By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Having tasted a lot of Finger Lakes riesling this month — a lot — several characteristics that consistently ran through most of the wines. I'm not going to get into a discussion of terroir here, but flavors like lime, peach/apricot, slate minerality and anise can be found in a great many Finger Lakes rieslings.
This Wagner Vineyards 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13) stood out as something different and I'd be curious to find out more about the vineyard practices and winemaking techniques employed here.
Different doesn't mean better or worse — it's just different.
Aromas of almonds, green figs, honey and just-ripe melon lead the way here, with subtle citrus character — more lemon than lime.
The palate shows surprising, palate-coating richness with fig, peach jam and citrus zest flavors. The mid-palate does show some honey sweetness, but it's cleaned nicely by just enough citrusy acidity that leads into a medium-short, fruity-minerally finish.
Producer: Wagner Vineyards
ABV: 11.8%
Price:
$13*
Rating:
85