Happy Halloween from the future starting outside linebacker of Pittsburgh Steelers. Note the 'shoulder pads' (two pairs of my socks, actually) and of course the eyeblack!
Posts Written OnOctober 2008
Wine Bloggers Conference 2008: View from the Top of Rockaway Vineyard
New Video from Bedell Cellars
Bedell Cellars has produced a new video and they’ve actually been smart enough to post it on YouTube. Long Island wines have been slow to embrace new and social media…but there are baby steps being made.
Wine Bloggers Conference 2008: Reactions to New York Wines
Last weekend, as you already know, I had the privilege of traveling to Santa Rosa, CA for the first annual Wine Bloggers Conference, where I was joined by more than 160 other members of the world wide wine industry for three days of tastings, meetings and panel discussion. I'll get around to writing about some of the CA wines I tasted eventually, but first let's talk about the New York wines that Melissa Dobson and I pulled together for an invite-only tasting after conference's formal sessions ended on Friday. Many of those who joined us had never tasted anything from…
Long Island Restaurant Week Starts on Sunday
The third annual Long Island Restaurant Week begins this Sunday, November 2 and runs through Sunday, November 9. Participating restaurants will offer a three-course prix fixe dinners for $24.95 per person all night, except Saturday, when it will only be available until 7 p.m. Each restaurant offers its own unique menu… and hopefully this year restaurants won't go crazy withe supplements for special courses (which isn't in the spirit of the event at all). With the little guy at home, it's hard for Nena and I to take advantage of this program, but I'm hoping we can sneak out, maybe…
Wine Bloggers Conference 2008: More from Jim Murphy
In today's clip, long-time grapegrower Jim Murphy talks about a variety of topics including yields, frost and pruning.
New York Wineries Dominate the Atlantic Northeast Region
Congratulations to Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Wolffer Estate, Bedell Cellars, Lenz Winery and Paumanok Vineyards for placing first through fifth on the "Greatest Wine Producers" list for the Atlantic Northeast region in Tom Stevenson's "Wine Report 2009." Dr. Frank's has now taken top honors for the past fives years. It's hard to argue with any of the wineries on the list and the composition of the list shows that New York has clearly positioned itself as the eastern state if you're looking for quality wine. I've had wines from Chaddsford (some were good) and L. Mawby (liked those…
Wine Bloggers Conference 2008: The Vineyard Walk
Veteran grape grower Jim Murphy talks about vineyard lifecyles and machine harvesting. There will be several posts about the recently completed Wine Bloggers Conference out in Santa Rosa, but I thought I’d start with what was one of my favorite parts — the vineyard walk. We had several different vineyards we could walk/hike and after deciding to take the easy route and pick one of the flatter, shorter walks, I was harassed by two of my in-shape WBC friends (namely Erika and John) into joining them for the most strenuous one. In the end, I’m glad that I did… even…
Wine Bloggers Conference 2008: Some Pictures
Just some of the Long Island wines poured at the hugely popular New York wine after party. The crowd enjoying said New York wines. More pictures from this hike tomorrow…and some video too. This was at the top where we had lunch and some wines from Rodney Strong.
Live Blogging @ Wine Blogging Conference 2008
Well, I was supposed to be pouring for this portion of the event, but the wine I was supposed to pour seems to be MIA. So, instead, I'm taking part in the Live Blogging portion of the event, starting with Small Vines Wines 2006 Sonoma Central Coast Pinot Noir, which retails for $65. They only made 144 cases, so this is my kinda maker. Ripe fruit, cherry, vanilla and spice…nicely intergrated oak and silky. (3:48 p.m) Next up is Cupcake Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay ($12). VERY fruity, apple, citrus and pineapple. Oak is actually pretty soft here on the fore palate,…