Posts Written OnJune 24, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Well that didn't take long. Less than three weeks after Rich Olsen-Harbich left Raphael to lead the Bedell Cellars winemaking team, Raphael found his replacement — North Fork native Les Howard. Only 35, Les has been working in the local wine industry for more than 15 years. He started at Pindar Vineyards as a cellar hand. It was there that Mark Friszolowski, then Pindar's winemaker, told him that he'd make a good winemaker and the rest is history. After five years at Pindar, Howard also worked for Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, Wolffer Estate Vineyards and Bedell…

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Photo by Morgan Dawson Photography Friday night, three Finger Lakes wineries will release two new vintages of their cooperative wine, Tierce. But if the goal for the wine is still the same — Fox Run Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars, and Anthony Road Wine Company each contributing to a singular expression — the release party will be far different this time around. The cost per person has been cut from $75 to $25. The menu will feature carefully selected hors d'oeuvres instead of a long and formal dinner. Winemakers will talk about the components and…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Now that Rich Olsen-Harbich has joined Bedell Cellars as head winemaker, this the kind of wine that I'm going to miss from Raphael, where he made wines for 14 years. That's nothing against the next winemaker at Raphael, whoever that may be. The wines will be different. They have to be. Raphael 2007 Natural Red ($26) is the first — and perhaps last — release of Naturale Red and I know that it is a wine Rich is extremely proud of.  After one of the warmest growing seasons ever recorded on Long Island, the 100%…