My wife and I had lunch at the Village Tavern in Hammondsport on Tuesday, and we encountered a mind-bending wine list. The Tavern is well known for its long selection of aged Finger Lakes wines. Lenn and I have both written about it in the past. The good news is that the Tavern has ideal storage and a staff that pledges to taste the wines periodically to make sure they're still showing well. But this most recent visit revealed an even longer - and frankly, more bizarre - list than I remember seeing at the Tavern. Start with the by-the-glass…
Posts Written OnAugust 17, 2010
What We Drank (August 17, 2010)
Evan Dawson: Cab Franc showdown (Domaine des Ouches 2005 Bourguiel and Red Newt Cellars 2005 Cabernet Franc) It's always enlightening to compare, and this was a nice little linear comparison: Cabernet Franc from its sweet spot in France and Cabernet Franc from one of the strongest Finger Lakes producers in a very good vintage. Unfortunately, the Bourguiel suffered from some storage issues (we assume) and was prematurely tired. But the Red Newt showed beautifully, with our guests showing genuine surprise when it was finally revealed as a Finger Lakes red. I wouldn't say it's highly indicative of place, but not…
Swedish Hill Winery 2009 Dry Riesling
Not all that many have hit tasting room lists or store shelves yet, but if the early returns are any indication, 2009 may prove another great year for Finger Lakes riesling. Swedish Hill Winery winemaker Ian Barry makes a lot of wines. When we stopped there last month to taste, I was shocked at just how many wines were on the tasting sheet — at least 30. Throw in the fact that he makes the wines for Penguin Bay Winery and Goosewatch Winery and he's one busy man come harvest time (and the rest of the year.) Swedish Hill Winery…