Visiting Bashakill Vineyards

I don't often get to Baskakill Vineyards. It's located off Route 17 just as you cross over from Orange County to Sullivan County.  It's really a beautiful setting in the Bashakill Reserve.  Heading up to Bethel Woods this summer to see Ringo Starr had me leaving early just so I can stop by and see Paul.(It's on the way)

It's been a while since I was there. Probably 2 years and he's had some editions. First editions were the Babydoll Sheep.  I'd say they were his kids.

The next is Paul built himself a wine cave!  I was impressed and it looks beautiful!  It's so nice to see the his growth!  He is now up to 1200 cases a year.  Kudos to him.

We tasted 7 wines while we were there and all wines ranged from $14 - $17.  I was really impressed with two of his whites - The 2011 Wood Duck and the 2011 Osprey.

The Wood Duck is a Chardonnay aged in half oak and half steel then blended together.  It had a hints of oak and butter but nothing overpowering and it had some excitement to it.

The 2011 Osprey I was really the winner of the two for me.  It is made from 100% Vignoles and I must say, I think that is the first 100% Vignoles wine I've had.  It is a semi sweet wine, and acidity was so balanced.  Flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and hints of honeysuckle.  Soft on the mouth feel and not as sweet as one might think.

His reds were very well crafted to and I don't want to ignore them.  The 2010 Dragonfly is made with 90% Lemberger grapes he purchases from the shores of Keuka Lake and 10% Chancellor.  This was very palatable for me as I am just beginning to explore the Lemberger wines.

The 2010 Blue Heron is made with 100% Chancellor and had notes of cedar, spice, cherry and dark fruit.

If you are traveling up Route 17 heading to the Catskills, I would recommend a stop at Bashakill.

Hudson Valley Wineries use Babydoll Southdown Sheep for Weed Management

Two wineries in the Hudson Valley, BashaKill Vineyards and Benmarl Winery are using Babydoll Southdown Sheep to manage weeds and fertilize their vineyards. It's their effort to use more organic fertilizers and the sheep help with the weeding and aeration of the soil.  This allows them to use more sustainable vineyard practices. 

What are Babydoll Shouthdown Sheep? They are an ancient breed of sheep with sweet, teddy bear faces and because of their diminutive size, miniature Southdowns make outstanding weeders for use in vineyards.  They are only 24 inches tall when mature, and so can’t easily reach the grapes. Their small hooves help break the soil surface without compacting it. They move easily up and down hills, and can get into a field or vineyard much earlier than machinery can. And not only do they provide an organic alternative to pesticides and expensive mowing operations, their recycled grass (manure) helps improve soil fertility as well.

Babydoll Southdown sheep originated in the South Downs of Sussex County, England. They are considered to be one of the oldest of the sheep breeds. They have a docile disposition and extremely fine wool, similar to that of Cashmere goats. These small sheep are also known for their hardiness and easy care when compared to more modern breeds.  

When visiting both BashaKill and Benmarl, they care and treat the sheep just like you or I do with our dogs. (although I doubt the sheep are sleeping the their beds with them) They talk proudly about their Babydolls just like they were talking about their children (and neither of them have any that I know of)

Dragonfly over the Bashakill

Bashakill Vineyards is Sullivan County's first farm winery.  Located in the BashaKill Reserve.  I've have seen the quality of wine improve dramatically in the past few years at Bashakill and their 2011 Cabernet Franc won the best in show at the 2011Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.

I recently opened up their 201 Dragonfly which is a blend of Blaufrankish (Lemberger) and 5% Chancellor aged in stainless steal.

Aromas of plum and blackberry filled the glass. Dark fruit on the palate leading way to pomegranate,  black raspberry and plum.  A bit of herbs mid palate, with a nice soft finish. There was a bit of freshness in this wine that brought some excitement to the palate.

If Paul has any left it sells for $14 in the tasting room.  I will be heading up to his tasting room this Saturday, so I am hoping to be able to taste their new releases.

Hudson Valley Wine Awards

I had the opportunity to deliver two of the three Hudson Valley Wine awards this past week.  I was unable to get to BashaKill Vineyards in Wurtsboro.  Sorry Paul. Look for it in the mail soon!

I'll begin with Paul DeNinnino whose 2010 Black Bear Cabernet Franc won for Best in Show. Congrats Paul!

I stopped in at Clinton Vineyards to present them with the Valerie Eldridge Cup for Best Hudson Valley Wine. This awarded was for their Jubilee.

A short ride down the Dutchess Wine Trail path led me to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery who won the Hudson Valley Winery of the Year award.  After wandering around the winery I found Stacy who insisted we have John Graziano their winemaker pose for the picture.

Congratulations to all of you!  Happy Holidays!

