The September shipment of the Empire State Cellars Wine Club, won’t ship for another 3 or 4 weeks, but I want to tell you about them today so, if you’re not already a member but want the wines, you’ll have time to join.

If you’re not familiar with the club, you can learn more here.

“Hello New York” Wines

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2011 Riesling: Most 2011 Finger Lakes rieslings are marked by incredible, snappy acidity and this off-dry example shows near-perfect balance. Showing apricot, nectarine and lime flavors and hints of fig, this is a great value.

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 2009 Arrowhead Red: This Old World-styled blend of Bordeaux varieties displays red cherries and blackberries on a medium-bodied palate, with notes of sweet oak and subtle herbaceousness. One of the best red wine values in New York.

“Getting to Know New York” Wines

Anthony Nappa Wines 2010 ‘Spezia’ Gewurztraminer: Another Nappa wine that I can’t get enough of. Complex and distinctive, this gewurzt delivers tropical fruit, peach, gingery spice, rose petal and a unique grapefruit-spice-herb note that is reminiscent of some heavily-hopped India Pale Ales. Mouth-filling and balanced, it shows nice focus and length.

Red Tail Ridge NV Dornfelder: Part of the winery’s “Obscure Red Varietal Series” this Dornfelder blends wine from 2009 and 2010 and shows ripe, intense brambly fruit flavors with hints of spice and earth — all wrapped up in a silky, medium-bodied package. Unique and delicious.

“New York Wine Trail” Wines

Heron Hill Winery 2009 Ingle Vineyard Chardonnay: Unoaked,  this is a balanced, expressive wine with aromas of lemongrass, grapefruit, lemon, green apple and just a hint of honeydew melon rind. Medium bodied and showing tremendous focus, the palate is citrusy with a lemongrass edge and a light floral characteristic.

McCall Wines 2008 Reserve Merlot: McCall has earned a reputation for making Long Island’s best pinot noir, but this merlot  deserves attention too. Nicely concentrated with integrated oak, the finish lingers beautifully.

“Excelsior” Wines

Paumanok Vineyards 2010 Grand Vintage Chardonnay: Barrel-fermented chardonnay isn’t typically my thing, but this is one of the finest examples I’ve tasted from the hot 2010 vintage. With plenty of fruit to stand up to the oak influence, it’s balanced, fresh on the finish — and keep an eye out for an intriguing note of lavender. 

Pellegrini Vineyards 2001 Vintner’s Pride Encore: Our first library release is a Bordeaux-style blend from the stellar 2001 vintage. Blackberries and smoke are joined by mature, savory flavors now. Drink it soon, or age it a bit longer.

If you haven’t signed up for the club yet, fear not. You can still get in on this first shipment. Email Katherine Jaeger, Manager of Wine Clubs, at wineclub@empirestatecellars.com and she will take good care of you. And remember, you can customize your club to include just red or whites wines too if you’d like.