Aromas of lush black cherries, coffee grinds and darkly toasted oak meld effortlessly in winemaker Roman Roth’s powerful Long Island Merlot. After 21 months in French oak, the wine is smooth as silk yet intensely focused with a rich fruit palate accented by hints of forest floor and bramble, velvety soft tannins and a balanced astringency. Lovely all around. ——A.I.(12/15/2010)—— 89