Last fall on my way back to college, I stopped at Bully Hill Vineyards in the heart of the Finger Lakes for a tasting. I was just getting into wine and I had to stop when I realized that it was on my route! My parents had their first date here and I am a huge fan of many of their wines, especially the Love My Goat red blend. This winery holds a special place in my heart, and I knew that I would find a new favorite when I visited. Sure enough, I tasted their Baco Noir and brought a bottle home with me!

Fast forward to today, my mom made a roast in the crockpot, mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad. Since I am a vegetarian, I had a plant-based substitute from Beyond Meat. The flavors in Bully Hill’s Baco Noir complimented the meal so well – I wish you could have tasted it with me! The blend has aromas of cherry, vanilla, oak and lots of pepper! On the tongue, it is dry and has a light body which did not stand up to the meats or buttery potatoes as well as I had hoped. However, with some fresh cracked pepper and Italian dressing, this wine came to life after a bite of salad! The nose was confirmed in the mouth with a short finish. Overall, this wine is simple and good for the price. If you are trying to get into red wine, try this! It is very approachable, light and not overwhelming to your senses.

The vines that made the grapes for this wine are actually some of the first Baco Noir vines in the United States. Cuttings of them have been transplanted throughout the country. Traditional Baco Noir is supposed to have ripe raspberry flavors, the Bully Hill wine maker believes that the vines on the estate are a unique variety due to the strong black pepper aromas and flavors. The history, wines and service at Bully Hill are all great – I couldn’t recommend them more!

Vintage: NV

Alcohol: 11%

Producer/Winery: Bully Hill Vineyards

Region: Keuka Lake, Finger Lakes, NY

Grapes: 100% Baco Noir

Price: $10