Finger Lakes News & Notes

-The Critics Challenge Wine Awards have been announced and the following Finger Lakes wineries won awards:

Chateau Frank
Critics Platinum 2000 Blanc de Blanc Finger Lakes $29.99

Chateau Lafayette Reneau
Critics Silver, 2005 Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented, $14.99
Critics Silver 2006 Dry Riesling Finger Lakes $14.99

Glenora Wine Cellars
Critics Silver 2001 Brut, Méthode Champenoise, $24.99
Critics Silver 2007 Pinot Blanc Finger Lakes $19.99
Critics Silver 2006 Dry Riesling, Vintner's Select Finger Lakes $23.99
Critics Silver 2007 Riesling Finger Lakes $17.99

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard
Critics Silver 2005 Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes $17.99
Critics Silver 2006 Chardonnay Finger Lakes $9.99
Critics Silver 2007 Riesling, Homestead Reserve Finger Lakes $17.99
Critics Silver 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Finger Lakes $12.99

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Critics Silver 2006 Gewürztraminer Dry Finger Lakes $20.00

Knapp Vineyards & Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Dry Riesling Cayuga Lake $18.95

Lakewood Vineyards
Critics Silver 2006 Gewürztraminer Finger Lakes $16.99
Critics Gold 2007 Dry Riesling Finger Lakes $12.99
Critics Silver 2006 Riesling Finger Lakes $12.99

Lucas Vineyards
Critics Silver 2007 Vignoles Finger Lakes $10.99
Critics Platinum 2007 Dry Riesling Finger Lakes $12.99

- Ventosa Vineyards received a Vinum Cum Laude prize for its 2007 Pinot Gris at the 18th annual Wine Literary Award ceremony in San Francisco. A group of 90 wine journalists tasted about 1,000 wines from around the world, with only 20 (2%) receiving the Vinum Cum Laude accolades.

- Lakewood Vineyards reports that their new 2007 (already award-winning) Riesling will be available at their tasting room in a few months. Also, for you fellow Lakewood Port fans out there, Liz tells me that a delay in receiving bottles has delayed the new Port's release, but it should be out by August. I've got one bottle left in my cellar and I don't know if it's going to last that long!

- Fox Run Vineyards has received national attention concerning four of its wines. The June 2008 issue of Wine & Spirits magazine has chosen Fox Run’s 2006 Reserve Riesling ($30) as one of its Critics’ Picks and rated the Riesling at 93 points – the highest ever in the Finger Lakes! Fox Run’s 2006 Riesling (sold out) was chosen as a "100 Top Values" and the magazine gave this wine 91 points! The magazine has also given Fox Run’s 2006 Dry Riesling ($15) 91 points and described it as follows, "The flavors come in layers – white peach, passion fruit, nectarine – and that fruit is supported by a slatey minerality that give the wine a fine, gripping texture." Fox Run’s 2006 Gewurztraminer ($20) was rated with 91 points as well, "…peach flavors balanced against a mineral edge."

- If you've seen a new tasting-room like building being erected just north of Watkins Glen on the west side of Seneca Lake, word on the street has it that another new winery is being built. The rumored new name of the winery is quite bold and just might stir up some controversy. Stay Tuned.