New York Cork Report

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- January 4, 2012

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

This is the last "Tasting Table" that we'll publish here on the NYCR. Going forward, wines like these will each be reviewed as standalone posts. This is a long edition, but I wanted to get caught up a bit in the tasting notebook and start anew before we get too far into 2012.

Atwater Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc ($14*): Crisp Granny Smith apple and green melon aromas. Juicy, fresh palate with loads of green apple and pear flavors. Acidity provides good cut and balances the RS well. Simple but snappy and delicious.

Bloomer Creek Vineyards 2009 Auten Vineyard 2nd Harvest Riesling ($22*): Aromas of apple blossom, pears, yellow apples, lavender and a bit of Champagne-like yeastiness. Super-ripe fruit flavors -- apple, pineapple, golden raisins and guava -- with grapefruit-y acidity that frames that fruitiness, but doesn't quite focus it.

Bloomer Creek Vineyards 2009 Morehouse Vineyard 1st Harvest Riesling ($18*): Unique nose of fig, almond, pear, membrillo and sea shore leads into a complex and ripe palate. Big fig flavors with red apple skin and nutty-salty notes. Some residual sugar, but is balanced by well-incorporated acidity. Unique expression of Finger Lakes riesling.

Comtesse Therese 2006 Aquebogue Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($25*): The nose delivers woodsy, spicy aromas with blueberry, licorice and cherry compote. Cherry cola, blueberry and plum on the palate with quite a bit of cedar and a distinct caramelized sugar note. Decent fruit, but too much oak.

Damiani Wine Cellars 2010 Dry Riesling Davis Vineyard ($22): Lemon-lime and river rock lead the way on a pretty, classy nose, with citrus blossom and faint honey notes behind. Grapefruit and lime on the attack with peach and lemon-lime joining the party on the crisp mid-palate. Crisp, dry and a bit bony. Citrusy, slate-y finish. Enough fruit to avoid over-austerity.

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2010 Muscat Ottonel ($20*): Classic muscat nose -- floral, candied lemons and Fruity Pebbles. Very floral on the palate with lemon drop candy and pear Jelly Belly. Medium-sweet but not syrupy. Just enough acidity. Probably best on its own or maybe fresh fruit dessert?

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($20): Varietally correct nose of grapefruit, lemon and fresh-cut grass. Hay and citrus on the palate with light grassiness and sweet grapefruit flavors. A bit dilute on the mid-palate through the medium-length finish.

Duck Walk Vineyards 2010 Pinot Grigio ($15): The nose shows aromas of canned peaches in syrup, pineapple and papaya with a lightly floral highlight. Palate shows big acid that is a bit disjointed. Candied peach and tropical fruit flavors dominate with some zesty grapefruit character. A bit citrus pithy on the finish.

Duck Walk Vineyards 2010 Rose ($15): Aromas are straightforward with strawberry and cranberry fruit. A bit watery on the attack leading into fruity red berry flavors. Mostly dry with a crisp finish. Fresh, but very one-note.

Fox Run Vineyards 2009 Riesling ($14*): Mostly pear on the nose with a little peach and citrus. Friendly style with some residual sugar and good-but-not-electric acidity. Pear and peach fruit flavors and a surprising walnut nuttiness on the medium finish.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Riesling Dry Reserve ($25*): Floral on the nose with notes of herbal tea, pear and gala apple. Beautiful laser beam of acidity focuses pear and sweet lime flavors accented by pretty floral flavors. Subtle richness on the mid-palate but that acidity balances the wine very well. Finish is long with lemon and grapefruit citrus flavors.

Heron Hill Winery 2009 Dry Riesling ($14*): Delicate nose of hay and flowers. Palate is very floral, almost perfume-y with hints of peach and mango. Great acidity and a faint slate note. Solid value.

Lenz Winery 2004 Estate Selection Merlot (*23): Rich nose that displays black cherry, blackberry and plummy fruit with hints of leather, black pepper and earthy spice. Medium bodied, with nice acidity that boosts the medium-soft tannins. Mature mouthfeel. Plummy with blackberry accents and an earthy edge. Medium-long finish with a distinct blueberry note. On day two open, a minty herbal note emerges. Great value.

Red Newt Cellars 2008 Curry Creek Vineyard Gewurztraminer ($38*): Lighter floral aromas accent pear, apple and candied ginger aromas with jasime and lychee on a layered nose. Wears it's 14.7% abv very well. Ripe, lush fruit up front with pear and citrus notes. Spice, flowers and lychee support and bring nuance. Mouth-watering finish shows a bit of melon as well.

Red Newt Cellars 2009 Lahoma Vineyards Riesling ($20*): Feathery aromas of lime, start fruit and faint flintiness. Definitely off-dry style, but great acidic edge that slices through fresh apple, star fruit and lime flavors. Long, apple-y finish. Well balanced, if just a bit one-dimensional.

Red Tail Ridge Winery 2010 Chardonnay "Sans Oak" ($12): Ripe, sweet-smelling yellow apples and starfruit on the nose. Light to medium bodied and very juicy. Apple-starfruit combo on the palate as well, with citrusy acidity and a clean, mouth-watering finish. Simple, but tasty and very well priced.

Red Tail Ridge Winery 2009 Dry Riesling ($19*): Juicy pear on the nose with a squirt of lime and a sprinkle of candied ginger. Dry, but not austere, on the palate with good but not quite crackling acidity. More juicy lime on the palate with apple, pear and lime candy. Long finish. Well done.

Robibero Family Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($17*): Red cherries, cola, black tea and spicy oak on the nose. Soft and silky palate with low tannins and just enough acidity. Straightforward red berry fruit is a bit hidden by oak, but only barely. Good for the price.

Robibero Family Vineyards 2010 "87 North" ($13*): Blend of 50% Cayuga and 50% Vidal. Big honeydew melon aromas on the nose with a little citrus and pear. Pears and melons dominate the palate too, which shows bright, citrusy acidity. Not long, but finishes cleanly with pears and apples. Simple, but fresh.

