Wrapping up our series on New York wine, we head to Long Island!
Long Island AVAs
Long Island actually has three AVAs:
- Long Island AVA
- The Hamptons AVA
- North Fork AVA
While there are subtle differences with each AVA, the main advantage that Long Island has is the proximity to the Atlantic. In general, the close influence to the ocean mitigates temperature swings, ensuring more consistent grape ripening conditions. Being located farther south, this means that Long Island is also capable of consistently fully ripening varietals that have trouble in other parts of the state, including Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This means that Long Island is New York’s go to place for sleek, fruity reds.
Unlike other parts of the state, Long Island does have a couple of distinct challenges. In addition to sea birds eating crops, the area also experience occasional hurricanes. This means that sea spray can enter the vineyards, and add salinity to the wine.
Pindar Pythagoras
As a nerd, I can appreciate how Pindar Pythagoras utilizes the pythagorean theorem to design their label. Can it also calculate the way to please people’s palates with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec?
Sight: Ruby red edges and a garnet -brick core with purple elements.
Smell: There’s an earthiness here, with plenty of espresso, coffee, blackberry, blueberry, and cigar smoke. Cherries and plum come into play shaping the background. There’s a crazy spicebox element that runs a dark chocolate vein.
Sip: The body is sleek, lean, and vibrant with lots of red plums, cherries, and cranberries. The earthy elements complement the weight, adding an espresso and spice like element, which mingles with the plum skin element. There’s a subtle undertone of bitterness, but almost in a grapefruit like way where it adds an element of depth to lithe nature of the wine.
Savor: The ending has a tannic rush that builds and builds, adding cranberry, ruby red grapefruit, and hints of pipe tobacco. The finish lasts minutes.
Pindar Pythagoras is really quite deep and interesting, and provides a fun example of how a sleek red can be charming, large, and elegant. While there are elements that could be smoothed out a bit, there are also high notes of earth and fruit that are diverse. The high acidity makes this a fun food choice as well, that would be at home with crown pork or ribeyes. Pindar Pythagoras is an elegant and lithe choice, and a fantastic way to experience sleek reds from New York.
Verdict: Bright, Red Plums, Spicebox, Earth
Rating: 86
Price: $9.95
Long Island, New York