By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

JUne's Times Union New York Wine Club selections are on their way to members today and tomorrow, so it's once again time to announce the selections and share a bit about them.

For our Basic-Level Members this month, we have two whites that represent tremendous value — and hot weather deliciousness.

Hermann J. Vineyard 2009 Frost Cuvee is a unique, off-dry blend of riesling, gewurztrainer, chardonnay, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. 

Though off-dry with 1.5% residual sugar, there is a citrus drenched bold of electric acidity that runs through this flora, citrusy wine. It teaches an important lesson — in good years (like 2009 for whites like riesling in the Finger Lakes) even an estate's entry-level wine can be impressive.

Our second wine for the Basic Level this month comes from the 2009 vintage in the Finger Lakes as well — Fox Run Vineyards 2009 Dry Riesling.

There are certainly times when I find dry rieslings from the Finger Lakes a bit one-dimensional and lacking in depth and concentration. I tend to refer to those wines as acid water. That is anything but the case here. Winemaker Peter Bell is well-regarded in the region and beyond and his rielsing are often the stars of his portfolio. Very floral and minerally, I also found bright lime, grapefruit and white tea character here — all wrapped up in a lively, mouth-watering package.

With our Premium-Level wines this month, I decided to do something for the first time — pick two wines that I hope you'll drink side-by-side.

Two sauvignon blancs made by the same winery from the same vintage using the same techniques — but from two different vineyards owned by the same grower.

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Mudd Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc comes from the older, more eastern vineyard owned by Steve Mudd while the Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Mudd Vineyard West Sauvignon comes from his newer vineyard a couple towns west.

I'm not going to tell you anything about these wines. I really hope you'll drink them side by side and I honestly don't' want to have any pre-conceived notions going in. Just know that they are both fresh, balance and come without any oak flavors to get in the way.

Learn more about the club and by all means, sign up. You can just do a month or three if you want to try it out. And as always, if you have any questions, please just ask me!