It’s Regional Wine Week 2010!

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

I know I am a bit late with this, having missed out on two days going on three days worth of posting about what I am drinking from my home state of NY, more importantly, Long Island.  But as the saying goes, “better late than never”

Regional Wine Week was started by the folks at DrinkLocalWine.com where wine writers can tweet using the hashtag #DLW, post and report on the local happenings in their respected states.  It is geared for those states not called California, Washington or Oregon — the major wine-producing states in our country.  It is done to promote the other wine-producing states and to remind folks to keep it local.

So to finish out the week, which ends on the 16th, I plan on posting a few tastings that I did recently, more importantly, this week.  I would like for you to help me out a bit.  If you tasted a wine from one of the 47 regional wine states, let me know about it.  If you tasted a wine from New York, let me know about it.  And if you tasted a wine from Long Island, definitely, let me know about it.  If you wanted to, you could leave your tasting notes right here in the comments.

This year, which happens to be the third annual Drink Local Wine Week, the folks at DrinkLocalWine have decided to have a haiku contest, where wine drinkers across the United States can write a haiku about their favorite regional wine. The winning entries will be posted on the DrinkLocalWine.com Facebook page.

The haiku contest simple. Just write a haiku — three lines of poetry, with five, seven and five syllables in each line — about your favorite regional wine, winery, event or personality and email it to DrinkLocalWine.

So lets see what everyone is drinking this week and remember the only rule — the blog post, article, Haiku be about something that isn’t from California, Washington or Oregon. And anyone — whether professional wine writer or not — can send a story to be linked to on the DLW website.

Posted in Long Island | Leave a comment

Palmer Vineyards 2009 White Riesling

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

I must admit — there is a small place in my heart for Riesling.  That small space is growing.  My first love will always be Gewürztraminer.  Sauvignon Blanc is a close second.  Thanks to my visit in May to the Finger Lakes Region for TasteCamp 2010, I became a Riesling stalker.

When I first tasted Palmer Vineyards 2009 White Riesling ($19), it brought me right back to the Finger Lakes.  This wine is from Palmer Vineyards estate in Aquebogue, hand harvested, crushed and pressed with no skin contact and then cold fermented.  According to Miguel Martin, winemaker at Palmer Vineyards, “The juice was fermented cold (52F) in stainless steel tanks using an aromatic yeast strain, QA23 to maximize the vibrant varietal character of the Riesling. The wine was kept cold in a full tank to preserve the delicate flavors before bottling.”

On the nose, I was picking up tropical fruits, lemon, lime, grapefruit and river rock minerality.  Some apple and floral notes started to shine through too.  As the wine warmed, I picked up loads of apples, granny smith and green apple — like an apple orchard.  This was a beautiful aromatic wine.

When I tasted it, and if I had tasted it blind, I would have thought I was back in the Finger Lakes.  Zesty lemon and lime jump right out at you with some grapefruit at the back end with just a touch of a floral note.  I also picked up some river rock minerality on the palate with this zinging acidity.

The finish was moderate with the apple flavors at the end.

I may be sticking my neck out here a bit as I state this: I think that this Riesling happens to be the best Riesling I have tasted from Long Island this year.  It’s how I am starting to like my Riesling –aromatic and apparently on the dry side — apparently my palate is evolving.  While some may say that this is not for their liking — they may prefer the semi-dry style and some may consider this out of balance because of the lack of residual sugar.  However, this wine has a wonderful bouquet and palate and shows loads of fruit and classic Riesling flavors.

Go give it a try yourself and let me know what you think.

Sláinte!

Posted in 2009, Long Island, Palmer Vineyards, Riesling | Leave a comment

Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Gabby’s Cabernet Franc: A Study of Two Franc’s Part 1

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

I get excited about wine.  I get very excited about Cabernet Franc.  I got extremely excited last Christmas when I was able to get my hands on a bottle of Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Gabby’s Cabernet Franc — it was part of a holiday gift box that also included the 2006 Merlot and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Roanoke Vineyards.

