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Updated: August 20, 2009, 8:14 pm	Share    Print    Email

2005 "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot.

Sagaponack - Wölffer Estate Vineyard will release the 2005 "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot, a proprietary Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc dedicated to the memory of the estate's visionary founder, Christian Wölffer, on Aug. 3. A pioneer in Long Island winemaking, Wölffer died Dec. 31, 2008 just months after the winery's celebration of its 20th Anniversary.

"Christian and I worked together for seventeen years to realize his vision of excellence at Wölffer Estate," Roman Roth, winemaker and Technical Director of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, said. "It is only fitting that our commemorative "Christian's Cuvée" adheres to his uncompromising standards of quality and showcases the amazing potential that he foresaw in these former potato fields to create world-class wines."

The pinnacle of Wölffer Estate winemaking, "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot is a blend of 83 percent Merlot, 14.5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2.5 percent Cabernet Franc, sourced from the estate's finest vineyard sites. Harvested in mid-October 2005, the grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted, then separated to ferment the Merlot in a 6,000-liter upright French oak tank, and other lots in 1 ton bins. Following an extended fermentation, the wine was gently pressed then transferred to 100 percent new oak French barriques for 21 months of aging.

Christian Wolffer, 70, owner of Wolffer Estates Vineyard in Sagaponack, died New Year's Day in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

Winemaker Roman Roth notes that the finished wine is dark red, almost black in color. The expressive aroma reveals ripe blueberries, blackberries, prune, fig and cassis, wrapped with fine cedar and vanilla notes, and elegant hints of liquorice and mocha. Full-bodied in structure, 2005 "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot shows lush, ripe tannins and "there is a wonderful thread of fine acidity that pulls it together and lingers on to a long, satisfying finish." 2005 "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot is recommended with flavorful dishes such as lamb, steak, aged cheeses and high-quality chocolate.

An extremely limited release, 2005 "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot retails for $100 per 750-ml bottle and $220 per 1.5-liter (magnum) bottle. $20 of the purchase of each bottle of "Christian's Cuvée" Merlot will be donated to the Christian Wolffer Foundation, established to support charitable causes around the world. The distinctive packaging features the white horse imagery introduced for Wölffer Estate's 20th Anniversary, a reference to the Wölffer Stables, a premier equestrian facility also founded by Wölffer.

A leader in Long Island winemaking for over 20 years, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, a 55-acre winery located in Sagaponack, is an American winery with a decidedly European character. "Reflecting our terroir and the meticulous stewardship of winemaker Roman Roth, these former potato fields are the foundation for world-class wines," according to a spokesmen Similar in many respects to conditions in Bordeaux, the local Bridgehampton loam soil and favorable maritime influences provide a perfect host for grapevines. Wölffer Estate Vineyard proudly practices sustainable agriculture.