Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc “Katherine’s Field” 2011 | North Fork, Long Island, New York, USA
If you’ve been visiting WineWeekly for a while then you’ve seen several reviews of Macari wines from Long Island, NY. I’ve yet to be disappointed by a Macari bottle, and this is no exception.
Nose is a bit unusual, as there is an element I can’t quite identify, except that it’s something I normally associate with well-made homemade wine. It’s kind of like overripe pear — though, not off-putting or anything, just not something I expect to smell in a Sauvignon Blanc. After sitting in the glass for a few minutes, a lovely pineapple scent dominates the aroma as that pear rounds out.
The taste is not like the nose, and there is plenty of Sauvignon character. However, those who usually don’t like Sauvignon Blancs that are too “grassy” or “vegetal” will be pleased to pass this over their palate — because it is more of a ripe, warm, and citrusy Sauvignon, without any of those green / “cat pee” characteristics. The texture is surprisingly smooth, with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Acidity is fairly mild for a Sauvignon, but there is enough to pair with mild fish and poultry dishes.
Depending on where you shop, you should be able to find this wine for somewhere around $19 – $25. You can also purchase it from the Macari Vineyards website.
Find Macari Sauvignon Blanc “Katherine’s Field” 2011 at a retailer near you using Wine-Searcher
Disclosure: I received this wine as a press sample
You can read another review for this wine by Lenn Thompson at New York Cork Report, and reviews for the 2010 vintage of Macari Sauvignon Blanc “Katherine’s Field” at East Coast Wineries, The VIPTable, New York Cork Report, and A Wine Story.
When it comes to wines from the United States, North Fork, Long Island, New York, is not exactly mentioned in the same breath as, say, Napa Valley, but nonetheless this small region does produce drinkable and enjoyable wines. Its Northeast geography lends itself to less consistent and predictable summers, with a climate and soil type that is not necessarily ideal for “traditional” grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Very generally speaking, Long Island summers are better suited for varietals such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Cabernet Franc, which tend to flourish in cooler climes.