Browsing CategoryNew York Cork Club

Empire State Cellars March 2014 Wine Club Selections

This morning I’m happy to announce the wines that will be included in the March 2014 shipment of our wine club. If you aren’t familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Red Tail Ridge Winery 2012 Good Karma: This blend of riesling with 11% unoaked chardonnay blended in is driven by flavors of pear and lemon-lime, with some tropical fruit at the edges with gently fresh acidity balances just a bit of sweetness. Best of all, proceeds go to charity.  Suhru 2010 Red Blend:  Proving that Long Island Bordeaux-style blends can be affordable, this blend of merlot, cabernet franc,…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: January 2014 Selections

In the midst of the NYCR’s brief hiatus, we still have some work to attend to — announcing wines that will be included in the January shipment of our wine club. If you aren’t familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Macari Vineyards 2013 Early Wine Chardonnay: I’ve already enjoyed at least half a case of this super-fresh first taste of the 2013 Long Island vintage.  It bursts with  citrus — think lemons and grapefruit — aromas along with notes of green apple and apple blossom on the nose. Juicy, citrusy and just plain fun on the…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: November Selections

The November shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club will go out to members in a few weeks — but here’s a sneak peak of what is coming.. If you aren’t familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2012 Dry Riesling: This wine has been getting a lot of attention lately and rightly so. Dry but not austere, this riesling shows classic citrus-meets-peach qualities with mouth-watering verve and a vein of of wet river rock on the finish. I’ll be pouring this one before and during Thanksgiving dinner. Red…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: September 2013 Selections

The September shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club will go out to members in a few weeks — but here’s a sneak peak of what is coming.. If you aren’t familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Charles Fournier 2012 “Gold Seal Vineyards” Riesling: Named for a Finger Lakes pioneer and his seminal vineyard, this negociant-made riesling is focused and fresh, showing pear and apricot flavors, nervy acidity and along, slate-y finish. A terrific value.  Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2010 “Red Letter”: The great 2010 growing season resulted some of Long Island’s best-ever <$20 reds, this…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: July 2013 Selections

The July shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club will go out to members this week — meaning that it’s time to announce my selections. If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Shinn Estate Vineyards 2012 Rose: There is a lot of delicious rose being made on Long Island, but when it comes to a burger- or barbecued-chicken ready rose, I often reach for Shinn Estates. Ripe berries and watermelon are fresh and concentrated — and able to stand up to foods that would dominate lighter rose. Brooklyn Oenology 2010 Social Club…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: May 2013 Selections

The May shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club will go out to members in a week or so — meaning that it’s time to announce my selections. If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Bloomer Creek Vineyard 2011 Auten Vineyard First Harvest Riesling: With every new Bloomer Creek release, they solidify their position as a top-tier riesling producer on the East Coast. And, these wines are so well priced that you can drink them now (and buy more), or put them away for a few years if you like your riesling with a…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: March 2013 Selections

The March shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club will be shipping in a week or so — meaning that it’s time to announce my selections. If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Sheldrake Point 2011 Dry Riesling: Lithe and lively, this was a favorite when I tasted with winemaker Dave Breeden last summer. Apple and apple blossom flavors are accented by a squirt of lime and a snappy finish. Roasted pork loin wants this wine. So do you. Macari Vineyards 2008 Estate Merlot: With aromas of red cherry, cured meat, sweet herbs and…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: January 2013 Selections

The January shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club won’t ship for a few weeks, but — as always — I’m excited to share the selections with you. If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Macari Vineyards 2012 “Early Wine” Chardonnay: In the same vein as Beaujolais Nouveau — but local and far better. This off-dry wine is super crisp with pear, apple and light floral notes. Make sure that you drink it before March to enjoy it at its fresh best Paumanok Vineyards 2010 Festival Red: This blend of merlot, cabernet franc,…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: July 2012 Selections

The July shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club, won’t ship for another 3 or 4 weeks, but I want to tell you about them today so, if you’re not already a member but want the wines, you’ll have time to join. If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Ravines Wine Cellars 2011 Dry Riesling: Winemaker Morten Hallgren favors dry wines as the best way to express Finger Lakes terroir. This riesling is precise and pure, with crunchy acidity and pretty floral, pear and lime peel flavors and a minerally vein throughout.  Suhru…

Empire State Cellars Wine Club: May 2012 Selections

The May shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club won’t ship for a few weeks, but from now on, we’re going to announce the selecitons at least a few weeks beforehand. That way, if you’re not already a member but want the wines, you’ll have time to join! If you’re not familiar with the club, you canlearn more here. “Hello New York” Wines Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Scuttlhole Chardonnay: I prefer my chardonnay unadorned and clean — usually the less oak the better. Winemaker Chris Tracy makes an array of chardonnays, but this one is my favorites — all steel…