The New York Cork Report 2010 Wines of the Year

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Almost the entire New York Cork Report team gathered on the snow-covered North Fork this past weekend to taste through the finalists in our "Wines of the Year" program — which also included beer this year.

We tasted a seemingly endless lineup of distinctive and delicious New York wines — both during the tasting and during various meals and winery visits. Not that we needed it, but this weekend served as a reminder of just how good the best New York wines are.

I think we've all grown tired of the phrase "world-class" but many of these were wines that I'd proudly pour for even the most discerning wine geek, knowing that they'd come away impressed.

You should expect several posts and stories about these wines over the course of coming weeks, but today we're thrilled to announce the New York Cork Report 2010 Wines of the Year as chosen by our wine editors:

Finger Lakes Sparkling: Lamoreaux Landing 2006 Blanc de Blanc
Finger Lakes Riesling: Damiani Wine Cellars 2009 Riesling
Finger Lakes Other White: Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Gewurztraminer
Finger Lakes Red: Ravines Wine Cellars 2007 Meritage
Finger Lakes Dessert: Standing Stone Vineyards 2008 Riesling Ice

Hudson Valley White: Millbrook Winery 2008 Block Two West Chardonnay
Hudson Valley Red: Millbrook Winery 2008 Block Five East Pinot Noir

Long Island Sparkling: Lenz Winery 2004 Cuvee
Long Island White: Paumanok Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
Long Island Merlot: Paumanok Vineyards 2007 Tuthill's Lane Vineyard Merlot
Long Island Other Red: Roanoke Vineyards 2007 Blend One
Long Island Dessert: Paumanok Vineyards 2009 Late Harvest Riesling

Niagara White: Leonard Oakes Estate 2009 Chardonnay
Niagara Red: Freedom Run Winery 2008 Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc

New York Beer: Southampton Ales & Lagers Abbot 12 Quadrupel

Though we were close in some cases, none of these winners received the four votes — making it unanimous — necessary to be named a state-wide winner.

Congratulations to all of finalists and especially to the winners. Each representative editor will be working on some follow-up posts about the winners in their beats as well.