Posts Written OnJuly 2015

Regan Meador, Southold Farm + Cellar: We Are Closed, But Not Finished.

Editor’s note: The following was written by Regan Meador, co-owner and winemaker at Southold Farm + Cellar, a true family-run small business that does not deserve the trouble the town and one over-zealous neighbor are causing his family. This probably won’t be the last post I write about this. More soon. As of July 9th, 2015 we have been asked by the Town of Southold to cease all operations or face fines and/or jail time. We are heartbroken, to say the least. Prior to purchasing the property in 2012 we had sought guidance with the town and have been completely…

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Getting Rose Right: Finally, the Finger Lakes is Making Consistently Excellent Rose. Here’s Why

Photo via David Diaz, Damiani Wine Cellars No one is immune to bad ideas, and for years, the Finger Lakes had consistently bad ideas when it came to rose. It all seemed to culminate in one ill-fated February evening in 2014. You might be wondering why anyone was talking about rose in February, and you would be on to something. On the evening Thursday, February 27th, 2014, Fox Run Vineyards hosted an industry and media “Discover Dry Rose Grand Tasting.” Perhaps you recall that January and February of 2014 had been colder than an ex-lover, hammered by snow and raw…

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Atwater Estate Vineyards 2014 Dry Rose of Merlot

There isn’t a lot of merlot grown in the Finger Lakes — and even fewer wineries doing worth while things with it. Atwater Estate Vineyards 2014 Dry Rose of Merlot ($25) isn’t unique for New York (Long Island is flooded by merlot-based rose every spring) but it does stand out from the Finger Lakes crowd. The aromas are lighter than you might expect, but light, pretty red cherry and floral notes are accented by subtle herbaceous edge. There is a bit more intensity on the palate, with similar straightforward red berry flavors, lively acidity and a lingering cherry-skin finish. Before you balk…

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Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2013 Reserve Riesling

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2013 Reserve Riesling ($25) offers intense, concentrated aromas and flavors of peach, pineapple and Golden Delicious apple that are accented up by notes of honey, spice and hay. Richly flavored and textured, there is a bit of sweetness up front, but a beam of juicy, nervy acidity scrubs the palate clean on a medium-long finish. Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars AVA: Finger Lakes ABV: 12% TA: 8.4 g/L pH: 3.11 Production: 301 cases Price: $25* (3.5 out of 5 | Very Good, Recommended to Outstanding and Delicious, Highly Recommended)

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Weekly New York Wine News — July 6, 2015

A big win for the NY wine environment and continuing concern for international trade. A nod to Dr. Frank, a farewell to a NY dedicated establishment, and a quick sip of old style cider. NEWS Genesee County Express – 6/30/2015 Some thoughts on an un-COOL labeling law that may cost NY and US wine producers dearly in the Canadian market. Wine Spectator – 6/30/2015 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officially bans Fracking and Finger Lakes winemakers breathe a sigh of relief. Daily Pilot – 7/2/2015 Annual Independence Day domestic wine party picks the best representative from each state, and special…

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