A couple weeks ago, we were in the Hamptons and picked up a bottle of the Palmer Gewurztraminer at Cork & Jug Liquors in Hampton Bays. This Gewurz (pronounced gev-ertz) is really more of a spiced pear like nutmeg spiced, not spicy like tabasco. It’s a bit sweet too, so it’s good on its own and also stands up nicely to food as well. Palmer is a vineyard in the North Fork of Long Island, so this is truly a local find.
Tag Archives: the hamptons
Paumanok Vineyards 2008 Dry Riesling (Confusing, but Enjoyable)
When I see a dry riesling, I expect a crisp apple scent, some apple-like flavor and maybe lime too. In this case, I was surprised to get many of the traditional sauvignon blanc flavors like grass and crisp citrus with the finish of a riesling – the crisp, but very faint apple. This is a good riesling for people who think that all riesling tastes like apple cider and you know who you are. It’s bright and refreshing and smooth all at the same time. This was another one of our Hamptons purchases as Paumanok is a Long Island (North Fork) vineyard.
Hamptons #5: Dessert and Port, What a Way to Wrap Up a Day in The Hamptons
Dessert was sourced from Napa and Philadelphia: Naked Chocolate (31 S 18th St) in Philly and Milat Wine Company from our last visit to the Napa Valley. It’s a wonder that I left Naked Chocolate with just a box-o-chocolates as their selection is wonderful. I ended up with a box of 16 filled chocolates (8 dark w/ dark, 4 dark w/ walnut chocolate, 4 dark w/ vanilla chocolate) for $14 and the intention of having it with the port. The port was from one of the cutest and easiest to miss vineyards in Napa. Milat is a small family owned vineyard where you get the chance to talk to the farmers who own the land and cultivate the grapes. We met the husband and wife team that own the winery and learned so much about the history of both the land and also the valley. We bought their Zivio port (more on that in a few) and their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon which is resting gently in our wine frig. They are next to Corison Cellars on rt. 29 and finding places like this makes each trip to Napa worthwhile.
The Zivio is a very easy drinking port. Most port has a syrupy consistency due both to the fortification (brandy) and the fact that it sits so long that much of the water evaporates. In this case, the Zivio has a lighter viscosity and therefore a lighter mouth feel. Be careful though, it’s still 20% alcohol. This is a Zinfandel based port as the name might suggest and has the upfront jamminess from the Zin and sweet cherry too. The chocolate proved its worth and complimented the Port nicely. If you think you might (not) like port and want to try it on, this is a great way to start; it’s also a great excuse to visit Napa!
Hamptons #4, Dinner at Canal Cafe & Market
This is the 2nd time I’m writing this as the first post didn’t make it…
We had dinner at what looked like a quintessential hampton bays seafood-er (44 Newtown Road, Hampton Bays, NY): The canal cafe. We tried all 3 soups and I was the winner with the new england clam chowder. The shrimp bisque and potato leek were not quite right. My lobster roll (I was feeling like shellfish) was good, but had a bit too much mayo and not enough lobster for the $22 price tag. My cousin had the thai red curry mussels which were great. I could add some noodles to the broth and have soup for dinner from that – and be perfectly happy.
This spot would be great in the summer on their deck in warm weather if they kicked the food up to the standard of the mussels and clam chowder. The remainder was good, not great, and definitely expensive for what you get, not to mention the paper plates.
They did serve local wines, but for some idiotic reason, I had an unremarkable Chilean Sauvignon Blanc which doesn’t warrant a review.
Next post is #5 on dessert and the best one yet!
Hanging in the Hamptons – Drinking Teruzzi & Puthod Terre di Tufi
We’re up in the Hamptons with my cousins and having some charcuterie and an interesting italian white. This Terre di Tufi. This is from their store – Cork & Jug liquors in Hampton Bay, NY. It has a rich, even strong flavor that catches you off guard. There’s not a lot of up front flavor, with more on the mid-palate with some floral, nectar like finish. It smells like a spiced rum port up front and yet it’s still a white wine!
If you’re interested in a great store in the Hamptons, it’s located at 262 West Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY. It’s right next to the Wild By Nature market. Ask for Chaz or Cricket if you want an expert recommendation.
