Posts Tagged“2011”

Palmer Vineyards 2011 Albarino

Chardonnay. Merlot. Chardonnay. Merlot. Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay. Cabernet Franc. Merlot. Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon. During the course of tasting any and all Long Island wines I can get my hands on — it seems like that is all I taste. Very little variety. A lot of the same. Those are important grapes for the region — no doubt — but who doesn’t like something a little different every now and again. That’s one reason I appreciate what people like Miguel Martin of Palmer Vineyards are doing with new-to-the-region grapes like albarino. It’s hard to envision a time when Long Island is…

Continue Reading

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2011 Rose

Wolffer Estate Vineyards and winemaker Roman Roth are known for producing some of the East Coast’s best chardonnay and merlot. But it is this wine, the Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2011 Rose ($16), that is probably the winery’s best known. You’ll find it most every where in the Hamptons — from posh pool parties to the beach to restaurants and bars — and they make a lot of it every year, typically well north of 9,000 cases (which dwarfs several Long Island wineries’ total production). Made with 54% merlot, 21% chardonnay, 9% pinot noir, 8% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon,…

Continue Reading

Palmer Vineyards 2011 Aromatico

Miguel Martin, Spanish-born winemaker at Palmer Vineyards, flies under the radar. Instead of grabbing headlines or a lot of attention,  he simply works hard in the vineyard and cellar to not only produce impressives wines from the grapes you’d expect on the North Fork — grapes like cabernet franc, sauvignon blanc and pinot blanc — but also from those you might not expect, like New York’s first Albarino, which he introduced last spring. With Palmer Vineyards 2011 Aromatico ($25 per 500-ml bottle), Miguel adds to the unexpected end of roster. A blend of 72% muscat canelli and 28% malvasia, you…

Continue Reading

Silver Thread Vineyard 2011 Good Earth White

When Paul and Shannon Brock purchased Silver Thread Vineyard last summer, I immediately wondered about their first vintage and wines. 2011 was a challenge for even the most experienced growers — growers who had been taking care of their vines for the entire growing season. The Brocks came in in what amounts to the fourth quarter of the game. Having tasted a few of Paul’s first wines (he’s the winemaker), those worries seem to be unwarranted. The Silver Thread 2011s deliver the same bright, clean flavors as many of those he made at Lamoreaux Landing a few years ago. Silver Thread…

Continue Reading

Sherwood House Vineyards 2011 White Merlot

100% merlot rose rarely excites me. Often it’s a bit one-dimensional and uninteresting — especially if made via saignee — but Sherwood House Vineyards 2011 White Merlot ($18) is quite refreshing and delicious. Pears, apples, strawberries and a distinct hint of peach greet the nose while the palate focuses more on peaches and wild strawberries — with a light sweet herb quality — and plenty of acidity to go around. 2011 was a tough year for red grapes, but so far, the 2011 roses have been vivacious and satisfying. I plan to taste and review more soon. Producer: Sherwood House Vineyards…

Continue Reading

Finalists Announced for NYCR 2011 New York Beers of the Year Tasting

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor On behalf of the NYCR Beer Team, I’m proud to announce that our “Beers of the Year” program has grown to ten nominees this year.2011 was a huge year for growth and exciting change and we are thrilled to recognize these outstanding breweries, scattered all over the state, for crafting some amazing brews. The following beers represent numerous styles (and riffs on styles), brewing philosophies, techniques, and ingredients but all demonstrate a commitment to quality that makes us proud to say we’re from New York. Western New York breweries: Southern Tier Brewing Company XXIPA Southern…

Continue Reading