McGregor's 2006 Red Wine Barrel Tasting

As always the red wine barrel tasting event at McGregor’s on the east shore of Keuka Lake was excellent. We tasted through 6 offerings from the 2006 vintage. Compared to 2005 the summer of 2006 was cooler and wetter. However, this was off set by a nice fall that allowed the grapes to mature fully. Generally speaking these wines are less extracted and more medium bodied then the ‘05’s. Many of the wines listed below are produced in small numbers so be sure to hunt these gems out early.

2006 Pinot Noir: This varietal continues to show promise when crafted with talented hands. Pinto Noir’s ability to reflect terrior makes it perfectly suited to the slate filled vineyards of the Finger Lakes. This ruby red Pinot Noir opens with a pronounced presence of sour cherry and spice on the nose. The medium body is filled with smooth tannins that leads to a silky finish. A very food friendly Pinot! (FLB: 8.5/10)

2006 Cabernet Franc: A traditional blending grape in Bordeaux, here in the Finger Lakes as well as the Loire Valley it stands very proudly on its own. Due mostly to the early ripening of this varietal it is one of the rising stars. When planted in the best vineyard sites it can truly excel here. The garnet color of this wine leads to a great nose filled with blackberry and smoke. The broad tannins show great structure in the wine and the nice hint of vanilla rounds off the body nicely. (FLB: 7.5/10)

2006 Merlot: This is a varietal along with Cabernet Sauvignon that only really excels in great vintages. This was perhaps my least favorite of the wines we tasted however still a nice effort considering the vintage. Its nose of leather and spice is followed by cherry and very dry tannins. The after taste seemed to lack any dimension, hopefully this will change with some more time in the barrel. (FLB: 6/10)

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon: A very late ripening varietal that really benefits from an extended hang time. The longer it is allowed to develop the more complex and integrated the flavors become. An under rated varietal in the Finger Lakes that can be impressive when judicious vineyard management and quality wine making is combined. This Cabernet Sauvignon has an attractive nose of leather and smoke giving way to a palate of sweet cherry with chocolate becoming more prominent on the long finish. (FLB: 8/10)

2006 Rob Roy Red: A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Unlike traditional Bordeaux blends Cabernet Franc makes up the majority of this blend with its attractive nose of sweet and spice that nicely compliments the blackberry and leather notes on the palate. The smooth dry tannins lead to a nice mouth watering finish.
(FLB: 8.5/10)

2006 Black Russian: A blend of two virtually unheard of varietals, Saperavi and Sereksiya. These two grapes from Eastern Europe combine to create a truly unique wine. The first thing most people notice is the color in the glass that can almost appear to be black. With a nice presence of oak and perfume on the nose the palate exudes plum and blackberry that integrate perfectly with the smooth round tannins. Over all just a great effort that will pair great with venison or roast lamb and will surely age for at least 5-10 years! (FLB 9/10)