Peter and Deborah Carroll's
winemaking credo is simple:
let the grape speak. "When
Lenz releases a gewurztraminer,
or a merlot…we want it to
stand out as a clear and
outstanding representative of
that particular variety," says
Carroll. To achieve this, they
farm rigorously. e Carrolls
also embrace patience;
following Fry's advice to avoid
"Chateau Cashflow," they age
their red wines four or five
years before release.
Lenz Winery's commitment
to quality is evident in its
meticulous winemaking process.
Grapes are hand-harvested and
sorted, with individual berry
selection, then fermented in
small batches to reveal the full
varietal character of each wine.
This dedication has resulted
in wines that are not only
rich and complex but also
food-friendly and age-worthy.
In the broader sweep of
American wine, Lenz has
quietly set a benchmark.
Critics note that its wines
"compare extremely well" with
top European and Californian
examples . More than marketing
or flash, the Carrolls measure
success by integrity and
consistency. ey let the
vineyard do the talking; careful
viticulture, selective harvesting,
and thoughtful aging yield
wines of genuine character.
Lenz's legacy—now in its fih
decade—affirms Long Island's
place on the world wine map.
VUE ON | WINE
70 V U E LO N G I S L A N D.C O M
