Posts Written OnAugust 02, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Here are seven wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table in recent weeks but will not be reviewed as part of a stand-alone post. As always, these are notes almost verbatim from my tasting notebook: Martha Clara Vineyards 2005 Estate Reserve Merlot ($25): Ripe red cherry, milk chocolate, tobacco and light spice on the nose. Juicy on the palate with red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Soft tannins and subtle spice with more chocolate. Medium length with nice blueberry compote flavors towards the end. On day two, a bit more complexity emerged. Rating: 85…

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Most wineries around the world use natural cork as the closure for their best vines. Last week I discovered that Rooster Hill Vineyards, a strong producer based on Keuka Lake, chooses to use synthetic corks (see photo). Turns out, many of you have noticed as well. Here's the full post, and the comments contain references to the cork question. Here is Rooster Hill owner Amy Hoffman's response, explaining her choice. Feel free to discuss in the comments section on this post. *** "(Winemaker) Barry Tortolone and I have discussed this at length. The biggest…

The scene at Peconic Bay Winery during yesterday's NOFO Rock & Fok Fest. By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Despite a bevy of questions and challenges from a handful of locals, including Town of Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, this weekend's NOFO Rock & Folk Festival was — from my seat in the crowd anyway — an absolute success. The weather was gorgeous, the festival extremely well organized, the musicians talented, and the crowd relaxed and respectful. We had an amazing day and no one had more fun than our 3 1/2 year old. Great food from local chefs, an on-site farmer's…