At the time my wife was pregnant and she was strict about drinking wine.  She begged of me to wait until the baby came to open this bottle.  So I waited, and waited till he was born.  When Gabriel was born and I could not wait to pop that cork and get to know this much heralded wine.  I waited for the right moment, the right meal, the right occasion — That occasion came when Scott Sandell, of Roanoke (he designs the labels on the bottles) offered me a sample bottle of Gabby’s 2007 Cabernet Franc to review here on my blog.  I now thought that this was perfect; I could taste both Cabernet Franc’s, along with my wife, side by side and note the differences and similarities.  I am glad I did.

The tastings lasted over the corse of five days.  Most wine never lasts more than 3 days on my table and I am happy to say that both wines were still showing on the 5th day.  Today this is part one, the study of the 2006 Gabby’s Franc.  This is sold out and when it was available it sold for $38 per bottle.  There was 148 cases produced and it is a blend of 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot.

When I opened up this bottle, you can see a good amount of sedimentation on the cork.  This may scare some folk, but fear not, it is not bad.  It is a sign of a wine being unfiltered — it’s not a bad thing at all, just something for you to get used to.  I have and in fact I like seeing a little sedimentation on the cork.

On the nose it was bursting with ripe cherry –both bing and dark black cherry.  There was a hint of currant and strawberry with some menthol eucalyptus.  Elements of mushroom came through as well.  Dried herb and earthy woodsy leaves were showing with a hint of vanilla and freshly ground espresso.

The taste brought some more dark cherry and dark coca powder with a smidge of vanilla and black pepper.  There was elements of currant and exotic spice.  The acidity was vibrant and it carried very well with some velvety smooth tannins.  Some roasted jalapeño seemed to appear in the glass after a while of swirling.

The finish was long with a toasty vanilla, ripe cherry dried herb and ground espresso carried the wine in the end.

On day two a floral note appeared with hints of cherry and blackberry.  More concentrated than the first day with a hint of fresh bay leaf.  The taste was spicier and showed more earthy forest floor notes.

Day three was more about the earth.  Earth on the palate and on the nose were dominant.   There was a sprinkling of concentrated cherry and plum and dried cranberry.  The tannins were still showing well and the acidity was still carrying this wine.  There were more notes of espresso and vanilla on the finish with a hint baking spices like nutmeg, anise and cinnamon.  This was my favorite day of this wine, next to the first day.

By day four you would think that maybe this wine was done.  I thought it would have been more spice and earth.  But to my surprise, there was fruit in my glass.  Plum and blackberry seemed to dominate with a smoky note.  There was some blackberry compte flavors on the palate. With some exotic spice.

On the fifth day the fruit was gone.  Notes of cedar and dried leaves with some dried herb and spice.  There was more heat to the wine on the fifth day, acidity seemed to be gone and tannins as well.

It is sad to know that this wine is sold out.  I would have loved to have picked up more of this wine and to taste over the years.  If you have some, it is one to hold onto and try years from now.  If it is ever offered in the future from Roanoke, I strongly urge you to pick up some and keep for years to come.  I know I will.

Later this week I will review of the soon to be released 2007 Gabby’s Franc and story about how Gabby’s Franc became Gabby’s Franc.

Sláinte!

Posted in 2006, Cabernet Franc, Long Island, Roanoke Vineyards | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

TasteNY: Tasting Some Of New York’s Great Wine

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

From the New York Cork Report

Lenn Thompson, editor and publisher over at the New York Cork Report started this project TasteNY over a year ago.  His idea was this: “get the great beers, wines and spirits made in New York into the hands of bloggers and writers.”  But this time around he is changing things up a bit.  He wants to get the same great wines into YOUR hands!  Sounds nice right – I thought you would agree.

