The Lenz Winery
North Fork in Long Island
New York in USA

Founded in 1978, the 30 hectares winery is planted with Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.

In 1988, the winery was taken over by Peter Carroll, a partner in Oliver, Wyman and Company, a New York City management-consultant company, and John Pancoast, an independent management consultant for US$ 1 million. They had leased the winery and vineyards from Mr. Lenz, and have an option to buy them.

Lenz product offerings and wine brands can be summarized in the following:

Old Vines - Cabernet Sauvignon (670 cases), Merlot (628 cases), Chardonnay (400 cases), Estate Selection Merlot (950 cases). Generic offerings - Merlot (2,436 cases), Cabernet Sauvignon (659 cases), Gewürztraminer (798 cases), a Blanc de Noir (100% Pinot Noir, 160 cases), “White Label” Chardonnay (2890 cases), “Gold Label” Chardonnay (570 cases), and a Cuvee, a blend of 70% Pinot Noir, and 30% Chardonnay (309 cases, Traditional Méthode Champenoise)

Today the winery is owned by Peter Carroll and John Pancoast, assisted by winemaker Dan Kleck, vineyard manager Sam McCullough and winemaker Eric Fry.

Seasoned wine lovers following Peconic’s Lenz regard it as one of the North Fork’s most respected and successful producers. The wines of Lenz are priced attractively with quality results, and are considered by the wine community at large.

Contact Details:
The Lenz Winery
Main Rd., Rt. 25
P.O. Box 28
Peconic, New York 11958
United States
Tel: 631 734 6010
Fax: 631 734 6069
Email: office@lenzwine.com
Website: www.lenzwine.com

Further Reading:
Catch Wine.com
Len Thompson’s Lenndevours
Long Island and Wine Country
Nork Cork
NYT: Lenz Winery Changes Hands
Serona’s Wine Cast
The Long Island Business
WS: Former Long Island Winery Owners Start Anew in Sonoma

2004 Lenz Chardonnay Old Vines
USA, New York, Long Island, North Fork

05042008. “Old vines” is a term without official meaning (much like “reserve”) but the grapes that go into this wine are from some of the oldest Chardonnay vines on Long Island. 13.0%. 100% Chardonnay. Decanted for near 2 hours. A strong bouquet of fresh, ripe apple, butter, acid, caramelized honeys smell. Medium-bodied with great acidity, tart lemon/lime flavors, oak, with a short to medium dry finish. Drink between 2006 to 2015.

2001 Lenz Merlot Old Vines
USA, New York, Long Island, North Fork

05042008. 13.0%. 100% Merlot. Decanted for near 2 hours. Started off with Ripe dark berry, chery with underlying sweet green herbs, giving way to red cherries after an hour in the glass. Medium-bodied, sweet black currant flavored body with dry wood tannins and a medium finish. Drink between 2003 to 2015.

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Photograph and text by Daniel. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.