Posts Written OnJune 18, 2012

Southold Farm + Cellar: One Family’s Unique Field of Dreams

When I first met Regan Meador, assistant winemaker at Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards, many months ago via Twitter he didn’t want to know who was making my favorite local merlot or chardonnay. Instead, he wanted to know who is making my favorite syrah, who is making interesting non-chardonnay whites and who is planting different grapes. Not that he doesn’t like merlot and chardonnay, mind you.  He just isn’t a fan of ubiquity. “The stuff is over-planted, not just here but globally,” he says, adding “Nothing against the wine itself — well maybe against chardonnay — but I would rather have some other…

Scenes from the NYCR-Anthony Road Wine Company “Drink Local Dinner” at Amarelle

Friday night’s “Drink Local Dinner” at Amarelle, featuring the wines of Anthony Road Wine Company was successful for all involved — and more importantly a whole lot of fun.  It was great to see so many Long Island wine fans, both in and out of the local wine industry, attend to learn more about what is going on in another key region in the state. I’d like to thank everyone who attended, winemaker Johannes Reinhardt and chef Lia Fallon for an incredible evening. Stay tuned for an announcement about the next dinner in this series — it’s a pretty unique…

Flaherty to Edit New Cider and Spirits Sections for NYCR

David Flaherty joined the New York Cork Report team nearly two years ago, serving as our primary “man on the ground” in Manhattan. Today, that changes as he takes the helm of two upcoming sections — Spirits and Cider. Adding spirits and cider coverage here is something I’ve wanted to do for some time and — lucky for me — they are both things that David is knowledgeable and passionate about. Keep an eye out for David’s first piece soon.

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc

With a nose that shows black cherry, dried cranberry, savory herbs and a subtle hint of grilled mushrooms, the Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc ($23) shows both nice varietal character and Long Island-ness. On the palate, there is a slightly underripe note, but nice cherry and plum fruit flavors with a woodsy, earthy-herbal edge. Medium-intensity tannins are pretty well integrated, providing a bit of drying grip, while understated acidity brings freshness. A solid effort from one of the region’s weirder vintages. If you’re a true lover of cabernet franc, you’ll appreciate this wine. Producer: Martha Clara Vineyards AVA: North Fork of…