So how is this done, well, Lenn decided to turn this into a Twitter based tasting, where you would log into your twitter account and taste along with the rest of the world.  I did this earlier in the year with some Finger Lakes Wines and it was fun and exciting to taste with others.  Now, YOU can taste with writers, bloggers, fans and novices.  Wherever you fit in Twitterville, you are more than welcome to taste along.  You just need a twitter account and the wine.

This focus of #TasteNY is going to be about tasting wine from one producer and only a few bottles of wine at an event.  The producer has agreed to offer these wines to you at a discounted rate.  Shinn Estate Vineyards is going to kick off the event and they have graciously offered you and me this #TasteNY pack for about $65.  That is a 20% discount on the total of the wine! A very nice deal even if you don’t have a twitter account.  But if you do and you order the pack we will be tasting the following wines:

  • Shinn Estate Vineyards 2009 “First Fruit” Sauvignon Blanc
  • Shinn Estate Vineyards NV Red
  • Shinn Estate Vineyards 2007 Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot

The event is a week from today, Wednesday, September 15 at 8 p.m. ET. You can visit Shinn Estate Vineyards website and buy your TasteNY pack today or you can stop in at the Tasting Room and bring home the pack.  Order up the pack…call a few friends and taste along with Shinn Vineyards, Lenn Thompson and myself along with a few others around the globe.  Be sure to use the hash tag (that’s the # sign) #TasteNY with each tweet about the tasting on September 15th.  I hope to see you on twitter!

Posted in Long Island, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shinn Estate Vieyard, TasteNY, Twitter | Leave a comment

Harvest 2010 Is Upon Us!

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.
Chardonnay from Bedell Vineyards FaceBook page

Chardonnay from Bedell Vineyards FaceBook page

Last week a few vineyards got into the action of harvesting their fruit.  This has been the hottest growing season on record and there have been more growing days than ever before on Long Island.

On Facebook I noticed that Macari Vineyards was harvesting Chardonnay grapes for a Long Island favorite, Early Wine.  If you have not tried it, I suggest you do.  Look for it around Thanksgiving.  Also they were harvesting Pinot Noir for their sparkling wine.  That information I found over at the New York Cork Report.

If you want to find out the latest information about who is harvesting and what is being harvested, check out the New York Cork Report.  Not only will you find out information about Long Island wine,  but you will find out information from every corner of our state.

The following vineyards also started to harvest:

Another informative tool of the 2010 Harvest, Martha Clara Vineyards started a blog documenting their 2010 Harvest.  They will try to make daily updates and at least one video recording a week.  I found it to be very informative and you can see what goes into machine harvesting and  how it works.  Winemaker Juan E. Micieli-Martinez and assistant winemaker Robin Epperson-McCarthy do a great job educating folks about harvest and what it entails.  Below is the video that I am talking about.

I will try to have updates on a weekly basis from what I hear and read in regards to the 2010 Harvest Season.  I also plan on being out at a few vineyards during the harvest so I can bring you the first hand observations.

Posted in Long Island | Leave a comment

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2009 Rose

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

Where did the summer go?  I can’t believe it is Labor Day next weekend.  But before it is too late, here is a summer favorite of mine that I like to drink into the fall and yes — into the winter.

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2009 Rose ($17) is one of my favorite rose wines year in year out on Long Island.  It is a dry style rose that blends 46% Merlot, 33% chardonnay, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet franc together to make a solid thirst quenching wine.

On the nose I was picking up some strawberry, peach and citrus with a hint of cut grass.  There was some grapefruit that evolved a bit in the glass.

The palate carried more strawberry with a hint of melon and peach.  Some tropical elements and a splash of minerality.  It had a good amount of acidity that cleansed my palate.

It had a subtle creamy mouth feel.  The finish brought some juicy grapefruit. 

This wine was delivered to me thanks to my membership in the New York Cork Club.  What’s the New York Cork Club you ask? Lenn Thompson, fonder and Executive Editor at the New York Cork Report put this club together to focus on the wines of New York State.  Lenn tastes alot of wine and if you read his reviews and follow him the way I do, you would like to taste some of what he is tasting.  You can find out more about the NYCC here and sign up there too. And when you do, you will be able to sample wines like this no matter where you live.

