Posts Written OnAugust 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor I've found some of Long Island's 2010 sauvignon blancs a bit lacking — mostly in the balance department. They all have plenty of fruit — hot, dry year and all that. A few are so ripe that those citrusy-grassy flavors one expects from local sauvignon are absent. That doesn't bother me. Vintage variation is a part of life in New York wine. What does disappoint is a lack of acidity and the occasional 'hot' wine that simple shows too much alcohol. It was with all of this in my mind that I tasted Palmer Vineyards…

  By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes EditorPhotos by Tom Smith  Paul and Shannon Brock have reached an agreement to assume ownership of Silver Thread Vineyard, a small operation on a highly regarded piece of property on southeast Seneca Lake. The transition will begin immediately, with the Brocks set to oversee the upcoming harvest. And while they profess a desire to maintain the vision of founder Richard Figiel, the Brocks are planning significant changes. Currently at 750 cases annually, the Brocks expect to increase production of Silver Thread wines to 1,000 cases this vintage, while eventually increasing production to 3,000 cases…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Last year's HARVEST East End was a fun, successful event that raised $60,000 for the Peconic Land Trust and East End Hospice. This year they've added Group for the East End as a beneficiary, and with more groups to support, they've expanded the programing as well — from one weekend to three. HARVEST East End as also been established as a 501(c)(3) charity. Organized by The Long Island Merlot Alliance and Long Island Wine Council, this year's event will be presented by FOOD & WINE, replacing the Wine Spectator. The New York Cork Report is…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Dave Mudd, an outspoken leader and a tireless advocate for Long Island wine, died at his home in Southold over the weekend at the age of 90. Mudd planted his first vines the year after Alex and Louisa Hargraves planted Long Island's first commercial vineyard. He never made his own wine commercially, but the name of his vineyard has appeared on numerous labels over the years — most notably on wines made by Chris Tracy at Channing Daughters Winery. "He touched almost everyone who came after him and provided leadership, guidance and a vision that…

By Donavan Hall, Long Island Beer Correspondent I moved to Long Island so that I would have more time to write fiction. When my path crossed with Lenn Thompson, my beer brewing hobby intruded into my writing life. I started writing about craft beer back in 2005 and up until two years ago I was an active beer blogger, contributing to a number of drinks blogs including (what is now called) The New York Cork Report. For the last two years I've not been idle. In addition to publishing a second edition of my Long Island Beer Guide, I've been…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Want to find the best wineries in a region, particularly ones from a cooler climate? Taste the red wines from less-than-ideal vintages. If the reds wines made in shorter, cooler and/or rainier growing seasons are good, chances are the rest of the portfolio is going to impress as well. The best wineries delivery quality year in and year out. By that, and any other criteria really, Seneca Lake's Hermann J. Wiemer is a top producer. This Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Cabernet Franc ($20) — from a not-very warm year — is a bit of proof.…

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor A "dark pale ale" — sure, why not? Ellicottville Brewing Company has a competent hand with sessionable, balanced, and tasty pale ales, so I had high hopes for this latest example of the dark-and-hoppy trend. Black Hops is hoppy enough on the nose, with just a hint of roast to back it up, but overall the aromas are quite understated. It's an appropriate black walnut color in the glass with a one-finger head and some short-lived lacing. On the palate, a reasonable balance of roasty dark malt and citrusy hops but no real body or…

Photo courtesy of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

By Donavan Hall, Long Island Beer Correspondent With Alice's birthday coming up, I decided to take the twins over to Port Jeff for lunch and a little shopping. The day was warm, but not hot, clear skies, perfect for sitting out on a patio for lunch. Portside Bar and Grill seemed like a good choice. I knew they usually keep a few local beers on tap for craft beer enthusiast (Long Ireland's Celtic, a couple from Blue Point, Brooklyn Summer, etc.) so I figured that would be the perfect place for lunch. And hopefully, in a few weeks, they'll be…

By David Flaherty, New York City Correspondent Eataly is a phenomenon. A 50,000-square foot mecca to artisinal ingredients packed in the heart of NYC, adjacent to Madison Square Park. It is a foodie's wonderland. To wander its packed lanes is like being in the hustle and bustle of Oz but where the Munchkins are full-size…and hungry. Seriously, you can see the saliva hanging off people's lips as they voraciously feast there eyes on the wondrous meats, cheeses, breads and pastas presented in glowing cases in every direction. When it first opened a year ago, many predicted its failure. It was…