Posts Written OnFebruary 2007

The Sad Death of Channing Daughters’ “Fred”

Channing Daughters Winery has long been one of my favorite local wine producers. Sure, their wines are a little pricey at time (even for their quality) but I’m willing to pay a little more for them because they are often fun, creative and unique wines–usually blends or clonal bottlings that you just won’t find anywhere else in these parts. One of my favorite wines in their portfolio has been their Fresh Red, known as Fred in some circles. For around $15 bucks, it was a straight forward merlot-based wine that was perfect with grilled burgers, pizza and other casual food.…

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Don’t Forget: Vote for LENNDEVOURS

Just in case you forgot (how could you?), I wanted to remind everyone that LENNDEVOURS has been named a finalist in the 2007 American Wine Blog Awards in both the "Best Single-Subject Wine Blog" and "Best Wine Blog Graphics" categories. I was going to post a picture of my two week-old son, Jackson, saying that he wants you to vote for me, but I’ll not exploit him like that. But, he and I had a campaign meeting this morning and he does want you to vote for LENNDEVOURS today. I told him that it’s an honor just to be nominated.…

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Wine Blogging Wednesday #31 Announced: Non-Traditional Packaging

Okay everyone…get you box wines ready! Actually, you don’t have to review a box wine for the next edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday, this time hosted by Box Wines Blog. — Tetra packs, Tetra boxes and other non-traditionally packaged wines are fair game too. This should prove an interesting theme for everyone’s favorite wine blogging event. I hope that some people delve into their parents’ cellars and pull out some Almaden or Franzia too. Me? For the second month in a row, I’ll have to leave New York wines behind…no one here is doing anything that interesting with packaging.So, join…

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WBW 30 Round-Up Posted at Winecast.net

Leave it to Tim Elliott, he of my favorite wine podcast, Winecast.net, to break the record for Wine Blogging Wednesday with his theme of New World Syrah. Despite only taking over as host last minute because the original host went AWOL, WBW’s top arm out of the bullpen came though with a great theme, great promotion of that theme and 50 participants reviewing a grand total of 70 wines. Thanks again, Tim, for coming through in the clutch and putting together a great edition of WBW. For all of you WBW lovers out there, stay tuned for the next edition,…

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Industry Job Opening: Event and Sales Manager, Shinn Estate Vineyards

Shinn Estate Vineyards is looking to hire event and sales manager for their expanding business. The right candidate will have extensive hands-on wine, food and hospitality experience, be self motivated, creative, and have strong ties to Long Island’s East End community. The opening of their Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast in June will serve as a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate an exciting wine, food and lodging experience for travelers to Long Island. Salary is based on talent and experience. If you’re interested in the position, please email resumes to Barbara Shinn and David Page at shinnvin@optonline.net.

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WBW #30: Torbreck 2005 Woodcutter’s Shiraz

Okay, so I’m a couple days late posting this. I swear that I did taste this wine before this past Wednesday, which was Wine Blogging Wednesday #30, hosted by Tim of Winecast. Of course, I didn’t take formal notes. The wine was enjoyed with some hastily prepared (and consumed) sausage fajitas in between Jackson’s meals. But I did come away with some impressions. When I first opened it, the nose was simple–all blackberry jam–and the palate was similarly boring. "Just another Aussie fruit bomb" I thought to myself. But, I was taken away for a couple hours, you know, changing…

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American Wine Blog Awards: Vote for LENNDEVOURS

Who was it that first said it’s an honor just to be nominated? While it’s true that I’m honored to be named a finalist in the 2007 American Wine Blog Awards’ Best Single-Subject Wine Blog category, I also would love to win. So, if you read and enjoy this blog, vote for LENNDEVOURS today.  The competition is stiff in my category, but I think I have a shot! I’d also encourage you to visit each and every one of the nominated blogs. There are some flat-our awesome finalists involved and many of the blogs are ones that I visit every…

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Interview with Rich Pisacano at Appellation America

This week on Appellation America, I interview Richie Pisacano, vineyard manager for Wollfer Estate Vineyards in the Hamptons and co-owner (with his wife Soraya) of one of my favorite North Fork producers, Roanoke Vineyards. Richie has been growing grapes on Long Island for quite a while now and has seen a lot in his time doing so. He’s also always a good interview because of his unwavering honesty. During the interview, we talked about the differences between growing grapes on the South and North Forks, how local wine growers have honed their craft and also Richie’s assertion that terroir may…

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For Affordability, Count on the Comtesse

I find myself defending Long Island wines way more than I should have to. First, I have to defend them against those who just don’t see what the big deal is. To them, I say that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are locals making outstanding wines. Not every wine or winery—but some. And the number seems to grow with every successful vintage. And then there is price. That’s the other complaint—and honestly, it’s a bit harder to stand up for Long Island wineries in this regard. There are a lot (and I mean a lot)…

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