The Whitecliff Vineyard is located in the Hudson Valley of New York. Their splendid 2013 Sky Island Red bottling is an impressive wine. Made from Long Island grapes, it is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The result is a finely crafted, layered and complex red. Aromas of blackberries and black cherries are interwoven with elements of herbs, dried rose, vanilla and clove. The flavors reveal a silky expression of the blender’s art. Layers of ripe black fruits are underscored by a velvety texture and delectable hints of herbs, cedar and toasty oak. This is an impressive wine that shows the potential of Long Island wines.
Whitecliff Vineyard, New York (United States) 2013
By Wayne Belding