Robibero Family Vineyards 2010 Riesling ($16*): Very peachy nose with subtle floral and lemon-lime aromas. Peach dominates the palate as well with sweet citrus and fennel notes. Off-dry but not clunky or cloying. Good acidity that doesn't quite scrub the palate clean. Medium-short finish that is all peaches.  

Tousey Winery 2010 Chardonnay ($16*): Taut on the nose with yellow apple and pear, with a bit of butterscotch and caramel apple. Bit dilute on the palate with good acidity. wood is subtle and comes across as caramelized sugar/vanilla. Lacks fruit somewhat. Fresh finish.  

Ventosa Vineyards 2007 Saggio ($26): Blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, syrah and sangiovese. Nose is surprisingly un-fruity for the vintage with tobacco, dark earth, and oak overwhelming some dark fruit aromas. Lacks fruit on the palate as well. Chewy, tight tannins. Some cherry cola flavor but a lot of oak and earth. Very dry. More fruit emerged on the second day, but by third day the wine had faded overall. 

Zugibe Vineyards 2009 Pinot Gris ($15): White flowers, pears and apples mingle on the fresh, clean nose. Nice pear and white flower flavors on the palate with a little honey. Sizzling acidity -- almost too much -- and slightly off-dry on the mid-palate. Somewhat short finish but pear skin and orange peel notes.

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- November 10, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts. Starting next week, we'll be back with daily standalone reviews.

Comtesse Therese 2010 Rose ($16): Made with cabernet sauvignon. Watermelon aromas with vague red berry character. Bit awkward on the palate. Watermelon and wild strawberry with hints of peach. Good acidity that is a bit disjointed. Subtle RS but dry-ish finish. Pretty ordinary.

Comtesse Therese 2008 Russian Oak Chardonnay ($21): Nose offers dried apricot, fresh pear, vanilla, sugar roasted nuts and beeswax aromas. Medium bodied palate with peach and pear fruit, vanilla cream and cotton candy flavors. Good balance and acidity without any rawness to the oak footprint. Somewhat nutty as it warms. Subtle but distinct grapefruit note at the end of the medium finish.

One Woman Wines 2008 Chardonnay ($20): Apples and pineapples on the palate with light vanilla, butter and lemony aromas. Richer on the palate that the nose indicates. Extremely buttery -- distractingly so. Good acidity. Not woody, but the butter and vanilla flavors overwhelm the fruit a bit too much.

One Woman Wines 2008 Estate Reserve Chardonnay ($38): Warming notes of toasty oak and woodsy spice accent rather than overwhelm apple and citrus fruit aromas. Light floral scents emerges at room temperature. Medium-full body with ripe pear and apple flavors, lemon zest, sweet vanilla and butterscotch. A bit pricey maybe but well done.

One Woman Wines 2010 Gewruztraminer ($23): Peachy nose with jasmine-green tea, citrus blossom, honey and lychee notes. Fruity -- mainly peachy -- palate that shows fresh, citrusy, juicy acidity. Pushes the boundary of too bitter, even for gewurzt.

One Woman Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($28): Lemony grapefruit citrus aromas with hints of green melon, tropical fruit and white flowers. Somewhat simple palate -- very citrusy -- with nice saline minerality. Medium body with good-not-great acidity.

Raphael 2010 Riesling ($28): Nose is a bit light, with citrus blossom, lemon-lime, honey and a little yellow apple. Light, citrus-driven palate shows subtle saline minerality and a bit of honey. Light on flavor, but good acidity and focus. Lime zest on short finish.

 

(Ratings Guide)

 

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- October 28, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts. Starting next week, we'll be back with daily standalone reviews.

Eleven Lakes Winery 2008 Boat Landing Cayuga ($14): Browning/bruised apple aromas with some peach and a chlorine-y chemical note. Not overly interesting on the palate. Pear and white grape that are less oxidized than the nose. Residual sugar is very well balanced, just not much in the way of flavor. 

Eleven Lakes Winery 2008 Chosen Spot Dry Riesling ($18): Extremely citrusy on the nose with lemon-lime and just a little flinty quality. Borders on citrus-water style of Finger Lakes dry riesling. Mainly lemon-lime with a little boney, flinty character. Good acidity. Simple, but clean and fresh. Lacks character though.

Eleven Lakes Winery 2008 Stoney Place Semi-Dry Riesling ($17): Classic regional combination of peach, lime and river rock on the nose. Good acidity and balance on the palate with flavors that match the nose precisely. Shows nicely focus and length, but has a weird medicinal note on the finish. Otherwise, very classic and well done.

Inspire Moore 2009 "Lust" Pinot Noir ($28): Sweet strawberries and raspberries on the nose with subtle earthiness. Medium-light body with restrained red fruit backed by supporting earthiness in the form of muchrooms and stemmy qualities. Soft, but not flabby with just enough acidity and silky, low-grip tannins. Long finish. Nice effort from a not-great year for pinot.

Inspire Moore 2010 "Love" Semi-Dry Riesling ($17): 2.5% RS. Peachy nose with grapefruit and hints of honey and lychee. Mouth-filling with some noticeable sweetness but just enough acidity for balance. Ripe vintage shows with fruit intensity -- peach and grapefruit. Finish is abrupt. Pleasant and very Finger Lakes in style.

Lamoreaux Landing 2010 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13): Apple-driven nose with a juicy squirt of lime. On the friendly, forward palate, a bit of grapefruit joints the apple-lime party. Shows its residual sugar, but not in a sloppy way. Medium-short finish. Simple, but fresh and well-balanced.

Lieb Family Cellars 2010 9/11 Memorial Chardonnay ($19.11): Very light nose with subtle apple, papaya, orange peel and pineapple aromas. Great acidity, but not huge on flavor. Tropical with pineapple and papaya with a bit of nutty vanilla.

Macari Vineyards 2010 Rose ($15): Blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauviginon and malbec. Juicy watermelon, strawberry and big cherry aromas with light sweet herb notes. On the fuller-bodied side with gobs of ripe, drip-down-your-arm watermelon and a burst of crunch red berry flavor, including slightly candied cherries. Shows vintage ripeness with maybe a bit of heat, but has great acidity. Bold but balanced and well suited to your season's last barbeque. One of my favorite 2010 Long Island roses.

