A Riesling To Visit Passport May 1 - Aug 31, $10 plus tax, Get Free Tastings at member wineries and a chance to win a nice prize. Mrs. Wino & I already have ours.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail, 877.536.2717
E-Mail: info@senecalakewine.com
Info at Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com/jc/content/view/114/131/
Tierce Release Dinner, May 12, 7:00 PM
Anthony Road Wine Company, Fox Run Vineyards and Red Newt Wine Cellars are proud to announce the second vintage of TIERCE, a 2005 Dry Riesling, marking the continuation of a unique collaborative effort in Finger Lakes winemaking - Tickets may be purchased by calling Anthony Road (800-559-2182), Fox Run (800-636-9786) or Red Newt Cellars(607-546-4100). $95 per person/all inclusive
http://rednewt.com/web/
Americana Concert, May 13, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Americana Vineyards
Mother's Day Concert Featuring the Kitchen Chair Band-Folk Music
607.387.6801
Website: http://www.americanavineyards.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, May 13, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Red Newt Cellars & Bistro
All tables receive a basket of freshly baked assorted muffns and sweetbread, and a complimentary glass of Champagne or Mimosa for every Mom!
607.546.4100
Website: http://www.rednewt.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, May 13, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sheldrake Point Vineyard
Enjoy lakefront dining amidst landscaped gardens and sloping lawns.
Reservations advised.866-743-5372.
Website: http://www.sheldrakepoint.com
Mother’s Day Brunch, May 13, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Knapp Winery & Restaurant
Show your Mother how much you love her...with food! Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant has planned a day of relaxation with our luscious buffet and delicious wines. We will serve from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. Call 800.869.9271 to reserve your table.
Website: http://knappwine.com
Mother's Day at Veraisons, May 13
Veraisons at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars
Brunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. - Dinner 5 -8 p.m.
800.243.5511
Website: http://www.glenora.com
Mother's Day Brunch, May 13
Ginny Lee Café at Wagner Vineyards
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
607.582.6450
Website: http://www.wagnervineyards.com
The Golden Nose Award: A Wine Judging Weekend, May 18 - May 19
For details, go to: http://www.goldennose.com
21st Anniversary Celebration, May 19 - May 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Swedish Hill Winery
Join us as we celebrate our 21st year! Annual Porch Sale and deep discounts on a variety of selected wines and related products
888.549.9463
Website: http://www.swedishhill.com
Keuka in Bloom, May 19 - May 20
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Spring is in the air and flowers and herbs are blooming around Keuka Lake. Each ticket holder will collect a healthy flower or herb in a 4" pot at each winery. Each attendee will enjoy food and wine pairings along with a complimentary wine trail wineglass. Enjoy the rebirth of new new season and start your own garden! An early sell-out, tickets are advance sale only.
$30 per person; $45 per couple
10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
800.440.4898
Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com
Finger Lakes Wine & Dine, May 21
Esperanza Mansion
Finger Lakes Wine & Dine – mark your calendars for Monday, May 21st which is the date of the 4th Annual Finger Lakes Wine & Dine. This wine and food event features the award winning vintages of our local wineries and the gustatory delights of all the area restaurants and eateries. The event will be held at Esperanza Mansion and tickets are $35.00 with proceeds being split between the Chamber and the Yates County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Join us!!
315.536.4400
Website: www.esperanzamansion.com
5th Annual Bistro Grand Opening, May 26 - May 27
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Kick off another great season with live music on the Terrace plus Edition 1 of the 2007 Artist Series.
866.869.5805
Website: http://www.thirstyowlwine.com
I Love Chocolate Day, May 26, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
King Ferry Winery/Treleaven
Sinful chocolate desserts paired with luscious wines. Fee- $7.00.
800.439.5271
Website: http://www.treleavenwines.com/
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Ian Barry is up to the challenge at Swedish Hill Winery
- Finger Lakes Drive-In set to open for season
- High water may delay canal opening
- Tierce II set to be released May 12
- The Ithacan tours Cayuga Lake wineries
- Finger Lakes Art Exhibit Listings
- Wegman Piano Factory in Auburn to be turned into Condo's
- Honeymoon Trail Winery owner is interviewed
- Finger Lakes wine fuels tourism
- Finger Lakes wine fuels tourism - Part 2
- Flood of 1935 remebered
- Need a break from wine - Drink Finger Lakes Beer
- Ethanol plant proposals struggle with rising corn prices
- Jason Feulner explores Rkatsiteli
- Finger Lakes Historical marker
- Writer Kurt Vonnegut had many Finger Lakes ties including Cornell & Hocus Pocus
- Spring has sprung in the Finger Lakes
- An interesting blog from a Finger Lakes wine industry veteran
- Allison Krauss coming to Canandaigua
- Ithaca makes "Best Green Place In America" list
- A good website for finding wine info and reviews is Kens Wine Guide
- Finger Lakes Drive-In set to open for season
- High water may delay canal opening
- Tierce II set to be released May 12
- The Ithacan tours Cayuga Lake wineries
- Finger Lakes Art Exhibit Listings
- Wegman Piano Factory in Auburn to be turned into Condo's
- Honeymoon Trail Winery owner is interviewed
- Finger Lakes wine fuels tourism
- Finger Lakes wine fuels tourism - Part 2
- Flood of 1935 remebered
- Need a break from wine - Drink Finger Lakes Beer
- Ethanol plant proposals struggle with rising corn prices
- Jason Feulner explores Rkatsiteli
- Finger Lakes Historical marker
- Writer Kurt Vonnegut had many Finger Lakes ties including Cornell & Hocus Pocus
- Spring has sprung in the Finger Lakes
- An interesting blog from a Finger Lakes wine industry veteran
- Allison Krauss coming to Canandaigua
- Ithaca makes "Best Green Place In America" list
- A good website for finding wine info and reviews is Kens Wine Guide
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- I apologize for not getting a Finger Lakes event calendar out for April. Time just seems to fly by. Go to www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com for events listings.
Don't forget this coming weekend April 21 & 22 is The World Tour of Food and Wine on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
The Spring Wine & Cheese event on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is on April 28 & 29 and if you are really serious about Finger Lakes wine, you must go to the Seneca Wine Trail's Golden Nose weekend event on May 18 & 19; I've got my ticket. And The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail hosts their Wine & Herb Fest on April 28 & 29 and May 5 & 6 and check out Cayuga Wine Trail's new Vino Visa that gives you savings on tastings at the member wineries.
- I have a major announcement! Yours truly, The Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, will be performing at Dr. Franks Wine Cellars on June 9th and June 23 & 24 for their Barbecue at the Wineries celebration. I will be debuting songs from my soon to be released CD "Sparkling Diamonds - Songs of The Finger Lakes". Come on out and party with the Wino!
- Gary at my favorite Internet TV show (heck my favorite TV show period!) Wine Library TV reviews 3 Finger Lakes Rieslings. Hint: He really liked the one that starts with "W", has "iem" in the middle, and ends with "er".
- Lots of good news from Fulkerson Winery- New Release: 2006 Traminette, 2.7% rs (Semi-Dry), 877 cases produced (more than doubling our largest bottling, the 2002 vintage).$12.00 per btl. & Ratings from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, May 2007, pg. 124: Fulkerson Winery Ratings- 2005 Dry Riesling, 86 rating / 2005 Semi-Dry Riesling, 85 rating.
- And another winery visit report:
Castel Grisch Winery, 2005 Chardonnay Reserve $14.99, a very unique Chardonnay for the Finger Lakes with a distinct toasted nut taste; 2005 Baco Noir $9.99, very nice ripe fruit with pepper and earth tones on the finish; Estate Reserve Burgundy $9.99, 75% Chancellor & 25% Chardonnay, full bodied semi-dry with lots of black cherry and a long smooth finish, excellent and an excellent value!
Don't forget this coming weekend April 21 & 22 is The World Tour of Food and Wine on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
The Spring Wine & Cheese event on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is on April 28 & 29 and if you are really serious about Finger Lakes wine, you must go to the Seneca Wine Trail's Golden Nose weekend event on May 18 & 19; I've got my ticket. And The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail hosts their Wine & Herb Fest on April 28 & 29 and May 5 & 6 and check out Cayuga Wine Trail's new Vino Visa that gives you savings on tastings at the member wineries.
- I have a major announcement! Yours truly, The Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, will be performing at Dr. Franks Wine Cellars on June 9th and June 23 & 24 for their Barbecue at the Wineries celebration. I will be debuting songs from my soon to be released CD "Sparkling Diamonds - Songs of The Finger Lakes". Come on out and party with the Wino!
- Gary at my favorite Internet TV show (heck my favorite TV show period!) Wine Library TV reviews 3 Finger Lakes Rieslings. Hint: He really liked the one that starts with "W", has "iem" in the middle, and ends with "er".
- Lots of good news from Fulkerson Winery- New Release: 2006 Traminette, 2.7% rs (Semi-Dry), 877 cases produced (more than doubling our largest bottling, the 2002 vintage).$12.00 per btl. & Ratings from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, May 2007, pg. 124: Fulkerson Winery Ratings- 2005 Dry Riesling, 86 rating / 2005 Semi-Dry Riesling, 85 rating.
- And another winery visit report:
Castel Grisch Winery, 2005 Chardonnay Reserve $14.99, a very unique Chardonnay for the Finger Lakes with a distinct toasted nut taste; 2005 Baco Noir $9.99, very nice ripe fruit with pepper and earth tones on the finish; Estate Reserve Burgundy $9.99, 75% Chancellor & 25% Chardonnay, full bodied semi-dry with lots of black cherry and a long smooth finish, excellent and an excellent value!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Long Island winery trip report
Several weekends ago, I visited some friends and finally got to tour the wineries of Long Island's North fork. After we figured out how to get out of NYC, it was great. I must say, Long Island is very beautiful and not what I pictured (I was thinking more crowded and over built). We had a great lunch at Legends in Mattituck and then we commenced wine tasting.
Overall, I noticed a pepperiness at the finish of most of the wines I tasted. Most of the wineries we visited specialized in reds and overall I was very impressed. Here are my tasting notes:

Peconic Bay, 2005 Steel Chardonnay, Nice fruit, long finish with slight pepperiness; 2004 La Barrique Chardonnay, Smooth French Oak, hint of butter, long peppery finish; 2005 Riesling, A little unbalanced and tart for me, and with that bit of pepperiness at finish; 2004 Cabernet Franc, astringent, not much fruit, perhaps underripe; 2001 Merlot, complex, upfront fruit, ripe tannins, excellent!!!
- Bedell, Very nice reds, 2006 Rose, nice and light, soft cherry;
Main Road red, Nice medium tannins, very nice table blend; 2003 Merlot, muted fruit, sloppy tannins; 2004 Taste Red, lush tannins with nice cherry and cola overtones; 2002 Reserve Merlot, very complex with very nice long plummy finish.
- Pindar, fun winery, nice staff, value winery; 2004 Chardonnay reserve, bright fruit, intense apple, very good; 2005 Semillion, complex, soft and smooth intro into a spicy finish; 2005 Sauv Blanc, lime and mineral, sort of like a dry riesling; 2006 Johannisberg Riesling, everything I like in a sweeter Riesling, pineapple, peaches, honey, I had to ask if they were using FL fruit, but they said it was LI, excellent; 2005 Riesling Ice wine; awesome!!!
- The Tasting Room- not a winery but they pour a variety of LI wines, Comtesse Therese 2004 Chardonnay, grapefruit & crisp acidity, I really liked the uniqueness that the Russian oak gave it; Comtesse Therese Rose, not enough fruit for me; Comtesse Therese 2003 Merlot, sort of Cab Franc like, but good; Schneider Le Breton 2004 Cab Franc, nice cherry and pepper with that unique mid palate eucalyptus, very good
- Roanoke Vineyards, Fellow wine blogger Lenn at LennDevours blog recommended this one and it was my favorite, owner Rich Pisacano (who is also Vineyard manager at Wolffer Estate)talked with us for a long time . I was about red wined out by this time so I chose the white flight, 2006 Roanoke Chardonnay, crisp bright and fruity, excellent; 2002 Wolffer Estate Chardonnay, very complex, with a nice nuttiness at the finish; 2005 Wolffer Rose, nice peach and citrus; 2006 Wolffer Late harvest Chardonnay, a bit unbalanced and too sweet for me, possibly could have used more vignoles to cut the sweetness.
If you are ever out Long Island way, I highly recommend visiting the wineries. My tips are: Take a good map & be patient getting though the NYC traffic (and have plenty of cash ready for tolls), be ready for more reds than whites, and keep in mind that the prices are higher than the Finger Lakes. We had a great time. But fear not, My beloved Finger Lakes wineries are still #1 for me.
Overall, I noticed a pepperiness at the finish of most of the wines I tasted. Most of the wineries we visited specialized in reds and overall I was very impressed. Here are my tasting notes:
Peconic Bay, 2005 Steel Chardonnay, Nice fruit, long finish with slight pepperiness; 2004 La Barrique Chardonnay, Smooth French Oak, hint of butter, long peppery finish; 2005 Riesling, A little unbalanced and tart for me, and with that bit of pepperiness at finish; 2004 Cabernet Franc, astringent, not much fruit, perhaps underripe; 2001 Merlot, complex, upfront fruit, ripe tannins, excellent!!!
- Bedell, Very nice reds, 2006 Rose, nice and light, soft cherry;
Main Road red, Nice medium tannins, very nice table blend; 2003 Merlot, muted fruit, sloppy tannins; 2004 Taste Red, lush tannins with nice cherry and cola overtones; 2002 Reserve Merlot, very complex with very nice long plummy finish.
- Pindar, fun winery, nice staff, value winery; 2004 Chardonnay reserve, bright fruit, intense apple, very good; 2005 Semillion, complex, soft and smooth intro into a spicy finish; 2005 Sauv Blanc, lime and mineral, sort of like a dry riesling; 2006 Johannisberg Riesling, everything I like in a sweeter Riesling, pineapple, peaches, honey, I had to ask if they were using FL fruit, but they said it was LI, excellent; 2005 Riesling Ice wine; awesome!!!
- The Tasting Room- not a winery but they pour a variety of LI wines, Comtesse Therese 2004 Chardonnay, grapefruit & crisp acidity, I really liked the uniqueness that the Russian oak gave it; Comtesse Therese Rose, not enough fruit for me; Comtesse Therese 2003 Merlot, sort of Cab Franc like, but good; Schneider Le Breton 2004 Cab Franc, nice cherry and pepper with that unique mid palate eucalyptus, very good
- Roanoke Vineyards, Fellow wine blogger Lenn at LennDevours blog recommended this one and it was my favorite, owner Rich Pisacano (who is also Vineyard manager at Wolffer Estate)talked with us for a long time . I was about red wined out by this time so I chose the white flight, 2006 Roanoke Chardonnay, crisp bright and fruity, excellent; 2002 Wolffer Estate Chardonnay, very complex, with a nice nuttiness at the finish; 2005 Wolffer Rose, nice peach and citrus; 2006 Wolffer Late harvest Chardonnay, a bit unbalanced and too sweet for me, possibly could have used more vignoles to cut the sweetness.
