Pompous Ass and Red Cat aside, New York doesn't have many "critter wines" in its state-wide portfolio. You know critter wines — the ones with cute little animals on the labels that are clearly targeted at younger drinkers. Instead, you see quite a few labels with various vehicles on them, including labels for Bedells Main Road line (which feature a red pickup truck), Castello di Borghese's house wines (which also have pickups on them) and the Scooter Wines from Villa Bellangelo, which are described as "sweet and friendly." Friendly is in the eye (and palate) of the beholder, but this…
Posts Written OnJanuary 2009
Here We Go… Pittsburgh Steelers Going to the Super Bowl
As you can see, Jackson (who is wearing a Terrible Towel as a cape by the way) is very excited that the Steelers are going the Super Bowl, which happens to the be day after his 2nd birthday. I'll be calling the boys in black and gold this week, asking that the give Jackson a win for his birthday. Seems a fair request.
Wine Blogging Wednesday #53: McGregor Vineyard 2007 Dry Riesling
Okay, I'm late Wine Blogging Wednesday #53, hosted by El Jefe from El Bloggo Torcido. Sue me. But, at least I'm still taking part, albeit a few days late. I had to because this theme, wines with breakfast, is one of the most unique we've had in the 4+ years of WBW. Of course, anyone who knows Jefe won't be surprised that he is the mastermind behind an off-the-wall theme. Wine with breakfast, you say? He took us even one step further…outlawing sparkling, rose and sweet wines. We had to pick a dry red or dry white. He did cut…
Inside the LENNDEVOURS Kitchen: Test Cupcakes
The newest member of the LENNDEVOURS kitchen staff made cupcakes today with a little help from the head pastry chef, who also happens to be his mommy. You might notice the pre-packaged cake mix in the foreground. Fear not: for his birthday at the end of the month, the cupcakes will be from scratch. But for the decorating test run, convenience won the day. This kid LOVES to help in the kitchen. I wonder where he gets that from. We can only hope he's a big-time chef one day so we can get lots of comped meals.
Martha Clara Vineyards 2005 Estate Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Long Island cabernet can be a not-very-tasty proposition. As consistently as vineyard managers can ripen merlot on this overgrown sand bar, cabernet does so just as inconsistently. Often, it doesn't ripen fully at all, leading to wines with overwhelming green flavors that are almost unrecognizable as cabernet sauvignon. As you might expect, a lot of this under-ripe cabernet ends up blended into other wines to mask its faults or is used to make rose or blush wines. Even at its best, Long Island cabernet sauvignon bears little, if any, resemblance to the hulking, muscular wines of Napa or Sonoma. Instead,…
In Memorium: Bob Palmer, Owner, Palmer Vineyard
I just heard some more bad news for the Long Island wine community. Bob Palmer, owner of Palmer Vineyards and president of the Long Island Wine Council passed away last night in Huntington Hospital. I don't have any details yet, but will add them to this post as I learn about them. Another sad time for a wine community that is still mourning the loss of another prominent winery owner.
PALATE Promises to be a Winter Warmer
By Jason Feulner, Finger Lakes Correspondent I grew up in Corning, NY, on the southern edge of the Finger Lakes. It has always been a great small city with a tremendous amount of beauty and culture. Every year, throngs of tourists stroll through the world-famous glass museum, visit the quaint shops on Market Street, and enjoy various outdoor music and art festivals. Of course, that all takes place in the spring and summer. Recently, I was surprised to see an announcement that Finger Lakes Wine Country and Corning's Gaffer District were hosting a week-long wine event called PALATE from February 16 through the 22. As…
Update on My 2008 White
As you may remember, I'm making 20 or so cases of chardonnay-viognier at Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard this year. A couple weeks ago, I went out to the winemaking center to taste its progress, help rack the wine and talk with owners Lisa and Anthony Sannino. This picture is looking down into the tank after we pumped the wine out to clean out the lees and tartrate crystals. It took quite a bit of scrubbing to get the tank completely clean, a not-so-subtle reminder that winemaking is 80% cleaning. The final blend is 60% viognier and 40% chardonnay (both lots…
Comtesse Therese 2005 Hungarian Oak Merlot
I know that the oak debate, among winemakers and wine geeks, usually centers American vs. French oak, with everyone arguing passionately in favor or their preferred barrel. But, as much as I tend to prefer the more expensive French cooperage, I really enjoy what a third type of oak, Hungarian oak, brings to the table as well. That spice, and more understated raw oak flavors are on display in Comtesse Therese 2005 Hungarian Oak Merlot ($18), an extremely approachable, enjoyable red. The nose is playful and spicy, blending bright red berries — cherries and raspberries — with violets, black pepper…
Onabay Vineyards 2006 “Unwooded” Chardonnay
Onabay Vineyards is a new North Fork producer, but there is plenty of history, and talent, behind their wines. Their vineyard is 18 years old and veteran vineyard manager Steve Mudd watches over the vines while Bruce Schneider of Schneider Vineyards makes the wines. Beyond that, Onabay Vineyards, which was named as such because the vineyard is, well, on a bay, is a family affair. The Anderson family owns the 180-acre farm that houses the vineyard and has its members participate in every piece of the operation. Francesca Anderson, a renowned botanical artist, created the drawings of herons that appear…