Posts Written OnMarch 2005

(This column appeared in the 3/18/05 issue of Dan’s Papers) Michael Lynne, owner of Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue and Corey Creek Vineyards in Southold, wants to be the best. But not just the best on the North Fork or even in the U.S. He wants to be the best in the world. In early February, this commitment to making world-class wines led Lynne, whose “day job” is running New Line Cinema as co-Chairman and co-CEO, to hire Pascal Marty, formerly of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, as his consulting oenologist, and John Irving Levenberg, most recently at Paul Hobbs Winery in Napa…

Though I’m only 25% Scotch-Irish by heritage…St. Patrick’s Day remains a favorite holiday. Shepard’s pie, corned beef and cabbage….Guiness! What’s not to love?!? This year, Nena and I won’t be hitting any Irish pubs or the like. Instead, we’re heading to our friend Lisa’s parent’s house for a menu meeting…because we’re catering her engagement party. I do know, however, that her mother picked up six pounds of corned beef…and I’m sure cabbage is on the menu as well. I’ll just have to get the Guiness on the way there. So raise a glass…and enjoy your evening. Just make it to…

Carolyn of The Ultimate CA Wine Blog sent me a link to her latest project (well, this is the 2nd year for it, but you know what I mean) — a blog that gives you a vines-eye view of the vineyard life cycle. Check it out. Should be fun to watch. After all, a lot of winemakers say you really grown wine…not make it. I’ll have to do a comparison picture the next time I’m out at a Long Island vineyard. Let’s just say ours are still covered with snow at present time. Yes, you could say our growing season…

It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. My first-ever LENNDEVOURS post was written 365 days ago. Yes faithful readers, LENNDEVOURS celebrates its first birthday today. What a year it’s been. What started out as an extension of my semi-defunct blog "Slingin’ Ink" has become nothing short of an obsession. Never did I think that this little blog would grow into something this fun and this important to me. I feel priviledged to be a part of the amazing food and wine blogging community. Every day it amazes me that so many talented, creative people share the same love of fine…

On April 25th, Nena and I have been invited to go into Manhattan after work to attend Windows on Long Island, one of the Long Island wine events each year. The event is being held at Capitale in Manhattan. Tickets are $125 for regular admission and $250 per person  for  VIP tickets, which include a special preview hour and access to a VIP lounge where vintage wines will be poured. The main event is from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. with the VIP preview happening at 6 p.m. As a member of the press, I’ve been invited to arrive at 6:00…

Jamesport Vineyards owner Ron Goerler Jr. and new winemaker Les Howard (right). From Bottling Line to Making WineEleven years ago, Les Howard had a summer job at Pindar Vineyards on the bottling line, spending most of his time packing cases with just-labeled bottles. A month ago, he was named head winemaker at Jamesport Vineyards. He’s come a long way. “Les has seen 11 vintages of Long Island wine. He knows the region and its climate. He knows the grapes,” said Ron Goerler Jr., Jamesport Vineyards’ owner and vineyard manager. “He’s seen it all. And, his talent and experience are things…