Raphael 2010 Chardeaux ($22): 66% chardonnay, 34% sauvignon blanc. Fruity, almost fruit-cocktail nose shows ripe pear, ruby grapefruit, melon with subtle tropical fruit too. Medium-light body, with lots of melon and pear flavor and a bit of citrus zest. Could use a bit more acidity but has a saline edge that I like.

Ventosa Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay ($18): Toasty oak (rather than raw) dominates, hiding much of the tropical fruit aroma. Lots of sweet, toasty oak on the palate as well, but also good acidity. Fruit is somewhat candied, with bubblegum vanilla sweetness on the finish as well. Not enough fruit to stand up to the wood.

Zugibe Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($18): Red cherry aromas are accented by hints of star anise and toasty oak. Fresh on the palate with red cherry and raspberry fruit and light caramel/vanilla  flavors. Not complex or exceptionally long, but clean and fresh and well-priced.

 

 

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- October 6, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts. As always, these notes come almost directly from my notebook.

Bashakill Vineyards 2010 Wood Duck Chardonnay ($15): Fruit from Seneca Lake. Nose is almost all raw oak with just a bit of apple and lemon behind. Great acidity and mouthfeel on the palate, but also a lot of oak covering up most of the apple, pear and citrus fruit.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Dry Riesling ($18): Big slate aromas with juice pear and hints of lime zest. The palate shows more lime along with some pear and green apple. Slate is less obvious. Crackles with acidity and shows a long time-meets-river rock finish.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Late Harvest Riesling ($23): Aromas of starfruit and green apple -- with just a bit of flinty slate. RS is obvious on the palate but is balanced well. Forward sweet lime flavors along with starfruit, fennel frond and slate. Not quite as focused as I'd like, but still very good.

Lenz Winery 2005 Merlot-Malbec ($35): Malbec character is obvious on the nose. Beautiful aromas of blueberry compote, vilolets and anise with subtle notes of clove and cured meat. Sweet spice, blackberry and cherry greet the palate. The tannins are on the lighter side, but there is nice acidity here. Nutty oak quality with more of that gamey meatiness and hints of pepper.

Lenz Winery 2008 Blanc de Noir ($15): A still, 100% pinot noir rose. Vague red berry aromas with a leesy, yeasty note. Straightforward cherry-strawberry flavors. Somewhat like a flat rose sparkler. Some freshness but nothing special. 

Red Newt Cellars 2009 Lahoma Vineyards Riesling ($20): Somewhat lean nose of lime, flint and yellow apple. Off dry but shows a nice acidic edge that slices through intense apple flavors and more subtle notes of lime and pear. Long, apple-y finish, but a bit less complex than other single vineyard wines.

Red Newt Cellars 2009 Sawmill Creek Riesling ($20): Big nose with pretty jasmine-white teas overtones with lime, lime blossom and green apple aromas. The palate starts with tart granny smith apple before evolving into lime and flowers. Great acidity that helps it finish linear and long, with hints of quince. Terrific balance and a real value.

Red Newt Cellars 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14): Very light on aromas, with only subtle apple skin and lime zest notes. Good acid and balance but flavors reminiscent of candied fruit cocktail. Weird bitter note towards the finish.

Red Tail Ridge Winery 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($16): Lighter nose of green and yellow apple and peach. Good balance and in a crowd-pleasing style. Simple but tasty flavors of ripe apple and peach. Acid is just fresh enough. Drink now or soon.

Red Tail Ridge Winery 2010 Dry Rose ($17): Sweet red cherries and strawberries dominate the nose with light strawberry husk and cranberry aromas. Clean, bright red berry flavors with subtle weight and silky softness. Fresh, well-incorporated acidity brings focus to the ripeness of the vintage. One of the better roses I've tasted from 2010.

Ventosa Vineyards 2009 Rosato ($16): Made with sangiovese. Nose brings dried autumn leaf and blood orange. Palate shows good acidity, but not much flavor or elegance. Clunky and disjointed.

 

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- August 5, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have been tasted at the NYCR tasting table but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.

Bouke Wines 2010 Rose ($16): Made with cabernet sauvignon and merlot.Aromas of pomegranate, cranberry and strawberry. The strawberry is more pronounced on the round, medium-bodied palate. Mostly red fruit flavors but a hint of leafy earthiness and cinnamon candy too. Good acidity balances ripe fruitiness well.

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Mudd Vineyard West Sauvignon Blanc ($20): 5% chardonnay blended in. Expressive nose delivers lime, grapefruit, honeydew melon aromas and light hints of grass and hay.  Very ripe, almost confected, fruit flavors with melon, lime and grapefruit, but also a white pepper note adding a spiciness. Mouth-watering acidity and a long, citrusy finish make this a winner.

Channing Daughters Winery 2009 Pinot Grigio ($20): Very apple-driven on the nose with a bit of lemon zest and pith and white flowers. Medium bodied with juicy, citrusy acidity that frames intense apple flavors. Superior mouthfeel, but a bit one-note. As it warms there a bit of salinity that peeks through.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($17): Fruit cocktail aromas with peach, pear and apple leading the way. Palate is decidedly off-dry with just a bit too much RS for the acidity. Extremely fruity on the palate with a squirt of lime juice towards the medium-long finish. Not flabby, but not as focused as I've come to expect.

Lenz Winery 2005 Merlot ($17): Nose is plummy and cherry fruit with dusty earthiness and game meat. Attack is juicy with red fruit and more game/spice. Simple but with medium-light tannins. Shortish finish with just a hint of black pepper.

Macari Vineyards 2010 Riesling ($27): 100% Finger Lakes juice. Aromas of grapefruit, lime, lemon verbena and citrus blossom. Broad on the palate with mostly pear, lemon and grapefruit flavors. Lacks a bit of focus. Not quite dry. Solid, but nothing special. Pricey for what you get.

