Posts Written OnJuly 2011

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor The word "authentic" is bandied about with too much regularity when we discuss wine these days, and yet I feel compelled to use it here. That's because there is nothing in the world of wine so raw, so ungussied up, so uncorporate — so authentic! — as a bottle of wine created by a non-professional. It almost never carries an industrial label, and often conveys, through a smudged and sticky exterior, the dirty hands required to make it. The home winemaker is unburdened by bias. You think all Baco is subpar? Talk to the…

By Evan Dawson, Managing Editor     By now you've probably heard about the faux scandal involving Congressman Paul Ryan and his expensive bottles of Burgundy at a D.C. restaurant. If you somehow missed it, here's a quick summary: Rep. Paul Ryan goes out to dinner with some wealthy friends. Those friends decide to order two bottles of a $350 Burgundy. A woman sitting nearby recognizes Rep. Ryan and looks up the price of the bottles. The woman decides it's somehow incongruous for Rep. Ryan to talk about the government cutting spending while he's drinking expensive wine. She also wonders if his…

By Bryan Calandrelli, Niagara Region Editor It

The always-beautiful spot next to the pond at Pugliese Vineyards By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor If you're like me, when you first move to a new wine region, you intrepidly explore it — visiting different tasting rooms every weekend and sampling different things on their tasting menus each time you go. Everything is so new and so exciting. Will that small place down the road have something killer you've never tasted before? Nena and I used to ask that question often. But over time that non-stop exploration slows. You've tasted most of the wines at most of the wineries and…

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor We had picture-perfect weather in Long Island wine country this weekend. In fact, these were some of hte only clouds I remember. This is a shot from the parking lot at McCall Wines where I tasted not only some delicious pinot, but some of the best 2010 sauvignon blanc I've had so far. Story coming later today or tomorrow.  

By Aaron Estes, Cheese Editor I have a problem with Alpine-style cheeses. And when I say

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor These are tasting notes for some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table recently but won't be reviewed in standalone posts. Channing Daughters Winery 2009 Lagrein ($30): Very peppery on the nose (almost syrah-like) with some rocky minerality and taut red fruits (cherry and cranberry). Silky up front with crunchy red fruit and low tannins. Smoky and a bit spicy — but in an oaky way. Somewhat dilute, but no-doubt food friendly because of the acidity. Rating: 83 Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Rosato di Cabernet Sauvignon ($18): Simple, pure nose of red cherries and…

By Mark Tichenor, Beer Correspondent American beer fans are fortunate; the best and most famous craft brews are available from coast to coast. Still, it's a pleasure to find excellent beers brewed and served on a small scale, with a local ethic. Some of the finest are only available at a singular time and place. That's the case with McBane's Unfiltered Expo Pils, brewed as a collaboration between Joe McBane, owner of Rochester's Tap and Mallet gastropub, and Bruce Lish, brewer at Custom Brewcrafters of Honeoye Falls, New York. Brewed to coincide with the Tap and Mallet's recent Real Beer…