New York Cork Report

Extra Copies of Wine Advocate 165?

I don't subscribe to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and I can't buy a "back copy" until the issue I want, the current one that covers New York wines, actually becomes a back copy.

So what do I do? I'm stuck asking for advice and yes, even begging.

I need to get my hands on a copy...even if just for a day so that I can read it, make notes on it and give it back to the rightful owner.

Any suggestions?

UPDATE: Thank you to the readers who helped me get my hands on the goods! I can't thank you enough!

Corks of the Forks: Local Flavor from Peconic Bay Winery

This week on Hamptons.com, my column "Corks of the Forks" focuses on Peconic Bay Winery, a winery that makes a wide range of wines -- which is good and bad.

Sure, they appeal to one of the wider range of wine drinkers around and I'm no wine snob, but I've long felt that their sweet, entry-level wines detract from the higher end stuff because the good stuff is buried at the end of their tasting room list.

But, I've long loved their steel fermented chardonnay...and at $13 it's a bargain that is nearly impossible not to like. Read more.

WBW #23: Ravenswood 2002 Monte Rosso Zinfandel

Wine Blogging Wednesday #23 is here, hosted by Joel from Vivi’s Wine Journal. The theme is BBQ wines and many of you will be surprised that I'm not writing about a New York wine today, though I did drink a couple during the dinner party in quesiton.

Everyone knows Ravenswood --  probably for their zinfandels. And, despite my affection for Long Island's balanced, nuanced wines, I love good California zinfandel.

So, when Nena and I were in Sonoma, we made our final winery stop at Ravenswood. When we walked in, my heart sank a little. Looking at the tasting sheet, they were only pouring two zinfandels -- both of which I can get here in New York. What fun is that? I wanted to get my mouth on something interesting.

Luckily, they had a bottle of 2002 Monte Rosso open and let us taste it. Of course, it worked out for the winery as well -- if they hadn't poured that wine for us, we wouldn't have bought anything there.

Every wine lover has an opinion as to what wine you should drink with BBQ or grilled fare. Some always go for a rose. Others think simple, but spicy reds are best (Cotes du Rhone maybe). I've even heard riesling as an option.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as the "ultimate" BBQ wine.

Think about it, BBQ/grilling is a style of cooking -- not the end result. And yes, I know that barbeque in the traditional sense is an end result, but even in that vein you have beef brisket, pork shoulder, whole chicken, leg of lamb...

My point is that rather than focus on the cooking method, think about what you're cooking and how the cooking method will affect its flavor.

July 8: David Rosengarten at The Lenz Winery

Join TV personality and cookbook author David Rosengarten this Saturday at The Lenz Winery for Celebrating the Multi-Ethnic Flavors of the American Grill.

He'll be doing a cooking demonstration, making Greek Swordfish Kebabs, Indonesian Shrimp Satay, Chicken Tandoori and Spanish Lamb Chops along with a selection of Lenz wines

The event starts at 5:30p.m. in the Lenz Courtyard. Tickets are $60 per person. Call the Lenz Tasting Room at 800-974-9899 or 631-734-6010 to make your reservations.

I can't make the event (it's my anniversary) but this should be an interesting event. Check it out.

Happy 4th of July

All of us at LENNDEVOURS -- that being Nena, Ben and Lenn -- hope all of our U.S. readers have a happy, fun and safe Independence Day.

We're planning a low-key day here around the house doing yard work and relaxing. But, we're going to head down to Port Jefferson this evening for fireworks I think.

Don't forget to enjoy some BBQ wine today and blog about it tomorrow for Wine Blogging Wednesday #23.

Checking in on the LENNDEVOURS Cabernet Franc Vines

Clearly I wouldn't make much of a full-time vineyard manager.

It's been almost a month since my first visit to Raphael's vineyard to visit "my" vines. As you can see to the right, they've grown quite a bit.

But on Saturday morning, we went out east and stopped by so that my parents could taste Raphael's bottlings and enjoy the vineyard views as I walked my row of ten-year old  cabernet franc vines.

There isn't a whole lot for me to do with the vines yet (the real vineyard tenders are making it easy on me), but I did weed a little between the vines and pulled any shoots from the trunks. As you can see on the left, Ben was quite helfpul ;)

Once the fruit clusters set, I'll be thinning the crop quite a bit to get the most intense, flavorful fruit we can. And, now that we don't have any major plans for the rest of the summer, I'm hoping to visit the ole vines at least twice a month -- more often when possible.

Our little beagle sure likes to walk the vineyards, so I'm sure I won't be alone.

Update: Making Vinegar

Just a quick picture update on my vinegar making endeavour. Here I am pulling a thick slab of cellulose off of the first batch, which is a combination of merlot and cabernet sauvignon from the North Fork of Long Island AVA.

Don't Forget -- Wine Blogging Wednesday #23 is Wednesday

Just a reminder that the 23rd edition of WBW takes places this Wednesday. BBQ wines is the theme...and I've already got a few contenders lined up. I plan to try a couple tonight and then a couple tomorrow night.

This should be a fun one. Join us in two days.