Onabay Vineyards Great Blue Heron Merlot 2012

This wine is part of a historic 200 acre farm on Peconic Bay. There are 19 acres planted to vines with Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cot grapes. Onabay's viticulture and winemaking are led by Bruce Schneider, considered by many to be the pioneer of Cabernet Franc on the North Fork of Long Island. This wine has aromas of plums, bing cherries, and a hint of licorice. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, with elegant tannins and bright acidity.

All of the grapes were hand-harvested. After de-stemming, the whole berries soaked for 2 days at 58 degrees F to extract color prior to the beginning of fermentation. The wine was then warmed for the start of alcoholic fermentation. Following the completion of alcoholic fermentation, the wines were racked to barrel. Malo-lactic fermentation was started and completed in barrels. The wine was aged for 15 months in 25% new French Oak and the balance in seasoned French Oak. This blend was inspired by the "Right Bank" of Bordeaux where Merlot, Cot (aka Malbec), and Cabernet Franc thrive side by side and produce exceptional wines.