Posted in 2009, New York Cork Club, Rose, Wolffer Estate Vineyards | Leave a comment

Martha Clara Vineyards 2007 Syrah

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

I am quickly becoming a fan of Syrah.  I wrote about this grape a while back and I have begun to seek out more of this grape both on and off Long Island.

This Martha Clara Vineyards Syrah  ($24) is from Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead.  Their winemaker, Juan Micieli-Martinez, makes this Syrah in the Côte-Rôtie style in northern Rhône.  It is blended with some Vioginer.  The addition of Vioginer adds to the aroma of the wine.  There is only about 6% Vioginer in this wine, the rest is all Syrah.  In Côte-Rôtie, Syrah and Vioginer are the 2 main grapes that are grown.  Not all producers make Syrah that way — the way Martha Clara does, but some do.  And from my research, I think I like it that way.

How do they add the Vioginer to the Syrah?  Do they just mix the two?  Nope.  Vioginer is harvested before Syrah is.  As Martha Clara Vineyards harvest Vioginer for a varietal bottling they leave enough Vioginer on the vine to add to the Syrah when the eventually harvest Syrah.  When the Syrah has ripened and it is time to harvest, both the Syrah and the Vioginer are picked at the same time, crushed together and fermented together.  That’s how they do it in Côte-Rôtie and that’s how it done at Martha Clara.

On the nose I was picking up some cherry and red berries.  There was an earthy smoky note that developed over time in the glass.  There was also a bit of an exotic spice layered in the back.  After a while there was a fragrant, floral element that appeared.  This was in part to the Vioginer.

The taste delivered some nice plum and black pepper notes with some raspberry in the background.  The tannins were elegant and acidity was perfect.  It made this a great food wine.

The finish brought some tart red berry and cherry with some minty herbal notes.

I plan on exploring more of this grape so expect to see more Syrah from Long Island here in the future.

Posted in 2007, Long Island, Martha Clara, Syrah | Leave a comment

Say Hello To Gabriel Noel

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

Two weeks ago Tuesday my life changed.

I became a daddy and my wife, Melissa became a Mommy.  Gabriel Noel was born on July 27, 2010 at 3:07PM at a whopping 8lbs 6oz and measured 21 inches.

Gabe, as mommy and daddy like to call him, gave us a bit of a scare when he came into our lives.  He had lots of complications and kept his new family on edge and in prayer for many an hour.  But after one week in Stony Brook University Hospital NICU, he came home.  Mommy and Daddy could not be happier.

After a week of adoring our son and welcoming friends and family into our home to see Gabe and visit with us, little thought was given to UndertakingWine.com.  But now that I am back to work and the adjustment phase is upon us, I can return to blogging and talking about my favorite hobby.  Wine.

There are alot of exciting wines I have tried and alot of exciting vineyards I visited before Gabe being born — I have a number of Vineyard Visits I need to finish writing —  they will be finished.  I don’t know how often I will be able to post.  I had a good speed going with about three posts per week.  So we shall see.

In the meanwhile, thanks for your patience, prayers and well wishes –now lets continue to explore the great wine region that is Long Island!

Posted in Long Island | 6 Comments

Waiting For My Fruit To Ripen

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

Well, for those of you who know me, you know what has been going in these last 9 months.

For those of you who don’t, my wife, Melissa is having our first child.

The due date was July 21st. That has come and gone. Yesterday, Melissa was admitted to the hospital for safety purposes. Her blood pressure had spiked yesterday to 168/100 — that is cause for concern on the baby’s part. So we are doing things to speed the process. But the fruit just ain’t ripe yet.

I have heard thee expression from wine makers — the fruit is ripe when you kick the vine and some berries fall off.

