Quick Review: Finger Lakes Tasting -Part 2

US, NY, Finger Lakes, Thirsty Owl Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine 2012
++ // Sweet // Nutty, Cherry, Berry // Raspberry, Cream // Full

Raspberry Ice Cream in a glass. The result of a happy accident, as the winemaker tried to make the best of a nvintage.

US, NY, Finger Lakes, Standing Stone Vidal Ice 2011
+ // Sweet // Cardamon, Almond // Honey and Blue Cheese, Peach, Hint of that Noble Rot funk // Full

US, NY, Finger Lakes, Wagner Vineyards Riesling Ice 2012
++ // Crisp/Sweet // Delicate, Old Flowers, Cloves // Perfect summer peach, Hint of Forrest Floor, Petrol, Salted Peanuts // Full

Balanced flavor, between sweet and crisp.

Best of the Finger Lakes (Day 1)

Today, instead of our usual "quick review," we wanted to share the top five wines sampled on day 1 of our August 2011 trip to the Finger Lakes. Wines that received a ++ rating were included. 

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Wilhelmus Estate, Razzle NV 

++ // Fruity // Raspberry // Ripened raspberry, minerality // Medium

Reminiscent of Sauternes, will make an excellent sipping wine. The heavier notes balance the sweetness - it's not as sickly sweet as you'd expect for a dessert wine.

Wilhelmus Estate "Razzle"

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling, Chateau Frank Celebre NV
++ // Sweet // Citrus, leather // sweet green apple, pineapple // Full
A surprising find, a sparkling Riesling made in the champagne style.

Chateau Frank's "Celebre"

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Muscat Ottonel, 2010
++ // Sweet // floral, honey, vanilla // honey(start), mineral(finish) // light
A complex wine, with nearly equal notes of crispness and spice.

Dr. Frank's 2010 Muscat Ottonel

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Dry Riesling, 2010
++ // Crisp // Apple, vanilla, mineral // Lemon, Green Apple // Medium
As was expected, this is an amazing a vintage. The long growing season mellowed the usual citrus crispness of the Riesling grape, with hints of sweet fruit.

Dr. Frank's 2010 Dry Riesling

US, New York, Finger Lakes, Hunt Country Vineyards, Vidal Blanc, Ice Wine, 2007
++ // Fruity // Honey // Fresh apricot, Peach pie // Full
A speciality of the region, made in the true ice wine style. 26% residual sugar. Paired with a Cherry Apricot White Chocolate, it almost entirely overpowered the dessert.

Hunt Country Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

Check back Thursday to see the Best of the Finger Lakes, Day 2.