Laurel Lake Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Laurel Lake Vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island offers a sparkling white colonial facility with vineyards and a sophisticated, carefully maintained tasting room and with a two-story deck. In addition to traditional red and white wines, Laurel Lake Vineyards produces a sparkling Moscato.
Francisco Gilmore and Alejandro Parot who bought an existing vineyard started Laurel Lake Vineyards in 1997. They also own wineries in Chile. The owners refer to Laurel Lake Vineyards as the “Jewel of Long Island.” Laurel Lake was given its name because of the pond that was on the site and the nearby Laurel Lake.
Tasting Room
The tasting room is on the upper floor of the winery. The large tasting room is also used for events. Black wrought iron tables contrast the golden oak flooring. The serpentine curved golden wood tasting counter is elegant. Two framed maps of Chile detail the wine regions of that country. To the side of the tasting room a large two-story deck, providing views of the vineyards, is available for enjoying a glass of wine.
Laurel Lakes Vineyards has 25 acres of vines. Varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The winery sources Riesling from New York’s Finger Lakes region. They also source and sell grapes to other Long Island wineries.
The winery and barrel room are on the lower level. The winemaker uses French and American oak barrels. Wines are fermented in stainless steel and oak.
White Wines
The best selling wines in the tasting room are the Moscato and the Riesling. Chardonnay Estate Reserve 2010 was a yellow color with an aroma of apple. The creamy taste also had apple plus a hint of toast. The finish was crisp and fruity. Pair this Chardonnay with seafood. Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was a pale straw color. The aroma offered delicate citrus notes notably grapefruit. The dry taste was smooth with citrus nuances. Pair this wine with seafood, cheese, poultry or sushi. The wine would be enjoyable as a 3P (porch, patio, pool) wine. Riesling 2011 was in a decorative blue bottle. The aroma was fruity and the taste was sweet with fruit. The wine dried on the finish. A suggest pairing was spicy food but this wine would be good alone. Wind Song was an off dry-wine with light strawberry nuances. The taste was slightly sweet and fruity. The finish had a trace of sweetness. Suggested pairings included pasta, sandwiches and cheeses.
Red Wines
Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 was red with a Sienna hue. The aroma and taste had cherry and plum notes while the taste also offered some vanilla. The crisp finish had mild tannins and fruit. Merlot 2009 was red with a Sienna hue. The aroma offered cherry notes while the taste had cherry with a hint of licorice. The crisp finish was fruity with tannins. Credence Meritage 2007 was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Sangiovese. The aroma offered black fruits and spice nuances. The taste had black fruits and hints of licorice and leather. The crisp finish with tannins had fruit yielding to spice.
Dessert Wine
Moscato Sparkling was a straw color. The aroma and taste offered floral nuances. This is a dessert wine. Pairings suggested were mildly acidic fruits and strong cheeses.
Events
Public and private events take place in the beautifully maintained colonial style tasting room. Public events at the winery include wine festivals as well as small group tastings. A variety of private events can include weddings, rehearsal dinners and baby showers.
When visiting North Fork wineries plan to include a visit to Laurel Lake Vineyards.
Laurel Lakes Vineyards
3165 Main Road (Rte. 25)
Laurel, New York 11948
GPS: N40º 58.353’ W72º 33.490’
Article written January 2013
