In 1993, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars expanded production with the introduction of a value brand , Salmon Run, which is in honor of the majestic landlocked Salmon and beautiful Keuka Lake. The finish was nice and long, spicy, dry with a taste of currant. Seemed to be stuck on Finger Lakes white wines all summer. Merlot. MORE >>

tasted through their lineup at the recent tasting of their New York distributor, David Bowler. Unfortunately it as a mere tasting, not a drinking or a lingering. The 1993 reserva (about $50) is an excellent place to start with nutty aroma yet freshness on the palate. Lopez de Heredia. But it was deliciously fun snapshot. MORE >>

Tasting with friends: 12 Year Old Long Island wines with Lenn and company. Industry tasting : Terry Theise Grower Champagnes at the Michael Skurnik tasting. Most expensive wine I tasted that is worth every penny, without even the slightest question : NV Henri Billiot Champagne Cuvee Laetitia (about $75 retail). So good. MORE >>

The Merlot I loved -- and I thought that in a blind tasting, it could be easily confused with a high end Australian Shiraz as its flavors were ripe black currant, black berry, in that jammy yet dry Aussie style. Afterwards, we had an icewine tasting with Bruce Nicholson, who was responsible for the vintages during 2006 and afterwards. MORE >>

With grilled pork belly, apple, and pickled cabbage we drank a magnum of 1993 Comte Armand Pommard Clos des Epeneaux , $325. Some one poured a glass through a filter and the wine brightened some, but to me the smell and taste was unchanged. Every year at around this time we get together over dinner and share the wines. MORE >>