Posts Written OnJune 2013

Save the Date! July 11, 2013: Drink New York Dinner with Arrowhead Spring Vineyards and Jedediah Hawkins Inn

  I should have the full details by the weekend, but I’m happy to announce the return of our wine dinner series — renamed simply “Drink New York” — on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at Jedediah Hawkins Inn, featuring the wines from one of New York’s top wineries, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards in Lockport, NY. As always, we like to do things to make our wine dinners a bit different that those already taking place, so we’re thrilled that co-owners Duncan and Robin Ross (who make the wine and manage the vineyard, respectively) will be making the trek down…

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5 Questions with… Edward Lovaas, Head Winemaker, Pindar Vineyards and Duck Walk Vineyards

Edward Lovaas, head winemaker at Pindar Vineyards and Duck Walk Vineyards, grew up in Crescent City, CA but moved to Ukiah, CA —  the heart of Mendocino wine country — when he was a sophomore in high school. After high school he spent four years in the United States Marine Corps before returning Ukiah where he got into the wine business almost by accident. Over the years, he worked for a handful of wineries, but he learned the most at Graziano Family of Wines studying under Greg Graziano where he got to work with “almost every  variety  you could thing…

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Raphael 2010 Cabernet Franc

Ripe but Old World-styled, Raphael 2010 Cabernet Franc ($25) offers blackberry and black cherry aromas with layers of dried autumn leaves, sandalwood and a light sprinkling of pencil shavings on the nose. Medium-to-full bodied, the palate is ripe and rife with those same black fruits, accented by varied earthy flavors, dried herbs — with medium-intense, drying tannins. The finish shows a bitter, almost chemical note that is off putting and mars what is otherwise a fine example of North Fork cabernet franc. Producer: Raphael AVA: North Fork of Long Island ABV: 12.8% Price: $25* | Buy Now From Empire State Cellars (2.5 out of…

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What We Drank (June 10, 2013)

After a long hiatus, WWD is back. As always this is just a sampling of what our editors and contributors were drinking last week… Evan Dawson: Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape What a nice surprise it is when a wine that has previously sucked turns out to be good. And what a nice reminder that wine can change, and bottles can vary, and we ought to be very careful about final pronouncements based on one bottle of one wine. In this case, there is nothing special about the producer. Relatively modern approach. I first drank this wine two years ago,…

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Anthony Nappa Wines 2012 Sciardonne (Chardonnay)

Well-priced and unoaked, Anthony Nappa Wines 2012 Sciardonne ($18) offers concentrated tropical fruit aromas with a hint of ginger and a distinct note of apples cooked down in butter. Rich and almost viscous, the palate is cut through by a lightning bolt of acidity that enlivens flavors pineapple and papaya, wild strawberry and butter. The finish shows a rustic, lightly bitter element, but shows nice length. Producer: Anthony Nappa Wines AVA: North Fork of Long Island ABV: 13.4% Price: $18* | Buy Now From Empire State Cellars (3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)

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The Summer Session: Southampton Publick House Biere de Mars

The literal translation of the French phrase, “Biere De Mars,” is “Beer of March.” Traditionally, this farmhouse-style beer is made in early spring with the first harvest of grain, and then aged before release. The brewing of ale in colder months ensured that the fermentation would be more controlled, preventing unwanted flavors brought on by summer temperatures. Nowadays, brewing technology and climate control have removed the necessity of this seasonal brewing, but the style is still crafted by some small breweries. Luckily, for beer enthusiasts such as myself, Southampton Publick House still embraces many of these old world brewing techniques that are all but forgotten. Southampton…

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Red Tail Ridge Vineyards 2011 “RTR Vineyard” Semi-Dry Riesling

  With aromas of gun flint, pear and green melon, the Red Tail Ridge 2011 “RTR Vineyard” Semi-Dry Riesling is a wine that will appeal to casual sippers and riesling-lovers alike. Juicy with good-not-great acidity, the palate delivers a forward fruitiness that combines melon, citrus and pineapple. The finish lingers a bit, is nearly dry and shows a sprinkling of talc. Producer: Red Tail Ridge Winery AVA: Finger Lakes ABV: 12% TA: 7.4g/L pH: 2.97 Residual Sugar: 15.7 g/L Production: 630 cases Price: $16*| Buy now from Empire State Cellars   (3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)    

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Standing Stone Vineyards 2011 Riesling

Darker in the glass than expected (two bottles were opened) there are signs of oxidation here. The nose shows cider-y apple notes with some bruised peach and dried pineapple. The palate is cider-y too with a yeast note and a squirt of grapefruit. Not flabby, but lacks focus and has a short, somewhat bitter, oxidized finish. Producer: Standing Stone Vineyards AVA: Finger Lakes ABV: 11.4% Price: $14*     (Not Recommended to Average)

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Welch Joins NYCR as Finger Lakes Correspondent

Today we’re pleased to announce that Kevin Welch has agreed to join the New York Cork Report team, focusing primarily on our Finger Lakes section. I’ve known Kevin for several years — mostly via Twitter and Facebook, but we have met in person as well — and have always admired his passion for and knowledge of Finger Lakes wines. Kevin grew up in Rochester, NY and his interest in wine started 15 years ago as he bartended his way through Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York at various bars, pubs, night clubs and even a yacht club. When he graduated however…

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