The managing directors of both properties convened on New York for a tasting at the Wine Media Guild on April 27. found the 00 and 04 Lalandes the unfortunately disappointing from this portion; the 2002 was particularly lovely, especially given the vintage; and the 03, 05, 06 were richer, with 06 carrying the style most successfully. MORE >>

If I prefer, for example, your NV Brut that is based on 2004, blended with reserve wines from 2003 and 2002, but your NV Brut that is based on 2005 with reserves from 2004 and 2003 is also on the market (quite common here in New York), I want get the wine that I prefer when I put down my $47. 2004, 2005, who knows? MORE >>

Here is what I like about them: The reds tend to be somewhat "old-world" in style - they offer complexity and balance that can be elusive among new world wines made with the big three Bordeaux grapes. My "4"s: 2005 Lieb Pinot Blanc , $19. 2005 Waters Crest Private Reserve Chardonnay , $25. 2002 Scarola Merlot , $?? Yummy. MORE >>

Here are some notes on wines that did not get their own post: Burgundy 2005 Jean Manciat Macon Charnay Vieille Vignes , $21 (Chambers Street Wines). The new oak is very obvious right now, not overwhelming at all, but obvious. 2005 Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Duresses , $28 (Chambers Street Wines). Good acidity. MORE >>

Their unoaked 2005 Estate Sauvignon Blanc was fresh and lively. We emerged from our tasting there with a few bottles of their 2002 Cabernet Franc Reserve and a 375 ml of a 2004 zippy desert wine made from late harvest chardonnay called Allegra. So now I know that Long Island makes serious wine.what about the rest of New York? MORE >>