Posts Written OnAugust 11, 2006

WTN: Lenz Winery 2001 “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon (North Fork of Long Island)

The Lenz Winery has been making a lot of noise lately about its wines and how they rate against top-flight Bordeaux in professional blind tastings. It’s an interesting marketing hook to be sure. The recently released Lenz 2001 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) is one of the wines that fared best. And I can see why. It’s obviously much more important that consumers like a wine (instead of critics), but something tells me this wine will be well received. "Old vines" doesn’t have any official meaning (much like "reserve") but this rich, deep purple-crimson cab is impressive nonetheless. The nose…

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WTN: Jamesport Vineyards 2004 Sarah’s Hill Pinot Noir (North Fork of Long Island)

There aren’t a ton of local producers making pinot noir here on Long Island. The "heartbreak" grape is difficult to grow anywhere, but with Long Island’s humidity, I think it’s even harder. I know of at least one winemaker that has stopped making pinot noir completely — using his pinot grapes strictly for bubbly now. That said, Jamesport Vineyards can usually be counted on for a solid bottling. Owner and vineyard manager Ron Goerler is one of the North Fork’s most respected growers and has long been known for growing quality fruit. This wine was fermented using indigenous yeast, and…

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Watermelon with Blackberry-Balsamic Syrup, Petit Basil, Grana Padano

Last weekend I cooked a little dinner for Nena and her parents, and this was the amuse bouche — a cube of fresh watermelon, balsamic vinegar syrup made with local blackberries, a petit basil leaf and some grated grana padano cheese. I’ve wanted to make some version of this for quite a while after seeing it over at Obsession With Food, and I’m glad I finally did, with a few modifications of course.

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Wine Blogging Wednesday #25 Announced — Champagne. The Real Deal.

The Wine Blogging Wednesday train just keep chugging along, and in September Sam from Becks & Post is playing host. I’ve not met Sam yet (we missed one another when I was in San Francisco in June) but anyone who reads her always fun and entertaining blog knows, the girl loves her Champagne. That’s Champagne with a capital C, not sparkling wine. So, it comes as no surprise that she has chosen Champagne as the theme for September 13th edition of WBW. Taking part in WBW is easy. Go out and buy a wine that matches the theme. Drink it.…

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