Like an Explosion of Awesome: A Veggie Burger w/ Bacon and Long Island Wine

Say What????

Thanks mostly entirely to the work of Lenn at the  NY Wine Superblog Lenndevours.  My mind and palate has become open to potential of wine in NY State. 

I recently received a number of samples from Water's Crest Winery  on Long Island, and it was time to dig into the drink.  When I taste, I judge the wine both on its own merits in a controlled setting, but also try to have some food along with it-  both to see how it pairs, and also because if pleasurable, I want to consume the bottle (or part of it)  in the most enjoyable way-- with a meal.

So what does one pair with a Long Island Blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon???  "The Dirty Veggie™"  The legendary Dirty South Wine original-- A Veggie Burger topped w/ cheese and bacon (a turkey was harmed, mortally,  in the production of this bacon).

(Tots on the side keepin' it real!)

2005 Water's Crest Campania Rossa (recieved as a winery sample)
(73% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 12% Cab Sauvignon)  Approx. $35.

Beautiful color.  Cherry red.  A nice nose of mint, chocolate covered cherries, and some earth.  Medium bodied on the palate w/ a touch of sour acids (almost Sangiovese like), medium tannins, and a long finish. 

Wow.  Easy drinkin', curious juice.  Delivered some joy and interest.  Paired w/ the Dirty Veggie?  It worked great!  The bacon on the burger delivered enough smoke, fat, and animal, the cheese (pepper jack 2009!) provided depth, and because the wine is not a huge tannic monster, the low fat veggie burger worked fine.  Throw some tots on the side as a palate cleanser, and it was good times at Chez Dirty.

So-  Straightforward, good juice, balanced-- Thumbs up.  The challenge to me, pricing.  It is a good bottle of wine, but for me, it is about $10-$15 too high.  This is the challenge I have with a lot of East Coast wines.  Some deliver an excellent product, but for the money, I can still find more value overseas.

Again, I liked this wine, I would happily serve it at home.  The price of entry is just steep for me.