In almost every other part of the world where wine is produced people drink almost exclusively the local stuff. But not in New York. OK, we get way too much good stuff from Europe and the West Coast to ignore. Also, New York wines are rarely as cheap as the local plonk the locals everywhere else drink on a daily basis. But the wines have gotten a little less expensive and they continue to improve, so we have recently expanded our selection of New York wines. And two of the wines we added are particularly exciting for us.

Lafayette Reneau, Dry Riesling, 2008 ($14). We like this wine because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s a simple, tasty, dry Riesling built for every day pleasure and it knows it! I wish New York produced far more wine like this.

Cru Cellars, Cuvee LC Hamptons 2001($19). This one is more ambitious, and it totally succeeds. A Bordeaux blend that was only released 7 years after its birth, this would fit comfortably in the company of aged Bordeaux costing twice the price. Long Island wine can age!