Red Newt Cellars NV Salamander White ($11): Blend of hybrids and aromatic vinifera. Fruity nose with lemon zest, Gala apple and just a hint of melon. Nearly bone dry with a tartness to the citrusy and pear flavors. Short finish but fresh with beach-and-pool acidity.

Roanoke Vineyards 2010 DeRosa ($18): Blend of merlot, cab franc, cab sauv and chardonnay. .5% RS. Scents of strawberry, kiwi, passion fruit and grape fruit with subtle peach quality as well. Ripe and fuller bodied than past vintages with gobs of red fruit-meets-citrus flavor. A distinct note of peach Jolly Rancher on the mid-palate. Dry, but definitely richer, with a juicy, snappy edge rather than the laser beam of acidity from previous editions.

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2010 Classic White ($15): Made with LI chardonnay and riesling and gewurztraminer from Wagner Vineyards on Seneca Lake. Very fruity nose with just-ripe pineapple, melon, Golden Delicious apple and hints of honey. Very fresh, with snappy acidity. Balanced light RS, but just not very complex or interesting. Somewhat fruity, but in a hard-to-define, austere way.

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2010 Rose ($16): Blend of merlot, cab sauv, cab franc, chardonnay and pinot noir. A bit of sulfury aroma blows off quickly to reveal peach, lemon-lime and strawberry aromas. Very much in the "white wine" style of rose -- great acidity, light body. Flavors match the nose. Acidity is maybe a bit disjointed, but perfect for hot weather refreshment.

 

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- July 14, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table recently but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.

Channing Daughters Winery 2009 Lagrein ($30): Very peppery on the nose (almost syrah-like) with some rocky minerality and taut red fruits (cherry and cranberry). Silky up front with crunchy red fruit and low tannins. Smoky and a bit spicy -- but in an oaky way. Somewhat dilute, but no-doubt food friendly because of the acidity. Rating: 83

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Rosato di Cabernet Sauvignon ($18): Simple, pure nose of red cherries and raspberries. Medium-fuller body brings similar fruit character with a little dried leaf flavor. Creamy mid-palate that is balanced fairly well by acidity. Short with cherry skin on finish. Rating: 84

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Rosato di Refosco ($20): Sweet fruit on the nose -- brambles and strawberries -- that lead into blackberries and currants on the palate. Citrusy acidity and a certain "wild berry" quality. Forward and giving. Medium body and finish. Rating: 85

Heart & Hands Wine Company 2009 Hobbit Hollow Vineyard Riesling ($27): 25 cases made. Dominated by minerally wet stone on the nose notes of dried apricot, citrus blossom and thai basil herbal notes. Somewhat austere, the palate is focused -- with great acidity -- and flavored with lime, grapefruit zest and green apple skin. As it warms, a bit of green almond and pine nut peeks in. Snappy, citrusy acidity brings verve and tension. Rating: 91

Heart & Hands Wine Company 2009 Sawmill Creek Vineyard Riesling ($27): 25 cases made. Nose is a melange of green apples, tangerine and almond cookie with subtle notes of tropical fruit. The palate delivers intense pineapple, apple and golden raisin flavors on a fat mid-palate that tightens up on the finish, which lingers with with orange and lime citrus character. Good, not great, balance Rating: 86

Lieb Family Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot ($30): Blueberry and cassis dominate the nose with sweet oak and vanilla in the background, and very little pepper character. The palate brings a big burst of blueberry and subtle exotic spice. The mid-palate is a little grapey. Fairly high, somewhat sharp acidity and chewy tannins provide structure. Finish is short but with a nice graphite note. Rating: 84

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- June 21, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table recently but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Dry Riesling ($14): Intense fennel frond aromas are backed by grapefruit, lime and green apple notes. Dry with fresh, citrus-juicy acidity. Lime and fennel flavors dominate with just a little gunflint-smoke. Really nice value. Rating: 85

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Reserve Riesling ($22): A bit lean on the nose in terms of fruit, with fennel and slate leading the way with some lime peel in the background. Drier style with lime, fennel and a little citrus pith. Good balance and a long finish that is all lime and river rock. Rating: 85

Hunt Country Vineyards 2009 Dry Riesling ($14): Bright, fresh nose is very floral with lime and green apple fruit. Green apple and citrus blossom green the palate. A tangy, bordering on sour, style. Good-not-great acidity. Lime and grapefruilt flavors. Light body. Medium finish. Rating: 86

Lieb Family Cellars 2005 Reserve Merlot ($22): Nose displays ripe plum aromas beneath nutty oak, cedar and tobacco. Ripe on the palate, but not over the top. Tannins are a bit chewy and the oak is a bit forward right now. Nice plum and blackberry fruit beneath, however. Just a little oaky. Rating: 86

Martha Clara Vineyards 2005 50-White ($19): "Kitchen sink" blend of chardonnay, riesling, viognier, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, gewurztraminer and semillon. Green pear, kiwi and peach aromas are accented by just the most subtle grassy-herbal note. Medium bodied with good acidity. The flavors are juicy and fruit salad-y with apple, peach and grapefruit-lime. Medium-short finish that is a bit bitter (from the gewurzt?). Rating: 84

Martha Clara Vineyards 2005 6025 ($40): Nose of spiced cherry compote, blackberry, blueberry and holiday spice with just a bit of minty-rosemary. Mouth-filling palate shows dark berry cobbler, orange zest and subtle herbal qualities. Oak is a bit raw on the palate, but some black pepper notes peek through as well. Firm, but well-integrated tannins bring solid structure. Rating: 87

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Estate Reserve Chardonnay ($19): Just-picked apple, candy-coated almond, tight vanilla, toasty oak and pineapple mingle on a complex, expressive nose. The palate brings a burst of pineapple and apple with lightly toasted almonds and a vein of lemony citrus. Tremendously well balanced. Finish is long and elegant. Rating: 89

Rooster Hill Vineyards 2008 Estate Cabernet Franc ($20): The nose is all cherries and cherry compote with subtle chocolate, bacon and orange zest notes. Medium-lighter body with red cherry-cranberry flavors with a smokey edge. Hints of dried orange peel on the long finish. Good acidity, but lacks a bit of tannin structure. Rating: 83