If you are ever out Long Island way, I highly recommend visiting the wineries. My tips are: Take a good map & be patient getting though the NYC traffic (and have plenty of cash ready for tolls), be ready for more reds than whites, and keep in mind that the prices are higher than the Finger Lakes. We had a great time. But fear not, My beloved Finger Lakes wineries are still #1 for me.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Holly Howell assesses the Finger Lakes wine competition
- The white deer controversy continues
- Napa is Mumm on Guy Deveaux's Finger Lakes work
- Finger Lakes writer writes a touching tribute for her cancer-stricken husband
- The story of The Fox & The Grapes
- Montezuma wetlands vital for bird migration
- Finger Lakes rail buffs tell story of runaway train
- Ice fishing on Skaneateles
- It's trout season
- Auburn mayor delivers State of the City address
- New York wine now offered on American Airlines flights
- Beverly's Best sauces made in the Finger Lakes
- Geneva on the Lake is a romantic getaway
- A Riesling Primer from Heather Johnston
- The white deer controversy continues
- Napa is Mumm on Guy Deveaux's Finger Lakes work
- Finger Lakes writer writes a touching tribute for her cancer-stricken husband
- The story of The Fox & The Grapes
- Montezuma wetlands vital for bird migration
- Finger Lakes rail buffs tell story of runaway train
- Ice fishing on Skaneateles
- It's trout season
- Auburn mayor delivers State of the City address
- New York wine now offered on American Airlines flights
- Beverly's Best sauces made in the Finger Lakes
- Geneva on the Lake is a romantic getaway
- A Riesling Primer from Heather Johnston
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Finger Lakes Wine Competition Results
- Finger Lakes wines once again showed well at the FLIWC with 2 Double Gold, 13 Gold, and 60 Silver medals! Arbor Hill earned Double Gold with one of my favorite grapes - Traminette and Widmer's Cream Sherry also earned Double Gold. But perhaps the surprise of the competition was that a Finger Lakes Riesling did NOT win Best Riesling. That honor went to Washinton state's Chateau St Michelle Riesling. But I must admit that, after Finger Lakes Riesling of course, my second passion is Washington state Riesling. And Chateau St Michelle is always at the top of my list with consistent quality, a complex and bold flavor profile, and value pricing. So congrats to them, however, most of the Finger Lakes 2006 Rieslings were not at the competition. And I think the 2006's are going to outshine all competitors. You can see the complete results at: http://www.fliwc.com/2007Results.asp
Here are the Finger Lakes Gold & Silver medalists:
DOUBLE GOLD
Arbor Hill 2005 Finger Lakes Classic Traminette
Widmer Brickstone Cellars NV Widmer Solaira Cream Sherry
GOLD
Montezuma Winery Blue Moon (Blueberry)
Torry Ridge Winery Catawba
King Ferry Winery Silver Lining 2006 New York No Oak - Stainless Chardonnay
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Chardonnay
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Chardonnay
Prejean Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Estate Late Harvest Vignoles
Chateau Frank 2000 Finger Lakes Blanc de Blancs
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Port
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 New York Semi-Dry Riesling
Rooster Hill Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Estate Semi-Dry Riesling
Treleaven Wines 2006 Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Riesling
Glenora Wine Cellars 2006 Finger Lakes Seyval Blanc
SILVER
Arcadian Estate 2005 Finger Lakes Watkins 'Way Cool' Blush
Domiani Wine Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Cabernet Franc
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Cabernet Fran
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Limited Reserve Cabernet Franc
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc Reserve
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Barrel Reserve Cabernet Franc
White Springs 2004 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Knapp Winery Finger Lakes Kat Knapp
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Cayuga White
Sheldrake Point 2006 Finger Lakes Summer White (Cayuga)
Cobblestone Winery 2005 New York Chardonnay
Hosmer Winery 2005 Cayuga Lake Chardonnay
Miles Wine Cellars 2004 Finger lakes Chardonnay
Ravines 2005 Finger Lakes Chardonnay
Cobblestone Winery 2005 Cherry
Thirsty Owl 2006 Finger Lakes 2006 Diamond
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer
Lamoreaux Landing 2005 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer
Atwater Estate Vineyards 2005 FingerLakes Celsius Chardonnay (Late harvest)
Heron Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Vidal Blanc (Late Harvest)
Widmer Brickstone Cellars 2005 Vidal (Late Harvest)
Domiani Wine Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Meritage
Hunt Country Vineyards 2004 New York Meritage
Widmer Brickstone Cellars 2004 Fingerlakes Meritage
Arbor Hill Finger Lakes Ambrosia (Methode Champenoise)
Hickory Hollow Seneca Lake Niagara
Arbor Hill 2005 Finger Lakes Noiret
Goose Watch Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Lemberger
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Rkatsiteli
Heron Hill Winery 2004 Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir
Hosmer Winery Finger Lakes Estate Red
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc - Lemberger
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Abby Rose
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Viridescens
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Riesling
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Riesling
Heron Hill Winery 2005 New York Riesling
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling
Swedish Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2006 Finger Lakes Estate Dry Riesling
Heron Hill Winery 2004 Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Riesling
Knapp Winery 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Reisling
Buttonwood Grove Winery 2004 Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2006 Finger Lakes Estate Johannisberg Riesling
Cobblestone Winery 2005 New York Riesling
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Rose
Long Point Winery 2006 New York Rose
Goose Watch Winery Finger Lakes Classic Cream Sherry
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Syrah Reserve
Goose Watch Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Traminette
Long Point Winery 2006 New York Vidal Blanc
Hunt Country Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Late Harvest Estate Bottled Vignoles
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Vignoles
Knapp Winery 2005 Cayuga Lake Estate Vignoles
Swedish Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Vignoles Late Harvest
Atwater Estate Vineyards FingerLakes Banana Belt White 95% Niagara / 5% Cayuga
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Celebrate 50% Vidal / 30% Cayuga / 20% Riesling
Ventosa Vineyards 2005 Fingerlakes Vidal Riesling
Here are the Finger Lakes Gold & Silver medalists:
DOUBLE GOLD
Arbor Hill 2005 Finger Lakes Classic Traminette
Widmer Brickstone Cellars NV Widmer Solaira Cream Sherry
GOLD
Montezuma Winery Blue Moon (Blueberry)
Torry Ridge Winery Catawba
King Ferry Winery Silver Lining 2006 New York No Oak - Stainless Chardonnay
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Chardonnay
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Chardonnay
Prejean Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Estate Late Harvest Vignoles
Chateau Frank 2000 Finger Lakes Blanc de Blancs
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Port
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 New York Semi-Dry Riesling
Rooster Hill Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Estate Semi-Dry Riesling
Treleaven Wines 2006 Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Riesling
Glenora Wine Cellars 2006 Finger Lakes Seyval Blanc
SILVER
Arcadian Estate 2005 Finger Lakes Watkins 'Way Cool' Blush
Domiani Wine Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Cabernet Franc
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Cabernet Fran
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Limited Reserve Cabernet Franc
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc Reserve
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Sheldrake Point 2005 Finger Lakes Barrel Reserve Cabernet Franc
White Springs 2004 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc
Knapp Winery Finger Lakes Kat Knapp
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Cayuga White
Sheldrake Point 2006 Finger Lakes Summer White (Cayuga)
Cobblestone Winery 2005 New York Chardonnay
Hosmer Winery 2005 Cayuga Lake Chardonnay
Miles Wine Cellars 2004 Finger lakes Chardonnay
Ravines 2005 Finger Lakes Chardonnay
Cobblestone Winery 2005 Cherry
Thirsty Owl 2006 Finger Lakes 2006 Diamond
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer
Lamoreaux Landing 2005 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer
Atwater Estate Vineyards 2005 FingerLakes Celsius Chardonnay (Late harvest)
Heron Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Vidal Blanc (Late Harvest)
Widmer Brickstone Cellars 2005 Vidal (Late Harvest)
Domiani Wine Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Meritage
Hunt Country Vineyards 2004 New York Meritage
Widmer Brickstone Cellars 2004 Fingerlakes Meritage
Arbor Hill Finger Lakes Ambrosia (Methode Champenoise)
Hickory Hollow Seneca Lake Niagara
Arbor Hill 2005 Finger Lakes Noiret
Goose Watch Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Lemberger
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Rkatsiteli
Heron Hill Winery 2004 Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir
Hosmer Winery Finger Lakes Estate Red
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc - Lemberger
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Abby Rose
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Viridescens
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Riesling
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Reserve Riesling
Heron Hill Winery 2005 New York Riesling
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling
Swedish Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2006 Finger Lakes Estate Dry Riesling
Heron Hill Winery 2004 Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Riesling
Knapp Winery 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Reisling
Buttonwood Grove Winery 2004 Riesling
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2006 Finger Lakes Estate Johannisberg Riesling
Cobblestone Winery 2005 New York Riesling
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2006 Finger Lakes Rose
Long Point Winery 2006 New York Rose
Goose Watch Winery Finger Lakes Classic Cream Sherry
Red Newt Cellars 2005 Finger Lakes Syrah Reserve
Goose Watch Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Traminette
Long Point Winery 2006 New York Vidal Blanc
Hunt Country Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Late Harvest Estate Bottled Vignoles
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Vignoles
Knapp Winery 2005 Cayuga Lake Estate Vignoles
Swedish Hill Winery 2005 Finger Lakes Vignoles Late Harvest
Atwater Estate Vineyards FingerLakes Banana Belt White 95% Niagara / 5% Cayuga
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Finger Lakes Celebrate 50% Vidal / 30% Cayuga / 20% Riesling
Ventosa Vineyards 2005 Fingerlakes Vidal Riesling
Monday, April 02, 2007
New World International Wine Competition Results
- The results are in for the NWIWC and the Finger Lakes' Lucas Vineyards & Dr. Frank scored big. Congrats to both!!!
- BEST NEW WORLD SPARKLING WINE
Lucas Vineyards, NV Extra Dry, Finger Lakes New York
Best of Varietal, Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2006 Rkatsiteli, Finger Lakes New York
Gold Medal
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2006 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes New York
Silver Medal
Chateau LaFayette Reneau, 2003 Chardonnay, New York Barrel Fermented
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 2006 Riesling, New York
Heron Hill Winery, 2004 Johannisberg Riesling, Ingle Vineyard New York
Hosmer Winery, NV Red Blend, Finger Lakes New York Estate Red
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, 2005 Chardonnay, Finger Lakes New York Estate
See the complete results here: http://www.nwiwc.com/
I think Wine Competition results are good lists to give you ideas about new wines to try, especially if you are travelling to a specific area. It used to be that you'd see mostly California wines at the top of these competitions but now there seems to be so much great wine being made all across the country that are garnering top awards. I'm seeing Nebraska & Missouri wines gaining top medals lately. It just makes me want to head out on a winery road trip across the U.S. I think it's a very exciting time for the U.S. wine industry and a great time to be a wine drinker with U.S. winemakers becoming some of the best in the world.
In my next post, I'll review my trip last weekend to Long Island Wine Country and I'll have the results from the Finger Lakes Wine Competition from last weekend as soon as they are posted.
From this article, it appears that New York wines did very well.
- BEST NEW WORLD SPARKLING WINE
Lucas Vineyards, NV Extra Dry, Finger Lakes New York
Best of Varietal, Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2006 Rkatsiteli, Finger Lakes New York
Gold Medal
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2006 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes New York
Silver Medal
Chateau LaFayette Reneau, 2003 Chardonnay, New York Barrel Fermented
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 2006 Riesling, New York
Heron Hill Winery, 2004 Johannisberg Riesling, Ingle Vineyard New York
Hosmer Winery, NV Red Blend, Finger Lakes New York Estate Red
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, 2005 Chardonnay, Finger Lakes New York Estate
See the complete results here: http://www.nwiwc.com/
I think Wine Competition results are good lists to give you ideas about new wines to try, especially if you are travelling to a specific area. It used to be that you'd see mostly California wines at the top of these competitions but now there seems to be so much great wine being made all across the country that are garnering top awards. I'm seeing Nebraska & Missouri wines gaining top medals lately. It just makes me want to head out on a winery road trip across the U.S. I think it's a very exciting time for the U.S. wine industry and a great time to be a wine drinker with U.S. winemakers becoming some of the best in the world.
In my next post, I'll review my trip last weekend to Long Island Wine Country and I'll have the results from the Finger Lakes Wine Competition from last weekend as soon as they are posted.
From this article, it appears that New York wines did very well.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Finger Lakes Winery Visits
This weekend was a nice weekend in The Finger Lakes, a little rainy, but it's good to get back out to the wineries. Spring is in the air and the snow is almost all melted. I felt a lot of excitement at the wineries for the new '06 whites and '05 reds that will be released this year. Here are my winery visit summaries:
White Springs Winery, www.whitespringswinery.com
Northwest Seneca Lake
This is the newest winery on Seneca Lake and I was anxious to visit. I came away very impressed. But I should not have been surprised at the quality of the wine. Although White Springs is a new winery, the folks behind it are very experienced. Owner Carl Fribolin is a very successful businessman and winemaker Derek Wilber is a talented winemaker, formerly at Swedish Hill. My tasting notes:
- 2005 Chardonnay, 0% RS, $14.99, Bright citrus tones with hints of lemon zest and a long smooth finish.
- 2005 Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio blend, .05% RS, $13.99, 56% Chard & 44% Pinot Grigio, The P.G. toned down the brightness of the Chardonnay with some pear tones and gave a fuller mouthfeel, an interesting blend but I preferred the straight Chardonnay.
- 2005 Riesling, 2.5% RS, $12.99, a somewhat subdued start but a long smooth mineral finish
- 2002 Harvester, 3% RS, $7.49, Chardonnay/Cayuga White blend, another interesting blend, it occurred to me that it was both dry and sweet at the same time and, once again, a very long finish. Could be a nice food wine for a semi-dry/sweet? white and a good value.
- 2004 Merlot, 0% RS, $14.99, a bit thin for me, a bit Cab Franc-like.
- 2004 Cabernet Franc, 0% RS, $12.99, sometimes I get creative with my tasting notes especially when a wine speaks to me and my notes for this Cab Franc were "Middle aged cherries lounging in imported leather chairs at the Friars Club and smoking the finest Cubans".
I think that says it all.
- 2004 Happenstance, .3% RS, $8.99, a very unique blend of Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, & Cab Franc. I can just picture the blending session for this one. My impression was that it was a white wine with tannins or a white wine that wanted to be a red wine. I applaud the effort, but it didn't work for me.
- Springhouse White, 5% RS, $7.49, Bold sweet and tangy mango/pineapple, good sweet sipping wine.
They will be releasing their new Gewurztraminer & their new Sauv. Blanc in May. I can't wait!
- Billsboro Winery, This winery is in a bit of a transition after the passing of it's founder, the venerable Professor Bob Pool, last June. But they are open and the legacy of Bob Pool continues on in the fruits of his research and dedication to the wine and grape industries of New York and in the elegant wines that he produced. Once again, I enjoyed Bob's classic Chardonnay, Cab Franc, & Pinot Noir. I've been told that Vinny Aliperti, the skilled winemaker at Atwater Estates Vineyards, will take over the winemaking operations at Billsboro, and he will still continue his work at Atwater. So Billsboro will continue on in good hands.
- Fox Run Vineyards, I learned 2 valuable lessons this time at Fox Run. Lesson 1) Their Cafe is excellent. I had lunch there for the first time and their deli sandwiches and salads are first-rate.
Lesson 2) If you are tasting wine, do not eat the pickles that come with lunch. After lunch, I tried to taste wine at Fox Run, but the pickles had saturated my taste buds and nothing tasted right. After a lot of water, I finally could taste the last selection, their Fine Old Tawny Port, 12% RS, $45, Excellent port, sweet but balanced, mocha and mild caramel on my cured taste buds. Oh well, it just gives me an excuse to go back again!
- Anthony Road, Here I found what I was looking for, '05 Cab Franc/Lemberger blend, amazingly deep ruby red, berries and toasted tobacco in light tannins, yes. '06 Semi-sweet Riesling, tangerine, pineapple, & lime with a finish that I was still tasting a mile down the road, Wow!!!
- Fulkerson Winery, After I told John & Sandy how I had accidentally turned Fulkerson Diamond juice into the best champagne I've ever had, they still allowed me to taste. The '05 Pinot Noir (0% RS, $20, sweet oak and smokey raspberry) & '04 Cab Franc (0% RS, $14, medium tannins, smoky cherries with a long peppery finish) are going fast. The newly released '06 Matinee (7.2% RS, $14), their unique dessert wine is slightly less sweet than last years 8% RS, but that just enhances those amazing melon, kiwi, and mint tastes. Always on the cutting edge of new grape varieties, Fulkerson will be releasing the new Noiret this May.
- Lakewood Vineyards, After seeing Tattoo & Mr. Rourke- Da plane boss- de plane (you had to be there), I was looking for the new stuff. But, alas, they are bottling the '06 Riesling & Carpe Vinum this week and they will soon be bottling their first Gewurztraminer & Pinot Grigio. Once more, it's just a reason to visit again.
Northwest Seneca Lake
This is the newest winery on Seneca Lake and I was anxious to visit. I came away very impressed. But I should not have been surprised at the quality of the wine. Although White Springs is a new winery, the folks behind it are very experienced. Owner Carl Fribolin is a very successful businessman and winemaker Derek Wilber is a talented winemaker, formerly at Swedish Hill. My tasting notes:
- 2005 Chardonnay, 0% RS, $14.99, Bright citrus tones with hints of lemon zest and a long smooth finish.
- 2005 Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio blend, .05% RS, $13.99, 56% Chard & 44% Pinot Grigio, The P.G. toned down the brightness of the Chardonnay with some pear tones and gave a fuller mouthfeel, an interesting blend but I preferred the straight Chardonnay.
- 2005 Riesling, 2.5% RS, $12.99, a somewhat subdued start but a long smooth mineral finish
- 2002 Harvester, 3% RS, $7.49, Chardonnay/Cayuga White blend, another interesting blend, it occurred to me that it was both dry and sweet at the same time and, once again, a very long finish. Could be a nice food wine for a semi-dry/sweet? white and a good value.
