By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

WineclublogosmallMay's Times Union New York Wine Club selections are on their way to members and that means it's time to tell you a bit about them.

May-basic For our Basic-Level Members this month, we have a great duo that you can take to or serve at your next bbq.

Peconic Bay Winery 2009 Lot #2 is a blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon that delivers good value. Complex for the price point, the nose offers sweet red cherry and red raspberry fruit with layers of earthy spice and sweet herbs over top. The palate shows similar berry and herb qualities along with some woodsy/stemmy character and a distinct red apple skin note.

Our second wine for the Basic Level this month is Sheldrake Point 2009 Dry Riesling. With classic lime and citrus blossom aromas with a little green apple, the nose screams "Finger Lakes" while the palate brings a snappy, citrusy combination of lime and ruby red grapefruit with a herbal-fennel edge. Mouthwatering and medium-long, the finish shows just a bit of slate minerality too.

May-premium With our Premium-Level wines this month, we present two very different Finger Lakes rieslings for summer.

Bloomer Creek Auten Vineyard First Harvest Riesling is a unique expression of Finger Lakes riesling. It's plump but with plenty of acidity to cut through ripe apple and nutty, leesy character that is vaguely reminiscent of Champagne or maybe an old white Rioja. This may not be what you expect from Finger Lakes rielsing, but that's one reason we're including it — it's delicious and distinctive. Only 173 cases were made.

For a bit more classic of a presentation, try our second wine, Red New Cellars 2009 Sawmill Creek Vineyard Riesling. With all of its lime, white tea and green almond and apple character — with a laser beam of acidity running through it — it's a fine example of riesling from America's top riesling region.

Learn more about the club and by all means, sign up. You can just do a month or three if you want to try it out. And as always, if you have any questions, please just ask me!