Posts Written OnAugust 05, 2009

“They Thought We Were Crazy:” A Matriarch of Vinifera Reflects

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Libby Prejean has not been back to West Virginia in 60 years, but sometimes she just can't help it. The "I" becomes an "Ah." The edges of her speech get lethargic. "I can't call people on the phone without them knowing!" she says. But as she turns 80 years old, Prejean admits that if her speech hasn't changed, so much else has. She helped launch Prejean Winery on Seneca Lake nearly a quarter century ago, and I caught up with her over a glass of Marechal Foch on a slow Wednesday morning, yesterday. "They…

Peconic Bay Winery 2007 “Nautique” Esprit de Rouge

By Lenn Thompson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my red house wine of the near future (once I clear out some space in my cellar for a case or two). It's called Nautique 2007 Esprit de Rouge ($16) and it's produced by Peconic Bay Winery. It's one of three wines that make up the new Nautique label (there is an Esprite de Blanc and Esprit de Rose too) and they replaced the winery's old Local Flavor wines as of August 1. The Rouge carries non-vintage label (and subsequent bottlings very well may be non-vintage)…

Blue Point Blueberry Ale

By Kevin Burns, Beer Columnist Dan, one of this blog's most loyal readers, pointed out that all of my reviews up until this point have been big, hoppy beers.  He's right, so this week I decided to review Blue Point Brewing Company's Blueberry Ale.  Fruit beers are not my all-time favorite style but I do enjoy certain fruit beers that are well made.    This particular fruit beer poured an amber color with a nice white foamy head.  The nose is fruity with lots of blueberries and some light malt.  The first sip is more blueberry fruit along with a light amount of malt…