Browsing CategoryLong Island

In the “Long Island Wine Press”: What’s Old is New Again

I’m proud to share that my first piece for the Long Island Wine Press, which you can find in tasting rooms and elsewhere all over the East End, was also chosen as the cover story. The story, titled “What’s Old is New Again: Two Long Island winemakers are reviving the ancient method of making Petillant Naturel sparkling wines” focuses on the pet nat wines made by Regan Meador at Southold Farm + Cellar and Christopher Tracy at Channing Daughters Winery. If you can’t get you hands on a copy of the magazine, you can read about how the wines are…

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Southampton Publick House 2013 Imperial Russian Stout

Comparing a vintage beer at different stages of its maturity isn’t something I get to do all the time, let alone a beer I have taken notes on. Recently, I’ve been cleaning up my wine and beer storage that I’ve wanted to check in on and, well, drinking them. I happen to pop this 2013 Imperial Russian Stout almost two years to the day that I last reviewed it here, on the New York Cork Report in 2013. Much about the beer has changed, yet much has stayed the same. The color and appearance of the stout hadn’t changed at…

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Raphael 2014 Sauvignon Blanc

Made without even a splinter of oak, Raphael 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($20), is a brisk, somewhat lean rendition of North Fork sauvignon blanc. Dominant aromas and flavors of citrus blossom, stony talc and straw are supported by light lemon, lemon verbena and gooseberry qualities. Juicy, citrusy acid keeps the palate crunchy and accentuates the minerally, stony notes. Bottled only a month ago, I plan to re-taste this wine in a month or so and will update this note if needed. Producer: Raphael AVA: North Fork of Long Island Varieties: 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon pH: 3.18 TA: 8.4 g/L Barrel Program: None;…

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Long Island Merlot Alliance Names Amy Zavatto as Executive Director

Press releases are not something we usually get too exited about at the NYCR desk, but in this case we are very pleased to to share the news that our own contributor, the very talented Amy Zavatto, will be taking the helm of the Long Island Merlot Alliance. As an eastern Long Island native, Amy is returning to her roots both literally and figuratively. We look forward to seeing her great energy and fine word-smithy directed at promoting wines that are a signatures for Long Island wine country.   LONG ISLAND MERLOT ALLIANCE KICKS OFF 10th ANNIVERSARY  AND WELCOMES ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,…

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Uncork the Forks: These Long Island wines aged gracefully (northforker.com)

For a few months now, I’ve been writing a wine column “Uncork the Forks” for northforker.com — one of the few local outlets that shows any real interest in Long Island wine coverage. It’s been a fun project and I figured I should start pointing out my columns here on NYCR. My most recent column focused on a tasting of four North Fork reds from 2002-2006. You can read it here.  And if you have any Bedell Cellars 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon in your cellar, we need to be friends so we can drink it together. Uncork the Forks: These Long Island…

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North Fork Wines Take A Field Trip To Racines NY BYO Mondays

If you’ve suffered through my cooking, you know there’s certainly no meal coming from my kitchen that’s worthy of a special bottle of wine. In fact, drinking something quickly is your best method of defense. I tend to hoard long-held vintages or the Brunello procured on a magical vacation for an event where corkage is appropriate or find that rare BYOB restaurant of a certain caliber. Occasionally, I miss a drinkability window and I curse my principals and wish I’d just opened that bottle with a takeout turkey burger. Having the luxury of endless access to Long Island wine, they…

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Medolla Vineyards 2004 Merlot

It’s rare that one can go buy a fully mature Long Island wine right off the shelf, but Medolla Vineyards offers that opportunity with the current release Medolla Vineyards 2004 Merlot ($19). Yes. 2004. Current. Release. The Medolla wines are made at Lenz Winery under the watchful eye of Lenz winemaker Eric Fry. The 2002 was one of the most underrated merlots on the North Fork when it was released and the 2007 was a killer value a few years ago when it hit shelves. The 2004 — no doubt given extra time in bottle to even out some of the rustic…

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Standing Stone Vineyards 2013 Saperavi

Though originally planted at Standing Stone Vineyards with blending in mind, Saperavi — a cold-hardy grape originally from Georgia (not the state) — has earned co-owner/wine Marti Macinski accolades. And she’s only been bottling it on its own since the 2005 vintage. In a region where dark, inky reds are anything but the norm, it’s easy to see the appeal. Beyond the color — which ultimately has little (no) bearing on a wine’s quality or even intensity — there is even more to like. Standing Stone Vineyards 2013 Saperavi ($30) oozes with plum and blueberry fruit aromas that are accented by a slightly…

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