Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

“I Love NY” is just one of the accomplishments of Millbrook Winery owner John Dyson. He created this campaign in one of his many roles, including that of a wine producer. This powerhouse and his wife, Kathe, own world-renowned Pinot Noir producer William-Selyem, and Villa Pillo winery in Tuscany, in addition to the New York property. John discovered wine while attending Cornell University’s College of Agriculture. He purchased a jug of wine to impress a date, and was so taken with it (if not the date) that he enrolled in the famed Cornell Hotel School wine class.

Millbrook Winery was the Hudson River Region’s first vineyard dedicated exclusively to the production of vinifera grapes. Their first commercial vintage was in 1985. Along with Pinot Noir, Tocai Friulano, and Cabernet Franc, the winery is very well known for a lovely Burgundian style Chardonnay. Most of the thirty acres of vineyards are planted on southwest facing slopes and have gravely soil for good drainage. The winery produces approximately 10,000 cases per year, and is located along the Dutchess Wine Trail.

This Burgundian-style, complex Pinot Noir is light to medium-bodied with a gorgeous ruby hue. Its heady perfume entices immediately with pink rose, cranberry, cherry cola and baking spice. On the palate it is silky and lacy in texture, and has primal, earthy notes with mushroomy undertones. Tannins are rich, fine, and round. This is a great option for of those weary of big blockbuster fruit-bomb reds.

Reviewed February 11, 2008 by Catherine Fallis.