Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 11th 2006, 3:44pm By Joan Fedyszyn

A recent stop at Chateau Buffalo, presented me with a dilemma; is Chateau Buffalo a wine store or is it a great place to gather friends and have a party without having to vacuum?

The answer seems to be: it's BOTH!

Chateau Buffalo IS indeed a wonderful wine store, offering an extensive selection of NYS wines. You'll find eclectic choices from Western New York, Finger Lakes and Long Island vineyards. The Chateau's attractive interior is warm and inviting, perfect for displaying a large selection of over 200 NYS wines and gourmet treats. The tasting bar is perfect, complete with low stools that allow one to experience some serious flights of wines. There are currently five tasting menus including a Round of Reds, an Aisle of Whites and a sparkling group. Most tastings are in the $5/glass range; flights usually include five or six choices.

The day I was there, owner Carl Schmitter (below) was featuring several wines to accompany Fall fare such as yummy local apples, grapes or perhaps a great artisan cheese.

We began with a 2005 Taste White from Bedell Cellars. The wine had a rather showy label; a graphic by artist Barbara Kruger. Vineyard owner Michael Lynne, who happens to be CEO of New Line Cinema, is also an avid contemporary art collector. He combines his passion for wine with his love of art by utilizing his collection in marketing Bedell's various brands. This blended White was a combination of Chardonnay, Gewrztraminer, Viognier and Reisling grapes. Full and fruity, it absolutely lends itself to the bounty of Fall.

Our next selection, from the wines of Jason's Vineyards, was a beautifully balanced 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. Formulated by vineyard owner Jason Damianos, the Cab-Sav contained delicious notes of black cherry, cassis and chocolate. The North Fork/ Long Island vineyard also produces a Merlot, a Meritage and a Chardonnay.

We ended our tour with a 2000 Cabernet Port from Pindar, another North Fork vineyard. This luscious Port had me thinking about a thin slice of warm apple tart.

My afternoon with Carl was most pleasant and very informative. It crossed my mind that next time, I would call a few friends to join me. It felt different than a bar; more relaxed. Chateau Buffalo is a great place to bring friends who possess an interest in NYS wines, or a wonderful location to host a small gathering or business event. The wines are impressive, as is the selection of wine accessories. Reservations for group wine tastings are gladly taken and strongly encouraged.

Chateau Buffalo 1209 Hertel Ave 716.873.0074 http://chateaubuffalo.com/index.html