Posts Tagged“finger lakes”

Evan Dawson’s “Summer in a Glass” Wins International Wine Book of the Year

Yesterday afternoon, our very own Evan Dawson was in London to accept the award for “International Wine Book of the Year” at the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards 2012. No one around here is surprised at the success Evan’s beautifully written book has enjoyed, but it’s amazing to see the book reach so many people around the globe — all about our little wine region in upstate New York. Congratulations, my friend. We’re proud of all that you’ve accomplished. We’re honored to have you as a driving force behind this website. So, when is the next book coming out?  …

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Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2009 Rkatsiteli

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor I was first introduced to the Rkatsiteli grape when I tried the 2006 vintage bottling from Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars. I was quickly hooked by the aromatic white that can be described as riesling-meets-gewruztraminer-meets-sauvignon blanc in its aromas and flavors with a beam of beautiful natural acidity. Since then, Dr. Frank’s Rkatsiteli has been a bit up and down for me — always drinkable, but sometimes without the verve and length of that first taste. Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2009 Rkatsiteli ($15) is lemony on the nose with notes of citrus…

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Guest Post: Hermann J. Wiemer Stands Out at TasteCamp 2010 (Remy Charest, The Wine Case)

Hermann J. Wiemer winemaker Fred Merwarth discussing his winemaking philosophy By Remy Charest, The Wine Case This may not come as that much of a surprise to those familiar with the Finger Lakes, but the region does make really great riesling. For participants in the second edition of Tastecamp EAST, however, this three-day, three-lake stint in the region was a great opportunity to confirm that the region indeed lives up to its reputation in that respect: just like merlot in Long Island – Tastecamp’s first destination, last year – the Finger Lakes' flagship grape consistently delivers. Throughout the weekend, we…

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Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2008 Riesling

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief During a tasting of Finger Lakes riesling last weekend, I thought a non-Finger Lakes ringer had worked its way into the lineup. Even though I pull the wines from the cellar myself (and knew I grabbed only Finger Lakes juice) this wine seemed almost an outlier, tasting a bit more Washington (state) to me than Finger Lakes. Sheldrake Point Vineyard 2008 Riesling ($15) obviously is a Finger Lakes riesling, but it is decidedly different than the other wines I tasted during this session. The nose is ripe, almost overripe with gobs of juicy, sweet peach backed…

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Eve’s Cidery Essence

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief As an admitted wine and beer geek, I really (really) love stumbling upon new libations in unexpected places. I love it even more if it's a style or beverage that is new to me. I picked up a bottle of this Eve's Cidery Essence ($22) at the Ithaca Farmer's Market last summer — after I spent way too much time deciding which of the amazing, mostly ethnic, food stalls to buy lunch from. Essence is an "ice cider" that is made by allowing late harvest juice to freeze partially. As the juice freezes the water is…

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Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry Riesling

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Hermann J. Wiemer is what I call an "any vintage" winery. What I mean is that, regardless of the conditions throughout the growing season, this is a winery that can be counted on for good wines. They truly do the best with what Mother Nature gives, even if she doesn't give much. Making good wines even in lesser years is a testament to co-owner and winemaker Fred Merwarth's talents and attention to detail.  So what happens in good years, like 2008 for Finger Lakes rieslings? Wines like this one happen. This Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry…

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The New York Cork Club’s March 2010 Selections

This month's selections: Red Newt Cellars 2007 Sawmill Creek Cabernet Franc and Lucas Vineyards 2008 Dry Riesling  By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Today I'm happy to announce our New York Cork Club selections for March: Red Newt Cellars 2007 Sawmill Creek Cabernet Franc and Lucas Vineyards 2008 Dry Riesling. If you read this site, you've probably already seen the reviews (here and here) so I won't go into the notes again, but I will say that I'm proud to have each in the club. Not familiar with the New York Cork Club? You can read about it, but the quick and…

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Book Update: The 90,000-Word Journey

  Evan chatting with one of his book's subjects, Red Newt's Dave Whiting By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Photos by Morgan Dawson Photography It still needs a title, but the hardest part is now over. My posts for the Cork Report have been a bit less frequent than I'd prefer over the past month, and I wanted to explain why that is. I've been in the final stages of writing a book and it has monopolized my time. My publisher set a manuscript deadline of March 15. I'll submit it several days before that date.  On Saturday I wrote…

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Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Riesling

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief Damiani Wine Cellars, on the eastern shorts of Seneca Lake, has built a reputation around its red wines — a unique focus in a region known mostly for its aromatic whites. They do make white wines — and now bubbly — too though, and while most of them have underwhelmed, this Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Riesling ($16) stood out during my tasting last weekend. The winery sourced the riesling for this wine from one of the region's most experienced and respected growers — Sam Argetsinger. I've tasted a couple other rieslings (1|2) made with Sam's grapes…

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Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine: Looking for Room at the Dance

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor In the flickering glint of the strobe lights, amidst the pulsing beat and bodies, it was impossible to see the edges of the room. No matter. The party was in the middle, and it centered around Riesling. He was always the magnet, the draw, the energy. Tonight, like most nights, he had brought a few friends. The girls would wink and nod at his entourage, but ultimately they were fighting for the mysterious man who was known for being simultaneously acerbic and sweet. He always gets the girl. That's pretty much the story of…

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