Oak Summit 2011 Chardonnay

Oak Summit is one of the most beautiful spots on the east side of the Hudson. The view is amazing from the top as is the growing site.

The 2011 Chardonnay had aromas of apple and pear. The palate was full of pear, citrus and apple.  It was nicely balanced with not much oak influence.  Very subtle oak and a very nice Chardonnay.

A Day of Harvesting at Oak Summit Vineyard

Oak Summit Vineyard is located in Millbrook NY just of Route 82, owned by John and Nancy Bruno.  John sent me a note and told me he was harvesting his Chardonnay on Saturday and invited me for lunch.  When John invites you to lunch you don't say no.

John grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.  He keeps the Pinot Noir for himself and I must say he makes one of the finest Hudson Valley Pinot Noirs around  He has a total of 6 acres devoted to vines - 1.5 Pinot Noir, 3 Chardonnay and 1.5 Cabernet Franc.

The Pinot Noir was picked on September 15.  It came in with brix of 24, pH of 3.2 and TA of 8g/L.  It's going to make a wonderful wine.  The Chardonnay harvested on Saturday came in at 23.5 Brix, 3.25pH and TA of 8g/L.   The Cabernet Franc is still hanging on the vine.

So what does John do with the Cab Franc and Chard.  Well...the Chardonnay was sold to Millbrook Vineyards.  You will find these grapes in the Proprietor's Special Reserve Chardonnay.  The Cabernet Franc was purchased this year by Tousey Winery in Germantown NY. Tousey is a fairly new winery in the Hudson Valley.  Their tasting room should be opening sometime this fall from what I am told.

John told me this year's harvest was remarkable because it was so early.  He said it was perfect, text-book weather that contributed to high sugars and great acid balance at an earlier date than anyone can remember.

Here are pictures of the vineyards, property, harvest, lunch and road leading up to the vineyard.  If you know  John, you will be laughing at the road signs on the climb. Just remember to duck... Enjoy...

Oak Summit Pinot Noir

Tucked away on a hilltop in Millbrook, NY is Oak Summit Vineyard. I first met John Bruno a few years ago when I had to pick up wine for the Hudson Valley Wine Competition. That year his Pinot Noir won a Gold Medal. This bottle of 2007 Oak Summit Pinot Noir was a left over bottle from the 2009 Hudson Valley Wine Competition, which it received a Silver Medal. I finally got around to opening it.

I have always found John's wines very good, and this is no exception. This Pinot had a nice ruby color with an earthy nose that had a hint of spice. The texture was smooth and lightly silky. There were hints of dark fruit and black raspberry.It seemed the more the wine opened, the less earthy it became. This was not a fruit forward Pinot Noir. If that is what you like, I am not quite sure if you will enjoy this bottle.

Oak Summit is only open by appointment and he they produce Pinot Noir.