Well, we are kicking and the fruit ain’t falling. We are being patient and waiting for Baby Gorton to ripen and fall. But the fruit did not ripen yet, so right now we are not harvesting. We are trying to do this as naturally as possible. And the hospital has been cooperative and not be invasive at all.

So, its 4:00 AM and we wait. I am hoping that something comes along today. It would be great. It would co inside with another birth of mine. The birth of UndertakingWine.com. Happy first birthday to you. It was one year ago I gave birth to my hobby. Who knew that one year later I would become a father to something real.

Let’s hope we harvest in a few hours.

Posted in News | 1 Comment

Raphael Vineyards 2001 First Label Merlot

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

IMG00302-20100505-1956 This bottle had some dust on it.  It was laying on it’s side all the way at the bottom of the wine rack at a wine shop near where I work.  I knew it was a Raphael from foil cap that was on the neck.  What vintage and what varietal it was, was a surprise.  Raphael Vineyards 2001 First Label Merlot.  I tried doing research on this and found that it did retail for $30.00.  If I told you what I paid for it, I might go to jail – I would consider it stealing.

According to records and the research I did, the 2001 season, at that time was the best yet.   Grapes had achieved a high level of ripeness that had never been seen before.  It was a long fall with no rain from September 1 till after the grapes were harvested in mid November.

Looking back at Richard Olsen-Harbich’s winemaking notes is something to read.  Rich was the winemaker at Raphael up until about two months ago.  The description of the year and the harvest brings back memories to the 2005, 2007, 2009 and now the middle of the 2010 season.  Where will this season take us.  We won’t know until the last lug is in.  But for now, we have this bottle of Raphael Vineyards 2001 First Label Merlot.

On the nose I was picking up concentrated fruit – some blackberry, blueberry and plum were right up front.  There was some leather and earthy spice.  Grilled figs, minty herbs and a hint of dark coca rounded out the aroma.

The taste brought a whole plethora of flavors.  The concentrated fruit was carrying over along with the minty herb.  There was more of a dark earthiness and dark spice flavor.  The tannins were velvety and it was still lively with a nice food friendly amount of acidity.  The finish was long with a nice herbal note.

I am going back to pick up a few more of these.

Sláinte!

Posted in 2001, Long Island, Merlot, Raphael | Leave a comment

A Few Questions with Robin Epperson

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

32006_1497110427198_1217245869_1432844_2768880_n A couple of weeks ago I introduced you to Martha Clara Vineyards’s assistant wine maker, Robin Epperson.  At the time she was in a Tweet Contest with the Penguin from Martha Clara to see who would have more followers.  Well, Robin lost.  Because she lost, she had to sing I’m A Little Tea Pot at their Wine & Wigs Party.  She did sing, and now that the competition is over, and she has taken the blue wig off.  It is now time to get serious and pay attention to the growing season.  When I sat down with her, I had some questions for her and here are her responses.

Note: There will be one more piece from Robin.  A beautifully written note about why she loves Gewürztraminer.  Thanks Robin for your time!

1)      When or what was the moment you said to yourself, “I want to be a winemaker!”?
I was stuck behind a tractor pulling a load of grapes while I was driving to work (late) in the Marlborough Valley, NZ. I knew the winemaker would understand, it was my wineries, Framingham’s fruit being towed. I was on the other side of the planet, It was a beautiful morning, and everyone in the valley was totally buzzing with excitement about harvest. At that moment I realized I was using my Bio-chem degree, working in an industry so old no-one knows when and where it started, and I could travel the world, and meet some characters while doing it. When the floors are washed and the bottling line put away there is something we made that we can share with others. This is a lifestyle choice more than it’s a job to me.
LI isn’t at the point when the guy you’re buying  a meat pie from notices your red hands and asks how vintage is going but, we’ll get there…Hopefully soon because, I miss a good meat pie…and it would also be great if everyone in the area was as excited about harvest as we are. Everyday I think to myself, this is my job and smile.

