There is a romance at Whitecliff Vineyards & Winery and it's between Merlot and Malbec. The two grapes they source from vineyards on Long Island. Last year their Merlot - Malbec won a gold medal at the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition. This year they released a 2015 Merlot - Malbec Rose.
Winemaker Brad Martz has done a great job on the Merlot-Malbec blend and this Rose is no exception. This 2015 Rose blend is 58% Merlot and 42% Malbec and is a rich salmon in color.
Aromas of cherry, raspberry and some floral notes filled the glass. On the palate the Rose was quite a complex. Cranraspberry and dark cherry flavors softly filled my mouth. A nice acid to fruit balance made it very enjoyable. Just as the wine finishes in your mouth there is a burst of red cherry on the finish.
A very versatile Rose. I had it with some Manchego Cheese while waiting for company to arrive. The cheese held its own with the wine.