The Lerner Project has quickly become synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of wine. Founded with a vision to craft exceptional wines that reflect the terroir and winemaking expertise, the Lerner Project has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts worldwide. In this review, we dive deep into the nuances of their wines, offering a comprehensive analysis and tasting notes that will help you appreciate these wines to the fullest.

Overview of Lerner Project Wines

Lerner Project wines are a true expression of the land they are sourced from. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their natural flavors. The result is a lineup of complex and approachable wines, making them a favorite among wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

Detailed Tasting Notes

The heart of any wine review lies in the tasting notes, which offer a sensory exploration of the wine’s characteristics. Lerner Project wines are meticulously crafted, and each varietal expresses the vineyard’s unique terroir. Below, we delve into the detailed tasting notes of two standout wines from their portfolio: the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Chardonnay.

Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon

• Appearance: A rich, nearly opaque ruby red wine with vivid purple undertones around the rim, the Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon flows into the glass. This visually stunning wine hints at the richness and depth that awaits.
• Aroma: The nose is immediately captivated by an intense bouquet of dark fruits—ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cassis dominate the aroma. As the wine opens, subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of leather emerge, adding complexity. A hint of sweet vanilla and spice from the oak aging surrounds the aromatic profile, creating a balanced and inviting scent.
• Palate: The Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a powerful and full-bodied experience on the palate. The initial flavors of dark fruit—blackberry, plum, and black currant—are bold and concentrated, providing a rich and juicy mouthfeel. Espresso, dark chocolate, and a smidgeon of black pepper all complement the berry flavors. The wine’s structure is supported by firm, well-integrated tannins that give it a solid backbone, while the acidity is well-balanced, adding a refreshing lift to the palate.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and a subtle smokiness. As the wine ages, the tannins become less harsh, leaving the palate feeling silky and smooth. This wine delivers immediate pleasure and promises to evolve beautifully with time in the bottle.

Lerner Project Chardonnay

• Appearance: The Lerner Project Chardonnay catches the light with its pale gold color, shimmering with brilliant clarity. The wine’s appearance hints at its crisp and refreshing nature, while the golden hues suggest a richness characteristic of well-made Chardonnay.
• Aroma: The Chardonnay is a delightful blend of fresh and vibrant aromas on the nose. Citrus notes of lemon zest and grapefruit are immediately noticeable, offering a bright and zesty introduction. As the wine opens, green apple and pear aromas and a subtle hint of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango come to the fore. The wine’s lengthy age in oak barrels has also given rise to a subtle undertone of toast and vanilla, which gives the bouquet more depth and complexity.
• Palate: The palate is where the Lerner Project Chardonnay truly shines. It is crisp and lively, with a pronounced acidity that enlivens the taste buds. The citrus and green apple flavors are fresh and clean, providing a sharp, refreshing quality. These fruit flavors are balanced by a creamy texture, which adds a touch of richness without overwhelming the palate. The oak influence is subtle, contributing a slight buttery note and a hint of spice, enhancing the wine’s overall complexity without dominating the fruit.
• Finish: The finish is clean and vibrant, with citrus and apple notes lingering on the palate. A faint mineral edge adds to the wine’s refreshing quality. The balance between fruit, acidity, and oak is impeccable, making this Chardonnay elegant and approachable, suitable for immediate enjoyment or short-term aging.
• Additional Notes: These wines reflect the meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and the winery. The Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust, layered wine with the potential to age gracefully. At the same time, the Chardonnay offers a beautiful balance of freshness and richness, making it versatile and food-friendly.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The skill of wine and food pairing can enhance the flavor of the meal and the wine, making for a harmonic and pleasurable dining experience. Lerner Project wines offer various pairing possibilities with their well-balanced flavors and complex profiles. Below are tailored food pairing recommendations for the Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, designed to enhance the characteristics of each wine and bring out the best in your meal.

Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon

The Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-bodied wine with rich dark fruit, chocolate, and spice flavors. Its robust structure and firm tannins make it an ideal match for hearty dishes that can withstand its intensity.

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: A classic pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon, a grilled ribeye steak with a good fat marbling will complement the wine’s tannic structure. The steak’s savory, charred flavors enhance the wine’s dark fruit notes, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the meat’s richness, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
• Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic: The earthy and herbal flavors of rosemary and garlic in lamb chops bring out the complexity of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The rosemary amplifies the wine’s subtle notes of tobacco and cedar, while the richness of the lamb pairs beautifully with the wine’s concentrated fruit flavors.
• Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked short ribs, with their tender texture and deep, savory flavors, are an excellent match for the Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s bold tannins help to cleanse the palate after each rich bite, while the dark fruit and spice notes enhance the depth of the dish.
• Aged Cheddar or Gouda: Regarding cheese pairings, aged cheddar or Gouda are perfect partners for this Cabernet Sauvignon. The intense, nutty flavors of the cheese complement the wine’s robust profile, while the wine’s fruitiness balances the sharpness of the cheese.