2)      Desert Island question – Unlimited case of what wine?
Mixed producers and varietals of Alsatian Whites. Russell would give us a case of wine for Christmas while I worked at PWG (Premium Wine Group), he knew I favored aromatic whites and would slip in some pleasant surprises from Alsace, I REALLY miss that.

3)      What is your favorite varietal?
Well that would be Gewürztraminer. Haven’t we had this discussion???

4)      What varietal would you like to work with?
There isn’t really one, part of what I like about this job is the variety(s)…ahahaha, I crack myself up! Aromatic whites are amazing to work with while they are fermenting and changing everyday. OK Gewurtz, again!

5)      If you are not drinking wine, what’s in your glass?
Beer, lately Six Points Brews, whatever is on tap at Riverhead Beverage-I am so happy they installed a tap system after only a few months of me harassing the staff!

6)      Favorite Martha Clara Wine?
Gewürztraminer

7)      Favorite Local Wine?
I went to work for MCV (Martha Clara Vineyards) because I love the wines and believe in where the company going and what it is doing to introduce wines to EVERYONE not just the snobs. That said, outside of MCV my favorite wine is Corey Creeks 2007 GEWURTZ-Go Kelly!

8)      Your last meal would consist of what wine and food?

Bott-Geyl Gewürztraminer and black truffle pecorino.

Posted in Long Island, Questions, Winemaker | Leave a comment

Shinn Estate Vineyards NV Red (2010)

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

IMG00407-20100613-1834This is Shinn Estate Vineyards NV Red ($14) everyday table wine – and a great value.  The NV on the label is for Non Vintage.  This happens to be one of my favorite releases of this wine.  It was released on May 15th in the tasting room. 

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot – almost a Bordeaux style blend.  The only variety missing is Cabernet Sauvignon.  In the past you may have found some Syrah in the blend, which gave it a peppery spicy note.  This release is sans Syrah and I think this made the wine very distinct from the earlier releases.

On the nose I was picking up some earthy notes along with some ripe juicy cherry.  There was a hint of dried herbs and spice.  A little tobacco leaf was hidden in the back ground that came up front the longer it was in the glass.

When tasted the wine I was getting some more ripe red fruit like raspberry and cherry.  The herbal note carried over that showed more of a thyme and sage profile.  The was a flavor of the wine that reminded me of the aroma of fresh pressed grapes.  I would want to call it old world style — that’s what first came to mind, however I am not sure if that would be correct.  I did find this element of the wine enjoyable.

The tannins were mild and it showed some nice acidity and good balance.  The finish was nice with a hint of black pepper spice and earthiness.

At $14 Shinn Estate Vineyards is giving you a great value for your dollar.  It is a crowd pleaser, and would go with almost any meal you prepare. I sipped this wine one day after work.  It was a bit hot outside, but somehow it refreshed me — and it did not take to long to finish the bottle either. 

Sláinte!

Posted in Blended Wine, Long Island, Red Wine, Shinn Estate Vieyard, Short Sip | Leave a comment

Raphael Vineyards 2009 First Label Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

IMG00410-20100613-2358 (3) It’s the summer and on Long Island Sauvignon Blanc is queen in my kingdom.  If you were wondering who the king is – it’s Long Island Rose.

Last week I told you about Palmer Vineyards and their Sauvignon Blanc – how they are nudging into my rankings of Sauvignon Blanc.  Well this Raphael Vineyards 2009 First Label Sauvignon Blanc ($22) is neck and neck with Shinn Estate Vineyards – which you will see here next week – is a leader of Sauvignon Blanc on Long Island in my opinion.

First a little info on Raphael’s  “First Label” wine, “First Label Sauvignon Blanc is one of 2 separate vineyard-designated Sauvignon Blancs that showcase the distinct differences in the terroir of our vineyard. It’s made from hand-harvested grapes grown on our original, 3-acre founding vineyard block planted in 1998” it sits on a gravelly sandy loam soil.   The other block of Sauvignon Blanc is from a 4 acre lot that was planted in 2004 and sits on a deep silt-loam.  The other Sauvignon Blanc is called “Grand Cru”.  However, today I am talking about Raphael Vineyards First Label Sauvignon Blanc.

