By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
These are a some wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:
Cayuga Ridge Estate 2007 Riesling ($15): Lemon, lychee and peach aromas on the nose. Doesn't seem very varietally correct. Lemony on the palate with well-integrated acid, a little floral character. Maybe not 100% riesling. Rating: 81
Pellegrini Vineyards 2005 Merlot: Tobacco leaf, fennel frond and menthol mingle with red cherry and plum flavors on a bright, expressive nose. Those cherry and plum flavors carry over to the balanced palate, as do tobacco and subtle blueberry compote character. The tannins have softened since I first tasted this, but still provide solid structure. For $20, you'll be hard pressed to find a better local merlot. Rating: 90
Pellegrini Vineyards 2007 Steakhouse Red ($17): Slightly jammy on the nose, it brings black cherry and plum aromas with a dose of toasty oak. The palate is juicy with blackberry and cherry flavors with subtle spice and slightly astringent tannins. Good value and nice for a Tuesday night. Rating: 84
Pellegrini Vineyards 2008 Medley White ($20): Fresh lemon, orange peel and pineapple aromas greet your nostrils before giving way to a medium-bodied palate with lemon-lime — almost Sprite-like — flavors with a bit of green apple. With good balance and acidity, this would make a great summer sipper. Wish it were $15. Rating: 84
Red Tail Ridge 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($16): Peaches, pears and ripe golden apples mingle on the nose with a quirt of lime and subtle slate character. Lengthy palate with fruity flavors that match the nose and great acidity. Distinct grapefruit on the finish. Well balanced and should age well. Rating: 90
Robibero Family 2008 Cabernet Franc ($19): Blackberry and cherry fruit with a strong dose of oak and herb garden beneath. A little tomato leaf aroma as well. Peppery and spicy on the palate with a bit too much oak and slightly bitter, rustic tannins. Rating: 83
Robibero Family 2009 Dry Riesling ($16): Made with Finger Lakes fruit. Citrusy nose — lime, grapefruit and citrus blossom — that leads into greet apple and lime flavors on the palate. Subtle slate character. Dry with fresh acidity. Short-ish finish with a touch of honey. Rating: 86
Robibero Family 2008 Syrah ($24): Scents of blueberry pie, tobacco and black peppers on the nose. Plump on the attack. Soft, round and pleasing style with blueberry pie, cranberry sauce. Subtle pepper and earthiness. Rating: 84
Stoutridge Vineyard 2007 Vidal ($16): Unfiltered, unfined and minimally processed. Fermentation-type aromas at first with apricots, honey and pears beneath. Shows light frizzante (fermentation in bottle?) with peach, pear and honey flavors. Lively combination of acidity and carbonation. Medium body with slightly glycerin mouthfeel. Rating: 83