Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: Stop by Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery and taste wines in a converted barn that is nearly a century old. A covered outdoor deck with tables and chairs affords the opportunity to relax next to the vineyard.
Colvis Point was not named for a geological area, but rather for clovis points that were found on Long Island. Clovis points are spear-like points that are estimated to be over 13,000 years old. These are associated with Clovis, New Mexico where they were first discovered in the early nineteenth century. How did some get to Long Island? Some believe it was through trade, while others believe they were deposited by glaciers. A clovis point is prominent on the wine bottle labels at Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery.
The winery and vineyard was started by several partners. We met Hal Ginsburg and Nasrallah Misk during our visit. Other partners include Mary Bayno, Richard Frey, and John and Renae Pine. Hal commented, “Partners always loved wine and the North Fork. This is a good property for the vines.” After establishing the vineyard, the group decided they needed to sell the wine they were making. So they converted a nearly century old animal barn into a comfortable tasting room.
Tasting Room
The tasting room is very comfortable with the honey tones of pine contrasted with mahogany. The long tasting counter can accommodate several people. Chairs made from barrels are around oak barrels used as tables. A large covered deck with tables and chairs is adjacent to the tasting room. The deck was enclosed with a plastic tarp for the winter. In the tasting room, black and white photographs showing the history of the area hang from the walls. The tasting room is homey and conveys the invitation to come and visit often.
Vineyards and Winery
Vineyards were planted in 2001 and the first vintage was in 2004. The eight acres of Merlot and Cabernet Franc almost surround the tasting room. Grapes are also sourced from other vineyards in the North Fork. On the day of our January visit, the vineyards were resting for the winter, exposing the architecture of the vines.
The wine is not made onsite, but rather at a custom crush facility. Premium Wine Group is about four miles away and has state of the art equipment that is used to craft Clovis Point wines. The winemaker, John Leo, works full time at Premium Wine Group and keeps a watchful eye on the Clovis Point wines.
Wines
Kelly Bruer, tasting room manager, spoke of the history of Clovis Point while we tasted several wines. All wines are served in Riedel stemware. Kelly commented that good wines should be served in fine stemware.
The 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay spent ten months in a mixture of new to neutral French oak barrels. The wine was a light gold color and offered apple and pear with a hint of caramel on the aroma and taste. The wine had just a hint of oak and would make a fine pairing with many foods. In contrast two unoaked Chardonnays were tasted from different vintages. Both the 2010 and 2011 Chardonnays had a light gold color and both offered aromatics on the aroma. But they differed on the taste and aftertaste. The 2010 had more body and a longer finish. Both would pair well with foods.
The 2008 Cabernet Franc was made with estate grown grapes. It was a ruby color and had dark fruits and pepper on the aroma. Cherries and pepper were noted on the taste while the finish was crisp with tannins and layers of fruit and spice. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was also a ruby color and offered dark fruit on the aroma. The taste was dark fruits with a hint of licorice. There were tannins on the fruity and spicy finish. The 2007 Merlot Vintner’s Select was a dark ruby color. There was dark fruit and an earthiness on the aroma while the taste offered cherries and blackberries. The finish had bold tannins, was chewy and fruity with spices. The 2007 Archeology was a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The dark purple colored wine had red hues and an intense aroma. The taste was smooth and full bodied and offered dark fruits including blackberries and plum. Bold tannins accompanied the long fruity aftertaste. Both the Archeology and Merlot Vintner’s Select would pair well with food or enjoy sipping by candlelight.
Small Food Plates
Small food plates are available for purchase to enjoy with the Clovis Point wines. Options include cheeses, Tribe Hummus, Black Olive Tapenade, Brix Chocolate, Busseto Sliced Prosciutto and Milano’s NYC Finochiono.
Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery offers a relaxing wine tasting experience. Enjoy the vineyard surroundings while sampling the wines.
Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery
1935 Main Road
Jamesport, New York 11947
GPS: N 40º 57.453’ W 72º 34.309’
Article written January 2013
