Lucas_09semidryriesling By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

When you're the winemaker at Lucas Vineyards, making nearly 30,000 cases of wine every year — with nearly 30 different bottlings — it's not easy to give each lot the attention it deserves, as Jeff Houck told my colleague Evan Dawson back in late 2009.

Many of the Lucas Vineyards wines are geared towards casual drinkers and those new to wine, but there are some real gems in the portfolio — including Houck's cabernet franc, sparkling Cayuga and always-tasty riesling lineup.

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14) will appeal to a wide range of palates — including my own.

Just-ripe peach, juicy apple and sweet — almost candied — citrus mingle on a forward, fruity nose.

Very generous on the palate, there is some definite sweetness here (3% RS) but it's balanced very well with fresh, snappy acidity. The flavors open with apple Jolly Rancher and candied lemon peel before a bright peach note enters the fray with a subtle nutty note on the medium-length finish.

Producer: Lucas Vineyards
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 11.5%
RS 3.9%
Price: $14*
Rating: 87