Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: North Fork of Long Island, New York
Cost: $30 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: The Corchaug Estate, Long Island’s largest Pinot Noir vineyard, is a modest 12 acres that are sustainably-farmed and hand-harvested. A light-bodied Pinot that balances dark cherry flavors with nuanced aromas of strawberry and spice, an earthy note, crisp acidity and a firm finish. Barrel ageing in French oak contributes notes of vanilla and toast leading to a well-structured, elegant finish.
My Review: When you have a house guest who grew up in Oregon, it seems natural to open up some Pinot Noir from another region to show them how things are working on the East Coast (spoiler: She was impressed).
In the glass the 2015 McCall Pinot Noir was a light garnet color. On the nose I got aromas of smoke, meat, and bright cherry. In the mouth, the wine was smooth and weightier than I was expecting, though still firmly in the “light-bodied” category. Flavors of vanilla, baking spices, candied cherry, and a hint of smoked meat all took their turns making themselves known.
Paired with a dinner of steak salad (flank steak tossed in a sauce of honey, ketchup, and spices like paprika, chipotle, and others), the wine held up great. The steak had a smoky note thanks to the spices we used that the wine complimented well, but the bright candied cherry flavors were a good contrast to the richness of the meat (we used flank steak).
I really liked this wine, and at $30 I think it’s a great value; definitely one to keep an eye out for and grab when you can. It’s subtle and nuanced, but not lacking in flavor or character. It’s like that quiet kid that doesn’t always say a lot, but when they do, you pay attention because it’s probably going to be good.
Disclaimer: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