- 2004 Merlot, 0% RS, $14.99, a bit thin for me, a bit Cab Franc-like.
- 2004 Cabernet Franc, 0% RS, $12.99, sometimes I get creative with my tasting notes especially when a wine speaks to me and my notes for this Cab Franc were "Middle aged cherries lounging in imported leather chairs at the Friars Club and smoking the finest Cubans".
I think that says it all.
- 2004 Happenstance, .3% RS, $8.99, a very unique blend of Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, & Cab Franc. I can just picture the blending session for this one. My impression was that it was a white wine with tannins or a white wine that wanted to be a red wine. I applaud the effort, but it didn't work for me.
- Springhouse White, 5% RS, $7.49, Bold sweet and tangy mango/pineapple, good sweet sipping wine.
They will be releasing their new Gewurztraminer & their new Sauv. Blanc in May. I can't wait!
- Billsboro Winery, This winery is in a bit of a transition after the passing of it's founder, the venerable Professor Bob Pool, last June. But they are open and the legacy of Bob Pool continues on in the fruits of his research and dedication to the wine and grape industries of New York and in the elegant wines that he produced. Once again, I enjoyed Bob's classic Chardonnay, Cab Franc, & Pinot Noir. I've been told that Vinny Aliperti, the skilled winemaker at Atwater Estates Vineyards, will take over the winemaking operations at Billsboro, and he will still continue his work at Atwater. So Billsboro will continue on in good hands.
- Fox Run Vineyards, I learned 2 valuable lessons this time at Fox Run. Lesson 1) Their Cafe is excellent. I had lunch there for the first time and their deli sandwiches and salads are first-rate.
Lesson 2) If you are tasting wine, do not eat the pickles that come with lunch. After lunch, I tried to taste wine at Fox Run, but the pickles had saturated my taste buds and nothing tasted right. After a lot of water, I finally could taste the last selection, their Fine Old Tawny Port, 12% RS, $45, Excellent port, sweet but balanced, mocha and mild caramel on my cured taste buds. Oh well, it just gives me an excuse to go back again!
- Anthony Road, Here I found what I was looking for, '05 Cab Franc/Lemberger blend, amazingly deep ruby red, berries and toasted tobacco in light tannins, yes. '06 Semi-sweet Riesling, tangerine, pineapple, & lime with a finish that I was still tasting a mile down the road, Wow!!!
- Fulkerson Winery, After I told John & Sandy how I had accidentally turned Fulkerson Diamond juice into the best champagne I've ever had, they still allowed me to taste. The '05 Pinot Noir (0% RS, $20, sweet oak and smokey raspberry) & '04 Cab Franc (0% RS, $14, medium tannins, smoky cherries with a long peppery finish) are going fast. The newly released '06 Matinee (7.2% RS, $14), their unique dessert wine is slightly less sweet than last years 8% RS, but that just enhances those amazing melon, kiwi, and mint tastes. Always on the cutting edge of new grape varieties, Fulkerson will be releasing the new Noiret this May.
- Lakewood Vineyards, After seeing Tattoo & Mr. Rourke- Da plane boss- de plane (you had to be there), I was looking for the new stuff. But, alas, they are bottling the '06 Riesling & Carpe Vinum this week and they will soon be bottling their first Gewurztraminer & Pinot Grigio. Once more, it's just a reason to visit again.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- 400 mile bicycling tour from Buffalo to Albany set for July 8-15
- King Ferry winery owner battles cancer with equestrian activity
- Can the White Deer & a Biofuels plant coexist on the former Seneca Army Depot
- Olympic gold medalist to visit Ithaca
- The Arabian-inspired Florida town that was founded by Finger Lakes aviator Glenn Curtiss is in decline
- Seneca Lake has plenty of water for biofuels plant
- Finger Lakes Land Trust helps preserve Finger Lakes land
- Yates counties' 22 wineries had strong sales in 2006
- Bibliochef reviews Veraisons at Glenora Winery
- King Ferry winery owner battles cancer with equestrian activity
- Can the White Deer & a Biofuels plant coexist on the former Seneca Army Depot
- Olympic gold medalist to visit Ithaca
- The Arabian-inspired Florida town that was founded by Finger Lakes aviator Glenn Curtiss is in decline
- Seneca Lake has plenty of water for biofuels plant
- Finger Lakes Land Trust helps preserve Finger Lakes land
- Yates counties' 22 wineries had strong sales in 2006
- Bibliochef reviews Veraisons at Glenora Winery
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- The Monterey Wine Competition Results are in and 3 Finger Lakes wineries did very well. Heron Hill had the following 2 Rieslings nominated for best of show white wine, Lakewood received a Gold for their 2005 Chardonnay, & Hosmer garnered a Silver for its 2006 Seyval. Congrats to all.
Gold, Sweepstake, 2004 Heron Hill Johannisberg Riesling, Ingle Vineyard, Finger Lakes 01.00%, $24.99
Gold, Sweepstake, 2004 Heron Hill Riesling Late Harvest, Finger Lakes 11.00% $35.99
Lakewood Vineyards Inc
Gold, 2005 Lakewood Vineyards Chardonnay, Finger Lakes, $12.99
Silver, 2006 Hosmer Seyval, Cayuga Lake, $10.00
(My thanks to Robert Whitley for the results)
- Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association names new president
- Indian tribe wants to put casino in Finger Lakes region
- Another New York wine and culinary center is considered
- It's March and we're getting a small taste of spring today. So, in my mind, that marks the official beginning of Finger Lakes wine season. I'm already planning my winery visit schedule. I can't wait to report on the new offerings this year!
Gold, Sweepstake, 2004 Heron Hill Johannisberg Riesling, Ingle Vineyard, Finger Lakes 01.00%, $24.99
Gold, Sweepstake, 2004 Heron Hill Riesling Late Harvest, Finger Lakes 11.00% $35.99
Lakewood Vineyards Inc
Gold, 2005 Lakewood Vineyards Chardonnay, Finger Lakes, $12.99
Silver, 2006 Hosmer Seyval, Cayuga Lake, $10.00
(My thanks to Robert Whitley for the results)
- Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association names new president
- Indian tribe wants to put casino in Finger Lakes region
- Another New York wine and culinary center is considered
- It's March and we're getting a small taste of spring today. So, in my mind, that marks the official beginning of Finger Lakes wine season. I'm already planning my winery visit schedule. I can't wait to report on the new offerings this year!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
- The Grand Harvest Wine Competition Awards Results are in with Cayuga Lakes' King Ferry Winery winning Gold for their Treleaven 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling. The complete results can be found at http://www.vwm-online.com/ Click on "Wine Competitions" at top of page and then click on Grand Harvest. I noticed that a lot of states wineries are getting gold medals like Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia and Silver medals to wineries in Kentucky, South Dakota, & Rhode Island. There is good wine being made everywhere. And Here are the Finger Lakes winery medal winners:
New York
Finger Lakes
Gold
Treleaven Wines, 06 Riesling Semi-Dry, 2.5% rs, 2400 cases produced, $12.99
Silver
Treleaven Wines, NV Chardonnay, .5% rs, 560 cases produced, $11.99
Treleaven Wines, 03 Merlot, 0% rs, 409 cases produced, $18.99
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 05 Chardonnay, 12.5% rs, 400 cases produced, $11.99
Lucas Vineyards, 05 Dry Riesling, 0.7% rs, 500 cases produced, $12.99,
05 Riesling, 2.2% rs, <1000 cases produced, $16.99
Bronze
Belhurst Estate Winery, 03 Cabernet Franc Reserve, -% rs, 150 cases produced, $21.95
Treleaven Wines, 05 Chardonnay, 0% rs, 575 cases produced, $16.99
Treleaven Wines, 05 Chardonnay, 0% rs, 965 cases produced, $12.99
Treleaven Wines, 05 Cabernet Franc, 0% rs, 225 cases produced, $14.99
Casa Larga Vineyards, 05 Fiore Delle Stelle Cabernet Franc, 15% rs, 80 cases produced, $74.99
Fulkerson Winery, 05 Semi-Dry Riesling, 1.2% rs, 653 cases produced, $13
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 05 Homestead Reserve, 13% rs, 700 cases produced, $17.99
Lucas Vineyards, NV Extra Dry, 1.1% rs, 250 cases produced, $15.99
Lucas Vineyards, 05 Semi Dry Riesling, 2.75% rs, 600 cases produced, $12.99
New York
Finger Lakes
Gold
Treleaven Wines, 06 Riesling Semi-Dry, 2.5% rs, 2400 cases produced, $12.99
Silver
Treleaven Wines, NV Chardonnay, .5% rs, 560 cases produced, $11.99
Treleaven Wines, 03 Merlot, 0% rs, 409 cases produced, $18.99
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 05 Chardonnay, 12.5% rs, 400 cases produced, $11.99
Lucas Vineyards, 05 Dry Riesling, 0.7% rs, 500 cases produced, $12.99,
05 Riesling, 2.2% rs, <1000 cases produced, $16.99
Bronze
Belhurst Estate Winery, 03 Cabernet Franc Reserve, -% rs, 150 cases produced, $21.95
Treleaven Wines, 05 Chardonnay, 0% rs, 575 cases produced, $16.99
Treleaven Wines, 05 Chardonnay, 0% rs, 965 cases produced, $12.99
Treleaven Wines, 05 Cabernet Franc, 0% rs, 225 cases produced, $14.99
Casa Larga Vineyards, 05 Fiore Delle Stelle Cabernet Franc, 15% rs, 80 cases produced, $74.99
Fulkerson Winery, 05 Semi-Dry Riesling, 1.2% rs, 653 cases produced, $13
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 05 Homestead Reserve, 13% rs, 700 cases produced, $17.99
Lucas Vineyards, NV Extra Dry, 1.1% rs, 250 cases produced, $15.99
Lucas Vineyards, 05 Semi Dry Riesling, 2.75% rs, 600 cases produced, $12.99
Finger Lakes Winery Events Calendar for March 2007
- March 10, A Taste of Burgundy, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Café
Be the first to taste the new releases of Pinot Noir and Barrel Reserve Chardonnay, paired with regional cheeses. Website: http://www.sheldrakepoint.com
- March 10-11, Cabin Fever Days, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Swedish Hill Winery
Winter got you down? Come out of hibernation and join us for great end of winter sales and Winemaker's Dozen Case specials! Website: http://www.swedishhill.com
- March 17, Meet the Winemakers, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cayuga Wine Trail
Take the mystery out of winemaking with special tastings and personal discussions that get you to the source of it all. Wine topics are presented every 1/2 hour. FREE
800.684.5217 Website: http://www.cayugawinetrail.com
- March 17, Say Cheese
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
Smile while tasting wonderful cheese treats and sipping delicious wines! Cheese happily provided by Lively Run Dairy.
800.598.9463 Website: http://www.cayugaridgewinery.com
- March 17, Winter Wine-Speak at the Creek, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Come in to improve your palate, vocabulary, and overall wine knowledge. Classes are suited for both the seasoned and novice wine lover. Wine tasting and cooking demonstrations at every class. Call to reserve.
800.260.0612 Website: http://www.sixmilecreek.com
- March 24-25, Cruisin’ the Tropics
Seneca Lake Wine Trail Event
Contact Information
Seneca Lake Wine Trail, NY
877.536.2717 Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com
- March 31 - April 1, Murder Mystery Tour
Keuka Lake Wine Trail Event
Who done it? Don your Sherlock Homes hat and replace his familiar pipe with a wineglass. The game is afoot! Enjoy wines and hors d'oeuvres at each of the nine wineries as you unravel clues to piece together a solution to the crime.
$20 per person in advance$25 per person at the door
10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
Contact Information
Keuka Lake Wine Trail, NY
800.440.4898 Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com
These events are also listed at my Finger Lakes Calendar page.
If you know of any winery events that I have not included, please leave me a comment, email me, or use the form at the bottom of this page to send me a message.
Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Café
Be the first to taste the new releases of Pinot Noir and Barrel Reserve Chardonnay, paired with regional cheeses. Website: http://www.sheldrakepoint.com
- March 10-11, Cabin Fever Days, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Swedish Hill Winery
Winter got you down? Come out of hibernation and join us for great end of winter sales and Winemaker's Dozen Case specials! Website: http://www.swedishhill.com
- March 17, Meet the Winemakers, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cayuga Wine Trail
Take the mystery out of winemaking with special tastings and personal discussions that get you to the source of it all. Wine topics are presented every 1/2 hour. FREE
800.684.5217 Website: http://www.cayugawinetrail.com
- March 17, Say Cheese
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
Smile while tasting wonderful cheese treats and sipping delicious wines! Cheese happily provided by Lively Run Dairy.
800.598.9463 Website: http://www.cayugaridgewinery.com
- March 17, Winter Wine-Speak at the Creek, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Come in to improve your palate, vocabulary, and overall wine knowledge. Classes are suited for both the seasoned and novice wine lover. Wine tasting and cooking demonstrations at every class. Call to reserve.
800.260.0612 Website: http://www.sixmilecreek.com
- March 24-25, Cruisin’ the Tropics
Seneca Lake Wine Trail Event
Contact Information
Seneca Lake Wine Trail, NY
877.536.2717 Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com
- March 31 - April 1, Murder Mystery Tour
Keuka Lake Wine Trail Event
Who done it? Don your Sherlock Homes hat and replace his familiar pipe with a wineglass. The game is afoot! Enjoy wines and hors d'oeuvres at each of the nine wineries as you unravel clues to piece together a solution to the crime.
$20 per person in advance$25 per person at the door
10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
Contact Information
Keuka Lake Wine Trail, NY
800.440.4898 Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com
These events are also listed at my Finger Lakes Calendar page.
If you know of any winery events that I have not included, please leave me a comment, email me, or use the form at the bottom of this page to send me a message.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Buffalo NY Photographer John Pfahl makes "mountains out of molehills"
- Small business is new core of area economy
- Ventosa Vineyards owner's plan is becoming reality
- Partnerships help Finger Lakes tourism
- Wine tasting test shows wine glass makes a difference
- The Star-Gazette's Jeff Richards gives the scoop on newly released Finger Lakes Reds
- Finger Lakes whites recommended for fondue
- Biofuels plant may threaten Seneca White Deer
- Corning Museum of Glass to display Harvard Glass Flowers
- Summit takes place to improve life in Twin Tiers
- Finger Lakes area offers more "women-only" packages
- McGregor Vineyard's unique Black Russian Red to be celebrated
- York Staters ponders the origin of NY place names & the Original Finger Lakes Cuisine
- Lenn at LennDevours reviews Tierce Riesling
- Finger Lakes Wine Tribune reviews Finger Lakes wine
- iJamming's Finger Lake Wine Report - Part 5
- Small business is new core of area economy
- Ventosa Vineyards owner's plan is becoming reality
- Partnerships help Finger Lakes tourism
- Wine tasting test shows wine glass makes a difference
- The Star-Gazette's Jeff Richards gives the scoop on newly released Finger Lakes Reds
- Finger Lakes whites recommended for fondue
- Biofuels plant may threaten Seneca White Deer
- Corning Museum of Glass to display Harvard Glass Flowers
- Summit takes place to improve life in Twin Tiers
- Finger Lakes area offers more "women-only" packages
- McGregor Vineyard's unique Black Russian Red to be celebrated
- York Staters ponders the origin of NY place names & the Original Finger Lakes Cuisine
- Lenn at LennDevours reviews Tierce Riesling
- Finger Lakes Wine Tribune reviews Finger Lakes wine
- iJamming's Finger Lake Wine Report - Part 5
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Finger Lakes Wineries New Wine Releases
- Finger Lakes wineries are starting to release the much anticipated 2006 whites and the long-awaited 2005 reds.
The following press release is from Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars:
Dr. Frank's NEW Releases are now Available!
Four new vintages are now available from Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine
Cellars! We now have a full stock of Dry Riesling,
Rkatsiteli, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Sauvignon! For more
information about these wines, and to order online, go to
www.drfrankwines.com.
Dr. Frank Dry Riesling 2006 - This Award Winning Dry Riesling,
presenting a green gold hue, displays the traditional
qualities of Dr. Frank's Riesling: crisp acidity, a pronounced
mineral character and layers of fruit aromas.
Descriptors include honeysuckle, apple, pear, quince and a lot of
minerality resulting from the clay terroir of the
vineyard. The ripeness of the grapes resulted in a great texture
with a lingering fruity aftertaste.
Dr. Frank Rkatsiteli 2006 - The Rkatsiteli shows its characteristic
fruity complexity resulting from early bottling.
