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Gristina Vineyards, Long Island
Dateline: 06/20/00
Stephen of Winestuff & Lisa
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Our first stop after lunch on our recent Winery trip on Long Island was at Gristina Vineyards, located in Chutchogue. You can tell it's lighthearted as you drive in - little Burma-shave type signs invite you to picnic on their lawns, and to enjoy yourself in the vineyards.
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The tasting room was quite friendly and rustic. A fireplace and couches off to one side invite you to hang out for a while! We began with the 1998 Chardonnay. It was light and tropical, with coconut flavors. Very nice. The 1997 Andy's Field Chardonnay is aged in French oak with Malolactic fermentation. It also had flavors of coconut and orange peel, spicy with a long finish. Gristina cold stabilizes their whites.
On to the reds. The 1998 pinot noir was tannic, with flavors of cola, plum, and a rich aftertaste. The 1997 Merlot was also full, rich and tannic, with dark fruit flavors. The 1997 Andy's Field Merlot was even more rich, with blackberry, floral smoky flavors.
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The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon had interesting flavors of chocolate and mint - this would be good with dessert, even though it's a rich red! The 1995 Andy's Field Cabernet was very polished tasting. The 1999 Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon was dry but light, a pleasant change from most blush wines.
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The Avalon is Riesling plus 15% Chardonnay, making a light, fruity, peach flavor. This would be perfect for picnics.
They were sold out of their 1997 Cabernet Franc, but we acquired a bottle, which Robert Parker rated an 88. It was smooth and rich, with berry, wood, and other fruity flavors. Great mouth feel, lively almost. A slight bit of tannins. Quite nice.
Gristina Photo Album
Long Island NY Winery Reviews
Winery Reviews Main Listing
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