"Deep Lakes, Icy Climate, Great Wine," by Eric Asimov, chief wine critic of The New York Times.

 

The rain was falling again in the Finger Lakes, just as it had for much of September. The incessant precipitation was causing anguish as grape growers across the region weighed harvesting before optimal ripeness or risking the rot and mold that might come with waiting.

"This is a year that's going to challenge everybody," said John Martini, who owns Anthony Road Wine Company, on the shore of Seneca lake outside this village. The difficult climate, combined with a diverse combination of soils, makes the Finger Lakes one of the most unusual American wine regions. In the last decade or so, it has begun to show its enormous potential, as a small but growing number of producers makes graceful wines that stand in contrast to prevailing styles from the West Coast.

Fortuitously, the region hitched itself to Riesling just as, in the last 10 years, Riesling skyrocketed in popularity in the United States. Nowadays, top producers are not simply making good Finger Lakes Rieslings, or good American Rieslings. They are making seriously good world-class Rieslings, in a multitude of styles.

 

>>  CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

>>  Click here for "The Good Life Comes a Little Harder in the Finger Lakes," Diner's Journal article also by Eric Asimov

 

Two Finger Lakes wineries have received the prestigious honor of being named among the Top 100 Wineries of the year by Wine & Spirits magazine. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Red Newt Cellars are both recognized in the highly anticipated 2011 list. The "Wineries of the Year" will be profiled in the winter issue of Wine & Spirits, available on newsstands nationwide on October 12, 2011.

Each year, Wine & Spirits magazine tastes thousands of wines. The list is built from those wineries that have delivered the best overall performances in the Wine & Spirits tastings throughout the year. The full list can be found at www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com/top100.

 

  Click Here to Read Full Article 

New York Wine & Culinary Center's 2011 Golden Nose Competition, held June 4th in Canandaigua, N.Y., recognizes the passion for quality riesling at Red Newt Cellars in the Finger Lakes region. This year, Red Newt Cellars earned a medal for each wine sent in for judgement: silver for Red Newt Cellars 2009 Davis Vineyard Riesling, silver for Red Newt Cellars 2009 Sawmill Creek Riesling, and last, but certainly not least, gold for Red Newt Cellars most popular wine 2010 "Circle" Riesling.

Golden Nose boasts uniqueness as a competition that allows consumers to award the best wines from the Finger Lakes region. Twenty-two consumer judges spent one day learning techniques of wine judging from local wine professionals and then awarded medals during a blind tasting, professionally-run competition assisted by eight seasoned Finger Lakes wine industry experts.

Entering the competition this year were 214 different wines representing over 20 varieties from 34 Finger Lakes wineries. Of which, 192 medals were awarded: 12 double gold, 19 gold, 92 silver, and 69 bronze. Panels of four to five judges determined the initial awards and "best of class" designations were additionally awarded to the wines rated the finest in various areas.

The 2011 Golden Nose Competition was organized by New York Wine & Culinary Center's Shannon Brock and New York Wine & Grape Foundation's Theresa Knapp. Participation was open to all wineries in the Finger Lakes appellation.

For complete results or more information visit www.nywcc.com

The New York Wine & Culinary Center is a non-profit facility located at 800 South Main Street in Canandaigua, New York. Their mission is to excite, inspire and engage New Yorkers and the world in a celebration, understanding and appreciation of New York wine and food through educational programming and partnerships, making it a part of their everyday lives. The Center features a a hands-on culinary kitchen, demonstration theater, tasting room, private dining room, restaurant, and gift boutique.

We are pleased to announce latest ratings from Wine Spectator Online!
(Ratings to follow in the December print issues of Wine Spectator.)

2008 Curry Creek Vineyards Gewurztraminer Rated: 90 
Ripe and spicy, with extra oomph to the bitter grapefruit, lychee and lemon zest notes, laced with a hint of rose water. A lightly firm edge adds length on the juicy finish. Drink now. 230 cases made. –JM

2009 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Riesling Rated: 90 
Very fresh, with a floral edge to the flavors of lime and jasmine, which turn to snappy green apple on the refreshing, focused finish. There's really good cut to this white. Drink now through 2012. 198 cases made. –JM

2009 Lahoma Vineyards Riesling Rated: 89 
Off-dry, but focused and pure, with delicious apple, lime and kiwifruit flavors backed by a long, fresh finish. Should stretch out a touch more with brief cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 123 cases made. –JM

2008 Curry Creek Vineyards Pinot Gris Rated:  88    
Ripe, pure and focused, with delicious salted butter, yellow apple and melon rind notes that stay bright and stylish on the finish. Drink now. 226 cases made. –JM

The 2008 wines are current releases, available at Red Newt, online, and at select retailers.
The 2009 wines are scheduled to be released in January 2011.  But if you stop by the winery, or give us a call, I'll bet we can find you a few bottles!

Cheers!