Along with the intense fruit are the typical spicy notes as well as
pineapple and mango notes. The wine is presented in
a dry version with the crisp acidity, the residual sugar and the
tremendous fruit providing a very pleasant balance.
The Rkatsiteli remains one of Dr. Frank's greatest achievements in
the Finger Lakes.
Dr. Frank Gewurztraminer 2006 - The 2006 offering shows the
characteristic aromas of grapefruit, lime, lychee, banana
and the spiciness associated with the Gewurztraminer variety. The
slight residual sugar balances the phenolic elements
typical of Gewurztraminer with the complexity of mineral overtones
that presents the wine with a long, clean fresh
finish. This wine can be paired with spicy dishes with great
success.
Dr. Frank Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - The Cabernet Sauvignon reflects
the growing conditions of the exceptional 2005
vintage. The dark, deep black currant color is followed with a
nose of ripe plum, fig and smoked oak with a touch of
leathery notes. On the palate this full bodied wine is well
balanced with a good acidity and young tannins showing its
aging potential.
The following press release is from Glenora Wine Cellars:
Glenora Wine Cellars is excited to release two new wines from 2006, Finger Lakes Dry Riesling and Finger Lakes Riesling, both wines are exceptional!" These wines are produced from grapes grown during the long growing season of 2006. The season started off warm and dry, but cooled off toward the end of the season. These conditions tend to favor the development tropical and citrus fruit flavors in cool climate varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Cayuga White.
Winemaker Steve DiFrancesco says the Dry Riesling has flavors reminiscent of limes, with a crisp, firm acid and a lingering finish. It’s just off-dry at .95% Residual Sugar. The Riesling has flavors of tangerines with good body, a very pleasant semi-dry balance, with 3.1% Residual Sugar and a long, juicy finish.
The following press release is from Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars:
Dr. Frank's NEW Releases are now Available!
Four new vintages are now available from Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine
Cellars! We now have a full stock of Dry Riesling,
Rkatsiteli, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Sauvignon! For more
information about these wines, and to order online, go to
www.drfrankwines.com.
Dr. Frank Dry Riesling 2006 - This Award Winning Dry Riesling,
presenting a green gold hue, displays the traditional
qualities of Dr. Frank's Riesling: crisp acidity, a pronounced
mineral character and layers of fruit aromas.
Descriptors include honeysuckle, apple, pear, quince and a lot of
minerality resulting from the clay terroir of the
vineyard. The ripeness of the grapes resulted in a great texture
with a lingering fruity aftertaste.
Dr. Frank Rkatsiteli 2006 - The Rkatsiteli shows its characteristic
fruity complexity resulting from early bottling.
Along with the intense fruit are the typical spicy notes as well as
pineapple and mango notes. The wine is presented in
a dry version with the crisp acidity, the residual sugar and the
tremendous fruit providing a very pleasant balance.
The Rkatsiteli remains one of Dr. Frank's greatest achievements in
the Finger Lakes.
Dr. Frank Gewurztraminer 2006 - The 2006 offering shows the
characteristic aromas of grapefruit, lime, lychee, banana
and the spiciness associated with the Gewurztraminer variety. The
slight residual sugar balances the phenolic elements
typical of Gewurztraminer with the complexity of mineral overtones
that presents the wine with a long, clean fresh
finish. This wine can be paired with spicy dishes with great
success.
Dr. Frank Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - The Cabernet Sauvignon reflects
the growing conditions of the exceptional 2005
vintage. The dark, deep black currant color is followed with a
nose of ripe plum, fig and smoked oak with a touch of
leathery notes. On the palate this full bodied wine is well
balanced with a good acidity and young tannins showing its
aging potential.
The following press release is from Glenora Wine Cellars:
Glenora Wine Cellars is excited to release two new wines from 2006, Finger Lakes Dry Riesling and Finger Lakes Riesling, both wines are exceptional!" These wines are produced from grapes grown during the long growing season of 2006. The season started off warm and dry, but cooled off toward the end of the season. These conditions tend to favor the development tropical and citrus fruit flavors in cool climate varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Cayuga White.
Winemaker Steve DiFrancesco says the Dry Riesling has flavors reminiscent of limes, with a crisp, firm acid and a lingering finish. It’s just off-dry at .95% Residual Sugar. The Riesling has flavors of tangerines with good body, a very pleasant semi-dry balance, with 3.1% Residual Sugar and a long, juicy finish.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Another award for Finger Lakes wine
- This news is in from Fox Run Vineyards:
Fox Run Vineyards Riesling Wins Gold in France
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Capozzi, (315) 536-4616
Penn Yan, NY – Fox Run Vineyards took home a Gold Medal at the Riesling Du Monde ( Riesling in the world) Wine Competition held in Strasbourg, France. Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Riesling won Gold in the ‘Generic’ category. The competition featured over 500 Rieslings from 12 countries that were submitted to the jury panel.
Fox Run Vineyards owner Scott Osborn states “Out of the 71 Gold medals awarded, only one was given to a winery from the United States . We are extremely honored to be the only American winery to win Gold and excited to represent New York State and the Finger Lakes Region.” Osborn added “Riesling has long been revered as the premier grape of the Finger Lakes and we are pleased that it is getting the recognition it deserves.”
The Riesling Du Monde was created in 1998 and Rieslings are submitted from wine producing regions throughout the world to an international jury of oenologists and professional tasters. The variety of places where the wine is produced illustrates the diversity, richness and originality of wines made from this grape.
Water into Wino said...
That's a juicy tidbit. I'd love to know who else in the USA entered.
9:07 PM
Finger Lakes Weekend Wino said...
WIW, It's hard to tell what other US Rieslings were entered from their website: http://www.riesling-du-monde.com/anglais/laureats2007.html
They only say there were 534 samples from over 300 winemakers from 12 countries. No other US winery is listed as winning a medal. There were a couple of Canadian medals. I count 81 Premier Gold & Gold Awards out of 534 entries. It's pretty impressive for Fox Run to medal with all those European wineries. I think it says a lot for Finger Lakes Riesling.
Fox Run Vineyards Riesling Wins Gold in France
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Capozzi, (315) 536-4616
Penn Yan, NY – Fox Run Vineyards took home a Gold Medal at the Riesling Du Monde ( Riesling in the world) Wine Competition held in Strasbourg, France. Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Riesling won Gold in the ‘Generic’ category. The competition featured over 500 Rieslings from 12 countries that were submitted to the jury panel.
Fox Run Vineyards owner Scott Osborn states “Out of the 71 Gold medals awarded, only one was given to a winery from the United States . We are extremely honored to be the only American winery to win Gold and excited to represent New York State and the Finger Lakes Region.” Osborn added “Riesling has long been revered as the premier grape of the Finger Lakes and we are pleased that it is getting the recognition it deserves.”
The Riesling Du Monde was created in 1998 and Rieslings are submitted from wine producing regions throughout the world to an international jury of oenologists and professional tasters. The variety of places where the wine is produced illustrates the diversity, richness and originality of wines made from this grape.
Water into Wino said...
That's a juicy tidbit. I'd love to know who else in the USA entered.
9:07 PM
Finger Lakes Weekend Wino said...
WIW, It's hard to tell what other US Rieslings were entered from their website: http://www.riesling-du-monde.com/anglais/laureats2007.html
They only say there were 534 samples from over 300 winemakers from 12 countries. No other US winery is listed as winning a medal. There were a couple of Canadian medals. I count 81 Premier Gold & Gold Awards out of 534 entries. It's pretty impressive for Fox Run to medal with all those European wineries. I think it says a lot for Finger Lakes Riesling.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
New York Winners in Florida State Fair Wine Competition
- I'm passing on this report from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Jim is literally everywhere; I'll bet he has an amazing amount of Frequent Flyer Miles. I will provide the link to all the medal winners as soon as the Florida State Fair posts it. Here is the link:
http://www.fgga.org/results/2007/WebI07/WEBI07.html
“BEST OF SHOW” is the top honor that wines may receive at competitions, and New York got two of the four at this week’s Florida State Fair International Wine & Juice Competition in Tampa, where 24 judges blind-tasted over 1,500 wines from around the world. For the fourth year in a row, Swedish Hill Winery Spumante Blush, a mouth-filling Catawba-based bubbly, won Best of Show Sparkling Wine, joined for Best of Show Dessert Wine by Casa Larga Vineyards 2005 Fiori della Stella Vidal Ice Wine, a luscious golden nectar which won our Governor’s Cup (Best of Show) two years ago along with many top awards across the country. These two Finger Lakes winners were joined by 139 other New York wines which shone brightly in the Sunshine State, with 6 Double Gold, 13 Gold, 38 Silver, and 82 Bronze medals. The other Double Gold medals went to Duck Walk Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hunt Country Vineyards 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles (Best of Class, and the only other contender for Best of Show Dessert Wine), Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay (rated the best Chardonnay in the entire competition, and made partially with New York oak), and Swedish Hill Country Concord (a consistent winner around the country). Gold medals went to Casa Larga Dolce Bianco, Castello di Borghese 2005 Chardonnay, Earle Estates Pear Mead, Goose Watch 2005 Lemberger, Goose Watch Bartlett Pear, Hunt Country 2005 Vidal Ice Wine, Keuka Spring Crooked Lake Red, Keuka Spring Celebrate, King Ferry 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling, Lucas 2005 Limited Reserve Cabernet Franc, Rooster Hill 2005 Semi-Dry Riesling, Six Mile Creek 2004 Cabernet Franc, Swedish Hill 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles, and Torrey Ridge Catawba. With all the “snowbirds” and New York transplants, Florida is a natural market for New York wines which we are going to concentrate on starting this fall, building on all the medals won. The Florida competition is one of the funnest that I judge, not just because it’s Florida in February, but especially because of the special people connected with it and the openness of the judges to all types of wines. The Best of Show Red Wine went to the 2004 Orfila Estate Syrah from California, and the Best of Show White Wine went (by a wide margin) to a nonvintage Schilling Bridge Edelweiss from…Nebraska! Edelweiss is a hardy, cold-climate, “ Minnesota ” variety which produces a delicate, floral, slightly sweet wine that can be spectacular like this one. A couple years ago, during the “Best of Show” round at the LA Wines of the World competition, when Edelweiss was presented a bunch of the judges started singing the song (from “The Sound of Music”} and swaying in their chairs. The Florida competition also has, appropriately, “Best of Show” honors for Florida wines, which were Dakotah Vineyards Carlos (a muscadine white which electrifies the palate), Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama (sparkling), Keel and Curley Semi-Dry Blueberry (red), and San Sebastian Cream Sherry (dessert). These wines are such fun and so good! A final footnote: As usual, New York Rieslings did well in this competition, but the Best of Class award went to Filsinger 2006 Riesling from the exciting Temecula region in hot southern California , an unlikely climate for a cool climate variety; but this was truly a beautiful wine. Also, Casa Larga’s ice wine had stiff competition from another Double Gold winner, Ferrante from Ohio , which also shows well in competitions around the country. It’s so exciting to find great wines coming from so many states. Wine—the all-American art form.
http://www.fgga.org/results/2007/WebI07/WEBI07.html
“BEST OF SHOW” is the top honor that wines may receive at competitions, and New York got two of the four at this week’s Florida State Fair International Wine & Juice Competition in Tampa, where 24 judges blind-tasted over 1,500 wines from around the world. For the fourth year in a row, Swedish Hill Winery Spumante Blush, a mouth-filling Catawba-based bubbly, won Best of Show Sparkling Wine, joined for Best of Show Dessert Wine by Casa Larga Vineyards 2005 Fiori della Stella Vidal Ice Wine, a luscious golden nectar which won our Governor’s Cup (Best of Show) two years ago along with many top awards across the country. These two Finger Lakes winners were joined by 139 other New York wines which shone brightly in the Sunshine State, with 6 Double Gold, 13 Gold, 38 Silver, and 82 Bronze medals. The other Double Gold medals went to Duck Walk Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hunt Country Vineyards 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles (Best of Class, and the only other contender for Best of Show Dessert Wine), Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay (rated the best Chardonnay in the entire competition, and made partially with New York oak), and Swedish Hill Country Concord (a consistent winner around the country). Gold medals went to Casa Larga Dolce Bianco, Castello di Borghese 2005 Chardonnay, Earle Estates Pear Mead, Goose Watch 2005 Lemberger, Goose Watch Bartlett Pear, Hunt Country 2005 Vidal Ice Wine, Keuka Spring Crooked Lake Red, Keuka Spring Celebrate, King Ferry 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling, Lucas 2005 Limited Reserve Cabernet Franc, Rooster Hill 2005 Semi-Dry Riesling, Six Mile Creek 2004 Cabernet Franc, Swedish Hill 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles, and Torrey Ridge Catawba. With all the “snowbirds” and New York transplants, Florida is a natural market for New York wines which we are going to concentrate on starting this fall, building on all the medals won. The Florida competition is one of the funnest that I judge, not just because it’s Florida in February, but especially because of the special people connected with it and the openness of the judges to all types of wines. The Best of Show Red Wine went to the 2004 Orfila Estate Syrah from California, and the Best of Show White Wine went (by a wide margin) to a nonvintage Schilling Bridge Edelweiss from…Nebraska! Edelweiss is a hardy, cold-climate, “ Minnesota ” variety which produces a delicate, floral, slightly sweet wine that can be spectacular like this one. A couple years ago, during the “Best of Show” round at the LA Wines of the World competition, when Edelweiss was presented a bunch of the judges started singing the song (from “The Sound of Music”} and swaying in their chairs. The Florida competition also has, appropriately, “Best of Show” honors for Florida wines, which were Dakotah Vineyards Carlos (a muscadine white which electrifies the palate), Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama (sparkling), Keel and Curley Semi-Dry Blueberry (red), and San Sebastian Cream Sherry (dessert). These wines are such fun and so good! A final footnote: As usual, New York Rieslings did well in this competition, but the Best of Class award went to Filsinger 2006 Riesling from the exciting Temecula region in hot southern California , an unlikely climate for a cool climate variety; but this was truly a beautiful wine. Also, Casa Larga’s ice wine had stiff competition from another Double Gold winner, Ferrante from Ohio , which also shows well in competitions around the country. It’s so exciting to find great wines coming from so many states. Wine—the all-American art form.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- The Stamp Family honored at Viticulture 2007.
- A recipe to go with your Riesling
- Viticulture 2007 educates the wine industry
- Finger Lakes wineries shipping more wine out of state
- You have to read it to believe it
- No "swan song" for Trumpeter Swans
- Higher gas prices brings cash to Southern Tier folks
- Finger Lakes photographer's work show at Cayuga Museum
- California wineries are trying to get back on the Riesling bandwagon
- Here is Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2006 Grape Harvest Region Summaries. They got different news than I did. I heard the harvest in The Finger Lakes was pretty good. Wine Enthusiast says:
New York - After two rugged winters that sliced yields by as much as 50% in the Finger Lakes, New York vintners were hoping for better in ’06. ‘Twas not to be. Rain in summer and fall—and birds and deer “feasting on us,” laments Charles Massoud of Paumonok Vineyards on Long Island—reduced yields by a third. Producers in both regions say Chardonnay and Riesling, harvested between the rains, will be good to excellent. The Finger Lakes escaped frost until the end of harvest in late October. —Mort Hochstein
- Champy takes beautiful photographs of the Finger Lakes area
- A recipe to go with your Riesling
- Viticulture 2007 educates the wine industry
- Finger Lakes wineries shipping more wine out of state
- You have to read it to believe it
- No "swan song" for Trumpeter Swans
- Higher gas prices brings cash to Southern Tier folks
- Finger Lakes photographer's work show at Cayuga Museum
- California wineries are trying to get back on the Riesling bandwagon
- Here is Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2006 Grape Harvest Region Summaries. They got different news than I did. I heard the harvest in The Finger Lakes was pretty good. Wine Enthusiast says:
New York - After two rugged winters that sliced yields by as much as 50% in the Finger Lakes, New York vintners were hoping for better in ’06. ‘Twas not to be. Rain in summer and fall—and birds and deer “feasting on us,” laments Charles Massoud of Paumonok Vineyards on Long Island—reduced yields by a third. Producers in both regions say Chardonnay and Riesling, harvested between the rains, will be good to excellent. The Finger Lakes escaped frost until the end of harvest in late October. —Mort Hochstein
- Champy takes beautiful photographs of the Finger Lakes area
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- If you are looking for information about a particular Finger Lakes winery, FingerLakesWine.com has informational summaries of each winery. Just go to FingerLakesWine.com and choose the "Find A Winery" tab on the right side of the page and then click on the winery that you are interested in. Also, Sheila Livadas' Featured Winery Article is located on the right side of the page. Check out her current article on Montezuma Winery.
