Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards Review

Address: 44075 Main Rd. Peconic,New York 11971.
Phone Number: 888-295-6188
Tasting Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-5:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-6:00

Region: Long Island AVA, North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York
Reviewer: Joanne Dunne
Review Date: 5/1/2012
Reviewer: Joanne Dunne
Rating: 3

The Review

The Place: &nbspAt almost 100 acres, Osprey’s Dominion is considered one of the larger vineyards, with a large wine tasting room to match. Named for the bird native to the area, Osprey produced their first wine in 1991, and the tasting room was then opened in a renovated farmhouse on the property, as most in this area are. Bud Koehler first purchased the land in the early 1980’s, and he still keeps it all hands-on to this day. The tasting room is a large odd shaped – yet- airy room with a lima bean shape tasting bar, a few tables, and a gift shop with wine and wine accessories. There is a large outdoor patio and visitors are free to walk among the spacious grounds and enjoy their day of tasting.

Osprey is also getting in on some sustainability action with the introduction this season of its new wind turbine.

The Experience: &nbspOn the day of my visit, a Saturday afternoon, it was very busy, and there was live entertainment in one corner of the wine tasting room. A space opened up and we promptly filled it. Our pourer was very prompt in serving us, as there were three pourers that day, perfect for the amount of people standing at the tasting bar. Our flights consisted of a choice of 3 for $5, or 5 for $8. The atmosphere was loud and jovial, although a bit more aloof than in other tasting rooms. This had more to do with the customers than the pourers. I was reminded of going to a bar with a girlfriend in earlier years and finding that everyone was just watching everyone else. In other tasting rooms, the customers seemed to all want to chat and share more in the experience – not so at Osprey. Other than that, the overall tasting was enjoyable, and our pourer made recommendations that worked when we could not decide. He asked us our tastes and was able to make a well-trained decision to make sure we enjoyed our selections.

The Wines: &nbspOsprey has too many awards for its wines to list. Wine Spectator has awarded Osprey wines over 12 different high ratings in 2009 and 2010 combined, mostly in the red wine categories. A full variety of whites, reds, a Gewurztraminer, and a dessert wine are all available. The 2010 Unwooded Chardonnay ($15), at first, had a strong taste that became friendlier with each sip. The 2007 Reserve Merlot received a 90 rating from Wine Spectator, and at $30, is reasonably priced and full of flavor. Osprey is also launching a new limited-edition wine in honor of the vineyards wind turbine, the 2009 Ascent Gentil, a wine blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer, which sounds delicious to this taster, but alas, was not available to sample. Osprey’s Dominion has plenty to choose from for every visitor.