-Official Long Island Wine Considered Best in Vineyard’s History-

Old Brookville Vineyards, the only commercial wine concern in Nassau County, has released its 2001 Chardonnay Gold Coast Reserve. The 2001 harvest was considered the best quality in the vineyard’s history and the wine is the second to be produced following the establishment of Long Island as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

“The 2001 grape harvest was healthy with ideal sugar content and good acidity,” reported Old Brookville Chardonnay’s vineyard manager Bob Whiting. Some unusually late frost in May affected the budding vines and caused lower yield, but created a natural selection for quality. “Thanks to good weather during the rest of the growing season, warmer and dryer than recent vintages, the 2001 is considered the best in our 15-year history here,” added Mr. Whiting.

The vineyard annually culls the best of its production for its Gold Coast Reserve Chardonnay and sells off the remainder in bulk. Though the 2001 total yield was only 35 tons compared to the more average 88 tons of vintage 2000, due to the quality, Old Brookville still produced the same amount of Gold Coast Reserve – 1,500 cases. Unfortunately, no Gold Coast Reserve Chardonnay will be produced from the 2002 harvest since the entire crop was destroyed by several severe and untimely frosts.

Old Brookville Chardonnay is vinified at Premium Cellars in Mattituck, Suffolk County. Vinification techniques include 100% barrel fermentation and aging in 20% new French Oak barrels to increase the wine’s depth of flavor. A 750ml bottle of Old Brookville Chardonnay retails for around $14.00.