“Great Wine for a Great Cause”

That’s what the little six-panel brochure says about the NHL Alumni Signature Wine Series. “Great” may be a bit much, but “really good” doesn’t exactly sell. What sells is greatness, and there were two of the greatest sitting side by side late this afternoon at Stew Leonard’s in Farmingdale.

It was a very busy day for the two Islander greats as well as their Ranger counterparts. It was wine promo day in NY. Both Clark Gillies and Pat LaFontaine made various live and phone appearances on NY radio stations before heading out to Farmingdale to greet the media by 2 pm. I listened to their NHLLive on XM 204 segment. That’s when I heard that today was also the Ranger bottle signing with Mike Richter and Rod Gilbert. So if there was a hockey fan in New York that didn’t know about this new NHL Alumni initiative, they’re just not listening.

I stopped by the store yesterday to check out the bottles and take a few photos. I left with a bottle of each to test out with the blog box panel last night. It was interesting to find out that most of us prefer red wine in general. But we did try both to compare them. We all agreed the red was very good. Not over powering, and pretty smooth. Basically, what I’d call “a good drinking wine.” As Chardonnays go, this Ironstone one is very pleasant. Lighter than most, and not too oak-y. I can see this as a great laying in the backyard soaking-up-the-sun sort of vintage. As in…. These will never last around my house, they will be consumed quickly.

Today I arrived at the store by 5:15pm and found my new friend and fellow Islander fan Maria Baiardi behind the counter in her prized DiPietro jersey. She had told me that she was an Islander fan all her life and that she was really looking forward to meeting these Islander legends. Her boss Lou had told the employees they could wear Islander jerseys if they wished, and Maria was happy to loan some of hers to any of her coworkers who didn’t have their own. She couldn’t have been happier to be part of this event. I love meeting other passionate female hockey fans. It just proves there are so many of us out there.

The back counter was filled with glasses and bottles ready for the taste test, and a table with gold and black balloons was set up for the guests of honor. I wanted to get there a little early because I knew that once people left from work, the store would be difficult to navigate. I brought my six bottles to the table for Clark and Pat to sign. No one has a better smile than Clark Gillies, and no one can be more sincere in their gratitude than Pat LaFontaine. We chatted briefly, as they were more than willing to talk, and Pat thanked me twice for my purchase. Seeing the look in his eyes, I would have bought a case of each if I could have. I hope they had to sign hundreds of these bottles with their silver sharpies, so many...their hands cramped up.
Then we’d know it was a good day for them.

A case of very bad scheduling also had a table for tasting of Long Island vineyards, Martha Clara and Pugliese. They were taking the competition with greatness in stride, and I assured them my wine rack is filled with Long Island wine too.

I watched for a few minutes as people walked away from the table with big smiles on their faces, holding their signed bottles. I wonder how many of them will drink them, and how many will just show all their friends and family. If you can make it to Airport Plaza in Farmingdale on Rte 110, stop into Stew Leonard’s and pick up a few bottles, its well worth it.

And so … A Toast, courtesy of that little six panel brochure: “To an enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance; To a friend, your heart; To a child, a good example; To a father, deference; To a mother, conduct to make her proud; To yourself, respect; And to all… Charity.” Francis Maitland Balfour.