Broadfields Merlot, 2002, North Fork of Long Island

It’s a brownish deep-red with purple hues and almost pinot-like in color. The nose gives off aromas of musk, french oak, sweet tobacco, tomato sauce, wild herbs, and plum. The Broadfields is light to medium bodied but complex with a long satisfying finish. The fruit shines more on the palate than on the nose. There are notes of cranberry, raspberry, tangerine, orange popsicle, and a white-pepper tinged acidity. This Merlot has a slight tartness that builds on the mid-palate but rounds off right when you want it to on the finish. The bottle age seems to have done wonders for this wine as all the flavors have integrated so well together. Some might be put off by the lighter style but it prevents the wine from being flabby while still retaining some big fruit-forward flavors. The tannins are smooth and I couldn’t pick up even a touch of heat. The Broadfields is one of the more elegant Merlots I have ever had. I think that it is drinking at its prime right now but could still last a few more years. It’s a great value for around twenty bucks. Next time you are in Williamsburg, go for a tasting at Bridge and get a glimpse into the awesome winemaking work that is being done in the state of New York. Oh yeah and be sure to say hi to that cute girl from Ashland that is working there!