New York Cork Report

Tasting Notes: Humanitas 2003 Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon

With all that has happened recently in Southeast Asia and East Africa, many of us are thinking about how we can help be it with money, time or a donation of good to help survivors get their lives back together.

Even in the wine world, wineries are hosting events to raise money and one of my favorite wineries on Long Island even produced a wine to benefit a 9/11 non-profit organization.

Recently, however, I stumbled upon what can only be considered the ultimate in wine world charity, Humanitas Wines.

They don't just donate a portion of profits or host an event every now and again...all of Humanitas Wines' profits go to charity. Yes, you read that right, every cent of profit goes to charity.

Specifically, the profits are donated to address three primary issues -- hunger, affordable housing and illiteracy. Humanitas has chosen America's Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity and Reading is Fundamental as their primary charities. 

The other really cool thing is that instead of donating to the national chapters, they donate in the communities where the wine is sold.

In all fairness, I shouldn't say "they"...because the winery's sole employee is Judd Wallenbrock. A 24-year veteren of the wine business, Judd spent the ten years leading up to his founding of Humanitas as an executive for two major wineries in California.

Why did he make this move? He puts it best himself -- "My passion is in the enjoyment of wine, my expertise is in building strong wine brands, and my heart is in philanthropy."

Three have come together..and the results are beautiful -- a Chardonnay, a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Judd told me he always tries to over-deliver with the wines, each of which sell for $15. I'll probably open the other two bottles tonight...but the Cabernet Sauvignon was uncorked last night.

Over The Barrel...With Lenn Thompson: The Holiday Season That Was

(This column appeared in the 1/14 issue of Dan's Papers)

Happy New Year, Long Island wine lovers! As you can probably imagine, I sampled a lot of wines between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Dinner parties, office parties, nights out on the town, quiet nights at home… they’re all great opportunities to try new and exciting wines.

Sure, some were flat, lifeless and noteworthy only in their mediocrity. But there were a half dozen that stood out – wines that I’d gladly drink again and again and again.

Peconic Bay Winery’s whites are some of the first that I tried when I moved to Long Island almost six years ago. Since then, they’ve been consistently good, easy-drinkers with enough fruit to please most any palate. The recently released 2003 Peconic Bay Winery Steel Fermented Chardonnay ($13) is no exception. Light and made in a Chablis-like style, it offers honey and lemongrass flavors with notes of vanilla and Granny Smith apple. Great acidity makes it the perfect mate for fresh seafood.

On the other end of the Chardonnay vine is the 2002 Corey Creek Reserve Chardonnay ($29). Barrel fermentation and ten months aging in French oak gives this wine a rich golden hue and an impressive nose of fire-roasted marshmallows and buttercream with subtle hints of pears and apples. Butterscotch and roasted pears blend well with toasty vanilla and honey on the palate.

Three reds from Palmer Vineyards caught my attention between Christmas and New Year’s as well.

For an affordable, gulpable red, try Palmer’s N41 W72 Merlot Cuvee 2003 ($12). Named for the vineyard’s Long Island latitude and longitude, it pays homage to “the coordinates for great Merlot.” Smooth with fresh blackberries and cherries, this simple vino is great for pizza.

For a bit more depth, try the 2002 Palmer Cabernet Franc ($18). Still smooth like its Merlot cuvee cousin, it offers black cherries and black pepper on the nose and palate, all framed by nice acidity. I just might drink this with turkey next Thanksgiving.

My favorite of the Palmer lot was the Palmer Select Reserve Red ($25). A Bordeaux-style blend of 63 percent Cabernet Franc, 25 percent Merlot and 12 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s an extremely well-made and well-balanced red. Elegant from the moment it hits the glass, it is a rich, deep wine with black fruit and chocolate flavors and a well integrated tannic grip.

As with any tasting session (even one done over a couple months), there was a clear favorite – a wine that jumps up out of the glass and makes one take notice. Wolffer’s 2000 Estate Selection Merlot ($35) was the hit of Christmas Day. Full-bodied and stunningly rich, it offers full but velvety smooth tannins. Exquisite blackberry flavors are joined by nuances of cedar, tobacco and wet stone. We enjoyed it as we opened our gifts, but I’d suggest trying it with a slab of hearty beef, lamb or venison.

2005 is here and it promises to be an exciting year for Long Island wines and wineries. Keep an eye out for better wines at better prices, new packaging (maybe even a screw top) and some new first releases as well. Come along for the ride.

Lenn Thompson is a contributing columnist for Dan’s North Fork. Email him at lenn@lenndevours.com

Steelers vs. Jets Playoff Game on Saturday

As some of you may or may not know, I was born, raised and educated in Western Pennsylvania, spending my first 18 years just outside of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township before attending college 70 miles north and then grad school in the city limits.

If you know anyone from the Pittsburgh area, you probably know that the Pittsburgh Steelers are like a religion that just about ALL of us practice on Sundays. Not unlike the rest of the 'burgh, my family is insane when it comes to our beloved Steelers...and the Steelers love doesn't fade...regardless of where you move.

Need proof?

