Posts Written OnDecember 2004

In my morning wine-related Web surfing, I stumbled upon an amusing wine calendar from Bob Johnson, a Bay-area designer. Check it out…I’m thinking of ordering one for my cube here at the ole day job.

A couple months ago, I edited/reviewed my friend Tracy’s doctoral thesis for her. After almost putting me asleep with her piles of information and research projects on Achille’s tendon injuries…she figured she owed me. I wouldn’t accept cold cash…so she decided to send me some wine instead. This bottle of 2001 Willowcroft Vineyards Cabernet Franc was the first I opened–my first wine made in Virginia.

(This column originally appeared in the December 10th issue of Dan’s Papers) Macari Vineyards, located on Sound Avenue in Mattituck, has always been one of my favorite destinations for East End wine tasting. Its modern, elegant tasting room and spectacular vineyard views are almost as welcoming at the people who pour the wines. With tasty wines that are organized into ever-changing flights, I’ve never had a bad experience at Macari – from the people or the wines. Despite becoming increasingly well known for its high-end reds, including Bergen Road 2001 ($40) and Alexandra 2000 ($75), as well as its Rose…

After a one-week hiatus, you can read me again in Dan’s Papers this week. My column, Over The Barrel…With Lenn Thompson, this week focuses on Macari Vineyards and some of their recent and future releases.

Raphael, founded in 1996, is known in Long Island wine country for having one of the most magnificent tasting rooms, overflowing with Medditerranean style and offering spectacular views of the vineyard. Raphael’s focus is on Merlot–considered by many to be the varietal Long Island is best suited for (there will be many future posts on this topic). They also make Sauvignon Blanc (which is quite good), Saignee (a Rose) and have a recently released Cabernet Franc…but again, Merlot is their focus. This week, Raphael’s managing director and winemaker, Richard Olsen-Harbich, sent me a couple bottles of their 2000 First Label…

Because the Bloggies have ignored all of the Web’s amazing food/wine blogs, the Accidental Hedonist has decided to host some foodie blog awards of our own. I can’t think of a better idea. Head on over and nominate your favorite food blogs in each of the 15 categories. And, most importantly (warning, shameless plug), I’ve been nominated in the Best Food Blog – Wine category. Your nomination can only help…don’t turn me into he guy that says "Its an honor just to be nominated" (even if it is). Selflessly, I nominated Alder at Vinography…but mostly because I’m not one to…

I’m working on a post/column on my trip out to Paumanok Vineyards last weekend. But, I wanted to share some of the pictures now.

Wolffer Estates, in the Hamptons region of Long Island, is probably one of my favorite two or three producers in New York State. From their bone-dry, mostly-Merlot Rose to their full-flavored Cabernet Franc to their succulent Late Harvest Chardonnay dessert wine, and all the wines in between, I’ve never had a Wolffer wine that I’d call "poor." Roman Roth, their winemaker and general manager, is nearly magical in his ability to craft delicious wines year in and year out. He’s so good, in fact, that several other wineries on the Island have him make (or consult on) their wines. As…

I’m still trying to write up the recipe…but I just had to get this picture of my future mother in-law’s turkey pot pie posted. It is an amazingly inventive way to use Thanksgiving leftovers (it’s actually pretty involved if you don’t already have stuffing, mashed potatoes and turkey around). I’ll hopefully get the recipe written up soon, but what really sets this pot pie apart from the norm is the top "crust." Instead of using the same crust you use on the bottom, it’s topped with scoops of stuffing, mashed potatoes and unbaked biscuits. The picture above is a nice…