Posts Written OnApril 2007

WTN: Castello di Borghese 2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

On the North Fork, there is an un-official red wine grape pecking order. Okay, maybe it isn’t even un-official. At the top is the almighty merlot grape, lauded by many observers as the king of Long Island grapes. And, it has earned such a reputation with good reason. It seems ideally suited to the regions climate and soil conditions–and consistently leads to many of the region’s best wines. Next in line is cabernet franc, genetic parent to cabernet sauvignon and known mostly for its popularity in the Loire region of France and as a blending grape in Bordeaux. It ripens…

WTN: Medolla Vineyards 2002 Merlot (North Fork)

The Italian and Italian-American influence on Long Island wine country is strong. Among the thirty-plus East End producers there are ones named Pellegrini, Pugliese, Castello di Borghese and Diliberto – and others that are owned by people of Italian heritage, many of whom grew up making wine with their families. Medolla Vineyards, owned by John and Denise Medolla, has recently joined the fray with its first release, this 2002 Merlot. Medolla Vineyards operates under a tenant winery license at Lenz Winery. Basically, Lenz Winery serves as a host winery and Medolla uses the facilities when Lenz isn’t using them. Lenz…

WBW #32: Regular vs. Reserve

Today is the second Wednesday of the month, and lately that means it’s Wine Blogging Wednesday. This month’s edition–the events 32nd–is hosted by The Wine Cask Blog, which has asked participants to compare two wines from the same winery and same vintage, but one a ‘regular’ bottling and the other a ‘reserve.’ Definitely a fun concept and one I looked forward to. Rather than just do one comparison, I decided to do two pairs–one white, one red, one from the Finger Lakes, one from Long Island. Starting with the whites, I tasted and compared two 2005 chardonnays from Treleaven Wines…

How Can I Use Pear Brandy?

So I have a bottle of eau de vie de poire (pear brandy) from Warwick Valley Winery in the Hudson Valley, and I have very few ideas of how I can or should use it. I’ve tasted it, of course, both chilled and at room temperature (much better chilled) and I suppose I could serve it–ice cold–as a digestif at the end of a meal, but there’s got to be some culinary uses. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Eric Asimov Advocates Learning Wine at Home

In my early travels as a wine writer (outside of this blog that is) I’ve come across more than a few editors who aren’t interested in my wine reviews. That’s all well and good. My style obviously isn’t for everyone. But some of those editors take it a step further and tell me why: "You don’t have any formal wine training, Lenn." I’ve always found that to be a bullsh*t reason. Just because I haven’t spent thousands of dollars on formal training, that doesn’t mean that I don’t smell what I smell and taste what I taste. I’ve always says…

Desperately Seeking 1995 Long Island Reds

When it comes to great Long Island wine vintages 2005 very well may prove to be the best of all time. But, before there was 2005, there was 2001. And, before there was 2001, there was 1995. Of course, I’ve only tasted a couple wines from the 1995 vintage. I’ve only been living on Long Island for seven years or so, and have only been serious about the wines for three. And here I am, really wanting to explore this vintage–especially the red wines. As such, I’ve been sending emails all over the place trying to get my hands on…

LENNDEVOURS Meet Up…Revisited

Okay. This blog has been a big part of my life (and I hope at least a little part of yours) for over three years now. I’ve threatened several times to have a get together/party/meet up/whatever you want to call it, but it’s never quite happened. 2007 is the year that all changes. So, if you’re interested in getting together not only with the LENNDEVOURS crew but also your fellow readers, let me know by leaving a comment on this post. Right now I’m trying to find a winery to host the event and of course we’ll work out wine…

Outer Coastal Plain Piece at Appellation America

I know that you guys probably think that I never write about anything that isn’t New York related. That’s simply not true. Today on Appellation America they’ve published a feature that I wrote that has nothing to do with New York. In fact, it’s about a new AVA alllll the way in…New Jersey. I also got to taste a few different wines from that region in the Garden State. And while a couple weren’t worth mentioning, one was really impressive. So, head on over and check it out. And, Long Island actually did creep into the story. Sorry guys.

Can’t Wait for My Birthday

Normally, I try to downplay my birthday. I really don’t like the attention of big parties and the like. I’ve never been someone that enjoys the lime light. But this year, I’m very excited about my birthday. Why? Nena told me recently that she’s taking me to North Fork Table & Inn on the 28th for dinner to celebrate. That’s why. Every since it opened, I’ve been hearing from local winemakers and wine types that this is the best restaurant on the North Fork and very well may be the best restaurant on Long Island already. But, between Nena being…

Schneider Vineyards’ Roanoke Point Vineyard Sold

I heard over the weekend that Schneider Vineyard’s recently sold their Roanoke Point vineyard, which is predominantly planted with cabernet franc. I don’t have a ton of details, but I was sorry to hear that the buyers have no desire to keep the property planted under vines. Instead they are going to have an equestrian farm and house there instead. Sad to see any vineyard plantings go, but at least Roanoke Point won’t be replaced by condos.