Rooster Hill Vineyards 2008 Lemberger Reserve ($35): Smoked pork on the nose -- more like ham than bacon -- with raspberry and cranberry fruit and black pepper spice. Medium body and round in the mouth with cran-raspberry fruit black pepper and a distinct smokey-savory quality. Savory herb notes emerge with time in the glass. The tannins are of medium intensity and pretty well incorporated to go along with enough acidity to bring a little freshness. Rating: 87

Rooster Hill Vineyards 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($16): The nose offers aromas of peach, honey, fennel, apple and pencil eraser. Apples and peaches dominate the palate with spicy botrytis notes and grapefruit zest on a long finish. Very good balance. Rating: 86

Rooster Hill Vineyards 2009 Dry Riesling ($16): White tea, white flower and juicy pear aromas on the nose. Feather-light palate with jasmine and white tea, lime, pear and hints of green apple. Really fresh and long. Well-integrated acidity. Rainwater minerality on the finish, that edges on sour. Rating: 89

Shinn Estate Vineyards 2010 Coalescence ($15): Peachy with grapefruit and lime fruit aromas and layers of sweet herbs, lemongrass and a subtle earthy quality. Quite different from 2009. Fills the mouth, starting with a cherry note before getting into intense citrus, pear, golden raisin and guava notes. Beautifully textured with good acidity. The finish is a bit short and I miss some of the focus of last year's. Rating: 84

Ventosa Vineyards 2006 Riesling ($17): Fresh and slightly bruised apple on the nose with a subtle floral note. Straightforward apple flavors -- both fresh and bruised on a near-dry palate. Only decent balance. Short finish. Rating: 77

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- May 19, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

This is a selection of New York wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing. Note that these were not tasted all in one sitting/flight but instead over the course of several weeks. And for this edition, some of these are from an old notebook that I misplaced and recently found

Bedell Cellars 2007 Musee ($75): Dark-roast coffee, plum and black cherry on the nose with a little blueberry compote and a sprinkling of spicy tobacco. Polished, silky tannins with more of that coffee/espresso with gobs of sweet, concentrated fruit. Tastes like more than 13% abv. Ripe and intense. Rating: 90

Hunt Country Vineyards 2009 Cayuga White ($10): Nondescript nose with faint apple blossom and generic fruitiness. Sweet apples on the palate. Very fruity and off dry. Decent balance -- just-not cloying. Short. Rating: 78

Hunt Country Vineyards 2009 Vignoles ($10): Big nose of pineapples and other tropical fruits, Lemon Pledge and a smoky-flinty edge. Very good acidity. Simple -- tropical fruit with a little exotic spice. Juicy and citrusy finish. Rating: 84

Hudson-Chatham Winery 2009 Baco Noir Reserve ($19): Nose is all about sour cherries and a little plum with subtle spice/black pepper character. Medium-light in body, very pinot-esque. Lots of cherry with a little red raspberry. Light spice and much less oak than previous releases. Fresh acidity that almost goes too far, but doesn't. Light tannins with a medium-length finish. Rating: 85

Kings Garden Vineyard NV Knight's Blend ($20): Coffee-meets-cola nose with plum, black cherry and a little bacon. Soft approach but nice, if a bit rustic, tannins come in on the mid-palate. Oak tannins? Plum and cherry lead the way with a bit of that coffee-cola character. Cab sauv, cab franc and merlot. Rating: 84

Macari Vineyards 2007 Malbec ($35): Blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose Chinese five spice, cocoa powder and black pepper accents. Plush with more black-and-blue fruit, black pepper and a low oak footprint. Mouth-filling but soft and supple tannins. Bit of acidity on the finish that lifts it. Rating: 86

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Riesling ($19): Stone fruits -- peach and apricot -- on the nose with citrus zest and a subtle citrus blossom note. On the palate, the fruit is a bit more tropical. Candied peach is joined by mango. Mouth-filling, forward fruit is cut by lemon zest. Definitely off-dry but with good acidity. Well balanced but lacking a bit of focus. Long tropical fruit finish. Rating: 87

Osprey's Dominion Vineyard 2007 Reserve Merlot ($35): Room-filling nose of black cherry, plum and cassis. The oak is well integrated, showing only hints of smokiness and coffee. Medium-fuller bodied but well focused. Shows a dense, dark core of brooding fruit with a vein of graphite. Big tannins, but ripe and round at the edges. Hints of smoked meat and chicory coffee. Long finish that starts intense and ends elegantly. Rating: 91

Peconic Bay Winery 2009 Lot #1 ($20): 100% merlot. Fresh nose that offers bing cherry and just-crushed grape aromas with a little bay leaf and cinnamon spice. Fruit forward with cherry, cherry pit and plums -- and more subtle spice. Starts soft but fresh acidity and light tannins freshen the palate. Juicy finish. Might take a light chill well. Rating: 83

Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2008 Barrel Reserve Cabernet Franc ($25): Plum and blackberry flavors are laced with dried mint and a dose of toasty oak. The fruit is a bit thin and a bit medicinal on the palate, with the herbs more pronounced and a bit bigger in the oak department. Medium finish that is dry and a bit overwhelmed by oak. Rating: 82

Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc ($16): Sweet, briary raspberry and black berry fruit on the nose with sweet herbs and understated toasty oak. Straightforward but juicy red fruits greet the palate with just a little underlying herbaceousness. Low tannins and acid. A little vanilla on the finish. Rating: 84

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- March 25, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

This is a selection of New York wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing. Note that these were not tasted all in one sitting/flight but instead over the course of several weeks:

Kings Garden Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay ($14): Dried apple, pippin apple and subtle vanilla-oak on the nose. Medium bodied with some oak character -- not over the top. Nice, fresh-but-gentle acidity. Fruit tastes sweet. Short finish. Rating: 83

Kings Garden Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay ($12): Simple nose of yellow apple with subtle pear skin. Clean, fresh acidity brings backbone to fresh apple-pear flavors and again some pear skin. Simple but very drinkable. As it warms to room temperature, a little bruised apple comes through. Rating: 82

