2016 Saltbird Cellars Harbinger Red Wine

Tasting Notes
Dark & sweet fruit aromas pull in boysenberry & chocolate mint to the mouth. Merlot shows deep color berries while the Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and hints of currants and chicory. Lush blackberry acidity on the finish keeps every sip fresh. Sumptuous on its own, or savor it with earthy protein-rich dishes. One of the most exciting aspects of being part of the Long Island wine industry is the co-evolution of wine and food that is happening now. Long Island has long been known internationally for Long Island Duck. When paired with Long Island Merlot, the result is a perfectly balanced mingling of rustic earthy proteins and rich luscious dark fruits.

Process
The grapes are left to hang on the vine until the last possible ray of sunshine is absorbed. A meticulous clean pick and a long cold soak prior to fermentation result in dark black juice before indigenous yeast kick off the initial fermentation. Post-alcoholic fermentation malo-lactic fermentation occurs naturally in the barrel, and the wine is left on lees for months before the initial racking. Robin's coined phrase for this wine is “just leave it be.”

Varietals: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Advocate Score: 88 points