Description
Johnson Estate Red Ipocras
Region’s Pioneer & Founding the Winery
Frederick Spencer Johnson (1921-1998), grew up on the farm his father purchased. He served in World War II as a naval aviator, graduated from Cornell University in 1946, and then raised his family overseas while working for Nelson Rockefeller’s various agricultural endeavors. When Frederick Spencer returned to the farm in 1960 after his father died, he removed the aging fruit orchards and was first farmer or “pioneer” in Western New York to plant French-hybrid wine grapes in a region completely dominated by Concord and Labruscan juice grapes. His favorite French hybrid grape was Chancellor. Frederick Spencer opened the winery in 1961, receiving New York Farm Winery license #2.
Honoring Tradition
When Frederick Spencer’s children, Frederick, Jr., Elizabeth, and Anthony, inherited the farm in 1998, they oversaw winery operations, planting of new vineyards, construction of a finished goods warehouse, and the introduction of new wines, including fruit, sparkling, and ice wines. In 2010, Frederick Johnson, Jr., became owner of the farm and winery with his wife Jennifer. They completed a renovation of the tasting room in 2011, just in time for the winery’s celebration of its 50th anniversary. Johnson Estate Winery is now the oldest continuously operating estate winery in New York State.
In 16th century England, Ipocras, both white and red, was a drink of the highest nobility. At a time when both sugar and spices were rare and precious, Ipocras was reserved for the use of royalty at the most precious ceremonial occasions. Indeed, Ipocras was the libation presented by the Lord Mayor of London to Queen Elizabeth I at her coronation. Ipocras (the name derives from Hippocrates) is very sweet and is generously flavored with several of the spices popular in old England. These include ginger, cinnamon, and clove, and they leave a wonderfully warm and lingering aftertaste.
Johnson Estate’s founder, Fred Johnson, was inspired to produce Ipocras to celebrate the commissioning of the Sea Lion, an authentic replica of a 16th century merchant ship which was built on Chautauqua Lake in Mayville, New York.
Johnson Estate Red Ipocras Notes To Your Senses:
- APPEARANCE: Deep garnet with ruby highlights
- AROMA: Inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, red currant, and blackberry layered with warm baking spices, clove, cinnamon, and a hint of dried orange peel
- TASTE: Medium-bodied and gently sweet, showcasing flavors of dark berry compote, plum, and subtle herbal spice, balanced by soft acidity and a smooth, rounded texture
- FINISH: Lingering and warming, with notes of mulling spice and ripe red fruit
- ABV: 11%
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