Stoutridge Merlot 2008

I have know Steve Osborn five years now. He has been a friend, especially when I was in need. And he and his wife Kim have been a great asset to the valley. He bring s a special ind of winemaking to the valley, and a great mindset. His winery is state of the art, and is solar powered. But for all his high tech stuff, Steve likes to make all natural, old world styled wines.

I saw him at the recent Art & Wine get together at Locust Grove, the former home of Samuel Morse.

One of the wines he was pouring was his Vidal Blanc. I have always loved his Vidal Blanc, crisp, clean, and vibrant. A wonderful accompaniment to cheese, fish, salads, and other light dishes.

But the other wine that really surprised me was his Merlot 2008. A big, deep red. A real nice surprise.

Unfiltered and unfined, this Merlot, made from Long Island fruit is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is a big soft red. Big aromas of dark berry, dark raspberry, come through, with hints of vanilla, and earth. There's a hint of something herbal maybe? But the flavors are absolutely raspberry, dark plum, blackberry, tea, and a touch of mocha. A fairly low tannin wine for such a big flavor profile. But that's also the nice thing about it. It's very, very easy drinking. Great with food (I was dreaming of a nice, well aged Parmesan cheese or a nice piece

or a grilled pork chop), but also good for drinking by the fire.

Very nice!