By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Robibero Family Vineyards, which took over the old Rivendell Winery building in New Paltz, NY in 2007, is a Hudson Valley winery to keep an eye on. The Robibero family has planted an estate vineyard and is working hard to breathe new life into the winery and tasting room and has hired Kristop Brown, formerly of Benmarl Winery, to help make the wines.
For now the wines are made with fruit and juice purchased in other areas of the state — a common scenario in the Hudson River Valley.
This Robibero Family Vineyards 2010 Dry Riesling ($17) is made with fruit sourced in Finger Lakes and it shows it.
Fresh aromas of green apple, lime and juicy pear are accented by a subtle, but distinct, floral note.
Fruity and somewhat simple on the palate, this wine is dominated by lime and green apple flavors with subtle honey character. All that fruit is balanced quite well with crisp, juicy acidity — with a medium-length finish that shows lime and pear flavors.
You'll find more complex dry rieslings in the Finger Lakes, but this wine successfully dodges the "lemony acid water" style that underwhelms.
Producer: Robibero Family Vineyards
AVA: New York State (Finger Lakes)
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $17*
(3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)