Posts Written OnSeptember 2007

WTN: Shinn Estate Vineyards 2006 Rose (North Fork of Long Island)

"There is no reason to produce wimpy little pink wines with no varietal character." That’s what David Page, co-owner of Shinn Estate Vineyards said when I asked him about his 2006 Rose ($16). Their rose is different alright–different from every other Long Island rose I’ve tasted this summer. It’s a much richer, bolder wine. The strawberry- and watermelon-scented wine is far from wimpy. It’s medium bodied and much rounder and fuller on the palate–but still balanced with gentle acidity and even a little tannic structure. There is a faint buttery note too, although malolactic fermentation was strictly avoided. For me,…

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Happy Labor Day from the LENNDEVOURS Team

Just want to wish all of my U.S. readers a happy Labor Day. It’s been a gorgeous long weekend here on Long Island the past few days–clear blue skies, warm-not-hot temperatures and cooling ocean breezes. Yesterday we took a quick trip out to wine country with Nena’s parents. We only made a few stops to accommodate Jax’s napping needs, but it was still a great trip. We started, as we often do, at Roanoke Vineyards. As you can see in this picture, visiting the wineries sure has changed. In addition to my glass of Roanoke Vineyards 2004 Blend One (young,…

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Vineyard Visuals: Wolffer Estate Through the Growing Season (September 1)

We continue keeping an eye on Wolffer Estate Vineyards with Ellen Watson, our resident photographer. As you can see, they’ve added netting to keep birds from eating the sweetening grapes. Does it work? Sometimes…and it’s better than nothing I guess. This picture was taken on September 1 at around 7:00 a.m. and has been added to the Flickr slideshow.  

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WTN: Vineyard 48 2005 Vignetta (North Fork of Long Island)

Despite some inconsistency, Vineyard 48 just might be a winery on the rise. In general, I’ve found their white wines to be their best, particularly the sauvignon blanc and riesling, which are better and more affordable than many local offerings. But, I’ve found their reds much more inconsistent and disappointing. A nice cabernet franc here. A soft, but integrated meritage there. And some others with too-agressive and coarse tannins. 2005, a soon-to-be-classic vintage for Long Island, seems to have afforded winemaker Matthew Berenz, formerly of Pindar, a chance to work with super-ripe fruit. As a result, he’s made the neophyte…

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