On the nose I was picking up Grapefruit and tropical notes with a touch of lemongrass and kiwi.  There was  a wet ocean rock aroma as well with the slightest hint of fresh herbs.

Upon tasting I was picking up more of a juicy grapefruit, which dominated.  There was some tropical flavors as well.  There was great zinging acidity that was palate cleansing and the finish was pleasant with a nice herbal, minty note.

This is a great summer wine — refreshing and thirst quenching on a hot summer day.  It is a great way to start a summer meal or with a great seafood feast.  I had this with some sushi and it went very well.  The herbal note seemed to carry for a while and it made the meal more enjoyable.

Be on the look out for this recently released Sauvignon Blanc.  It is available in the tasting room — make sure it is available at your next dinner party.  It will enhance your summer dining experiences.

Posted in 2009, Raphael, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Looking Back At My Journey — And Forward Too!

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

Posterous.  Yes, I joined the blogging platform.  But this is going to be different from Undertakingwine.com.  I plan on posting pictures of the bottles I taste or drink right here.  No reviews.  No fluffy stuff.  Just the bottles of wine or beer or adult beverage products.

I am not going to tell you if they were good, bad or horrible.  You will see what i have tasted through the past year and from this point forward.

My hobby and passion, Undertakingwine.com is going to be celebrating its first birthday around the time my first child will come into the world.  I’ll let you know when Undertakingwine.com turns one.  But for now, enjoy the bottles that I may have over the past year.  They are not in any order.  They are just off my hard drive and my BlackBerry.

So Sláinte!

Posted in Long Island | 1 Comment

Palmer Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

IMG00369-20100531-1801 Sauvignon Blanc is slowly ascending to the top of my white wine favorite list – especially Long Island Sauvignon Blanc.  Gewürztraminer is at the top, but Sauvignon Blanc is now in a neck and neck race with Riesling.

I am not sure what it is about Sauvignon Blanc, but I am finding myself being drawn to it more and more.  This Palmer Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.99) is suddenly one of my personal favorites.  Not only for the value, but this is a very nice wine that will go with a variety of Roasted chicken, summer fish and salad meals.  When I would think of Long Island Sauvignon Blanc, I would always first think of Raphael and Shinn Estate Vineyards — well now Palmer Vineyards has entered the picture.

Lemony citrus notes appear on the nose with some wet rock minerality.  There is also some lemongrass and kiwi as the Sauvignon Blanc warms up a bit – it is becoming more tropical.  Some apple notes also begin to fill the glass.

Zinging acidity and fresh green herbs, like fresh oregano are on the palate.  Citrus, grapefruit and tropical flavors balance out the palate.  With a little splash of honeydew melon.

The finish is moderate with minty herbal note.  I enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc that has this type of finish.

Crisp and refreshing – a perfect summer selection. I know for sure that this Sauvignon Blanc will be on my table this 4th of July weekend.  I hope this is on your table too.  There may not be too much of this left, I know that Palmer Vineyards is getting close to releasing the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc.

Sláinte!

Posted in 2008, Notes, Palmer Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc | 1 Comment

A Bounty Around Vines On A Strawberry Moon Night — Long Island Wine & Food Festival Kick Off Recap

Posted on June 27, 2010 by Michael Gorton, Jr.

The sun warmed the field.  The breeze cooled us off on a hot early summer day.  The hum of gathering crowd was sprinkled with laughter.  The aroma of the food  being prepared and cooked on grills off the side field was intoxicating.  There was well over 40 wines for those in attendance to taste on this night at Roanoke Vineyards.

The First Annual Long Island Wine and Food Festival was off to a great start.  We were offered generous tastings of some of the best Long Island wines and some that have not been released yet.  There was alot of rose and alot of Sauvignon blanc in people’s glasses.  It was a night perfect for both.  Everyone with glass in hand was waiting for the food to be served.

