Posts Written OnJuly 17, 2013

Waters Crest Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc

2012 appears to have been a good year for Long Island sauvignon. Waters Crest Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($19) is a well-priced, lemon-bomb of a sauvignon blanc that shows lemon character in many guises on the nose — everything from lemon pulp and peel to lemon balm and lemon verbena. There are also notes of grapefruit and cut grass. On the lighter side of medium bodied, the palate is bright and similarly citrusy with the addition of Golden Delicious apple flavors. Though a a tiny bit dilute on the mid-palate, this wine finishes well with a lingering apple and lemon…

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Will Changes in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program Leave Some Out in the Cold?

Questions about the pace of global climate change and its effect on viticulture have been frequent topics of conversations in vineyards and wineries around New York. A less talked about, and even less understood change also taking place with another force that has significance to the industry.  The Cornell Cooperative Extension is on a path of reorganization, that while still in the definition phases, might ultimately change the way that folks in the field interface with its services. The Cooperative Extension service of the USDA has for nearly 150 years followed a mission to “help people use research-based knowledge to improve…

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Red Newt Cellars 2011 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Riesling

Though not quite as good as the stellar 2009 bottling, Red Newt Cellars 2011 Sawmill Creek Vineyards Riesling ($21) was still a standout in a recent tasting. Opening with floral aromas, the nose quickly turns peachy, honeyed and with a squirt of lime juice and just-cut Gala apple. Bursting with grapefruit, peach and lime flavors, the medium-bodied palate shows nice balance between richness and freshness thanks to juicy, citrusy acidity. That acidity stretches out the finish, which shows more lime and grapefruit flavors. Producer: Red Newt Cellars AVA: Finger Lakes ABV: 11.1% RS: 1.3% TA: 7.9 g/L pH: 3.0 Price: $21* (3.5 out of 5…

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