This week, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard’s 2005 Dry Riesling ($16) defeated 702 other New York wines to win the Governor’s Cup, awarded to the events best wine. Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars was named New York’s "Winery of the Year" based on the number, and level, of medals its wines won.

Sponsored and run by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation (NYWGF), a nonprofit statewide trade organization based in the in newly opened New York Wine and Culinary Center.

Howard Goldberg reported in the New York Times, "The wine industry and influential wine periodicals treat the contest as
the broadest, most representative index of the quality and styles of
New York’s expanding wine industry." And, while probably true, I think it important to point out that not every winery (including some of the best) even send wines to this event.

But, the tasters can only taste what is put in front of them. The wines are tasted blind and by professionals, so the results are legit.

The winners by category for 2006 can be seen below. I only have a couple questions — again because the panel can only
taste what is put in front of them. I can’t complain that some of the
states best red wines weren’t included, even though I think most people familiar with them will agree that New York’s best cabernet sauvignon does not come out of the Finger Lakes. So:

Why isn’t there a sauvignon blanc category? My guess is
because outside of Long Island, no one is growing or making it. But, on
Long Island, no one is growing stuff like Niagra or Cayuga either. In
fact, there are very VERY few non-vinifera vines here.

A Finger Lakes bias?
Maybe. I’ve heard grumblings of that locally. I think there should at least be an "Other White Vinifera" category like there is
"Other Red Vinifera."

What is the difference, for this event, between "Late Harvest" and "Ice/Iced Wine"? I only ask because Wolffer’s late harvest chardonnay is made
from grapes that are frozen in a commerical freezer, so wouldn’t that
put it in the "Ice/Iced Wine" category? Maybe. Maybe not. I’ll have to
see if I can find out.

Sparkling Wine:
Chateau Frank 2000 Blanc de Noirs

White Wine:
Hermann J Wiemer 2005 Dry Riesling

Rose or Blush Wine: Chateau Lafayette Reneau Emperor’s Blush

Red Wine:
Jamesport Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Franc

Specialty Win:e
Baldwin Vineyards Strawberry Wine

Dessert Wine:
Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2005 Late Harvest Chardonnay

Vinifera Sparkling
:
Chateau Frank 2000 Blanc de Noirs
                                                              Chardonnay: Corey Creek Vineyards 2005 Reserve Chardonnay
Dry Riesling: Hermann J Wiemer 2005 Dry Riesling
                                                            

Semi-Dry Riesling:
Mazza Chautauqua Cellars 2005 Riesling
Semi-Sweet Riesling:
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2005 Johannisberg Riesling

Gewurztraminer: Corey Creek Vineyards 2005 Gewurztraminer &
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2005 Gewurztraminer

Cayuga White:
Swedish Hill Vineyards 2005 Cayuga White
                                              
Other White Hybrid: Atwater Estate Vineyards 2005 Vidal Blanc

Other Native Varietal:
Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2005 Diamond

White French American Hybrid:
Red Newt Cellars Red Newt White

Niagara:
Red Newt Cellars Blue Newt White

Native White Blend:
Lucas Vineyards Miss Behavin’

Blush:
Chateau Lafayette Reneau Emperor’s Blush

Cabernet Franc
:
Jamesport Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Franc

Merlot:
Peconic Bay Winery 2001 Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon:
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Pinot Noir:
Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2002 Pinot Noir

Other Red Vinifera:
Keuka Spring Vineyards 2005 Lemberger

French American Hybrid Red Blend:
Lucas Vineyards 2005 Tug Boat Red

Mead:
Torrey Ridge Winery Scarlet Red

Fruit:
Baldwin Vineyards Strawberry Wine
Late Harvest:
Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2005 Late Harvest Chardonnay
Ice/Iced Wine:
Lakewood Vineyards 2005 Borealis

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