2005 Wölffer Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Cassango

New York Cork Report

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/1/2009, (See more on New York Cork Report...) 4 out of 5 stars

  (Wolffer Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Cassango) But this wine, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, is proof that in hot years like 2005, Long Island cabernet sauvignons can be both intensely flavorful and elegantly age-worthy. A rich, deep purple in the glass, the nose is just as dark and intense, with aromas of crushed blackberries, black cherries and figs backed by toasty vanilla, minty-basil and faint smoke notes. Medium bodied and ripe across the board--fruit and tannins--the flavors closely match the aromas with a long, earthy finish that hints at gravelly, mineral character. Drinking well now after decanting, this one will improve for years--even a decade or more. Only 157 cases were made.