Posts Written OnJanuary 2005

Tasting Notes: Macari 2003 “Katherine’s Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc

Macari Vineyards doesn’t always get the press that other Long Island wineries get, but, for my money, their wines are some of the best on Long Island. I’ve written about a few of their wines before, including their Alexandra (meritage) in one column and focusing on some of their new releases in another. Every time we stop at their tasting room, we always take a few bottles home…especially if they still have some of their Early Wine left. Beyond the well-made, delicious wines, the people there are a pleasure to meet and work with. The tasting room staff is always…

Drink Charitably This Winter

(This column appeared in the 1/21 issue of Dan’s Papers) Drink Charitably This WinterWith the recent devastation in Southeast Asia and East Africa, the ideas of charity and giving to those less fortunate have jumped to the forefront of most of our minds. While some wineries host fundraising events or give a portion of wine sales proceeds to various causes, Judd Wallenbrock, founder and proprietor of Humanitas Wine Company in Napa, has taken wine “giving” to a whole new plateau, donating all of Humanitas’ profits to charity. Yes, you read that right, every last dollar is donated. Specifically, the profits…

Another Great New Wine Blog — basicJuice

I’ve been emailing with the proprietor of basicJuice all week, and his blog is one of my new favorites. Though he’s a techie type like many of us in the wine blogging community, Beau is also a certified Sommelier and an obvious lover of all things fermented. He and I are a lot alike in that we try to use our sites to demystify wine and make it accessible to more people. He talks about wine in plain english, another thing I can always get behind. Plus, again like me, he writes for a local paper…in addition to teaching wine…

Texas Version of Sangria?

From a New York Times piece on the Presidential Inauguration: "The most surprising Lone Star delicacy, at least to some locals watching in dismay, was a new drink ordered by a group of Texans: merlot with 7-Up. It was described as a Texas version of sangria. As a teetotaler, Mr. Bush may be glad that is one bit of Texicana he won’t have waiting for him back home." For the first time ever, I’m siding with Georgeie. I’m glad concoction isn’t waiting at home for me either…but certainly not because I’m a teetotaler. Makes me proud to be living in…

NYers to “Import” Wines Directly From Producers?

It’s possible…if Governor Pataki’s latest proposal goes through. He’s introducing legislation that will allow NY winelovers to "import" wine directly from other states. Sounds great, right? Sure, but he also wants to raise the excise tax on a liter of wine from 5 cents to 28 cents…because it will raise millions in new tax dollars. That’s quite a hike…but does not going through the three-tier system make up for it? I honestly don’t know the numbers enough to say…anyone? At least a portion of the tax money is going to be used to promote NY wines. I can easily get…

LENNDEVOURS’ 1st Tasting Event — Long Island Pink Wine for Valentine’s Day

When someone mentions pink wine, do you think of cheap white zinfandel? I know that I used to, back before I knew much about wine. I’ve since seen the light. There are some delicious, bone dry pinks wines available that actually have flavor and complexity…and there are some great ones made here on Long Island. I’m working on a story on Long Island Pink Wines for Valentine’s Day and I could use some help. Why? I’m gathering samples from at least a dozen Long Island wineries…and that’s just too much wine for Nena and I to drink alone (at least…

Tasting Notes: Spencer Roloson 2002 Syrah, La Herradura Vineyard, Napa Valley

Previously, I’ve reviewed and written up three wines that Spencer Roloson sent to me: Spencer Roloson 2002 Palaterra Spencer Roloson 2002 Viognier Spencer Roloson 2002 Madder Lake Tempranillo As you can see by clicking on the above links, the results were mixed. My favorite of the three was the Palaterra, a $16 Rhone-style blend. I also have very high hopes for future vintages of the Tempranillo. I liked it, but I expect as their vines age, the wines will improve dramatically and be much more complex. I had been saving the priciest of the samples, the Spencer Roloson 2002 La…

Wine Blogging Wednesday #5 Reminder — Get Your Wacky Wines Ready

Have you forgotten about Wine Blogging Wednesday #5 — Wines With Wacky Names, hosted by none other than Pim of Chez Pim? If so, shame on you…get out there and find the craziest-named wine that you can! The event is one week from today…so go hit your local wine shop! I’ve found a few that I’m pondering…as the humble founder of the event, I feel added pressure to come up with a good one. I hope that all of you new wine bloggers (and others) will join us this time!

Introduction to Waters Crest Winery

For a few months now, I’ve been trying to schedule a meeting and tasting with Jim Waters, founder of Waters Crest Winery. Sunday, without scheduling a thing…we finally met and I got to taste his wines. Jim is a great story and should be an inspiration to any home winemaker with designs on making it a career. He worked for years as a manager for large trucking companies all the while making wine at home (and winning some awards for it as well). He was, and still is, a volunteer fireman as well and without that, I’m not sure he’d…

Stony Brook “Discovering Wine” Series: Important White Varietals — Wishing for Springtime

The Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food and Culture has recently announced its Discovering Wine Series, a series of events hosted by local wine experts. The first session, Important White Varietals: Wishing for Springtime will take place Thursday, February 3, 6:30-8:00 p.m. In the Wang Center on Stony Brook’s main campus and is being run by Gary Madden, general manager of Lieb Family Cellars, a LENNDEVOURS favorite Long Island winery. Gary will be pouring a range of distinctive flavors in wines worldwide, demonstrating Pinot Blanc as both a sparkling and a still wine; comparing stainless steel and barrel-fermented Chardonnays…