Palmer Vineyards Cabernet Franc Added to Wine List at Darden's Seasons 52 Chain

AQUEBOGUE, NY (Nov. 8, 2006) — Palmer Vineyards’ Cabernet Franc has been added to the chain-wide wine list of the award-winning Seasons 52, the fresh grill and wine bar chain known for its lighter approach to dining

Palmer Vineyards Cabernet Franc is the only New York wine offered by the health-oriented dinner house chain, which offers 140 wines, including 70 sold by the glass. The list includes many prominent labels as well as outstanding wines from less well-known growing regions that offer exceptional value. The chain has been recognized for its wine list for three consecutive years by Wine Spectator.

“It’s great to be associated with a growing, quality restaurant group,” said Palmer Vineyards founder and owner Robert J. Palmer. “The decision by Seasons 52 decision to add our Cabernet Franc to their impressive wine list not only expands our distribution base, but as Seasons 52 opens in new markets, we will be able to showcase our wines in areas where Long Island and New York wines previously had been unavailable.”

The estate grown Palmer Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2003 is an elegant wine reminiscent of those produced in the Loire Valley. It shows bright cherry and pepper aromas and flavors, soft silky tannins along with hints of smoke and leather. The food-friendly wine pairs well with roasted small game, grilled meats, and fish steaks Only 550 cases were produced. Palmer Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Franc is available at the winery for $18.99 per 750ml bottle and at retailers.

“I judge a wine by the flavors, price and approachability of the entry level wines,” said the chain’s director of beverage and hospitality, George Miliotes. “At Seasons 52, we look internationally for the finest wines available. Wine is all about the soil the grape is grown in and the weather that surrounds that growing region.”

Mr. Miliotes, a certified wine educator just one step away from his Master of Wine certification, added, “The unique microclimate of Long Island is a great environment for growing Cabernet Franc. We find the intense dark fruit flavors, silky tannins and delicate floral aromas imparted by this area to be so special that the wines deserve a place on our list.”

Palmer Vineyards’ wines are the only quality Long Island wine sold in Las Vegas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia and one of few wines from Long Island available in Florida.

“The fact that we are the only wine from Long Island and New York on the list at Seasons 52 allows us to continue our role as an ambassador for our region throughout the United States,” Palmer said.

Seasons 52, a casual, yet sophisticated restaurant with seasonally inspired menus, has consistently earned acclaim from guests and restaurant critics alike. It is owned by Orlando based Darden Restaurants Inc. which also owns and operates Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahamas Breeze and Smokey Bones. Darden has opened seven Seasons 52 units since its establishment in 2003. Five restaurants are located in Florida and two are in Atlanta.

Established in 1986, Palmer Vineyards, the most-awarded winery on Long Island, has been described by New York Times wine writer Howard Goldberg as “Long Island’s most important winery.” The Palmer Vineyards tasting room on Route 48 in Aquebogue is modeled on an old British pub and its tasting deck, overlooking the vineyards, is spacious. For more information about Palmer Vineyards go to palmervineyards.com or call (631) 722-9463 ext. 10.

###