By Lenn Thompson, Editor and Publisher As you've read here and elsewhere, to tell the story of the 2005 vintage is really to tell two separate tales — one before the October deluge and one after. That deluge lasted eight days and dumped as many as 20 inches of rain on some vineyards. Some wineries weren't willing to risk waiting, harvesting their reds before the rains hit. One even stopped picking chardonnay, leaving it to the elements, to pick reds. The before-or-after decision wasn't a simple one, nor was it one-dimensional. If you waited until after the rains, how long…
Posts Written OnJune 15, 2009
Notes on Ravines and Wolffer at I Drink NY Astor Place Event
By Sasha Smith, New York City Correspondent Photo by Sasha Smith A few weeks ago I attended the first annual Winebow "I Drink New York" event at Astor Wines featuring Ravines Wine Cellars, Wolffer Estate Vineyards and Millbrook Vineyards. I focused on Ravines, which I knew little about (aside from the fact that Lenn's a fan) and Wolffer. A brief dispatch: A good wine is like a good thriller: it should hold your attention throughout and finish with a surprise. The Ravines Wine Cellars 2007 Dry Riesling fulfilled both criteria. The wine has a mineral and citrus fruit purity that’s…
Video: Back In the Hunt: New Winemaker Bridges Generations
By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Correspondent I had the opportunity to visit with the new winemaker of Hunt Country Vineyards near Keuka Lake: Jonathan Hunt, son of owners Art and Joyce Hunt. The Hunts declined to say much about the departure of winemaker Chris Wirth, who left the operation last week. "We appreciate Chris' efforts," Art said. "But we've been looking for a way to bring new energy to the winery. Jon has dreamed about this job, and we think it's time." In the interview, Jonathan - along with his wife, Caroline, and his father, Art - explain the following, which…