Posts Written OnFebruary 03, 2005

Chardonnay is the most-planted grape on Long Island…despite the fact that it’s not as popular as it once was (thanks California!). As you would probably expect, there’s a wide range of wines made from all those grapes. A good portion of them go into white table blends (often with Riesling or other varietals) that have their place, but aren’t my favorite. There are some California-style Chards too…with lots of butter and oak. Again, those usually aren’t my favorite, but a couple do make their way into my glass on occasion. If you read LENNDEVOURS, you’ve probably heard me refer to…

Chilean wines are hot right now both because of their quality and their value. Personally, I think that on the bottom end of the price scale (under $10) Chilean wine is often the way to go. Laurel Lake Vineyards, in Laurel, New York, has brought Chilean winemaking talent and experience to our Bordeaux-esque microclimate…and the results are quite good. Purchased by Chilean investors in 1999, Laurel Lakes is delievering  well-crafted and resonably priced wines to a New York market often filled with over-priced bottles. While not as well known as some of the over-hyped, marketing-crazed Long Island wineries, Laurel Lakes’…