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Op-Ed: “Expectations for New York Wine Are Higher Than Ever – Are We Ready?” Jim Silver, GM, Peconic Bay Winery

  In a 2004 speech on his educational programs, President Bush decried the “soft bigotry of low expectations” by the opposition party. The worthy phrase resonated with many. I wondered about such expectations in regard to New York wines, and how our wine industry would react if a mirror were held up to its wines and the reflection said “it’s great…for what it is…” That stinging phrase, “for what it is…” is the comment that sinks and supplants the “world class” argument every time, and I’ve tried to count how often I’ve heard it over the years. As if further…

Readers Share the Ways ‘Summer in a Glass’ Has Impacted Their View of Finger Lakes Wine

By Evan Dawson, Managing Editor The emails and comments from readers has already been overwhelming. Lenn thought it would be interesting to share a selected comment from time to time, and we encourage NYCR readers to share their thoughts as well. This comes from a man named Wolf Tinz. I don't exactly know where Wolf lives, but I found his email extremely moving. Some readers have already told me they plan to join us for the official book launch event this coming Saturday, April 23, from 4-6 at the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua. Tickets are still…

Times Union New York Wine Club: April 2011 Selections

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor We're getting ready to ship out this month's Times Union New York Wine Club selections and that means it's time to tell you a bit about them We've got some producers that we're including for the first time, which is always fun. For our Basic-Level Members this month, we have a Finger Lakes riesling and a Finger Lakes Cayuga White — yes, a Cayuga White.  Lucas Vineyards 2009 Cayuga White may very well be the finest example of the hybrid variety I've tasted. And it's a great value in a spring or summer sipper. Apple-pear…

Tickets Still Available: April 30: NYCR Wine Tasting Event at Peconic Bay Winery to Benefit Autism Research

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Tickets are still available for our charity wine event on April 30 from 1-4 p.m. We are partnering with Peconic Bay Winery and Lacrosse for Autism  to benefit The Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University. You can get all the event details in our previous post. Our silent auction continues to grow as well. So far we have lots including: Channing Daughters Winery: Case of Mosaico Clovis Point: 6-pack of 2007 Reds Heron Hill Winery: Red Wine Gift Basket Hunt Country Vineyards: Mixed Case of Riesling Jamesport Vineyards: Wine Four-Pack…

One Vineyard, Many Winemakers: Evaluating the Differences in 2010 Sawmill Creek Wines

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Some of the 86 acres of vines at Sawmill Creek Vineyards rise so steeply that a machine harvester can not safely venture between the rows. The site on the southeast side of Seneca Lake provides fruit for nearly 30 wineries every year, and its combination of slope, location and vineyard management has earned Sawmill Creek a strong reputation. Recently a fascinating question arose in the mind of Dave Whiting, winemaker at Red Newt Cellars: How would the wines made from Sawmill Creek in 2010 show, side-by-side, in a tasting featuring many of the producers…

Roanoke Vineyards 2007 Blend One

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Now this is a wine that has enjoyed quite a bit of local attention in recent months. I first tasted it when it won the red wine flight at "The Judgment at Riverhead" back in November. Then in January, it was named NYCR Non-Merlot Red Wine of the Year. And just a few weeks ago, I included it in our March 2011 Times Union New York Wine Club shipment. Sometimes wines hype is hollow and just not warranted. With Roanoke Vineyards 2007 Blend One ($43) that is decidedly not the case. This is a special…

Lamoreaux Landing 2006 Blanc de Blancs

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Why isn't there more traditionally made sparkling wine in the Finger Lakes? Yes, I know it's more expensive to make than many wines. Yes, I know that it requires a serious investment time-wise. And yes, I know that the prices wineries need to charge for methode champenoise wines may be higher than some are willing to spend. But when done well, Finger Lakes sparkling wine shows so much potential. Take Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2006 Blanc de Blanc ($25) for example. They don't make it often — the last one was from the 2001 vintage…