Posts Written OnSeptember 09, 2010

2010 Harvest Update: “Where the Wild Things Are” at Bedell Cellars

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Today's harvest update is a little bit different, but comes from long-time NYCR reader and former contributor Rich Olsen-Harbich, now the winemaker at Bedell Cellars: "With the 2010 vintage — the 30th anniversary of Bedell Cellars — we have begun a brand a new tradition, one which brings us together in ways that only the North Fork can. Last Friday, as the remnants of Hurricane Earl swirled out to sea, our Bedell family gathered together for a small ceremony to begin the starter fermentation yeast culture for the 2010 vintage. Everyone at Bedell brought a natural…

What New York Wine Needs Now: “It’s Time We Had a Conversation” with Carlo DeVito

Carlo DeVito in his tasting room at Hudson-Chatham Winery (Photo courtesy of Scott Langley Photography) By Lenn Thompson Two weeks ago, Carlo DeVito — book publisher, wine book author, blogger and New York winery owner — published a post "Who Will Save New York Wine?". It's a great question and an even better post that publicly raises questions and issues that until now have mostly been pondered and discussed behind closed doors. At the NYCR, we don't think New York wine needs "saving," per se, but it does need help — help to grow, to get the attention it deserves…

NYCR Wine Tasting and Auction at Roanoke Vineyards — The Auction Lots

There are still a few days left to purchase your tickets to the NYCR's Angelman Syndrome benefit at Roanoke Vineyards this Sunday at 1 p.m. And, to help entice those of you on the fence (and prepare those of you who have already purchased your tickets) I thought I'd list the various auction items that have so generously been donated by those in Long Island and Hudson Valley wine country. The dollar figure in parentheses is the estimated retail value: Bedell Cellars: VIP Tour and Tasting for 4 ($140) Channing Daughters Winery: Case of Vino Bianco ($240) Comtesse Therese Winery…

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2009 “Grandioso” Rose

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor I often lament the ever-increasing pricing of Long Island rose. There are some beautifully balanced, refreshing — and most importantly — satisfying pink wines being made here, but wines that only a few years ago were in the $13-15 range now regularly top $18. This year, there were at least a half dozen roses priced at $20 or more. In a region that suffers from a lack of quality red wines at $20, having rose prices there is disappointing, but hey, if people will pay… When I first heard about Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2009 Grandioso…