Lerner Project Chardonnay

The Lerner Project Chardonnay is a crisp, elegant wine with vibrant acidity and a subtle richness from oak aging. Its refreshing citrus and apple flavors, combined with a hint of creaminess, make it a flexible option for many different meals, particularly lighter and more delicate ones.

• Lobster with Drawn Butter: Lobster’s richness, especially when served with drawn butter, pairs beautifully with the Lerner Project Chardonnay’s crisp acidity and subtle creaminess. The wine’s citrus notes brighten the dish, while its buttery undertones mirror the lobster’s richness, creating a luxurious and balanced pairing.
• Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Dill: Chardonnay pairs well with grilled salmon because of its solid texture and tasty, slightly greasy flesh. The wine’s acidity cuts through the salmon’s richness, while the lemon and dill highlight the wine’s citrus and herbal notes. This pairing is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Roast Chicken with Herbs: A simple roast chicken seasoned with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage is elevated when paired with the Lerner Project Chardonnay. The wine’s minerality complements the savory, earthy flavors of the chicken and herbs, while its subtle oak influence adds a touch of complexity to the pairing.
• Butternut Squash Risotto: The creamy texture of a butternut squash risotto harmonizes with the Chardonnay’s smooth, slightly creamy palate. The wine’s bright acidity balances the dish’s richness, and the squash’s sweet, nutty flavors enhance the wine’s fruitiness. This pairing is a comforting and elegant choice.
• Soft Cheeses like Brie or Camembert: Soft, creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert are wonderful companions for the Lerner Project Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness, while its fruit and mineral notes add layers of flavor to the pairing. The subtle oak influence in the Chardonnay complements the mild, buttery taste of these cheeses.
• Vegetarian Pairings: Lerner Project Chardonnay’s versatility also extends to vegetarian dishes. A fresh salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette or a mushroom risotto can be delightful pairings. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness complement the salad’s freshness, while its creamy texture and subtle oak influence enhance the mushrooms’ umami flavors.

Aging Potential and Best Drinking Windows

One of the hallmarks of a great wine is its ability to evolve and improve with time. A wine’s ability to age depends on several elements, such as its composition, harmony, and grape quality. Lerner Project wines, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, are designed for immediate enjoyment and aging, allowing them to develop additional layers of complexity over time. Understanding these wines’ aging potential and best drinking windows can help you get the most out of each bottle, whether enjoying it now or saving it for a special occasion.

Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon

The Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine built for longevity. This wine’s robust structure, characterized by firm tannins, balanced acidity, and concentrated fruit flavors, makes it an excellent candidate for aging. Over time, these elements will integrate and mellow, allowing the wine to reveal new dimensions and subtleties.

• Aging Potential: The Cabernet Sauvignon can age gracefully for 10 to 15 years and, in some cases, even longer, depending on storage conditions. During this time, the primary fruit flavors of blackberry, cassis, and plum will gradually evolve into more complex tertiary notes, such as dried fruit, leather, tobacco, and earthy nuances. Initially firm and prominent, the tannins will soften and become more integrated, leading to a smoother, more refined mouthfeel. The oak influence, which might initially present as vanilla or spice, will blend harmoniously with the other components, adding depth and a lingering finish.
• Best Drinking Window: For those who appreciate a youthful Cabernet with bold fruit and pronounced tannins, the wine can be enjoyed within the first 5 to 7 years. However, if you prefer a more mature, complex expression, allowing the wine to age 8 to 12 years will bring out its full potential. The peak drinking window for Lerner Project Cabernet Sauvignon is typically between 8 to 15 years when the wine’s flavors are fully integrated, and the wine has developed its tertiary characteristics.
• Tips for Aging: For the best age results, keep the wine in a dark, cool environment between 55°Fahrenheit and 60°F (13°Celcius and 15°C). Humidity levels should be maintained around 70%, and the bottles should be stored on their sides to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation. Regularly monitoring the wine’s condition can also help you decide the best time to open and enjoy it.

Lerner Project Chardonnay

While often enjoyed in its youth for its fresh and vibrant character, the Lerner Project Chardonnay can also age beautifully. This wine’s crisp acidity and balanced oak influence provide a strong foundation for aging, allowing it to develop richer, more nuanced flavors over time.

• Aging Potential: Unlike many Chardonnays that are best consumed within a few years of release, the Lerner Project Chardonnay has an aging potential of 5 to 7 years. As the wine ages, the bright citrus and green apple notes will gradually give way to more mature flavors, such as baked apple, lemon curd, and even hints of honey or caramel. The wine’s texture may become creamier, and the oak influence, which provides subtle notes of vanilla and toast, will integrate more seamlessly, adding layers of complexity without overpowering the fruit.
• Best Drinking Window: For those who enjoy a young Chardonnay’s fresh, zesty profile, the first 2 to 3 years after release are ideal for consumption. However, if you prefer a more developed, rounded Chardonnay with enhanced richness and complexity, aging the wine for 4 to 6 years will yield the best results. The peak drinking window for Lerner Project Chardonnay is generally between 3 to 7 years, depending on your personal preference for the wine’s flavor evolution.
• Tips for Aging: Like the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Chardonnay should be stored in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures and moderate humidity. Keeping the bottles on their sides will help preserve the cork’s integrity. It’s also a good idea to periodically taste a bottle every couple of years to track its development and determine when it has reached your preferred stage of maturity.

