Tastingtable
By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

It's been a while since we've published a Tasting Table — sorry for that. Our coverage of Finger Lakes riesling and Long Island rose will carry over into June a bit, but here are some of the rieslings and roses that for one reason or another.

Heron Hill Winery 2008 Dry Riesling ($13, New York): Floral nose with lime candy and lemon-lime soda. Honeyed, candied citrus on the palate with a little minerality. Citrus zest on the finish a little sweet on the finish for a wine labeled "dry." Rating: 83

Heron Hill Winery 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13, New York): Dried apricot, grapefruit, citrus blossom and lemon drop candy on the nose. Sugary apricot-peach on the palate and with okay balance. Finish is short and a little sweet without fruit. Popular style, but lacks focus. Rating: 81

Martha Clara Vineyards 2008 Syrah Rose ($19, North Fork): Nice nose of raspberry and strawberry with light floral, citrus and melon. Dry palate but much simpler flavors and stale flower-perfume note. Round but little flabby. Rating: 81

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2009 Vin Gris ($15, North Fork): Intense, slightly jammy strawberry and red cherry candy aromas. Strawberries and a little watermelon on the palate. Mid-weight and simple, but nice acid balance. Not wimpy, but no noticeable tannins. Cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 84