Maryland

REVIEW: Big Cork Vineyards 2017 Russian Kiss

Item: REVIEW: Big Cork Vineyards 2017 Russian Kiss
Rating: 88
Author: Lenn Thompson

By Lenn Thompson on August 13, 2018 0 Comments

Producer: Big Cork Vineyards
Region: Maryland
Grapes: Blend of Muscat and Russian grape varieties (SK77-53, SK77-10-69 and XIV 186)
ABV: 11.5%
Price: $29*

* Review sample provided by the winery

Big Cork Vineyards 2017 Russian Kiss

88 points

Citrus-driven, the nose offers notes of lemon and white grapefruit along with classic muscat floral qualities. The lighter-bodied palate is lithe in its balance between citrus fruits, starfruit, subtle floral flavors and juicy acidity. The finish is medium-length with a distinct green apple note.

Winemaker Dave Collins seems to have taken this formerly off-dry wine in a much drier direction this year. I like the change.

About Author

Lenn Thompson

Lenn Thompson, a proud Pittsburgh, PA native, moved to Long Island more than a decade ago and quickly fell in love with the region’s dynamic and emerging wine community. A digital and content marketing and community professional by day, he founded NewYorkCorkReport.com in early 2004 to share his passion for the wines, beers and spirits of New York State. After running that site -- which became the premier source for independent New York wine commentary, reviews and news -- for 12 years, he launched TheCorkReport.us in late 2016 to add the wines of Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont and beyond to his beat. Lenn currently serves as the wine columnist for The Suffolk Times weekly newspaper and is the former editor of the Long Island Wine Gazette. He contributes or has contributed to publications like Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Beverage Media, Edible Brooklyn, Edible East End and Edible Hudson Valley. Lenn served on the board of directors for Drink Local Wine, and is the creator and founder of TasteCamp, an annual regional wine immersion conference for writers and trade. An admitted riesling and cabernet franc fanatic, he’s intensely passionate about eating local and the many local wine regions of America. Lenn lives in Miller Place, NY with his wife Nena, son Jackson, daughter Anna and their dog, Casey Lemieux Thompson.