Posts Written OnJanuary 2008

WTN: Lieb Family Cellars 2005 Bridge Lane Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island)

Lieb Family Cellars is a producer that has a special place in the hearts of the LENNDEVOURS team. It was our first "home" winery. Back before I was even writing about wine (professionally or not) or knew much about it, this was a winery Nena and I discovered together and we even joined the wine club. When we got married three and a half years ago, we toasted one another with Lieb’s sparkling pinot blanc. And, over the years, we’ve bought quite a bit of their second-label chardonnay, named Bridge Lane. We’e served it at parties, bought it for pinot-grigio…

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What do you look for in a tasting room experience?

I was thinking recently about winery tasting room experiences. You read all the time about a wineries wine, its wines and maybe the architecture/decor, but you don’t often read about the overall tasting experience. Of course, the wines themselves and the surroundings are all a part of the overall experience, but the people pouring is one of the most important parts of the equation. To me, I can have a great tasting experience in an ugly space if the wines and the people pouring them for me are good. What do you look for when you visit a tasting room?…

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WTN: Raphael 2006 Grand Cru Chardonnay Reserve (North Fork)

When it comes to his white wines, Richard Olsen-Harbich, winemaker at Raphael, typically eschews oak to preserve the natural flavors of the grapes. Both his stainless steel chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are perennial favorites and are terrific spring and summer sippers. But, after a 2006 growing season that was cooler than 2005 and was marked by a lot of overcast days and higher-than-average levels of rain, Rich decided to make his first barrel-fermented chardonnay at Raphael. He didn’t make much though, only four new French barrels worth. All told, the wine spent five months in those barrels. He stirred the…

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My Goals and Plans for 2008

I’m not much for resolutions. I tend to have a hard time coming up with a short list of focused things I can commit to. I’m not very good at keeping them either. As Nena often quips, I’m a man with many ideas and plans, but following through isn’t my forte. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t have  things I’m planning to accomplish  in the new year. So, here we go with a few things I’m thinking about these days: More Reading. I’m a book lover. Nena would say that I have a problem, but I figure books are…

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Local With Local: Seared Peconic Bay Scallops with Wolffer Estate 2003 Estate Selection Chardonnay

Our little Local With Local project kicks off 2008 with another recipe from chef Doug Gulija from The Plaza Cafe in Southampton. This time around, we’ve paired a popular East End delicacy, Peconic Bay scallops, with a deliciously balanced barrel fermented 2003 Estate Selection Chardonnay from Wolffer Estate. As always, a big thanks goes out to by chef Doug and Ellen Watson, the photographic talent behind the above picture. This is a terrific combo and I’m proud to say that this menu item is currently on the menu at the restaurant. Recipe behind the jump.

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