Living in New York now, I still get to see most of the games because a local bar puts them on for me when I go there--Phil's in Wading River, NY. But this weekend, I'll get to enjoy the game in the comfort of my own home...with a half dozen Jets fans...who happen to be my friends.

That's right, we're having a party...and it sould be fun. Nena and I are planning some good, Pittsburgh-centric food (pierogies and kielbasa) and we'll have some other delicious nibbles as well I'm sure.

What wine will I serve? For me (and the guys), none. I'll be drinking Pittsburgh's finest, Iron City Beer. The girls will likely be drinking white wine of some sort...nothing worth noting probably.

Okay, so maybe Iron City isn't very good beer. It is made in Pittsburgh though and is a gameday must when I can get my hands on some. I won't be drinking it all game though...I only have a six pack left and I need to save some for the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl.

The interesting thing about this particular case of Iron is its packaging. The beer is in aluminum bottles, which they claim keep the beer colder longer. I'm not sure about that...but they are a great conversation piece.

My quick predictions for the game:

• The Steelers are undefeated when I wear my #55 Joey Porter jersey...this streak will continue
• Plaxico Burress will make make his presence felt, catching some passes down field to open up the running game for The Bus and Duce
• Troy Polomalu will make a couple HUGE plays on defense, either forcing a fumble or picking off a pass

GO STEELERS.

February 5th: Shinn Estate Vineyards' "Shinn Dig #2"

On Saturday, February 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. , Shinn Estate Vineyards will host their second Shinn Dig event at the winery in Mattituck, NY.

They will welcome Hannah Gray, director of the icehouse gallery in Greenport, NY. She will screen several short food and wine inspired films by local artists, Eva Saks and Vicky Jensen.

For $45 ($10 goes to support the icehouse gallery's  "filmmakers without borders" project) you can enjoy a casual evening of candlelight, their delicious wine, wild boar stew, artisan cheese and breads...and, of course, the short films.

Shinn's owners, David Page and Barbara Shinn are also the owners (and David is the chef) of Home restaurant in Manhattan. Their wines are very good and their keen interest in embracing Long Island terroir is a refreshing change.

RSVP to 631-804-0367. And please, let them know I told you about it!

I think Nena and I might go...let me know if you'd like to join us!

Tasting Notes: Dr. Pauly Berweiler Bernkastler alte Badstube am Doctorbert 2002 Riesling Kabinett (Germany)

I tried to find some background information on this German Riesling, but I wasn't able to find much beyond what FineWine.com had to say:

"Dr. Pauly's Riesling displays his typical intense-lime fruit with a vibrant, aromatic character and a clean, pure and crisp finish."

I'm not sure where they got their notes, but I think maybe we were drinking different wines. Maybe this is a case of mistaken identity...or a perfect example of how some wine notes are complete and utter garbage.

Intersate Wine Shipments...

For a while now, I've been meaning to write a post about interstate wine shipments, those that still fight to continue the ban and why.

Well, Tom Wark of Fermentations did such a great job with his post about it that I'm not going to even try to do a better job.

It's an absolutely great piece...and well worth the read (it's longer than the average blog post). Well done, Tom.

If you'd like more information, check out Free the Grapes.

Tasting Notes: 2002 Spencer Roloson Madder Lake Vineyard Tempranillo

Before opening Spencer Roloson's 2002 Tempranillo last night, Nena and I had tasted both their Palaterra blend and their Viognier...with mixed results.

We really liked the blend a lot, especially for $16...but  the Viognier a bit unbalanced and "hot" at the end.

Tempranillo is another varietal (like Viognier) that I'd like to learn a lot more about. Sure, I've had some Riojas (which are mad with this grape) and I even had a couple Tempranillos while at dinner with Pam and Randy in Pittsburgh (at SiBA Cucina), but I really didn't (and still don't) know a ton about them.

The Madder Lake Vineyard is located directly north of Mount St. Helena in the Mayacamas Range. It's a very steep and rocky vineyard (good drainage) and it's proximity to Clear Lake only improves the site. The Tempranillo planted there is a selection from Ribera del Duero (in Spain).

Harvest brix was 26.2 and after cold soaking, fermentation took place in small open-top tanks that were irrigated two or three times a day. Aging took place in 30% new French Oak.

Tsunami Relief Fundraiser at Wolffer Estate

And yet another reason to like Wolffer Estate.

This Saturday, January 8, 2005, from 4-6 p.m., Wolffer Estate will be hosting a fundraiser to help the tsunami victims of Sri Lanka.

General manager and winemaker, Roman Roth, will be pouring select library wines while you listen to live music and bid on paintings from local artists and photographers. The American Red Cross will be there to accept monetary donations as well. The suggested minimum donation is $35.

Roman's wife, Dushy, hails from Sri Lanka (her family is safe and accounted for) and the couple adopted a baby from Sri Lanka last year.

So, go to the winery tomorrow and give what you can.

Tasting Notes: 2000 Wolffer Estate Selection Merlot

In my rarely-humble opinion, Roman Roth of Wolffer Estates is one of the top one or two winemakers in New York State. I hesitate to annoint anyone "the best" because there are many talented winemakers, but he's right there with anyone else.

