By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

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You an get a lot of great Finger Lakes riesling in the $15 range. No one can argue that. But some still complain that $15 is too much and that there are wines that are just as good or even better from Washington state or Germany — for less money.

I'd argue the QPR of many of those $10-12 rieslings, but instead of getting caught up in a quality arguement, Dave Whiting, co-owner and winemaker at Red Newt Cellars is jumping into the same pool, taking those $12 rieslings on directly with Red Newt Cellars 2008 'Circle' Riesling ($12). (Read Evan's post about the project)

Not only is Red Newt making a $12 riesling, they are doing it well. Very well.

Scents reminiscent of sweet pineapple, pear, honey, orange peel and dried fruit mingle on a fruit salad of a nose. 

Definitely in a sweeter style (3.2% RS) the broad, mouth-filling palate shows good balance because of zesty acidity. The flavors range from pineapple to pear to honey to peach — with just a bit of candied citrus peel. The finish isn't long, but ends cleanly given the RS.

At $12, this is a great, crowd-pleasing value of a wine that makes it easy to drink local.

Producer: Red Newt Cellars
ABV: 11.7%

RS: 3.2%

TA: 8.3 g/l

pH: 3.10

Case Production: 2,200
Price: $12*
Rating: 86

(Ratings Guide)