2002 Merlot First Label
Vintage
The 2002 vintage was one of the warmest ever-recorded on Long Island. Mild, sunny days began in the spring and continued all through the fall. The absence of rain in September and October was very beneficial for the ripening process and the concentration of aroma and flavor. Gravelly, silt loam soil predominates in the area of our oldest (6 years) Merlot planting. The latest in a series of three outstanding Long Island vintages in a row and probably the best vintage thus far for Merlot.
Tasting Notes
The 2002 Merlot is earthy and sumptuous showing great complexity and exhibiting the strength and ripeness from an outstanding vintage. Dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cassis prevail with mint, eucalyptus, leather and tobacco aromas. Dense and jammy yet at the same time supple and harmonious, with layers of floral freshness integrated elegantly with toasty oak and vanilla. Malbec makes its first appearance in this blend complimenting the earthy plum and black current aromatics of the Merlot with hints of tropical fruit, violets and black pepper. Our most exciting First Label Merlot to date.