Winemaker Notes
From hand-harvested vines on the North Fork of Long Island. The grapes were entirely destemmed to add emphasis on the fruit profile. The wine was aged in French oak (20% new) for 17 months. Excellent with steak and fries.
Onabay combines vines planted in the 1990s and high density, high quality selected clones, crating a perfect balance. This wine in fact is well balanced with flavors of plum and liquorice and a mineral finish. All supported by a smooth tannin. Earthy and velvety at the same time, typical qualities of good Merlot. Winemaker Description.
Onabay Vineyards' nineteen acres are dedicated to growing the best Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Chardonnay grapes the vintage allows. Onabay combines original plantings from the 1990s with more recent high density plantings of the highest quality clonal selections. This synthesis gives Onabay the advantage of consistently harvesting balanced, flavorful grapes that surpass the region's expectations.
Brad Anderson is committed to growing, producing and bottling world-class wines with the help of a very talented team, including vintner Bruce Schneider, winemaker/grape grower John Leo, and viticulturalist, Bill Ackermann. Francesca Anderson, renowned botanical artist, created the drawings of herons that make the Onabay labels so distinctive. Daughter, Mia C. Anderson's poems also grace the labels. A published poet, Mia's love of natural history and environmental themes lend themselves perfectly to the Onabay mission.
Chiara Anderson Edmands oversees the marketing of Onabay Vineyards. She and her husband, Ben, delight in pairing the family wines with the delicious bounty of the North Fork. And their three children are growing up immersed in the natural magic of this land, where winter snow leads to spring blossoms, and summer exuberance yields sweet ripe grapes.
Two generations of Andersons are now involved in artisanal winemaking. The third generation may soon be prepared to continue that commitment. Winemaker Description.