- The 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Awards have been announced and here are The Finger Lakes Award Winners:
As I mentioned in a recent post, I am always impressed with Mark Wagner's wines at Lamoreaux Landing. They define elegance and balance and always seem to have many layers of flavor. And the wine judges of the S.F. Competition felt the same, awarding Best of Class to Lamoreaux Landing's 2005 Chardonnay & 2005 Reserve Chardonnay. I know I have a couple of bottles in my cellar that I will savor. I've long said that I believe that Finger Lakes Chardonnay can match up with any other region & Lamoreaux Landing beat out a bunch of the California mega wineries. Congratulations to Mark and the staff at Lamoreaux Landing. Well Deserved!!!
-Best of Class Chardonnay - Up to $13.99
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
2005 Chardonnay
Lamoreaux Landing Finger Lakes, New York $12.99
- Chardonnay - $20.00 to $29.99
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2005 Chardonnay Reserve
- Lucas Vineyards earned Silver medals for their 2005 Dry Riesling $12.99 and
2005 Semi Dry Riesling$12.99 and for their 2005 Cayuga White and Miss Behavin. Congrats!!!
- And Prejean Winery earned Bronze medals for their 2005 Riesling $11.99 and 2005 Dry Riesling $11.99. And I'll put a vote in for their superb Gewurtzraminer!!!
Finger Lakes Valentines Events
- "Be Mine" Red Wine Sale Feb 10 - Feb 11 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM at Goose Watch Winery
Website: http://www.goosewatch.com
- Be Mine With Wine Feb 10 - Feb 11 on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Spend the weekend tasting the best romantic foods Keuka Lake has to offer. Each winery will offer a tantalizing recipe paired with a different and unique wine. Plan for a great getaway weekend.
$20 per person in advance$25 per person at the door
10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com
- Chocolate & Wine on Seneca Lake Feb 10 - Feb 11 on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com
- Chocolate, Wine and Roses Feb 10 - Feb 11 at Americana Vineyards
A free rose for the ladies with a purchase. Experience wines paired with chocolate desserts.
Website: http://www.americanavineyards.com
- Fire and Ice Festival Feb 11 Noon - 5:00 PM
at Casa Larga Vineyards
On Sunday, February 11th from Noon until 5pm, Casa Larga will host its annual Fire and Ice Festival. This festival is the highlight of Fiori Month, the month-long celebration of Casa Larga’s highly acclaimed Fiori Vidal and Fiori Cabernet Franc Ice Wines.
The Fire and Ice Festival gives the public a chance to learn about ice wine production and to taste the wines that are created through the unique process. Ice wine tastings will be available at the outdoor ice bar, including tastings of the award-winning Fiori Vidal Ice Wine, and the newly released Fiori Cabernet Franc Ice Wine. The day will also include wine seminars hosted by Casa Larga’s in-house wine educator, and food demonstrations by Simply Crepes restaurant. Starbucks will be on-site providing coffee beverages and coffee tasting education to guests throughout the day.
Festival guests will receive a keepsake wine glass and a goodie bag with special offers from Casa Larga’s partners, including Starbucks, Canalside Florals, Thrillz Spa and Salon, and Vanilla Swirl Cookie Company. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event - $10 for Wine Lover’s Club Members, and $12 for non-members.
The festival will be held at Casa Larga Vineyards, 2287 Turk Hill Road in Fairport – just up the hill from EastView Mall! For more information on Fiori Month events or ice wine, contact Casa Larga’s Wine Shop at (585) 223-4210 or visit http://www.casalarga.com/.
- The 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Awards have been announced and here are The Finger Lakes Award Winners:
As I mentioned in a recent post, I am always impressed with Mark Wagner's wines at Lamoreaux Landing. They define elegance and balance and always seem to have many layers of flavor. And the wine judges of the S.F. Competition felt the same, awarding Best of Class to Lamoreaux Landing's 2005 Chardonnay & 2005 Reserve Chardonnay. I know I have a couple of bottles in my cellar that I will savor. I've long said that I believe that Finger Lakes Chardonnay can match up with any other region & Lamoreaux Landing beat out a bunch of the California mega wineries. Congratulations to Mark and the staff at Lamoreaux Landing. Well Deserved!!!
-Best of Class Chardonnay - Up to $13.99
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
2005 Chardonnay
Lamoreaux Landing Finger Lakes, New York $12.99
- Chardonnay - $20.00 to $29.99
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2005 Chardonnay Reserve
- Lucas Vineyards earned Silver medals for their 2005 Dry Riesling $12.99 and
2005 Semi Dry Riesling$12.99 and for their 2005 Cayuga White and Miss Behavin. Congrats!!!
- And Prejean Winery earned Bronze medals for their 2005 Riesling $11.99 and 2005 Dry Riesling $11.99. And I'll put a vote in for their superb Gewurtzraminer!!!
Finger Lakes Valentines Events
- "Be Mine" Red Wine Sale Feb 10 - Feb 11 12:00 Noon - 5:00 PM at Goose Watch Winery
Website: http://www.goosewatch.com
- Be Mine With Wine Feb 10 - Feb 11 on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Spend the weekend tasting the best romantic foods Keuka Lake has to offer. Each winery will offer a tantalizing recipe paired with a different and unique wine. Plan for a great getaway weekend.
$20 per person in advance$25 per person at the door
10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com
- Chocolate & Wine on Seneca Lake Feb 10 - Feb 11 on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com
- Chocolate, Wine and Roses Feb 10 - Feb 11 at Americana Vineyards
A free rose for the ladies with a purchase. Experience wines paired with chocolate desserts.
Website: http://www.americanavineyards.com
- Fire and Ice Festival Feb 11 Noon - 5:00 PM
at Casa Larga Vineyards
On Sunday, February 11th from Noon until 5pm, Casa Larga will host its annual Fire and Ice Festival. This festival is the highlight of Fiori Month, the month-long celebration of Casa Larga’s highly acclaimed Fiori Vidal and Fiori Cabernet Franc Ice Wines.
The Fire and Ice Festival gives the public a chance to learn about ice wine production and to taste the wines that are created through the unique process. Ice wine tastings will be available at the outdoor ice bar, including tastings of the award-winning Fiori Vidal Ice Wine, and the newly released Fiori Cabernet Franc Ice Wine. The day will also include wine seminars hosted by Casa Larga’s in-house wine educator, and food demonstrations by Simply Crepes restaurant. Starbucks will be on-site providing coffee beverages and coffee tasting education to guests throughout the day.
Festival guests will receive a keepsake wine glass and a goodie bag with special offers from Casa Larga’s partners, including Starbucks, Canalside Florals, Thrillz Spa and Salon, and Vanilla Swirl Cookie Company. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event - $10 for Wine Lover’s Club Members, and $12 for non-members.
The festival will be held at Casa Larga Vineyards, 2287 Turk Hill Road in Fairport – just up the hill from EastView Mall! For more information on Fiori Month events or ice wine, contact Casa Larga’s Wine Shop at (585) 223-4210 or visit http://www.casalarga.com/.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Tips for Visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country

Here are some tips if you are planning a trip to the Finger Lakes wineries:
1. Try to plan at least one weekday into your trip. The wineries can be crowded on the weekends, especially during the fall foliage and holiday season from October to December. However, if you visit the wineries on a week day, the wineries are a lot less crowded.
2. Plan which wineries or which lakes that you want to visit. There are more than 80 wineries on Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka Lakes. There are around 50 on Seneca, and perhaps 15-20 each on Keuka and Cayuga. It is impossible to visit them all on just a weekend. In my experience, a reasonable goal is 5 or 6 wineries maximum per day. If you know what your taste in wine is, I would suggest researching the wineries and the wines they offer by going to their websites. The Finger Lakes Wine Country website has a good winery directory with website links. This way, you can eliminate the wineries that do not have wines that appeal to you and get more information on the wineries that interest you. Or you can email me with your wine taste preferences and I can suggest wineries that I feel would match your palate. To email me, just fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
3. Once you have narrowed down your winery visit list, plan your route. The Uncork New York website has some good maps of the wineries on each lake. The roads in the area are very good, but if you have never driven in this area before, you will definitely want a good map because it is a rural area and it is easy to take a wrong turn. But the area is very safe and the people are very friendly and will point you in the right direction if you ask. The lakes are within a 20-30 minute drive of each other, so if you want to choose a few wineries on one lake and a few on another, it is reasonably easy to do. Keep in mind that most of the wineries are open from approximately 11am to 5pm, so schedule your time accordingly. As far as driving yourself as you taste wines, please use good judgement. Most of the wineries offer 5 to 8 tastings resulting in perhaps a half glass of wine being consumed at each stop. Take water with you to hydrate and take a meal break at some point and don't overindulge and you should be fine. The police in the area do not target winery visitors, but if you are driving erratically, you will be stopped. If you want someone else to do the driving so that you can taste wine safely and enjoy the trip without the hassles of driving, try my friends at Finger Lakes Wine Adventures for a Fun & Educational Wine Tasting Tour of The Finger Lakes- http://www.fingerlakeswineadventures.com/
4. Allot at least 30 minutes at each winery for tastings; more than that if the winery has a museum, or gift shops, or additional features to see. Some are still free, but most of the wineries now charge one or two dollars for 5 to 8 tastings; sometimes an additional dollar or two to taste their premium wines, so bring along some cash for tasting fees. Still, even with the fees, you are getting about a half a glass of wine for about a buck. And bring your credit card to buy the wine that you like, as well as all those neat gifts that the wineries have for sale.
5. Please be polite and respectful to your fellow wine tasters, especially when the wineries are crowded. The wineries are used to serving large crowds and they will serve you as quickly as possible. A little bit of patience goes a long way. Besides, what could be better- you are in a winery, tasting wine with other wine lovers. And wine people are some of the friendliest people around. You are sure to make some friends as you see the same people traveling from winery to winery on your wine tasting day.
6. Dress for the weather. The Finger Lakes can be very cool in spring and fall, very hot in mid-summer, and downright brutal in winter. There is almost always a breeze blowing off the lakes, which can make it feel even cooler, so it is wise to take a jacket with you in spring and fall. You will be standing a lot at wine tasting bars & walking a lot from the car to the wineries so wear comfortable shoes.
7. Ask questions about the wines that are being served. The winery staffs are very knowledgable and ready to answer any questions. Take good notes about the wines, so that you can remember what you like and don't like. A lot of people like to taste on one day and then go back around and buy based on their tasting notes on another day. Bring your camera. The wineries and tasting rooms are beautiful and the views around the lakes are spectacular.
8. Take a look through the Archives here at Finger Lakes Weekend Wino. There are posts on things to do and see in the Finger Lakes. Have Fun on your trip to The Finger Lakes and maybe I'll see you on the Wine Trail. If you have any questions, please email me at the email address at the top of the page.
1. Try to plan at least one weekday into your trip. The wineries can be crowded on the weekends, especially during the fall foliage and holiday season from October to December. However, if you visit the wineries on a week day, the wineries are a lot less crowded.
2. Plan which wineries or which lakes that you want to visit. There are more than 80 wineries on Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka Lakes. There are around 50 on Seneca, and perhaps 15-20 each on Keuka and Cayuga. It is impossible to visit them all on just a weekend. In my experience, a reasonable goal is 5 or 6 wineries maximum per day. If you know what your taste in wine is, I would suggest researching the wineries and the wines they offer by going to their websites. The Finger Lakes Wine Country website has a good winery directory with website links. This way, you can eliminate the wineries that do not have wines that appeal to you and get more information on the wineries that interest you. Or you can email me with your wine taste preferences and I can suggest wineries that I feel would match your palate. To email me, just fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
3. Once you have narrowed down your winery visit list, plan your route. The Uncork New York website has some good maps of the wineries on each lake. The roads in the area are very good, but if you have never driven in this area before, you will definitely want a good map because it is a rural area and it is easy to take a wrong turn. But the area is very safe and the people are very friendly and will point you in the right direction if you ask. The lakes are within a 20-30 minute drive of each other, so if you want to choose a few wineries on one lake and a few on another, it is reasonably easy to do. Keep in mind that most of the wineries are open from approximately 11am to 5pm, so schedule your time accordingly. As far as driving yourself as you taste wines, please use good judgement. Most of the wineries offer 5 to 8 tastings resulting in perhaps a half glass of wine being consumed at each stop. Take water with you to hydrate and take a meal break at some point and don't overindulge and you should be fine. The police in the area do not target winery visitors, but if you are driving erratically, you will be stopped. If you want someone else to do the driving so that you can taste wine safely and enjoy the trip without the hassles of driving, try my friends at Finger Lakes Wine Adventures for a Fun & Educational Wine Tasting Tour of The Finger Lakes- http://www.fingerlakeswineadventures.com/
4. Allot at least 30 minutes at each winery for tastings; more than that if the winery has a museum, or gift shops, or additional features to see. Some are still free, but most of the wineries now charge one or two dollars for 5 to 8 tastings; sometimes an additional dollar or two to taste their premium wines, so bring along some cash for tasting fees. Still, even with the fees, you are getting about a half a glass of wine for about a buck. And bring your credit card to buy the wine that you like, as well as all those neat gifts that the wineries have for sale.
5. Please be polite and respectful to your fellow wine tasters, especially when the wineries are crowded. The wineries are used to serving large crowds and they will serve you as quickly as possible. A little bit of patience goes a long way. Besides, what could be better- you are in a winery, tasting wine with other wine lovers. And wine people are some of the friendliest people around. You are sure to make some friends as you see the same people traveling from winery to winery on your wine tasting day.
6. Dress for the weather. The Finger Lakes can be very cool in spring and fall, very hot in mid-summer, and downright brutal in winter. There is almost always a breeze blowing off the lakes, which can make it feel even cooler, so it is wise to take a jacket with you in spring and fall. You will be standing a lot at wine tasting bars & walking a lot from the car to the wineries so wear comfortable shoes.
7. Ask questions about the wines that are being served. The winery staffs are very knowledgable and ready to answer any questions. Take good notes about the wines, so that you can remember what you like and don't like. A lot of people like to taste on one day and then go back around and buy based on their tasting notes on another day. Bring your camera. The wineries and tasting rooms are beautiful and the views around the lakes are spectacular.
8. Take a look through the Archives here at Finger Lakes Weekend Wino. There are posts on things to do and see in the Finger Lakes. Have Fun on your trip to The Finger Lakes and maybe I'll see you on the Wine Trail. If you have any questions, please email me at the email address at the top of the page.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Thanks to my favorite wine blogger, Lenn at LennDevours blog, for the following news:
Lenn says "Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort's Blue Zoo restaurant will soon be pouring six, count em six, New York wines.
So, now you can take your kids to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse...and then enjoy some some delectable Finger Lakes and Long Island wines with dinner.
The wines chosen by Blue Zoo's team are:
Atwater Estate Cabernet Franc
Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling
Heron Hill Semi-Dry Riesling
Sheldrake Point Riesling
Raphael La Fontana
Wolffer Estate Selection Chardonnay..."
- Here's an excellent article on Hermann Wiemer
- Coalition fights to prevent development in the Finger Lakes
- Auburn artist promotes arts in The Finger Lakes
- Owasco Lake phosphorous levels improving
- National wine study highlights successes and challenges of U.S. wine industry
- White Springs Winery, the newest Seneca Lake Winery, has Belhurst connection
- Fish disease spreads to The Finger Lakes
Lenn says "Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort's Blue Zoo restaurant will soon be pouring six, count em six, New York wines.
So, now you can take your kids to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse...and then enjoy some some delectable Finger Lakes and Long Island wines with dinner.
The wines chosen by Blue Zoo's team are:
Atwater Estate Cabernet Franc
Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Riesling
Heron Hill Semi-Dry Riesling
Sheldrake Point Riesling
Raphael La Fontana
Wolffer Estate Selection Chardonnay..."
- Here's an excellent article on Hermann Wiemer
- Coalition fights to prevent development in the Finger Lakes
- Auburn artist promotes arts in The Finger Lakes
- Owasco Lake phosphorous levels improving
- National wine study highlights successes and challenges of U.S. wine industry
- White Springs Winery, the newest Seneca Lake Winery, has Belhurst connection
- Fish disease spreads to The Finger Lakes
Monday, January 15, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Mrs. Wino & I were treated to some barrel samples at Lakewood Vineyards this past weekend and I can only say Wow! The Stamps have a new Pinot Gris in the works that is delicious and a new Chardonnay & Riesling that are fabulous. They are all jam-packed with fruit and well balanced. And their soon to be released 2005 Cab Franc will definitely be well-received. If these wines are indicative of the wine to be released in the Finger Lakes in 2007, all I can say is 2007 is going to be a great year!
