Posts Written OnAugust 2006

50 States. 50 Wineries #11: Wills Creek Vineyards (Alabama)

You’ve probably noticed that "50 States. 50 Wineries. 50 Weeks." has become merely 50 wineries from 50 states. That’s just because it’s been so much harder to gather samples than I anticipated. So, instead of doing one a week, I’ll taste them as I can get them. The goal is still to taste, and write about, wine from each of America’s 50 states. This time around, we head to the deep south — Alabama — and Will Creek Vineyards. I knew that this project would lead to tasting some interesting wines made from grapes outside of the Vitis vinifera realm,…

WTN: Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2002 Estate Selection Merlot (The Hamptons, Long Island)

I’ve written about the wines of Wolffer Estate several times, so I probably don’t need to provide much background here. Just know that despite vineyards that have slightly more chardonnay in them than merlot, Wolffer, and winemaker Roman Roth are devoted to Long Island merlot. They are a founding member of the Long Island Merlot Alliance and also create Long Island’s most expensive merlot — their Premier Cru Merlot ($125). One can easily argue the merits of both a $125 bottle of Long Island wine and the LIMA, but today we’re talking about Wolffer Estate Vineyards’ 2002 Estate Selection Merlot…

“DRINK LOCAL” T-Shirts Available

For quite a while now, I’ve been trying to find some interesting-without-being-lame wine-related t-shirts…with very little luck. Then I tried to find some locally focused ones…with even less luck. So, I decided to create one of my own, emblazoned with "DRINK LOCAL" on the front. The message is clear, concise and one that is near and dear to my heart. And, as much as I hate the idea of "going commerical" I’ve opened up a GoodStorm shop where anyone can buy one. I’ve got a few different colors set up right now, but plan to add more at some point.…

Basil- and Bacon-Wrapped Florida Bay Shrimp with Sang Lee Mesclun, Parmigiano Reggiano, Raw Tomato Sauce and Balsamic Syrup

After the watermelon cube amuse, I wrapped some fresh (never frozen) Florida shrimp with a basil leaf and a half strip of bacon and tossed it on the grill. Once cooked (the bacon did a great job protecting the shrimp…I got a little distracted and would have burnt them otherwise!), I put them on a bed of mesclun from Sang Lee Farms, drizzled with some of the same balsamic-blackberry syrup, fresh tomato sauce and parm reg cheese. The picture isn’t great (looks like the syrup is all over the place) but Nena and her parents loved the course.

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…

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…

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.

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.…

More Thoughts on the Wine Advocate and New York Wines

I’ve gotten a few emails about my post a couple of weeks ago about the Wine Advocate’s recent coverage of New York wines, charging that I was overly negative and (shockingly) dismissed David Schildknecht’s credentials. Re-reading my post, I still think I was pretty even handed, but I wanted to offer a few more thoughts to make sure that my feelings are clear. Now hear this — this is a milestone for NY and Long Island wines. There is no disputing that, regardless of what you think of the 100-point scoring system, Parker or his influence on consumers. This is…