Wölffer reds' hot summer hits the 90s

Part of the Wölffer lineup of reds

A Long Island winery that often gets good ratings from wine critics and judges usually doesn't get terribly celebratory because it's used to praise. But, the renowned Robert Parker's latest judgment plus comments from other critics are making the folks at Wölffer Estate Vineyard do figurative backflips.

"EPIC SCORES FOR WÖLFFER REDS" blares the headline on its announcement of how well the North End winemaker's 2013 lineup of red wines did in Parker's latest Wine Advocate ratings.

The scores for the Wölffer White Horse Collection of 2013 reds:

• Christian's Cuvee Merlot -- 94+  

• Caya Cabernet Franc -- 93 

 Fatalis Fatum Red Blend -- 93 

• Landius Pinot Noir -- 92 

• Coeur Cheval Petit Verdot -- 92 

• Lambardo Merlot -- 91 

• Cassango Cabernet Sauvignon -- 90

The Christian's and Cssango will not be available until later this summer.

Wölffer winemaker Roman Roth says the 2013 crop "was a year that can be compared to what 1945 was for Bordeaux. It has brought forth one of the most interesting and amazing collections of Long Island wines that can compete with the best in the world."

Noted wine critic critic Mark Squires concurs, saying, "Who can deny that New York is doing a great job of proving how fine winemaking has become in the East in the last generation? You have no more excuses. No more snobbery, no more stereotypes. That is no longer allowed."

The vineyard and winery was founded by the late Christian Wölffer. Since his 2008 death, his children, Joey and Marc Wölffer, and partner Roth have been operating the business.

According to the company, "the original parcel of land was a potato farm with an old farmhouse in what now is the middle of the estate. Over the years, as more acres were acquired, paddocks and stables were added and, in 1988, the vineyard was founded. The 55-acre vineyard is part of a 175-acre estate with boarding stables, 39 paddocks, an indoor jumping ring, and a grand prix field. Both the stables and winery have a European character and, from these former potato fields, world-class wines have come forth. Wölffer Estate Vineyard is an American winery in the classic European tradition."

Wölffer Estate is located at 139 Sagg Road in the Suffolk County community of Sagaponack. Phone: (631) 537-5106.