Here is another winery that many people who are not familiar with Long Island wines would know about. Roman Roth is a star winemaker, but more importantly, he is just a nice guy. From his recent whites, my pick was the 2007 Wölffer Estate Chardonnay ($18) made from a blend of grapes fermented in both stainless steel (70%) and barrel (30%). The racy acidity reminded me of blanc de blancs champagnes I enjoy. Someone mentioned this would be a perfect wine with lobster, and I thought (outloud), what’s stopping us (except for the oyster & lobster awaiting us at lunch in a few). So I imagined it with a lobster to complete my experience.

Chardonnay seems to be a grape that Roman has mastered. His 100% Chardonnay sparkler, 2005 blanc de blancs ($35), was a top contender in a line-up of Long Island sparkling wines I tried.

Last year, Roman launched a series of wines in the 20th Anniversary Wine Series, which I discovered with delight. Especially his Cassina Barbera ($40) and his extra brut rosé, Noblesse Oblige ($125). The 2005 vintage of Nobless Oblige will be out in November. I loved that they only came in magnums as it was perfect for dinner parties. But I just got news that starting with the 2006 vintage, there will be 750 ml bottles available, too.