BashaKill Vineyards Building a Cave

We have all heard it referred to as a "Man Cave." But...Paul Deninno of Bashakill Vineyards is constructing a Wine Cave.  When I first met Paul a few years ago, just after he opened, he told me his plans were to build a cave in the hillside of his winery.  Congratulations to Paul as now he is in the midst of building his wine cave which will be 40 feet deep, 16 feet wine and 9 feet high when complete.

There will be room for 20 - 25 barrels and a tasting bar when complete.  Paul is looking forward to bringing his red wines to a new level by aging them in the cave.  Note: This year Paul's Cabernet Franc called Black Bear won a Double Gold and best red wine in the Hudson Valley Wine Competition.  I was so proud of Paul!  Can't wait to taste the wines a few years after they've been aged in the new cave.

Recently Elaina Athans from YNN interviewed Paul about the cave.  To view the video click here.

Coyote on the Run at Bashakill Vineyards

  

Tucked away in Wurtsboro, NY is Bashakill Vineyards.  Paul and I stopped there on our way to Bethel Woods to see a concert in August and came home with a bottle of 2009 Bashakill Coyote.

This is a young Cabernet Sauvignon that is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc and aged in American oak for 10 months.  This is a wine that needs to age for at least another year or so.

The wine had wicked color.  I realize it looks more inky but held up to the light it was garnet red.

The bouquet was a bit herbaceous with menthol and hints of a barnyard and wood.  As I tasted the wine, I got sour cherry with hints of tobacco.  My favorite is on the finish, thanks to the Cabernet Franc.....soft white pepper.

I think there is more potential for this wine if it's left to age for at least another year in the bottle.  Unfortunately we only purchased one bottle.  So if you have one in your cellar, hold on and open it next year and tell me your thoughts.

A stop at Bashakill Vineyards

Basha Kill - The area between the Shawangunks and the Catskills, flowing south from Summitville to join the Neversink below the wetlands and onto the Delaware.  In this tiny micro climate we find Bashakill Vineyards

We stopped at BashaKill on our way to Bethel Woods for a concert.  The vineyard is located just as you cross into Sullivan County from Orange County on Route 17. I was at BaskaKill last year and did a series of interviews with Paul Deninno, owner and winemaker.(click here to view them).  It was nice to visit again and see the progress Paul has made.

Unfortunately Paul was not there as he had a wedding to attend, but his brother-in-law did a great job filling in.  They are growing nicely and have increased production from 1000 cases last year to 2000 cases this year.    

We began the tasting with their 2009 Estate White Tail.  This was made from their first full crop of organically grown Cayuga White grapes and is a sparkling wine.  On the nose I smelled lots of yeast.  I found this slightly sweet and grapey. It retails for $22.

Next we tasted 2009 Barn Owl which is made with Gewurztraminer.  It had nice balance and spice.  Retails for $15.   Then we moved onto the reds.

2009 Dragonfly made from Lemberger grapes.  I have to admit, Lemberger is my least favorite but Paul did a great job with this wine.  I was not overcome by bacon or bologna which is what personally turns me off to this wine. The flavors were mild and had soft tannins.  This wine sells for $14.

Now the Cab Franc - 2009 Black Bear.  This is made from 100% Cabernet Franc and aged for 10 months in medium toast American Oak barrels.  I did get a slight bell pepper on the nose along with some oak and cherry.  The wine had notes of bright cherry, black currant, vanilla and a hint of raspberry. I think this wine along with the next would benefit with aging a few years. This wine sells for $15

The last wine we tasted was the 2009 Coyote.  This is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  It has a very earthy nose that comes into hints of black cherry.  The wine had flavors of black currant, cherry and black pepper on the finish.  This wine would also benefit with some aging.  It sells for $15 in the tasting room.

If you are driving up or down Route 17, I suggest a stop at BashaKill Vineyards.  Paul has music on the weekends, so pack a picnic and relax.  Also just across the street is the BashaKill Management Area.  Don't forget to take a walk down there and see some of the wildlife and learn about the BashaKill.

Interview with Paul Deninno - conclusion

Here is the concluding video in my series of interviews with Paul Deninno of Bashakill Vineyards.

Interview with Paul Deninno part 4

Bashakill Vineyards Interview Part 3

Please enjoy part 3 of my interview with Paul Deninno of Bashakill Vineyards

Interview with Paul Deninno - Part 2

Part 2 of 5 of my interview with Paul Deninno of Bashakill Vineyards. I hope you enjoy the series.

Interview with Paul Deninno of Basha Kill Vineyards

Last weekend I strolled up to Basha Kill Vineyards to speak with Paul Deninno. What a wonderful place he has, tucked away in the BashaKill. Funny, driving up Route 17 and coming down the hill, before the exit, I saw that looked like wetlands that must have been carved out from a glacier. The next thing I knew I was driving through those wetlands to BashaKill.

I'd like to introduce you to Paul Deninno of BashaKill Vineyards, Sullivan County's first winery, in part 1 of my interview.