At the event, you saw Les Howard chatting away with folks wishing him all the best at Raphael.  There was Gilles Martin of Sparkling Pointe and Sherwood House and Miguel Martin of Palmer Vineyards sharing stories.  There was Ron Goerler from Jamesport Vineyards telling stories of the current growing season and of  season past.    There was Pindar and Jason Damianos sharing stories and enjoying the evening.  Nicole Damianos talking with Melissa, my wife about pregnancy.   There was Juan Micieli-Martinez, winemaker at Martha Claraand his wife Bridget, from Palmer Vineyards chatting with Robin Epperson, assistant winemaker at Martha Clara and Alie Sharper from Brooklyn Oenology.  And George Casso, assistant winemaker at Waters Crest and one of the many organizers who put this together, chatting with everyone and making sure the night was going smoothly.  And the trusty Adam Ehmer was there making sure my wife had a glass of Verjus.

It was a who’s who of the North Fork Wine Industry gathering — a group of people who care about the Long Island wine industry and there were the enthusiast who love the wine and the food of Long Island.  Too see it all come together was fantastic and special.  Ron Goerler was talking to me at one point explaing that this is how it used to be — Everyone gathering for a BBQ, talking about wine and what they were doing in the vineyard.  I wondered why things changed.

Tom Schaudel of A Mano Osteria & Wine Bar was the chef behind the local food that was pared nicely with all the local wine.  There was fresh oysters and fresh summer salads, the golden beet salad was delicious.  There was kielbasa, lasagna, corn on the cob and my favorite of the night, duck chili.  There was sliders that were good, from what I heard.  I missed out on them.  And apparently there was some kabab, that I never saw, but Les Howard ate the last one.

Richard Pisacano, owner of Roanoke Vineyards and vineyard manager at Wolffer Estate Vineyards went around with a big smile welcoming everyone and wishing everyone a great time.  Jim Waters of Waters Crest Winerey, one of the organizers behind the Festival, made sure everyone was enjoying the evening of food and wine.

Melissa and I sat and relaxed.  I was prepared to do some blogging and some chatting.  I decided to chat and listen to the stories instead — meet some people I have not met yet — chat with some people I have not seen in a while.  I did some tweeting and I took some notes, but most of all, I enjoyed the company that Melissa and I were around.

Some of the wines that impressed me that night were wines I have not had before, some were just realised and some I have not had a chance to find and taste.  So here is a quick view into my tasting notes:

  • Waters Crest 2009 Riesling: lime and citru with great acidity and grapefruit pith notes.  Some granny smith apple.  Zippy and refreshing. 
  • Brooklyn Oenology 2007 Viognier: Floral, white peach, kiwi.  Nutmeg and more kiwi on palate with some honeydew melon and some citrus.
  • One Woman Winery 2007 Gewürztraminer: Rose petals and lychee.  More floral and perfume.  Spicy with some baking spice notes.
  • Duck Walk Vineyards 2009 Rose: Strawberry and raspberry subtle herb note.  Nice acidity.  Citrus blast and watermelon.
  • Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 So Vin Yon Blonk: It’s all Sauvignon Blanc, don’t let the name confuse you.  Lemon grass and herb with grapefruit.  Bright and Clean.  Great acidity and finish of citrus zest.

As the sun was setting in the west we looked south over Gabby’s block of Cabernet Franc and notice para gliders and a beautiful strawberry moon — thanks Juan for pointing that out.  The sun set and the full moon shined.  But what shined brightest that night, above the laughter and conversations – the people who made this happen.  The organizers and those that love Long Island and all that this great wine region has to offer.

This weekend long event is one that I hope continues.  It is a great way to kick off the Long Island Summer Season and showcase Long Island as a destination of food, wine and people.  I look forward to the next Strawberry moon and the next Long Island Wine and Food Festival.

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