Raphael Wine

$19.00

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Vintage
2008 was an unusual yet exceptional vintage season for North Fork. We had a typical late start to the spring, which was followed by periods of warm, sunny weather. In between we experience some serve thunderstorms as well as 2 extremely rare hailstorms. We thinned all sections of the vineyard to 2-2.5 tons per acre to accelerate ripening and expose more fruit to the sun. By late September, the turbulent weather ended and we settled into a dry weather pattern. The vintage finished strong with lots of sun and warmth in early October, allowing our fruit to fully ripen. Both reds and whites are of extremely high quality this vintage year.

Tasting Notes
Our Rosé of Merlot is made in the emerging Long Island style – dry, and thirst quenching with high levels of fruity aromatics. Crisp and refreshing with note of bramble, strawberries and grapefruit zest, our Rosé is produced from grapes picked sooner than those harvested for red wines. The early harvest results in higher levels of acid and elegance. Crushed and pressed immediately, it is fermented in stainless steel at 50 degrees F. to retain the bright fruit aromas and flavors of the Merlot grape. A moderate alcohol content along with the austere character of this dry rose make it the perfect compliment to summer cuisine.