Kings Garden Vineyards 2009 Late Harvest Chardonnay ($16/375ml): Mealy yellow apple, honey and a little hay on the nose. Almost smells like there's seyval in there. Surprisingly only off-dry with good acidity. Apple-pear flavors but a bit bruised/oxidized. Light herbal quality. Rating: 80

Lakewood Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($16): Oaky on the nose with toasty, smoky vanilla and exotic spices (cumin?) over black cherry aromas. Light body. A little woodsy/stemmy with quite a bit of spicy oak. Light red fruit in the background. Medium tannins (oak?). Maybe a little heat on finish. Rating: 80

Lamoreaux Landing 2009 42 North ($15): Muscat-dominated blend. Floral and citrusy with Fruity Pebble fruit and clementine on the nose. Medium body, but light on flavor. Just off-dry and floral with orange peel and more citrus candy character. Short finish. Rating: 82

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Cayuga White ($9): Apple-pear aromas dominate with layers of white flowers and candy coating/confection. Straight forward on the palate with slightly candied, forward apple-pear flavors. 2.75% RS is balanced very well with brisk acid. Easily one of the best Cayugas I've had. Rating: 84

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Dry Rose ($12): Scents of watermelon Jolly Rancher and sweet strawberries. Simple but pleasant palate displays dry, snappy red berry and melon flavors. Short, but very fresh. Rating: 84

Lucas Vineyards 2009 Gewurztraminer ($15): Classic lychee nut aromas with somewhat-controlled rose petals over top of faint pear character. Well balanced with just a touch of that gewurzt bitterness. Lacks intensity of fruit, but a solid effort. Rating: 82

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay ($15): Roasted tree fruit -- apple and pear -- with a little pineapple and buttered popcorn on the nose. Less fruity on the palate, with the buttered popcorn more pronounced. Still some nice pineapple, but some raw, slightly bitter, oak too. Rating: 81

Raphael 2008 Cabernet Franc ($24): Dried herbs, strawberry and black cherry skin on the nose with a subtle spiciness. Crunchy red fruit, good acidity and subtle tannins on the palate. Cherry-strawberry flavors accented by black pepper, dried herbs and woodsy spice. Finish is a touch bitter. Rating: 83

Raphael 2008 La Fontana ($28): Beautiful nose of black cherry, blackberry and violet with dried herbs, black pepper and loamy earth. Palate is much more oaky -- with noticeable oak tannin -- and a little underripe in the fruit department. Long finish, but a bit bitter. Rating: 82

Red Tail Ridge 2008 Lemberger ($20): Fresh red cherries, fennel seed, dried mint and vanilla bean on the nose. Light-to-medium body but just a little heat. Bright, sweet red cherry flavors sprinkled with white pepper and Thai basil. Good acidity but very low tannins. Pepper character swells on day two. Rating: 86

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- February 23, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are a selection of New York wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:

Kings Garden Vineyard NV King's Cab ($20): Cigar box, red cherry and backing chocolate on the nose. Juicy and fruity on the palate with smoky oak and some vanilla. Maybe a little RS? Lacks structure, but brings nice approachable flavors. Rating: 82

Kings Garden Vineyard NV Syrah ($20): Light nose with cranberry, pomegranate and a little meaty funk (brett?) Subtle sweetness to the red fruit flavors. A little varietal black pepper, but surprisingly light. Not under-ripe, just not much to it. Low tannins and low acid. Rating: 77

Lakewood Vineyards 2008 Crystallus ($17): Blend of Lemberger, pinot noir and cabernet franc. Nose is smoky with cherry-raspberry fruit that is a little sweet/jammy. Hints of pepper and brown sugar. Sweet red fruit greets the palate but is cut by a sprinkling of black pepper. Subtle mushroom-earthiness. Low tannins with high acid that leads to a rustic finish. Rating: 83

Lamoreaux Landing 2009 Estate White ($10): Honeydew melon, pear and grapefruit -- with a little lime candy on the nose with a perfume-y floral note. Off-dry and fruity but much more subtle than expected. Floral, pear and melon flavors that are far from intense. Rating: 83 

Lieb Family Cellars 2008 Bridge Lane Cabernet Franc ($15): Nose brings white pepper, plum and raspberry with rhubarb and roasted Brussels sprouts. A little under-ripe on the palate. Red cherry and plum and lots of pepper -- again with Brussels sprouts/asparagus flavors. A touch of raw, toasty oak peeks through. Medium finish. Rating: 82

Macari Vineyards 2005 Reserve Merlot ($36): Nose of dried red fruits -- cranberry and cherry -- along with some fresh red cherries, black pepper and backing spice. Dried fruit qualities are even more forward on the palate -- raisin, prune and dried cranberry -- with a bit more brown spice and black pepper. Medium-intensity tannins are well-incorporated and subtle acidity keeps it fresh. Medium-long finish shows a little oak and leather. Rating: 85

Macari Vineyards 2010 'Early Wine' Chardonnay ($17): Nearly colorless in the glass, it delivers aromas of candied citrus, lemon balm, white pepper and a weird pencil eraser note. The palate is intensely citrusy -- mostly lemon -- wiht a little green apple edge. Fresh with good acidity and a little RS. Long apple-y finish that is somewhat candied. Wish this were under $15.  Rating: 84

Martha Clara Vineyards 2009 Gewurztraminer ($19): Big aromas of lychee and rose petal are backed by lemon rind and pineapple fruit. Mouth-filling flavors of melon, pineapple and lychee with a bit more understated rose petal character. A little on the sweet side -- edging on flabby, but not there. Just okay acid -- more would really elevate. Rating: 85

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- January 24, 2011

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are a some wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:

Benmarl Winery 2009 Baco Noir ($28): Black cherries with spicy oak and leather. Medium body with low tannins and lower acid than many bacos. Red berries, brown spice -- clove and nutmeg -- leather and vanilla-toasty oak. A bit too much oak for me. Rating: 83

