huguenot families who first brought vinifera grapes to this country. A big smooth wine. Nice deep, dark berry fruit flavors.

Eaten by Bears 2008

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petite Sirah, 18% Cabernet Franc.Cereghino Smith reinterprets a classic Left Bank Bordeaux blend in the 2008 Eaten by Bears. As Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits tannic structure with notes of black cherry, the Petite Sirah brings depth and lushness to the wine. The Cabernet Franc finishes with bright acidity bringing brightness and balance. This is one of Fred and Paula's most popular wines. It's a beautiful wine. Another really nice red.

Rock 'n Roll Red 2008

This vintage's amped up blend of 47% Sangiovese, 29% Petite Sirah, 24% Cabernet Franc references Italy's Super Tuscans with notes of tea, spice and electric prunes. This is one of Dominique's favorites. It's an impressive red wine.

Cabernet Franc 2008

90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petite Sirah.Two wine regions come to mind when we think of the pure expression of Cabernet Franc... the Loire Valley of France and the wine regions of New York. Our New York Cabernet Franc is softened with a lush touch of California Petite Sirah making a mouthwatering wine that exceded even their expectations. It's a very deep Cab Franc, and the Petite Syrah really does add a tremendous touch to this wine.

Congrats to Fred and Paula!!!