It’s a bit like Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile in 1954 and setting the standard for others to come.
Bedell Cellars’ 2007 Musée has set a new record for Long Island red wines with an award of 91 points from Wine Spectator magazine. It comes as happy news but no surprise to me. I have been an admirer (and whenever I can, a drinker) of Musée since I tasted the inaugural 2005 vintage almost three years ago at a party hosted by Bedell Cellars owner Michael Lynne at The Modern restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art.
Lynne’s pursuit of excellence in winemaking is to be expected. He is, after all, one of the country’s most prominent film producers (Lord of the Rings, among many others). He’s also an important art collector, and the Musée label, with an original daguerreotype created by Chuck Close, is a knockout, one of the most beautiful labels in the wine world.
Musée is a merlot-predominant blend with sensuous and complex aromas and a lush taste. At $75 it delivers on every benchmark that you expect from an ambitious and serious wine. Not to mention the thrill of having that gorgeous bottle on your table.