- We also had a good stop at Lamoreaux Landing and, once again, I have to say that Mark Wagner has to be considered one of the top winemakers in The Finger Lakes. His wines define elegance and balance. He crafts wines with a full, round, satiny mouth feel that are a real treat to the senses. His Chardonnay, Riesling, Cab Franc, & Merlot are well worth the trip up the east side of Seneca Lake.
- I'd like to welcome a new Finger Lakes wine blog to the Blogosphere. Check out the
Finger Lakes Wine Tribune blog with reviews of Finger Lakes wine.
- The 6th Annual Wine On Ice event is coming up on Jan.26 & 27 in Elmira
- Icy Roads, but No Ice Wine, yet
- We also had a good stop at Lamoreaux Landing and, once again, I have to say that Mark Wagner has to be considered one of the top winemakers in The Finger Lakes. His wines define elegance and balance. He crafts wines with a full, round, satiny mouth feel that are a real treat to the senses. His Chardonnay, Riesling, Cab Franc, & Merlot are well worth the trip up the east side of Seneca Lake.
- I'd like to welcome a new Finger Lakes wine blog to the Blogosphere. Check out the
Finger Lakes Wine Tribune blog with reviews of Finger Lakes wine.
- The 6th Annual Wine On Ice event is coming up on Jan.26 & 27 in Elmira
- Icy Roads, but No Ice Wine, yet
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- The 5th Annual Between The Lakes Winter Wine Party is this Saturday, Jan. 13
- Don't miss the Seneca Lake Wine Trail "Bargain Bash Week" starting this Saturday, Jan. 13-21, with great savings on wine and gifts from participating wineries
- London Reporter visits Seneca Falls "It's A Wonderful Life" festival
- No freeze yet for the ice wine makers
- No ice wine, but plenty of sap with this crazy weather
- Fox Run Vineyards gets new co-owner
- Culinary Tourism is growing
- Grape Genetics Center gets hit as Government Dollars frozen
- Finger Lakes winter tourism slow down heats up
- If you love waterfalls like I do, here is a great website
- This website has some beautiful Finger Lakes photos
- Don't forget to check out my website links on the right side of the page and, if you have any questions about the Finger Lakes area or its wines and wineries, use the contact form at the bottom of this page. Thanks for stopping by!!! -FLWW
- Don't miss the Seneca Lake Wine Trail "Bargain Bash Week" starting this Saturday, Jan. 13-21, with great savings on wine and gifts from participating wineries
- London Reporter visits Seneca Falls "It's A Wonderful Life" festival
- No freeze yet for the ice wine makers
- No ice wine, but plenty of sap with this crazy weather
- Fox Run Vineyards gets new co-owner
- Culinary Tourism is growing
- Grape Genetics Center gets hit as Government Dollars frozen
- Finger Lakes winter tourism slow down heats up
- If you love waterfalls like I do, here is a great website
- This website has some beautiful Finger Lakes photos
- Don't forget to check out my website links on the right side of the page and, if you have any questions about the Finger Lakes area or its wines and wineries, use the contact form at the bottom of this page. Thanks for stopping by!!! -FLWW
Labels:
finger lakes,
finger lakes news,
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Condolences to The Stamp Family
Monty Stamp, the patriarch of one of the Finger Lakes great winemaking families passed away this week. My wife and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to The Stamp Family.
Jim Trezise so eloquently eulogizes Monty Stamp in his latest Wine Press edition:
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Special “Monty” Edition
MONTY STAMP, a major reason for our industry’s success, passed away on New Year’s morning at age 71. Happily, his beautiful spirit lives on in the incredible Stamp family and all of us whose lives he touched.
The New York wine industry is a phenomenal success, a Phoenix rising from the ashes of economic crisis to become the fastest growing industry in New York ’s agricultural and tourism sectors. That 25-year overnight success didn’t happen by chance: Its roots go back to the New York State Wine Grape Growers, an organization created in 1963 to represent grower interests.
Monty was the group’s Secretary/Treasurer from day one. He was part of a core group of grape growers—Vince Bedient, Art Hunt, Doug Knapp, John Martini, Gene Pierce and Neil Simmons among them—who had an audacious vision: If we work together, we can do anything. They also refused to give up, even in the darkest of times. They are the bedrock of our success.
In the early 1980’s, they secured a wine grape marketing order and hired me to create research and promotion programs. One snag: the marketing order was immediately taken to court, overturned, and dissolved. In short: no money. There was enough to keep the office open for a little while, but soon the bank account was drained. So Monty wrote a check from his family account so we could keep working and try to help others. Monty was a team player, a quiet leader, everyone’s older brother who always took care of others before himself. He was also a compendium of terrible jokes, but we gladly endured them to be warmed by his winning smile and the twinkle in his eyes reflecting the radiance of his soul.
Monty was always there—in Albany or Washington —to advance the interests of the grape industry. He would even testify if asked, despite his strong dislike of public speaking. Along with Vince Bedient and John Martini, he became a fixture at Winegrape Growers of America, the national organization where he met many soul mates from Lodi , CA like Jerry Fry, Bob Hartzell, John Kautz, Brad and Randy Lange, John Ledbetter and Robert Young—all with the same vision of unity and dedication to the industry.
Physically strong and ruggedly handsome—John Wayne in the vineyard—Monty had a straight back and strong gait. Before Parkinson’s. That debilitating disease would cause many to feel embarrassed, to withdraw and give up. Not Monty Stamp. He just kept on being Monty Stamp: dedicated family man, proud grape grower, Secretary/Treasurer of NYSWGG, chief of the Watkins Glen Fire Department, and so much more. When Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Lakewood Vineyards to view firsthand the winter damage from 2004, Monty could have asked sons Chris or Dave to escort her through the vineyard. Instead he did it himself, shuffling, shaking, stammering and joking all the way. At one point he said, “Be careful you don’t step in that ditch, Senator, or you’ll twist your ankle and start walking like me.” Parkinson’s didn’t beat Monty; Monty beat Parkinson’s.
When I think of Monty Stamp, one word rises above all others: “respect”. There are many others—honesty, integrity, commitment, dedication, passion, perseverance, toughness, compassion, selflessness, and an incredible work ethic—but those qualities are why I respect him as much as anyone I’ve ever known. When I recently received the most precious honor of my professional life, the Wine Integrity Award from the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, I said that whatever integrity I may have is not my creation but rather a gift from many people who have been shining examples. Monty Stamp is at the top of that list. The award is a beautiful bronze sculpture of an open hand holding a cluster of grapes. I dedicate the Wine Integrity Award to Monty Stamp.
I am not alone in my feelings. Monty received practically every award the New York Wine & Grape Foundation gives—Unity, Industry, Grower, Winery—along with many others from other groups. Wednesday night’s calling hours caused a traffic jam in Watkins Glen like those during the Grand Prix in the summer, and long lines outside the funeral home for hours. The next day’s funeral procession was led by a fire truck, and workers at the highway department stopped and held their hats over their hearts as we passed by. And then after the internment, just as Monty would want, we went to the Stamp home for wine and food and hugs.
At the suggestion of John Martini, the Monty Stamp Memorial Education Fund is being set up by the organization Monty served for a lifetime, the New York State Wine Grape Growers. The funds will be used to support people pursuing education in grape growing. Anyone wishing to contribute may write a check to New York State Wine Grape Growers (with a note that it’s for the Monty Stamp Memorial Education Fund) and send it to Louis Gridley, NYSWGG Treasurer, P.O. Box 364 , Keuka Park , NY 14478 .
Here’s to you, Monty!
Jim Trezise 585-394-3620 585-394-3649, faxJimTrezise@nywgf.org, emailhttp://www.newyorkwines.org/, web
Jim Trezise so eloquently eulogizes Monty Stamp in his latest Wine Press edition:
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Special “Monty” Edition
MONTY STAMP, a major reason for our industry’s success, passed away on New Year’s morning at age 71. Happily, his beautiful spirit lives on in the incredible Stamp family and all of us whose lives he touched.
The New York wine industry is a phenomenal success, a Phoenix rising from the ashes of economic crisis to become the fastest growing industry in New York ’s agricultural and tourism sectors. That 25-year overnight success didn’t happen by chance: Its roots go back to the New York State Wine Grape Growers, an organization created in 1963 to represent grower interests.
Monty was the group’s Secretary/Treasurer from day one. He was part of a core group of grape growers—Vince Bedient, Art Hunt, Doug Knapp, John Martini, Gene Pierce and Neil Simmons among them—who had an audacious vision: If we work together, we can do anything. They also refused to give up, even in the darkest of times. They are the bedrock of our success.
In the early 1980’s, they secured a wine grape marketing order and hired me to create research and promotion programs. One snag: the marketing order was immediately taken to court, overturned, and dissolved. In short: no money. There was enough to keep the office open for a little while, but soon the bank account was drained. So Monty wrote a check from his family account so we could keep working and try to help others. Monty was a team player, a quiet leader, everyone’s older brother who always took care of others before himself. He was also a compendium of terrible jokes, but we gladly endured them to be warmed by his winning smile and the twinkle in his eyes reflecting the radiance of his soul.
Monty was always there—in Albany or Washington —to advance the interests of the grape industry. He would even testify if asked, despite his strong dislike of public speaking. Along with Vince Bedient and John Martini, he became a fixture at Winegrape Growers of America, the national organization where he met many soul mates from Lodi , CA like Jerry Fry, Bob Hartzell, John Kautz, Brad and Randy Lange, John Ledbetter and Robert Young—all with the same vision of unity and dedication to the industry.
Physically strong and ruggedly handsome—John Wayne in the vineyard—Monty had a straight back and strong gait. Before Parkinson’s. That debilitating disease would cause many to feel embarrassed, to withdraw and give up. Not Monty Stamp. He just kept on being Monty Stamp: dedicated family man, proud grape grower, Secretary/Treasurer of NYSWGG, chief of the Watkins Glen Fire Department, and so much more. When Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Lakewood Vineyards to view firsthand the winter damage from 2004, Monty could have asked sons Chris or Dave to escort her through the vineyard. Instead he did it himself, shuffling, shaking, stammering and joking all the way. At one point he said, “Be careful you don’t step in that ditch, Senator, or you’ll twist your ankle and start walking like me.” Parkinson’s didn’t beat Monty; Monty beat Parkinson’s.
When I think of Monty Stamp, one word rises above all others: “respect”. There are many others—honesty, integrity, commitment, dedication, passion, perseverance, toughness, compassion, selflessness, and an incredible work ethic—but those qualities are why I respect him as much as anyone I’ve ever known. When I recently received the most precious honor of my professional life, the Wine Integrity Award from the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, I said that whatever integrity I may have is not my creation but rather a gift from many people who have been shining examples. Monty Stamp is at the top of that list. The award is a beautiful bronze sculpture of an open hand holding a cluster of grapes. I dedicate the Wine Integrity Award to Monty Stamp.
I am not alone in my feelings. Monty received practically every award the New York Wine & Grape Foundation gives—Unity, Industry, Grower, Winery—along with many others from other groups. Wednesday night’s calling hours caused a traffic jam in Watkins Glen like those during the Grand Prix in the summer, and long lines outside the funeral home for hours. The next day’s funeral procession was led by a fire truck, and workers at the highway department stopped and held their hats over their hearts as we passed by. And then after the internment, just as Monty would want, we went to the Stamp home for wine and food and hugs.
At the suggestion of John Martini, the Monty Stamp Memorial Education Fund is being set up by the organization Monty served for a lifetime, the New York State Wine Grape Growers. The funds will be used to support people pursuing education in grape growing. Anyone wishing to contribute may write a check to New York State Wine Grape Growers (with a note that it’s for the Monty Stamp Memorial Education Fund) and send it to Louis Gridley, NYSWGG Treasurer, P.O. Box 364 , Keuka Park , NY 14478 .
Here’s to you, Monty!
Jim Trezise 585-394-3620 585-394-3649, faxJimTrezise@nywgf.org, emailhttp://www.newyorkwines.org/, web
Monday, January 01, 2007
God Bless Our Soldiers
- This being a blog about The Finger Lakes, I try not to stray too far from that topic, but I just read an article that touched me so deeply that I had to share it. Whether you agree with the war in Iraq or not, this article in todays New York Times spells out the greatness of our soldiers through one soldiers story.
An Appreciation
From Father to Son, Last Words to Live By
By DANA CANEDY Published: January 1, 2007 in The New York Times
He drew pictures of himself with angel wings. He left a set of his dog tags on a nightstand in my Manhattan apartment. He bought a tiny blue sweat suit for our baby to wear home from the hospital.
Then he began to write what would become a 200-page journal for our son, in case he did not make it back from the desert in Iraq.
For months before my fiancé, First Sgt. Charles Monroe King, kissed my swollen stomach and said goodbye, he had been preparing for the beginning of the life we had created and for the end of his own.
He boarded a plane in December 2005 with two missions, really — to lead his young soldiers in combat and to prepare our boy for a life without him.
Dear son, Charles wrote on the last page of the journal, “I hope this book is somewhat helpful to you. Please forgive me for the poor handwriting and grammar. I tried to finish this book before I was deployed to Iraq. It has to be something special to you. I’ve been writing it in the states, Kuwait and Iraq.
The journal will have to speak for Charles now. He was killed Oct. 14 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his armored vehicle in Baghdad. Charles, 48, had been assigned to the Army’s First Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division, based in Fort Hood, Tex. He was a month from completing his tour of duty.
For our son’s first Christmas, Charles had hoped to take him on a carriage ride through Central Park. Instead, Jordan, now 9 months old, and I snuggled under a blanket in a horse-drawn buggy. The driver seemed puzzled about why I was riding alone with a baby and crying on Christmas Day. I told him.
“No charge,” he said at the end of the ride, an act of kindness in a city that can magnify loneliness.
On paper, Charles revealed himself in a way he rarely did in person. He thought hard about what to say to a son who would have no memory of him. Even if Jordan will never hear the cadence of his father’s voice, he will know the wisdom of his words.
Never be ashamed to cry. No man is too good to get on his knee and humble himself to God. Follow your heart and look for the strength of a woman.
Charles tried to anticipate questions in the years to come. Favorite team? I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. Favorite meal? Chicken, fried or baked, candied yams, collard greens and cornbread. Childhood chores? Shoveling snow and cutting grass. First kiss? Eighth grade.
In neat block letters, he wrote about faith and failure, heartache and hope. He offered tips on how to behave on a date and where to hide money on vacation. Rainy days have their pleasures, he noted: Every now and then you get lucky and catch a rainbow.
Charles mailed the book to me in July, after one of his soldiers was killed and he had recovered the body from a tank. The journal was incomplete, but the horror of the young man’s death shook Charles so deeply that he wanted to send it even though he had more to say. He finished it when he came home on a two-week leave in August to meet Jordan, then 5 months old. He was so intoxicated by love for his son that he barely slept, instead keeping vigil over the baby.
I can fill in some of the blanks left for Jordan about his father. When we met in my hometown of Radcliff, Ky., near Fort Knox, I did not consider Charles my type at first. He was bashful, a homebody and got his news from television rather than newspapers (heresy, since I’m a New York Times editor).
But he won me over. One day a couple of years ago, I pulled out a list of the traits I wanted in a husband and realized that Charles had almost all of them. He rose early to begin each day with prayers and a list of goals that he ticked off as he accomplished them. He was meticulous, even insisting on doing my ironing because he deemed my wrinkle-removing skills deficient. His rock-hard warrior’s body made him appear tough, but he had a tender heart.
He doted on Christina, now 16, his daughter from a marriage that ended in divorce. He made her blush when he showed her a tattoo with her name on his arm. Toward women, he displayed an old-fashioned chivalry, something he expected of our son. Remember who taught you to speak, to walk and to be a gentleman, he wrote to Jordan in his journal. These are your first teachers, my little prince. Protect them, embrace them and always treat them like a queen.
Though as a black man he sometimes felt the sting of discrimination, Charles betrayed no bitterness. It’s not fair to judge someone by the color of their skin, where they’re raised or their religious beliefs, he wrote. Appreciate people for who they are and learn from their differences.
He had his faults, of course. Charles could be moody, easily wounded and infuriatingly quiet, especially during an argument. And at times, I felt, he put the military ahead of family.
