Enjoy some top New York States wines
"I" have been a Rochester native for just a small step over 25 years now.
Over my quarter century here, I have found a few favorite spots. Some of
them come and go, while others will be here forever. I love going to
concerts and buying beer from the same old bartender at the Water Street
Music Hall. The coffee at Java's is always hot and perfect. I always
thought I would live on Park Avenue somewhere, but never did.
Nevertheless, the people watching is prime in the summertime on the
Avenue. The Rochester Public Market is the highlight of my Saturday
mornings, I am a foodie and I can always find what I need there. Not only
am I a foodie, but I am also a wino (obviously). I have been fortunate
enough to try wines from nearly all New York State wineries. I have
traveled west to the Niagara Escarpment to taste Pinot Noirs, and east to
the North Fork of Long Island to sample some fantastic Merlots and
Chardonnays. Here in the Finger Lakes, after multiple tours and business
fun, here are a handful of wines that I have come across that really
caught my attention. In no order at all, here are some top New York State
wines with my tasting notes.
White Wines
2006 Fox Run Reserve Riesling: I frequently visit this
vineyard and have tried this vintage of Riesling multiple times. It has
developed nicely over the past two years. It is lustful and luscious.
Tastes of ginger, apricot, jasmine tea, and melon, with brilliant acidity.
If you visit Fox Run, say hello to Brittany and Noel in the tasting room.
2006 Atwater Vidal Blanc: This is a French hybrid grape and
a predominating dessert wine grape here in the Finger Lakes region. This
is a bone dry white with only 0.3% residual sugar. It has playful acidity
and aromas of orange peel and minerals. This is a great aperitif wine, and
a great summertime wine on the boat. Get out the bikinis and put a bottle
of this in the icebox.
2005 Heron Hill Pinot Blanc Reserve: Heron Hill has proven
to make one of the best Pinot Blanc in upstate New York. It has beautiful
complexities built on aging in both oak and stainless steel barrels. It is
crisp and seasoned with slight melon flavors. A very nice pairing for your
trout. Thank you Liza for tasting me on this!
2006 Hermann J. Weimer Dry Riesling: I call this The
Grandmother of Finger Lakes Riesling. It is elegant, sophisticated, and
well trained. It is crisp, delicate, and a clean wine. Think German
Kabinett style. I enjoy this with roasted garlic, goat cheese and pickled
sweet red peppers.
2006 Lamoreaux Landing Reserve Chardonnay: Well balanced
with oaky pear aromas. Tastes of spiced pear, quince, and clover honey.
It has a medium buttery body and great with baked halibut stuffed with
lobster. Try it!
2007 Hunt Country Pinot Gris: This is a dry wine with hints
of Keuka Lake minerals, flowers and charm. A good example and treat for
Oregon Pinot Gris lovers. Give this a try with Fontina cheese.
2007 Standing Stone Gewurztraminer: Standing Stone did an
exceptional job with this wine, highlighting all the typical
characteristics of a Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer and then exploring the
Alsatian (France) spicy side of the grape. For all the international food
lovers out there, try this with Asian, Thai, or Indian food, and my
favorite sauce, curry.
Red Wines
NV Dr. Konstantin Frank Fleur de Pinot: This is a soft red
wine, smooth and sleek. It shows controlled raspberry and cranberry
flavors. The tannins are light and it a perfect approach for someone who
is starting to enjoy into red wines.
2006 Anthony Road Cabernet Franc/ Lemberger: This is a blend
that works very well in the Finger Lakes region. It has the nice body of
cabernet franc, with the peppery spice from the Lemberger. When I sip
this, it brings out thoughts of autumn and the cold dirt roads of the
vineyards. It exemplifies the true poetry in wine.
2005 Fox Run Reserve Cabernet Franc: I first sampled this
wine while at a friend's house on Route 14 in Geneva. We sat on the porch
and drank the whole bottle and then another. It is smoky and earthy. It is
very similar to a cabernet franc from Chinon in the Loire Valley of
France. This is a wine that I believe will hold for another five years,
if properly stored. Remember as this grape ages, it takes on more and more
vegetal qualities and a great pairing with roasted eggplant.
2006 Keuka Springs Lemberger: Known as Blaufrankish in its
home country of Austria, this is slightly more full-bodied than a Pinot
Noir. This is smooth with red and black berry characteristics. This has
wonderful scents of an the fall harvest and it has an earthy demeanor.
2005 Long Point Merlot: Residing on Cayuga Lake, this wine
has a soft tannic structure and a velvety body. There are nice notes of
cedar, vanilla, and red fruits on the nose. The body is plumy with a hint
of espresso. It has been a while since I have had this one, but I have
never forgotten it.
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