We then cracked open a 2003 Domaine de Paul Blanck Furstentum Alsace Pinot Gris that surprised us all with a touch of sweetness, but was once again, quite refreshing. In previous posts I've mentioned a wine club I have joined. joined upon returning to NYC from Napa in search of other wine-curious individuals. THANKS! MORE >>

My "4"s: 2005 Lieb Pinot Blanc , $19. 2006 Channing Daughters Pinot Grigio , $18. Pinot Grigio from Long Island.who knew? This one is more in the Italian style (no surprise, given the name), as opposed to the Alsace style that Oregon, the major new world Pinot Gris player, has adopted. already like them. MORE >>

Oregon 2003 Sineann Pinot Noir Phelps Creek , $40. An Oregon Pinot from cult producer Peter Rosback, but not from the Willamette Valley. 2004 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Bryan Creek Vineyard , $48. 2005 Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Gris , $17. Pinot Gris is now the number one white wine coming out of Oregon. MORE >>

like every wine they offer, from the lovely blend called Saveurs Printanieres to the Gewurztraminer, the Riesling, the Pinot Gris, and even the light and incredibly drinkable Pinot Noir (not as crazy, though, about the Cr é mant d'Alsace). That Pinot Gris and a plate of choucroute.or And then there is Binner. MORE >>

Some rice or a baguette, a nice Alsace Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris, and you're all set. Summer's not done yet, folks, and some of the best produce is peaking right now at the markets. Okra is one of my favorite vegetables in late August and all through September. It's me and a smattering of Caribbean and African ladies. MORE >>