Bedell Cellars
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Bedell Cellars on Long Island offers a modern tasting room with viewing windows of the winery production area. Bedell Cellars specializes in blending wines. Their 2009 Merlot was served at the 2013 Inaugural luncheon.
Kip and Susan Bedell started Bedell Cellars in 1980. Originally the property was one of Long Island’s potato farms. In 2000, Michael Lynne purchased Bedell Cellars. Michael was the executive producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Today, he is on the board of the Museum of Modern Art. Lynn commissions artists for the winery’s artist series.
The off-white Bedell Cellars winery building with white trim is charming and inviting from the parking area. Just outside of the tasting room is an Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Employees and visitors use this convenient charging station.
Tasting Room
Inside, the tasting room features three levels. The tasting room is stylistic with basic colors of white and black with bright red highlights. Art is a major feature in the tasting room. Wines, books and wine related items are displayed on black shelves. Black barrelheads adorn the base of the tasting counter. The tasting room has several black bistro tables with chairs.
The top two levels offer views of the winery and vineyards. It is fascinating to get a birds eye view of a winery in motion. On the day of our visit, workers were using the bottling line to bottle a wine. From the second level you can also get a view into the barrel room. A fireplace is on the second level. With tables and chairs it makes an ideal spot to enjoy a glass of Bedell Cellars wine. The third level offers views of the vineyards.
Vineyards
Currently Bedell has three vineyards sites that total 80 acres. The Bedell vineyards are on the same property as the tasting room and winery. This vineyard with 29.7 acres includes grape varieties: Albarino, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Viognier. The Corey Creek Vineyard has 21.9 acres including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The third vineyard, Wells Road Vineyard has 22.1 acres with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted at the winery.
Sparkling Wine
Bedell Cellars specializes in creating wine blends. Sparkling Rosé 2011, a dark salmon color, was blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The aroma and taste had light berry fruit notes. The finish was crisp and cleansing.
White Wines
Taste White 2011 was a light yellow. This was a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Riesling. The aroma offered floral and citrus. The taste was of citrus with some tropical and mineral nuances. The finish was crisp and citrusy. Chardonnay 2011 was a straw color. The wine was produced in stainless steel and French oak. The wine offered a light aroma with a dry, fruit taste. The finish was dry and crisp with pear and apple notes. Gallery 2010 was a blend of barrel aged Chardonnay and stainless steel Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The aroma had notes of bread dough. The slightly sweet taste offered apple and pear with a touch of honeysuckle and caramel.
Rosé Wine
Taste Rosé 2011 was a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This wine was dry and fruity with a dry finish. This wine would pair well with food.
Red Wines
Cabernet Franc 2011 was a light ruby color. The aroma had notes of red fruits and was floral. The taste offered cherry and plum nuances. The crisp finish had mild tannins. First Crush was a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. The taste was of red berries reminiscent of red raspberries. The taste was smooth with dark red berry and pepper notes. The finish also had pepper nuances. Merlot 2010 was produced as Bedell Cellars 30th Anniversary Release. The wine was a dark purple with red hues. Red fruit notes lingered on the finish. Taste Red 2010 was a ruby wine made with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The aroma and taste had notes of red and black berry fruits and leather. The finish was crisp and fruity with fruit yielding to leather and spice. The tannins were chewy. The Merlot 2009 was served at the 2013 Inauguration luncheon paired with bison. The dark ruby wine offered an aroma of red fruits with a taste of cherry, raspberry, and earthy tones. The finish had tannins and was chewy.
When visiting Bedell Cellars on Long Island, take time to enjoy a glass of Bedell wine at a table overlooking the winery.
Bedell Cellars
36225 Main Road, RT 25,
Cutchogue, New York 11935
GPS: N41º 01.743’ W72º 28.113’
Article written January 2013
