By Lenn Thompson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Back in mid-June when Evan visited Hunt Country Vineyards, new winemaker Jonathan Hunt singled out Valvin Muscat as the grape he is most excited about working with.
At the time, I thought it an interesting, even surprising choice. The Finger Lakes region shows limitless potential with classic aromatic white varieties like riesling and gewurztraminer. Why would a winemaker with long-time family roots in the region choose a hybrid developed by Bruce Reisch at Cornell University that was only released in 2006?
Apparently, he truly believes in the grapes potential. And, after tasting this wine last week, I can see why. I doubt Valvin Muscat will ever come close to rivalling riesling in the region, but there is plenty to like about it.
The nose is bright, fresh and extremely floral (think honeysuckle and a spring meadow), with only the most subtle pear note way in the background.
That perfumed, floral character is even more prominent on a straightforward palate. Light sweetness (1% RS) is balanced by good, but not great, acidity, and the finish is impressively long, ending just off-dry and lingering nicely
Overall, this is a bit one-note, but that one note is classic muscat.
Producer: Hunt Country Vineyards
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12%
Price: $15*
Rating: 
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)