Posts Written OnMay 11, 2010

Croteaux Vineyards 2009 Sauvage (Merlot Rose)

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief When Croteaux Vineyards began producing its own wines in 2006 using the fruit grown in its 10-acre vineyard, it made (at least) two important decisions. First, owners Michael and Paula Croteau hired veteran winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich from Raphael to make the wines, and they decided to only make rose — and make several different ones. Spend any time with Olsen-Harbich and he's going to talk to you about how he's moved away from yeast inoculations in his the cellar. Instead he relies entirely on ambient yeast these days, making him one of only a handful of…

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Easily the most recognizable name in Finger Lakes wine, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars has been making quality riesling on the shores of Keuka Lake since its founding in 1962. Classic and familiar, Dr. Konstantin Frank 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($15) offers aromas of Golden Delicious apple, golden raisin and peach.  Off-dry, the palate is ripe with apple, peach and citrus flavors, with a subtle almond note. The acidity is fresh and citrusy but not electric — balancing the the RS, but not quite reaching that tense, nervy level. A long, citrusy finish shows light sweetness,…

TasteCamp EAST 2010 Video: Sam Argetsinger Shares the Iroquois Tale of the Thundering Voices

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief As part of TasteCamp, one group of attendees visited Argetsinger Vineyard with long-time grower Sam Argetsinger. During the course of an hour-plus walking the vineyard with Sam, he shared many insights into how he manages his vineyard as well as several Iroquois tales, including this one about the Thundering Voices — which was absolutely appropriate given the thunderstorm that had rolled through the night before.