His wines, from his crisp, refreshing Rose to his everyday Le Ferme Martin wines to the uber-pricey Premier Cru Merlot, always offer supreme richness, grace and quality.

The German-born Roth has worked in Carneros, California, in Australia (for Rosemount Estate) and, in 1992...he joined Wolffer Estates in its infancy. He is also the winemaker at some of the other, smaller producers in the region. In fact, more than once I've tasted a wine I've loved only to find out later that he was the winemaker.

Nena and I opened this bottle (the latest Wolffer Wine Club shipment) on Christmas afternoon with my family in Pittsburgh as we opened gifts.

Tasting Notes: Two Chardonnays from Corey Creek Vineyards

For as long as I've been drinking Long Island wines, I've always enjoyed at least some of the wines from Corey Creek Vineyards (and it's sister winery, Bedell Cellars).

Kip Bedell, founder of Bedell Cellars and winemaker at both, is known in these parts as "Mr. Merlot" because of his success with the grape. (You can more about his Merlots.)

Both wineries are now owned by Michael Lynne, Co-CEO of New Line Cinema. This could be a trend out here...big money media types investing in the wineries. Is Puff Daddy next? Lindsay Lohan? Lenn Thompson? (I wish!)

Corey Creek has been producing quality wines for over a decade, which doesn't sound all that long, but the L.I. wine region is only 30 or so years old. It's tasting room is a welcoming barn-style building with glass doors that open out onto a deck with great views of the vineyard.

The tasting room staff is always friendly and accomodating as well, more so than at Bedell's room even...at least in my own experience.

For this tasting, Nena and I compared their two new/current Chardonnay releases, both from the 2002 vintage.

Tasting Notes: 2000 Gray Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon (VA)

Gray Ghost Vineyards, a small family owned and operated winery, is located in Amissville, Virginia, and was named "Best of the East" by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine.

They grow and make wines from noble varieties like this Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but also craft wines from Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc (including a late harvest Vidal Blanc that I'm interested in)

This is the first time I've tried any of their wines but with the interstate shipment ban potentially being lifted this year, I'm always looking for new finds.

Gray Ghost Vineyards' 2000 Cabernet Sauvingnon was fermented in stainless steel and blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc (couldn't track down the %). It spent 18 months in American oak (I don't think much of it new) and wasn't filtered (which I like).

Tasting Notes: 2003 Peconic Bay Winery Steel Fermented Chardonnay

The more I taste Peconic Bay Winery's wines, the more I like them. While they aren't as complex or 'interesting' as those made by some other producers, they are consistently tasty and usually much more affordable as every day wines than many L.I. wines.

I think they do a particularly good job with whites, with a couple different Chardonnays, two styles of Riesling and a blend of both grapes, their Local Flavor White.

This Chardonnay is billed by the winery as having:

"...fresh, forward fruitiness and appetite-whetting finish lend an enticing, elegant simplicity to this steel fermented Chardonnay. The malo-lactic fermentation was allowed to go to 50% completion. As a result, the wine possesses bright acidity to match the fruitiness that has hints of both citrus and grassiness. "

Tasting Notes: 2002 Spencer Roloson Viognier

Viognier. I first heard about this (at the time) relatively unknown grape years ago when my aunt (whose name is Pam by the way) read somewhere that it would be "the next big white" and passed along the information.

Long Island doens't have many, though one of them, from Bedell Cellars, is good. Other than that, I've only tasted a couple in passing, which is why I asked Alder at Vinography to suggest some of the best he's had so that I can introduce myself to the grape a bit. Haven't bought them yet, but I will.

Nena and I opened this Spencer Roloson release while helping her parents prepare for their annual post-Xmas bash.

I'm Back...and Backed Up

No. That's not what I mean.

I've have no fewer than a dozen wines , a couple restaurants and my future in-law's always-fun post-Xmas party to post about.

Plus...I just bought my first box-o-wine...Black Box 2002 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. I've read about Black Box a few times and saw this wine (along with their Chardonnay and Merlot) for the first time in a local wine shop.

Is My Blog Burning #11 -- Beans, Beans, Beans...You Know What That Means

After missing out on a couple IMBB events, I'm can't wait to cook up some beans for IMBB #11, hosted by Cathy at My Little Kitchen.

Can you believe we're at #11 already? Simply awesome.

Beans are the perfect theme too...so many ideas come to mind. Plus they are healthy (usually), perfect for those still sticking to their New Years resolutions.

IMBB is January 23rd...but why not go out and get your Wacky Wine for Wine Blogging Wednesday #5, which is on January 26th!?!?

Close...but no FBA for LENNDEVOURS

Well the ballots are in and counted, and LENNDEVOURS came up a bit short in the "Best Food Blog - Wine, Beer and other Spirits" category of the 2004 Food Blog Awards, losing out to Alder's  Vinography.

It's hard to argue with the outcome (especially since I voted for Alder myself). Congratulations, Alder and to the rest of the WBA winners.

And, of course, thanks to Kate H of Accidental Hedonist for hosting the awards...and to all my dedicated readers that voted for LENNDEVOURS.

Here's to a great 2005 for all involved...let's make 2005 the year of the wine blog!