2013 Paumanok Merlot Grand Vintage 750 ml

Eleven Madison Park’s “Sexy” Merlot

Everyone knows the Hamptons as the seat of luxury in New York, but few know about its viticultural star power — those that do are worth paying attention to. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast both doled out 93-point ratings for the 2013 Paumanok Merlot Grand Vintage, with Wine Advocate calling it “a surprisingly sexy young Merlot with gorgeous fruit and a very graceful demeanor.” Grown on Long Island’s North Fork, the 2013 Merlot Grand Vintage is also featured about 80 miles away in Manhattan, on the wine list at the #1 restaurant in the world, 3-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. Full-bodied, lush, and elegant, the 2013 reflects its luxurious origins. On this first from Wine Access, just 45 cases of our top wine from New York.

Founded in 1983 by owners Ursula and Charles Massoud, Paumanok Vineyards has been awarded New York Wine and Food Classic’s “Winery of the Year” three times. At the 127-acre estate, Merlot ripens exceedingly well, benefiting from a healthy sea breeze aerating the grapes and protecting against rot. The vineyard is densely planted, at 1,110 to 1,400 vines per acre, yielding deep, profound fruit flavor. The 2013 vintage that Wine Enthusiast called “exceptional” brought out the best in this meticulously tended vineyard, producing an “exceptionally ripe yet complexed and balanced Merlot.”

The Wine Advocate preaches the pleasures of decanting the 2013 Merlot Grand Vintage, impressed as “it kept getting better, more serious, more structured and more interesting over a couple of hours.” And, while approachable now, the 2013 has the stuffing and broad structure to improve with time in the cellar. As the Advocate concluded, “Drink it now if you must, but this will become more complex and interesting with time.” Recommended by the case, to drink over the next decade.