Understanding the Evolution of Lerner Project Wines

The evolution of Lerner Project wines during aging is a fascinating process that rewards patience. As the wines mature, they transition from their youthful, fruit-forward phases to more sophisticated expressions, where secondary and tertiary flavors emerge. Through this technique, the wine’s flavor can be better understood and appreciated, adding richness to the drinking experience.

Value for Money and Where to Buy

Discerning buyers often look for the perfect balance between quality and price when investing in a bottle of wine. Although positioned in the premium segment, Lerner Project wines deliver exceptional value for money. This is especially true when considering the meticulous craftsmanship, quality of the grapes, and the winery’s commitment to sustainable and minimal intervention practices. Below, we explore the value proposition of Lerner Project wines and guide you on where to purchase them.

Value for Money

Lerner Project wines stand out in the crowded landscape of premium wines, offering a compelling blend of quality, complexity, and aging potential. Here’s why they represent excellent value:

• Quality Craftsmanship: Lerner Project’s dedication to quality is evident in every bottle. Every stage of the winemaking process, from the meticulous selection of vineyard locations to the low-intervention method, is intended to bring out the best in the grapes. The result is wines that are well-balanced, expressive, and capable of aging gracefully, which enhances their value over time.
• Terroir-Driven Wines: The unique terroir of Lerner Project’s vineyards imparts distinct characteristics, making them delicious and reflecting their origin. This sense of place adds to the wine’s value, as it offers an authentic expression of the region.
• Aging Potential: Wines that improve with age are inherently valuable, as they offer an evolving experience for the drinker. The Cabernet Sauvignon and the Chardonnay from the Lerner Project are excellent investments for collectors and wine connoisseurs since they can age and gain more character.
• Comparative Value: Compared to other wines in a similar price range, Lerner Project wines often surpass expectations in terms of quality and longevity. This makes them a smart choice for those seeking premium wines without venturing into the ultra-luxury category.

Where to Buy

Lerner Project wines are available through various channels, both online and in select retail stores. To help you find the best deals and availability, here’s a table summarizing where you can purchase Lerner Project wines:

Retailer	Website	Wine Selection	Price Range	Shipping	Special Offers
Official Lerner Project Website	lernerprojectwines.com	Full Range	$40 – $150 per bottle	Available in most states	Exclusive releases and allocations
Wine.com	wine.com	Selected Varietals	$45 – $140 per bottle	Nationwide with conditions	Discounts on mixed cases
Vivino	vivino.com	User-rated Varietals	$50 – $160 per bottle	International shipping available	User reviews, occasional promotions
Local Fine Wine Retailers	Visit in person or check local listings	Varies by location	$50 – $160 per bottle	In-store pickup or local delivery	Wine club memberships, loyalty points
Total Wine & More	totalwine.com	Limited Selection	$45 – $130 per bottle	Available in select states	In-store tastings, member discounts

Key Considerations When Buying:

• Official Website: The widest range of Lerner Project wines, including limited-edition releases that might not be found anywhere else, can be purchased straight from the website. Additionally, buying directly supports the winery, ensuring you get the freshest possible vintages.
• Wine.com and Vivino: These platforms provide a convenient way to purchase Lerner Project wines online. Customer reviews can help guide your selection. They offer occasional discounts, especially when purchasing mixed cases or promotional periods.
• Local Retailers: If you would rather buy locally, inquire with upscale wine merchants in your neighborhood. They may offer in-store tastings, which allow you to try before you buy, and some retailers provide loyalty programs or memberships that offer additional savings.
• Price Range: While Lerner Project wines are priced in the premium segment, ranging from $40 to $160 per bottle, the quality and potential for aging make them a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re purchasing a single bottle for a special occasion or stocking your cellar, these wines offer exceptional value for the price.

Conclusion

Lerner Project wines stand out for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable expression of terroir. Whether exploring Cabernet Sauvignon or savoring their Chardonnay, you’re in for an exceptional wine experience. These wines showcase excellent winemaking and show the love and care that go into each bottle.

FAQs

What makes Lerner Project wines unique?

Lerner Project wines are known for their minimal intervention approach, allowing the grapes to showcase their natural flavors and the unique characteristics of the vineyard’s terroir.

Can I age Lerner Project wines?

Yes, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon, which has an excellent aging potential of up to 15 years.

Where can I buy Lerner Project wines?

Lerner Project wines are available at select fine wine retailers, online platforms like Wine.com, and directly from the Lerner Project website.

What foods pair well with Lerner Project Chardonnay?

Lerner Project Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses.

Are Lerner Project wines worth the price?

Absolutely. The quality and craftsmanship behind Lerner Project wines justify their price, offering excellent value for premium wine.

Additional Resources

• Lerner Project Official Website
• Wine.com – Lerner Project Wines
• Vivino – Lerner Project Wines