Bordeaux, American Style

WINE #1

2018 The Lenz Winery
Merlot
North Fork of Long Island, New York

In 1977, Peter & Patricia Lenz, inspired by friends, traded fine dining for fine wine. They planted Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot on their North Fork property, patiently waiting for years to ensure strong vines. Their converted barn became The Lenz Winery in 1978. In 1988, the winery passed to Peter & Deborah Carroll, equally dedicated to quality. They brought in Eric Fry as winemaker and Sam McCullough as vineyard manager, solidifying The Lenz Winery's reputation for rich, complex wines that age beautifully.

Well-rounded, this rich Merlot is packed with typical varietal notes of dark plums, red cherries, and blackcurrants. This unfiltered wine has excellent tannin structure that allows it to age beautifully. Pair with tomato-based pasta sauces, meatloaf, roasted chicken, and roasted pork loin.

This wine received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

WINE #2

2019 Gramercy Cellars Lower East
Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla, Washington

Master Sommelier Greg Harrington spent his career overseeing some of the most prestigious wine programs in the country. Since passing the exam at 26 years old (the youngest person ever at the time) he couldn’t get the idea of making wine out of his head. In 2004 he attended an event featuring the wines of Walla Walla and he was immediately hooked. He worked harvest that fall and in 2005 he launched his own winery, Gramercy Cellars.

Since he didn’t own vineyards of his own, he sought out the best sources he could find to make his wines. He also wanted grapes that weren’t overripe so you wouldn’t lose the distinctive terroir of Walla Walla. In the cellar he favors minimal handling, stem inclusion, and light use of new oak, all to preserve the character of the fruit and the vintage.

"High-register aromas of fresh and dried herbs, green pepper, plum, pencil lead and black cherry lead to lighter-styled fruit flavors. (Very) far from a big bruiser, it shows a pleasing sense of elegance and a mouthwatering quality seldom seen on this variety. It will sing at the dinner table. Editors' Choice" - Wine Enthusiast, 91 points.

WINE #3

2020 Bookcliff Vineyards Ensemble
Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Grand Valley, Colorado

On a 1994 backpacking trip, John Garlich and Ulla Merz stumbled upon Palisade, a charming Colorado town. Inspired by the landscape, they planted their first grapes in 1995, starting Bookcliff Vineyards. Today, those original vines (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) form the heart of our portfolio. Passion for Colorado wines continues as three families guide Bookcliff Vineyards into the future, with an experienced Walla Walla-trained winemaking team crafting the best from every vintage.

This Bordeaux-inspired blend leads with 63% Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Aged in neutral French oak for 10 months, it boasts a vibrant garnet hue and opens with delicate red fruit and dried herb aromas. Medium-plus acidity gives this wine a well-structured body, making it a versatile partner for your favorite meals.

This wine received 93 points from Wine Advocate.