Channing Daughters Winery 2008 Mudd Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($20): Intense citrus on the nose with a mix of tropical fruit, saline minerality and grassy notes as well. Palate brings similar qualities with juicy -- though not particularly intense -- acidity. Intense fruity ripeness with mango overtones. Great texture. Rating: 87

Jamesport Vineyards 2008 Sparkling Syrah ($25): Red berries on the nose with a serious dose of black pepper. Mostly dry with subtle sweetness that brings a little mouthfeel/weight. Flavors range from raspberries to black pepper to green peppercorns. Lightly creamy mid-palate with medium-short finish. Unique, but not my favorite. Rating: 83

Lamoreaux Landing 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13): Peaches, apricots, gold raspberries, golden raisins, honey and a subtle herb note on a layered nose. Juicy and appley on the palate with golden raisins and honey. Off dry for sure, but with good acidity. Peach and Meyer lemon on the mid-palate. Decent length but a little pithy on the end. Rating: 86

Lamoreaux Landing 2009 Yellow Dog Vineyard Riesling ($20): Surprisingly understated nose with citrus blossom and hints of candied lemon peel. Big acidity on the palate that is a bit awkward. Citrusy with lemon and grapefruit but not much else. Mid-palate is a bit thin. Rating: 82

Millbrook Vineyards 2008 Block 5 East Pinot Noir ($35): Nose is black cherries and raspberries that are both a bit candied. Nice wet soil earthiness and some subtle vanilla-coffee oak notes. On the palate, it's medium bodied with more oak/vanilla influence. Cherry candy and cranberries with a bit less earthiness. Okay balance and not the most elegant pinot style. Rating: 86

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2007 Merlot ($20): Oaky on the nose, with charcoal and smoke covering up ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas. A bit of grilled rosemary too. Palate shows too much oak as well. Medium body with ripe fruit that is pushed into the background by smoke and oak. Hints of licorice peek out on day two. Lower tannins but some freshness from acidity. Rating: 84

Peconic Bay Winery 2009 Steel Chardonnay ($24): Lemon meringue, green apple, citrus blossom, dried pineapple, lemon balm and a trace of salinity mingle on a surprisingly complex nose for a steel chardonnay. Medium body and mouthwatering with loads of citrus and floral character. Lemongrass and sweet herbs too. Nice acidity and verve. Surprisngly long with a jasmine note. Rating: 89

Shinn Estate Vineyards 2009 Haven ($36): Sauvignon blanc with 15% semillon. Aromas range from fig and green plum to fresh and dried apricots and golden raisins. Juicy fresh acidity on a medium-bodied palate. Ripe peach flavors with more fig. A bit of very-ripe banana as well as some smoky tea. Medium-long finish with more tea notes. Tasted much oakier on day two. Make sure you don't over chill. Rating: 87

Sparkling Pointe 2004 Blanc de Blanc ($42): Super fresh with apple, blanched almonds, almond cream and apple blossom on the nose. Very appley on the palate as well with sweet marzipan and and citrus nuances. Clean, good acidity. Sleek and classy. Rating: 88

 

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- November 10, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are a some wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:

Cayuga Ridge Estate 2007 Riesling ($15): Lemon, lychee and peach aromas on the nose. Doesn't seem very varietally correct. Lemony on the palate with well-integrated acid, a little floral character. Maybe not 100% riesling. Rating: 81

Pellegrini Vineyards 2005 Merlot: Tobacco leaf, fennel frond and menthol mingle with red cherry and plum flavors on a bright, expressive nose. Those cherry and plum flavors carry over to the balanced palate, as do tobacco and subtle blueberry compote character. The tannins have softened since I first tasted this, but still provide solid structure. For $20, you'll be hard pressed to find a better local merlot. Rating: 90

Pellegrini Vineyards 2007 Steakhouse Red ($17): Slightly jammy on the nose, it brings black cherry and plum aromas with a dose of toasty oak. The palate is juicy with blackberry and cherry flavors with subtle spice and slightly astringent tannins. Good value and nice for a Tuesday night. Rating: 84

Pellegrini Vineyards 2008 Medley White ($20): Fresh lemon, orange peel and pineapple aromas greet your nostrils before giving way to a medium-bodied palate with lemon-lime -- almost Sprite-like -- flavors with a bit of green apple. With good balance and acidity, this would make a great summer sipper. Wish it were $15. Rating: 84

Red Tail Ridge 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($16): Peaches, pears and ripe golden apples mingle on the nose with a quirt of lime and subtle slate character. Lengthy palate with fruity flavors that match the nose and great acidity. Distinct grapefruit on the finish. Well balanced and should age well. Rating: 90

Robibero Family 2008 Cabernet Franc ($19): Blackberry and cherry fruit with a strong dose of oak and herb garden beneath. A little tomato leaf aroma as well. Peppery and spicy on the palate with a bit too much oak and slightly bitter, rustic tannins. Rating: 83

Robibero Family 2009 Dry Riesling ($16): Made with Finger Lakes fruit. Citrusy nose -- lime, grapefruit and citrus blossom -- that leads into greet apple and lime flavors on the palate. Subtle slate character. Dry with fresh acidity. Short-ish finish with a touch of honey. Rating: 86

Robibero Family 2008 Syrah ($24): Scents of blueberry pie, tobacco and black peppers on the nose. Plump on the attack. Soft, round and pleasing style with blueberry pie, cranberry sauce. Subtle pepper and earthiness. Rating: 84

Stoutridge Vineyard 2007 Vidal ($16): Unfiltered, unfined and minimally processed. Fermentation-type aromas at first with apricots, honey and pears beneath. Shows light frizzante (fermentation in bottle?) with peach, pear and honey flavors. Lively combination of acidity and carbonation. Medium body with slightly glycerin mouthfeel. Rating: 83

 

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- September 24, 2010

These are a some wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:

Atwater Estate Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer ($16): Candied ginger, peach, lychee and pear on the nose with restrained floral character. Very gingery on the palate with pear and citrus flavors. Tastes dry at 1.2% RS because of good acidity. Medium finish that is a bit hot. Rating: 83