He had enlisted in 1987, drawn by the discipline and challenges. Charles had other options — he was a gifted artist who had trained at the Art Institute of Chicago — but felt fulfilled as a soldier, something I respected but never really understood. He had a chest full of medals and a fierce devotion to his men.
He taught the youngest, barely out of high school, to balance their checkbooks, counseled them about girlfriends and sometimes bailed them out of jail. When he was home in August, I had a baby shower for him. One guest recently reminded me that he had spent much of the evening worrying about his troops back in Iraq.
Charles knew the perils of war. During the months before he went away and the days he returned on leave, we talked often about what might happen. In his journal, he wrote about the loss of fellow soldiers. Still, I could not bear to answer when Charles turned to me one day and asked, “You don’t think I’m coming back, do you?” We never said aloud that the fear that he might not return was why we decided to have a child before we planned a wedding, rather than risk never having the chance.
But Charles missed Jordan’s birth because he refused to take a leave from Iraq until all of his soldiers had gone home first, a decision that hurt me at first. And he volunteered for the mission on which he died, a military official told his sister, Gail T. King. Although he was not required to join the resupply convoy in Baghdad, he believed that his soldiers needed someone experienced with them. “He would say, ‘My boys are out there, I’ve got to go check on my boys,’ ” said First Sgt. Arenteanis A. Jenkins, Charles’s roommate in Iraq.
In my grief, that decision haunts me. Charles’s father faults himself for not begging his son to avoid taking unnecessary risks. But he acknowledges that it would not have made a difference. “He was a born leader,” said his father, Charlie J. King. “And he believed what he was doing was right.”
Back in April, after a roadside bombing remarkably similar to that which would claim him, Charles wrote about death and duty.
The 18th was a long, solemn night, he wrote in Jordan’s journal. We had a memorial for two soldiers who were killed by an improvised explosive device. None of my soldiers went to the memorial. Their excuse was that they didn’t want to go because it was depressing. I told them it was selfish of them not to pay their respects to two men who were selfless in giving their lives for their country.
Things may not always be easy or pleasant for you, that’s life, but always pay your respects for the way people lived and what they stood for. It’s the honorable thing to do.
When Jordan is old enough to ask how his father died, I will tell him of Charles’s courage and assure him of Charles’s love. And I will try to comfort him with his father’s words.
God blessed me above all I could imagine, Charles wrote in the journal. I have no regrets, serving your country is great.
He had tucked a message to me in the front of Jordan’s journal. This is the letter every soldier should write, he said. For us, life will move on through Jordan. He will be an extension of us and hopefully everything that we stand for. ... I would like to see him grow up to be a man, but only God knows what the future holds.
An Appreciation
From Father to Son, Last Words to Live By
By DANA CANEDY Published: January 1, 2007 in The New York Times
He drew pictures of himself with angel wings. He left a set of his dog tags on a nightstand in my Manhattan apartment. He bought a tiny blue sweat suit for our baby to wear home from the hospital.
Then he began to write what would become a 200-page journal for our son, in case he did not make it back from the desert in Iraq.
For months before my fiancé, First Sgt. Charles Monroe King, kissed my swollen stomach and said goodbye, he had been preparing for the beginning of the life we had created and for the end of his own.
He boarded a plane in December 2005 with two missions, really — to lead his young soldiers in combat and to prepare our boy for a life without him.
Dear son, Charles wrote on the last page of the journal, “I hope this book is somewhat helpful to you. Please forgive me for the poor handwriting and grammar. I tried to finish this book before I was deployed to Iraq. It has to be something special to you. I’ve been writing it in the states, Kuwait and Iraq.
The journal will have to speak for Charles now. He was killed Oct. 14 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his armored vehicle in Baghdad. Charles, 48, had been assigned to the Army’s First Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division, based in Fort Hood, Tex. He was a month from completing his tour of duty.
For our son’s first Christmas, Charles had hoped to take him on a carriage ride through Central Park. Instead, Jordan, now 9 months old, and I snuggled under a blanket in a horse-drawn buggy. The driver seemed puzzled about why I was riding alone with a baby and crying on Christmas Day. I told him.
“No charge,” he said at the end of the ride, an act of kindness in a city that can magnify loneliness.
On paper, Charles revealed himself in a way he rarely did in person. He thought hard about what to say to a son who would have no memory of him. Even if Jordan will never hear the cadence of his father’s voice, he will know the wisdom of his words.
Never be ashamed to cry. No man is too good to get on his knee and humble himself to God. Follow your heart and look for the strength of a woman.
Charles tried to anticipate questions in the years to come. Favorite team? I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. Favorite meal? Chicken, fried or baked, candied yams, collard greens and cornbread. Childhood chores? Shoveling snow and cutting grass. First kiss? Eighth grade.
In neat block letters, he wrote about faith and failure, heartache and hope. He offered tips on how to behave on a date and where to hide money on vacation. Rainy days have their pleasures, he noted: Every now and then you get lucky and catch a rainbow.
Charles mailed the book to me in July, after one of his soldiers was killed and he had recovered the body from a tank. The journal was incomplete, but the horror of the young man’s death shook Charles so deeply that he wanted to send it even though he had more to say. He finished it when he came home on a two-week leave in August to meet Jordan, then 5 months old. He was so intoxicated by love for his son that he barely slept, instead keeping vigil over the baby.
I can fill in some of the blanks left for Jordan about his father. When we met in my hometown of Radcliff, Ky., near Fort Knox, I did not consider Charles my type at first. He was bashful, a homebody and got his news from television rather than newspapers (heresy, since I’m a New York Times editor).
But he won me over. One day a couple of years ago, I pulled out a list of the traits I wanted in a husband and realized that Charles had almost all of them. He rose early to begin each day with prayers and a list of goals that he ticked off as he accomplished them. He was meticulous, even insisting on doing my ironing because he deemed my wrinkle-removing skills deficient. His rock-hard warrior’s body made him appear tough, but he had a tender heart.
He doted on Christina, now 16, his daughter from a marriage that ended in divorce. He made her blush when he showed her a tattoo with her name on his arm. Toward women, he displayed an old-fashioned chivalry, something he expected of our son. Remember who taught you to speak, to walk and to be a gentleman, he wrote to Jordan in his journal. These are your first teachers, my little prince. Protect them, embrace them and always treat them like a queen.
Though as a black man he sometimes felt the sting of discrimination, Charles betrayed no bitterness. It’s not fair to judge someone by the color of their skin, where they’re raised or their religious beliefs, he wrote. Appreciate people for who they are and learn from their differences.
He had his faults, of course. Charles could be moody, easily wounded and infuriatingly quiet, especially during an argument. And at times, I felt, he put the military ahead of family.
He had enlisted in 1987, drawn by the discipline and challenges. Charles had other options — he was a gifted artist who had trained at the Art Institute of Chicago — but felt fulfilled as a soldier, something I respected but never really understood. He had a chest full of medals and a fierce devotion to his men.
He taught the youngest, barely out of high school, to balance their checkbooks, counseled them about girlfriends and sometimes bailed them out of jail. When he was home in August, I had a baby shower for him. One guest recently reminded me that he had spent much of the evening worrying about his troops back in Iraq.
Charles knew the perils of war. During the months before he went away and the days he returned on leave, we talked often about what might happen. In his journal, he wrote about the loss of fellow soldiers. Still, I could not bear to answer when Charles turned to me one day and asked, “You don’t think I’m coming back, do you?” We never said aloud that the fear that he might not return was why we decided to have a child before we planned a wedding, rather than risk never having the chance.
But Charles missed Jordan’s birth because he refused to take a leave from Iraq until all of his soldiers had gone home first, a decision that hurt me at first. And he volunteered for the mission on which he died, a military official told his sister, Gail T. King. Although he was not required to join the resupply convoy in Baghdad, he believed that his soldiers needed someone experienced with them. “He would say, ‘My boys are out there, I’ve got to go check on my boys,’ ” said First Sgt. Arenteanis A. Jenkins, Charles’s roommate in Iraq.
In my grief, that decision haunts me. Charles’s father faults himself for not begging his son to avoid taking unnecessary risks. But he acknowledges that it would not have made a difference. “He was a born leader,” said his father, Charlie J. King. “And he believed what he was doing was right.”
Back in April, after a roadside bombing remarkably similar to that which would claim him, Charles wrote about death and duty.
The 18th was a long, solemn night, he wrote in Jordan’s journal. We had a memorial for two soldiers who were killed by an improvised explosive device. None of my soldiers went to the memorial. Their excuse was that they didn’t want to go because it was depressing. I told them it was selfish of them not to pay their respects to two men who were selfless in giving their lives for their country.
Things may not always be easy or pleasant for you, that’s life, but always pay your respects for the way people lived and what they stood for. It’s the honorable thing to do.
When Jordan is old enough to ask how his father died, I will tell him of Charles’s courage and assure him of Charles’s love. And I will try to comfort him with his father’s words.
God blessed me above all I could imagine, Charles wrote in the journal. I have no regrets, serving your country is great.
He had tucked a message to me in the front of Jordan’s journal. This is the letter every soldier should write, he said. For us, life will move on through Jordan. He will be an extension of us and hopefully everything that we stand for. ... I would like to see him grow up to be a man, but only God knows what the future holds.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year, New Blog Look & MyFavorites of 2006- Part 3
I want to wish all of Family, Friends, & Readers a Super New Year!!!
May 2007 bring the best of all things to you and yours!
I raise my glass to all of you!
As you can see, I've done a little sprucing up to the Blog for 2007 thanks to long-awaited updates from Blogger. I am hoping that this will enable me to add posts and graphics faster and do things that will make the blog better. If you have any suggestions or ways that I can make the blog better for you, just send me your comments and suggestions by using the form at the bottom of this page (I have to reinstall it since Blogger removed it when I did my updates) or by emailing me at (leave out the spaces) weekendwino 11 @ yahoo. com (no spaces)
Here is Part 3 of My Favorite Finger Lakes Wine of 2006 (Scroll down to find Parts 1 & 2):
- Swedish Hill - Just Peachy, intense peach flavor. Radical Raspberry, intense raspberry flavor. If you like peach or raspberry, these are the best!
- Seneca Shore- Smooth Chardonnay, One of my favorite F.L. Chardonnays, smooth & buttery. Castle Blush, on the sweeter side but with lots of fruit flavor, a delicious blush. Lemberger, this grape is fast becoming very popular among F.L. Red wine afficianados, smoky but smooth. Seneca Shore keeps their prices reasonable and has some of the best value wines in the Finger Lakes.
- Four Chimneys- uses organic farming methods and little or no sulfites. Reserve White, Aurora/Chardonnay blend, dry but buttery with lots of fruit. Cabernet Franc, light tannins, very balanced. Honeydew Melon, just like biting into a honeydew melon, lightly sweet and very refreshing.
- Fox Run - Cabernet Franc, excellent, smooth tannins, hints of raspberry and oak with a long finish. Riesling, A perfect Riesling for my tastes, peach and lime that goes on and on.
- Yates Cellars- Gewurztraminer, extremely floral aromas, classic Gewurz spice. Traminette, again extremely floral scents that are just heavenly, someone really should come up with a Traminette after shave, I'd buy it, a Perfect Traminette for me.
- Lamoreaux Landing- Chardonnay, rounded citrus tones with hints of vanilla and butter. Dry Riesling, lime and mineral with soft apple and peach and an elegant lingering finish. Semi-Dry Riesling, sweeter with lemon, lime, and pineapple overtones and a very long finish. Merlot, very soft tannins, beautifully balanced fruit and pepper. This is one of the wineries that I have really liked everything I have tasted there. Their wines are always complex but balanced, with many layers of flavor and very long finishes.
- Silver Thread- Good Earth Red, Dry and light but fruity, Pinot Noir with 20% Gewurztraminer. Blackbird, Cab Franc/Merlot/Cab Sauv blend, lots of berry fruit.
- Hazlitt 1852- Always a fun place to visit. White Stag, Cayuga/Ravat 51 blend, sweet summer sipping wine. Red Cat, the famous Red Cat, Catawba/Baco Noir blend, fruity smooth and sweet red wine, Red Cat never met a hot tub or party (or hot tub party) it didn't like.
- Shalestone- Merlot, an excellent Merlot, deep but very soft. Cabernet Franc, soft medium tannins with a finish that stays with you like a beautiful memory. Reds are all Shalestone produces and, in my humble opinion, they have perfected it!
- Damiani- Talk with Lou Damiani for 15 minutes and your knowledge of wine will increase exponentially. Cabernet Sauvignon, I'm not fond of too many Cab Sauvs in F.L., but I really like this one, smooth with berry flavors and a hint of tobacco. Dolce Bianco, blend of Vignoles/Cayuga/Vidal, grape and pineapple with good acidity for balance.
- Treleaven- Semi Dry Riesling, peach and lime dancing on a base of smooth mineral. Apple, amazingly complex layers of apple and peach, if you love apple, get this one, also a nice wine to cook with.
- Hermann Wiemer- Dry Johannisberg Riesling, dry but smooth crisp and clean, lots of fruit and lots of mineral, classic Wiemer Riesling. Dry Rose, Pinot Noir/Gamay Noir blend, very dry but lots of berry fruit, crisp clean and elegant.
- Catharine Valley- The Lost Irishman, Catawba grape, sweet and tangy, perfect for a hot summer day. Seneca Steamer, Very nice Niagara, sweet and grapey.
- Cobblestone Farm- Chardonnay, lots of fruit with hints of green apple and oak. Cabernet Franc, very complex, layers of spice, berry, and pepper.
I can't wait until spring when I'll start visiting the 90-some wineries in the Finger Lakes to taste their offerings. It's a tough job, but someones got to do it. Once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
May 2007 bring the best of all things to you and yours!
I raise my glass to all of you!
As you can see, I've done a little sprucing up to the Blog for 2007 thanks to long-awaited updates from Blogger. I am hoping that this will enable me to add posts and graphics faster and do things that will make the blog better. If you have any suggestions or ways that I can make the blog better for you, just send me your comments and suggestions by using the form at the bottom of this page (I have to reinstall it since Blogger removed it when I did my updates) or by emailing me at (leave out the spaces) weekendwino 11 @ yahoo. com (no spaces)
Here is Part 3 of My Favorite Finger Lakes Wine of 2006 (Scroll down to find Parts 1 & 2):
- Swedish Hill - Just Peachy, intense peach flavor. Radical Raspberry, intense raspberry flavor. If you like peach or raspberry, these are the best!
- Seneca Shore- Smooth Chardonnay, One of my favorite F.L. Chardonnays, smooth & buttery. Castle Blush, on the sweeter side but with lots of fruit flavor, a delicious blush. Lemberger, this grape is fast becoming very popular among F.L. Red wine afficianados, smoky but smooth. Seneca Shore keeps their prices reasonable and has some of the best value wines in the Finger Lakes.
- Four Chimneys- uses organic farming methods and little or no sulfites. Reserve White, Aurora/Chardonnay blend, dry but buttery with lots of fruit. Cabernet Franc, light tannins, very balanced. Honeydew Melon, just like biting into a honeydew melon, lightly sweet and very refreshing.
- Fox Run - Cabernet Franc, excellent, smooth tannins, hints of raspberry and oak with a long finish. Riesling, A perfect Riesling for my tastes, peach and lime that goes on and on.
- Yates Cellars- Gewurztraminer, extremely floral aromas, classic Gewurz spice. Traminette, again extremely floral scents that are just heavenly, someone really should come up with a Traminette after shave, I'd buy it, a Perfect Traminette for me.
- Lamoreaux Landing- Chardonnay, rounded citrus tones with hints of vanilla and butter. Dry Riesling, lime and mineral with soft apple and peach and an elegant lingering finish. Semi-Dry Riesling, sweeter with lemon, lime, and pineapple overtones and a very long finish. Merlot, very soft tannins, beautifully balanced fruit and pepper. This is one of the wineries that I have really liked everything I have tasted there. Their wines are always complex but balanced, with many layers of flavor and very long finishes.
- Silver Thread- Good Earth Red, Dry and light but fruity, Pinot Noir with 20% Gewurztraminer. Blackbird, Cab Franc/Merlot/Cab Sauv blend, lots of berry fruit.
- Hazlitt 1852- Always a fun place to visit. White Stag, Cayuga/Ravat 51 blend, sweet summer sipping wine. Red Cat, the famous Red Cat, Catawba/Baco Noir blend, fruity smooth and sweet red wine, Red Cat never met a hot tub or party (or hot tub party) it didn't like.
- Shalestone- Merlot, an excellent Merlot, deep but very soft. Cabernet Franc, soft medium tannins with a finish that stays with you like a beautiful memory. Reds are all Shalestone produces and, in my humble opinion, they have perfected it!
- Damiani- Talk with Lou Damiani for 15 minutes and your knowledge of wine will increase exponentially. Cabernet Sauvignon, I'm not fond of too many Cab Sauvs in F.L., but I really like this one, smooth with berry flavors and a hint of tobacco. Dolce Bianco, blend of Vignoles/Cayuga/Vidal, grape and pineapple with good acidity for balance.
- Treleaven- Semi Dry Riesling, peach and lime dancing on a base of smooth mineral. Apple, amazingly complex layers of apple and peach, if you love apple, get this one, also a nice wine to cook with.
- Hermann Wiemer- Dry Johannisberg Riesling, dry but smooth crisp and clean, lots of fruit and lots of mineral, classic Wiemer Riesling. Dry Rose, Pinot Noir/Gamay Noir blend, very dry but lots of berry fruit, crisp clean and elegant.
- Catharine Valley- The Lost Irishman, Catawba grape, sweet and tangy, perfect for a hot summer day. Seneca Steamer, Very nice Niagara, sweet and grapey.
- Cobblestone Farm- Chardonnay, lots of fruit with hints of green apple and oak. Cabernet Franc, very complex, layers of spice, berry, and pepper.
I can't wait until spring when I'll start visiting the 90-some wineries in the Finger Lakes to taste their offerings. It's a tough job, but someones got to do it. Once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Although it's been said many times, many ways...
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Finger Lakes News & Notes
- Thoughts on the future of the "Queen City of the Finger Lakes".
- Thoughts on the future of Hemlock & Canadice Lakes. And more thoughts.
- Some Recipes from Finger Lakes wineries
- Protecting the "Emerald Necklace".
- Wine trails, farm trails, and now Maple trails.
- Connecticut couple look for value in The Finger Lakes. Or Husband embarrases wife in The Finger Lakes.
- Rochester Winter Wine Tasting & Art Show - Jan. 25
- Obsession blogger blogs about Standing Stone Vineyards.
- Long Islanders review their Fall Finger Lakes trip.
- iJamming Tony's Finger Lakes 2006 wine trip review here. And here.
- And Congrats to
Fox Run Vineyards Owner Scott Osborn Who Receives Camp Good Days Award
Penn Yan, NY 8211; Fox Run Vineyards owner Scott Osborn was presented the Teddi Award from Camp Good Days on December 10, 2006 at their annual holiday party held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center . He was recognized for his work with the Camp Good Days wine competition, auction and dinner fundraising events. The Teddi Award is an honor that Camp Good Days bestows upon individuals from the community who, through their continued efforts, have gone above and beyond to help improve the quality of life for children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life threatening challenges over the past year.
Osborn has been active with Camp Good Days for the past 7 years, sitting on the committee for the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Wine Auction and Dinner, where all net proceeds from the competition and its special event benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc.
“Scott Osborn has been one of the key participants in founding and running the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, now the largest wine competition for a charity in North America and is now the largest fundraiser for Camp Good Days. As a founding member of the committee, Scott is also a great advisor, helping the competition and auction bring as much attention and value to all the wineries in New York . Camp Good Day’s Teddi award is a small way for Camp to say ‘thanks’ to Scott for all he has done to help thousands of children over the years!” states Peter Parts, Board Member Camp Good Days and President, Peter Parts Electronics.
Osborn states, “It is a personal honor to receive the Teddi award for my work with Camp Good Days. We all have known someone affected by cancer and it is easy to donate my time to such a worthwhile cause.”
- Thoughts on the future of Hemlock & Canadice Lakes. And more thoughts.
- Some Recipes from Finger Lakes wineries
- Protecting the "Emerald Necklace".
- Wine trails, farm trails, and now Maple trails.
- Connecticut couple look for value in The Finger Lakes. Or Husband embarrases wife in The Finger Lakes.
- Rochester Winter Wine Tasting & Art Show - Jan. 25
- Obsession blogger blogs about Standing Stone Vineyards.
- Long Islanders review their Fall Finger Lakes trip.
- iJamming Tony's Finger Lakes 2006 wine trip review here. And here.
- And Congrats to
Fox Run Vineyards Owner Scott Osborn Who Receives Camp Good Days Award
Penn Yan, NY 8211; Fox Run Vineyards owner Scott Osborn was presented the Teddi Award from Camp Good Days on December 10, 2006 at their annual holiday party held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center . He was recognized for his work with the Camp Good Days wine competition, auction and dinner fundraising events. The Teddi Award is an honor that Camp Good Days bestows upon individuals from the community who, through their continued efforts, have gone above and beyond to help improve the quality of life for children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life threatening challenges over the past year.
Osborn has been active with Camp Good Days for the past 7 years, sitting on the committee for the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Wine Auction and Dinner, where all net proceeds from the competition and its special event benefits Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc.
“Scott Osborn has been one of the key participants in founding and running the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, now the largest wine competition for a charity in North America and is now the largest fundraiser for Camp Good Days. As a founding member of the committee, Scott is also a great advisor, helping the competition and auction bring as much attention and value to all the wineries in New York . Camp Good Day’s Teddi award is a small way for Camp to say ‘thanks’ to Scott for all he has done to help thousands of children over the years!” states Peter Parts, Board Member Camp Good Days and President, Peter Parts Electronics.
Osborn states, “It is a personal honor to receive the Teddi award for my work with Camp Good Days. We all have known someone affected by cancer and it is easy to donate my time to such a worthwhile cause.”
Sunday, December 17, 2006
My Favorite Finger Lakes Wine of 2006 - Part 2
I pulled out all of my tasting sheet comments for this year and here's Part 2 of what I liked, in no particular order. This gives me a record of my favorites for the year. Keep in mind my palate is about right in the middle of dry and sweet. I do like dry wines that are very fruit forward and I like sweet wines that are balanced with appropriate acidity and/or fruit. I'm more of a white wine drinker, but that's mainly because I find that red wines stir up my Acid Reflux Condition. But I do taste both reds and whites.
- Glenora Wine Cellars- Glenora produces about 30 different wines and is a beautiful place to visit. -Seyval Blanc, Semi-dry, melon and lime/citrus. - Peach & Raspberry Spumante, perfectly sweet & bubbly with lots of fruit flavor, perfect for the Holidays and a nice value.
- Barrington Cellars- Delaware, not overly grapey and subtly sweet, nice summer sipping wine. Diamond, aromatic light grape nose, sweet with soft citrus and grape flavors.
- Keuka Overlook- Late Harvest Riesling, sweet dessert wine with luscious honey and peach flavors. - Late Harvest Vignoles, sweet dessert wine with pineapple/citrus flavors.
Keuka Spring- Riesling, semi-dry, classic Riesling flavor with long finish. - Vignoles, concentrated flavors of honeyed apricot and lemon.
Castel Grisch - Estate Reserve Burgundy, Very soft and smooth red blend. - Cayuga White, bright and balanced, apple and citrus flavors.
Dr. Frank - Merlot, soft medium tannins, lots of plummy fruit. - Salmon Run Riesling, very floral, perfectly balanced, clean and classic. - Celebre NV Champagne, dry but lively and fruity.
Billsboro Winery - Chardonnay, firmly balanced acidity with elegant fruit. -Classic Cuvee, Blend of Elvira, Catawba, and Cayuga White, some bubbles, very interesting.
Rooster Hill Vineyards- Dry Riesling, crisp citrus and mineral. Merlot- very soft silky tannins with the perfect amount of oak.
Prejean Winery- Cabernet Franc, Lots of cherry and a long finish. Gewurtzraminer, balanced and perfectly spicy. Late Harvest Vignoles, intense honeyed peach and pineapple. -Bird of Paradise, unique Chardonnay Port, Chardonnay crispness with dessert wine sweetness.
Belhurst Winery- Traditions Dry Riesling, Dry with a very long lemon/lime finish. Traditions Chardonnay, Light clean and crisp.
Heron Hill Winery - Game Bird White, Seyval/Cayuga blend, balanced with nice acidity and a great value. Riesling Ice Wine, unbelievable intensity of flavor to the infinity, My notes state "I did not want to swallow". And for good reason- A taste was $7 and a bottle was $99. If anyone needs a Christmas gift idea for me, this is it! The winemaker Thomas Laszlo makes some of the most elegant wines in the Finger Lakes and his ice wines compare with the world's best.
Miles Wine Cellars- Cabernet Franc, smooth smoke and oak. Pinot Noir, smoky cherry, Very Nice!
Torrey Ridge Winery- This winery gets my vote for Most Underrated Finger Lakes Winery. They don't get a lot of the press that some of the others get, but I am continually impressed with the quality of their wine, and they have one of the most beautiful facilities also.
Cayuga White, excellent balance of acid/sweet and fruit with a long lightly sweet finish. -Traminette, very floral, hints of citrus and spice and very smooth. - Riesling, sweeter style with layers of honey, peach, citrus, and pineapple. -Diamond, one of my top faves, sweet but not overly sweet, with layers of grape, grapefruit, pineapple, and mango.
Earle Estates Meadery- This winery is the sister winery of Torrey Ridge specializing in mead, which is wine made from honey. Unfortunately for me, my palate perceives a bitter taste in a lot of mead wines, but there are some mead/fruit blends here that I like. Strawberry Shadows, strawberry/mead blend, nice natural sweet strawberry flavor. - Autumn Harvest, Pear/Raspberry/Mead blend, sweet raspberry flavor.
Arcadian Estate- Starry Night Riesling, crisp dry style with lots of Seneca mineral. - Take My Time Black Raspberry, intense berry aroma and flavor.
Cascata Winery- Fireside Chardonnay, Abundant upfront fruit with a kiss of oak. -Sweet Maggie, Cayuga/Vidal blend, easy drinking light blush.
Anthony Road- Tony's White, Cayuga White, Riesling-like in taste with a lime/citrus zing, excellent value. - Martini Reinhardt Vignoles Trockenbeeren, incredible flavors of apricot, citrus, and honey but at $75, a little out of my price range, but an awesome special occasion wine.
Stay tuned for Part 3.......
- Glenora Wine Cellars- Glenora produces about 30 different wines and is a beautiful place to visit. -Seyval Blanc, Semi-dry, melon and lime/citrus. - Peach & Raspberry Spumante, perfectly sweet & bubbly with lots of fruit flavor, perfect for the Holidays and a nice value.
- Barrington Cellars- Delaware, not overly grapey and subtly sweet, nice summer sipping wine. Diamond, aromatic light grape nose, sweet with soft citrus and grape flavors.
- Keuka Overlook- Late Harvest Riesling, sweet dessert wine with luscious honey and peach flavors. - Late Harvest Vignoles, sweet dessert wine with pineapple/citrus flavors.
Keuka Spring- Riesling, semi-dry, classic Riesling flavor with long finish. - Vignoles, concentrated flavors of honeyed apricot and lemon.
Castel Grisch - Estate Reserve Burgundy, Very soft and smooth red blend. - Cayuga White, bright and balanced, apple and citrus flavors.
Dr. Frank - Merlot, soft medium tannins, lots of plummy fruit. - Salmon Run Riesling, very floral, perfectly balanced, clean and classic. - Celebre NV Champagne, dry but lively and fruity.
Billsboro Winery - Chardonnay, firmly balanced acidity with elegant fruit. -Classic Cuvee, Blend of Elvira, Catawba, and Cayuga White, some bubbles, very interesting.
Rooster Hill Vineyards- Dry Riesling, crisp citrus and mineral. Merlot- very soft silky tannins with the perfect amount of oak.
Prejean Winery- Cabernet Franc, Lots of cherry and a long finish. Gewurtzraminer, balanced and perfectly spicy. Late Harvest Vignoles, intense honeyed peach and pineapple. -Bird of Paradise, unique Chardonnay Port, Chardonnay crispness with dessert wine sweetness.
Belhurst Winery- Traditions Dry Riesling, Dry with a very long lemon/lime finish. Traditions Chardonnay, Light clean and crisp.
Heron Hill Winery - Game Bird White, Seyval/Cayuga blend, balanced with nice acidity and a great value. Riesling Ice Wine, unbelievable intensity of flavor to the infinity, My notes state "I did not want to swallow". And for good reason- A taste was $7 and a bottle was $99. If anyone needs a Christmas gift idea for me, this is it! The winemaker Thomas Laszlo makes some of the most elegant wines in the Finger Lakes and his ice wines compare with the world's best.
Miles Wine Cellars- Cabernet Franc, smooth smoke and oak. Pinot Noir, smoky cherry, Very Nice!
Torrey Ridge Winery- This winery gets my vote for Most Underrated Finger Lakes Winery. They don't get a lot of the press that some of the others get, but I am continually impressed with the quality of their wine, and they have one of the most beautiful facilities also.
Cayuga White, excellent balance of acid/sweet and fruit with a long lightly sweet finish. -Traminette, very floral, hints of citrus and spice and very smooth. - Riesling, sweeter style with layers of honey, peach, citrus, and pineapple. -Diamond, one of my top faves, sweet but not overly sweet, with layers of grape, grapefruit, pineapple, and mango.
Earle Estates Meadery- This winery is the sister winery of Torrey Ridge specializing in mead, which is wine made from honey. Unfortunately for me, my palate perceives a bitter taste in a lot of mead wines, but there are some mead/fruit blends here that I like. Strawberry Shadows, strawberry/mead blend, nice natural sweet strawberry flavor. - Autumn Harvest, Pear/Raspberry/Mead blend, sweet raspberry flavor.
Arcadian Estate- Starry Night Riesling, crisp dry style with lots of Seneca mineral. - Take My Time Black Raspberry, intense berry aroma and flavor.
Cascata Winery- Fireside Chardonnay, Abundant upfront fruit with a kiss of oak. -Sweet Maggie, Cayuga/Vidal blend, easy drinking light blush.
Anthony Road- Tony's White, Cayuga White, Riesling-like in taste with a lime/citrus zing, excellent value. - Martini Reinhardt Vignoles Trockenbeeren, incredible flavors of apricot, citrus, and honey but at $75, a little out of my price range, but an awesome special occasion wine.
Stay tuned for Part 3.......
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Finger Lakes Christmas Gift Ideas
With the Holiday shopping season in full swing, here are some online gift ideas for the Finger Lakes enthusiast on your gift list.
- First, I must mention my Finger Lakes song downloads, and my Finger Lakes Tshirt, 2007 Finger Lakes Calendar, & other Finger Lakes gifts. They make perfect gifts and I am donating proceeds from the sale of these items to Finger Lakes charities, so you can also help a good cause.
- Of course, Finger Lakes wine has to be at the top of the list. More and more wineries now have online stores and can ship to many states. Go to www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com and click on "Wineries" and get the link to your favorite winery website.
- A Gift Subscription to Life In The Finger Lakes magazine. I look forward to receiving my copy every quarter.
- Amazon.com has a variety of Finger Lakes books and gifts available.
- Friends of the Finger Lakes Publishing has a good selection of Finger Lakes books.
- If you are visiting the Finger Lakes area, visit these gift shops suggested by local B&B owners.
- There are an amazing number of artists and craftspeople that make their home in the Finger Lakes area and create wonderful artwork. Here is a great list of them. You are sure to find unique gift items from them.
- The Corning Museum of Glass has a excellent online store with many gift items.
Here's to wishing you all get that Finger Lakes gift that you want for the Holidays!!!
If you have any additional suggestions of Finger Lakes gifts, please leave a comment.
- First, I must mention my Finger Lakes song downloads, and my Finger Lakes Tshirt, 2007 Finger Lakes Calendar, & other Finger Lakes gifts. They make perfect gifts and I am donating proceeds from the sale of these items to Finger Lakes charities, so you can also help a good cause.
- Of course, Finger Lakes wine has to be at the top of the list. More and more wineries now have online stores and can ship to many states. Go to www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com and click on "Wineries" and get the link to your favorite winery website.
- A Gift Subscription to Life In The Finger Lakes magazine. I look forward to receiving my copy every quarter.
- Amazon.com has a variety of Finger Lakes books and gifts available.
- Friends of the Finger Lakes Publishing has a good selection of Finger Lakes books.
- If you are visiting the Finger Lakes area, visit these gift shops suggested by local B&B owners.
- There are an amazing number of artists and craftspeople that make their home in the Finger Lakes area and create wonderful artwork. Here is a great list of them. You are sure to find unique gift items from them.
- The Corning Museum of Glass has a excellent online store with many gift items.
Here's to wishing you all get that Finger Lakes gift that you want for the Holidays!!!
If you have any additional suggestions of Finger Lakes gifts, please leave a comment.
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