Brookview Station NV All Aboard Red ($12): Unknown blend of hybrid and vinifera grapes. Nose is soft with red cherries ant just-picked tomato aromas. Sweet red fruit on the mostly dry palate with distinct black pepper flavors sprinkled amongst the red cherry and tomato leaf notes. Juicy with light RS but almost no structure at all. Rating: 75

Cayuga Ridge Estate NV Cayuga White ($10): Very light nose with distant citrus and melon aromas. Medium bodied palate that is a bit neutral right out of the fridge. A bit warmer honeydew and sweet citrus aromas emerge, but they are still light. Light RS, but very well balanced. Med-short finish that is citrusy. Rating: 80

Eveningside Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc ($22): Ripe, fruit-forward nose with gobs of red raspberry and mulberry with a sprinkling of spice and earthiness. Juicy on the palate with light, supple tannins and good acidity. Ripe red fruit dominates here again with sasafrass, cola and spice notes. The earthiness comes back on the end of a medium finish. Not super complex, but very good. Rating: 87

Jamesport Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay ($22): Nose of roasted pear, sweet oak and subtle butter aromas. Oak is less overt on the medium-full body palate. Good acidity frames ripe pear and apple flavors touched with caramel and toasted nuts. Finish shows a little heat but lingers a bit. Rating: 84

Peconic Bay Winery NV Nautique Blanc de Blanc ($24): Same base wine/blend as still Nautique Esprit de Blanc. Nose is fruity and citrusy with lime and orange peel, and subtle citrus blossom notes.Lively with fresh acidity. Clean citrus flavors with a little apple/pear and a subtle, but distinct, minty-lemongrass note. Finish is medium-length and more appley than citrusy. Not at all classic bubbly, but strong picinic material.  Rating: 84

Pellegrini Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer ($20): Very perfumey with classic rose petal aromas over ripe peach, honey and a little nutty spice. Peach and pineapple flavors on the palate with intesnse floral character. Dry or nearly so, with fuller body and good acid -- but a blunt, perfumey finish. Rating: 80

Standing Stone Vineyards 2007 Gewurztraminer ($19): Nutty on the nose with sweet tropical fruit and ample spice notes on top of subtle floral notes. Spicy and bit pithy on the palate, with golden apple and subtle tropical fruit notes. More floral on the end of a somewhat hot finish. Rating: 82

Whitecliff Vineyard 2009 Awosting White ($13): Blend of Vignoles and Seyval Blanc. Sweet citrus on the nose with honey, over-ripe pear and light peach. Light RS but great acidity to balance. Citrusy, peachy and a little floral. Fuller bodied with medium-long finish. Not elegant still nicely done. Rating: 84

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- September 3, 2010

These are a few wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a standalone post. As always, these are transcribed almost directly from my notebook with little editing:

Adair Vineyards 2009 Rosalais ($12): Beautiful pale ruby color. Nose of cherry Twizzlers and strawberry candy. Medium body with gobs of sweet/candy cherry and a little cherry pit. Dry but not overly so. Decent acid. Short is finish with a little earthiness. 25% Chambourcin, 25% Dechaunac, 25% Frontenac, 25% Chancellor. Rating: 82

Glorie Farm NV Jumpin' Jazz ($12): Hybrid blend. Aromas of over-ripe or bruised melon and a flower shop. More over-ripe melon flavors joined by peach. Very perfumy on the palate as well. Okay balance because of okay acidity, but does finish a bit sugary. Rating: 78

Mattebella Vineyards 2009 Rose ($15): Earthy and gravelly on the nose with wild strawberry fruit character. Fresh and shows of it's cabernet franc-ness with earthy-herbal flavors to go with more strawberries. Lithe body with good acidity. Classy, elegant and satisfying. Rating: 85

Swedish Hill Winery 2009 Valvin Muscat ($12): Fruity Pebbles, sweet lime, potpurri and subtle spiciness on a huge nose. Is a bit sweet (2.5% RS) but good acid. More Fruity Pebbles and lime Jolly Rancher with a medium-length, lightly sweet finish. Wonder what it'd be like with less RS. Rating: 83

Ventosa Vineyards 2008 Tocai Friulano ($16): Light nose of peaches and flowers. Palate is medium bodied with fresh, clean acidity. Simple just-ripe peach flavors with a little RS (?). Short finish. Not a ton of varietal character. Rating: 80

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- August 16, 2010

These are some wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table recently but will not be reviewed as part of a stand-alone post. As always, these are notes almost verbatim from my tasting notebook:

Atwater Estate Vineyards 2008 Big Blend ($15): Cab sauv, lemberger, syrah and merlot. Peppery medium-intensity nose with a little oak/vanilla. Black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas. Medium-light body, black cherry and cranberry flavors with sweet spice. Juicy mouthfeel with low tannins and maybe a bit too much acidity. Caramel coffee and chocolate flavors linger on the medium finish. Rating: 82

Channing Daughters Winery 2008 "Clones" ($29): Nose shows roasted pears and apples with spice and just a little lemon verbena. Plump and fruity on the attack, with tree fruit and spice. Gets a bit creamy on the mid-palate with a little vanilla. A little bitterness on the finish (from the gewurtz?) with nice acidity to balance the wine's heft/richness. Oak is understated and well-integrated. Rating: 85

Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Cabernet Franc ($22): Black raspberry and cherry on the nose with garden herbs, roasted jalapeno and toasty oak on the nose. Medium body with spicy oak (maybe a bit too much) with bright red cherry, roasted pepper and somewhat juicy acidity. Med-short finish. Rating: 85

Heron Hill Winery 2007 Ingle Vineyard Riesling ($15): Expressive nose of lemon-lime with petrol and subtle minty-herbal character. More lemon-lime on the palate, joined by apple and subtle herbs. Tastes mostly dry with good length, but finishes with a little sweet richness. More acid would bring focus and verve. Seems like a 'drink now' wine. Rating: 84

Roanoke Vineyards 2009 De Rosa Rose ($16): Wild strawberry, raspberry and a subtle savory herb edge on the nose with some peachy/passionfruit notes as it warms. Strawberries on the palate with peach and a little citrus -- orange and grapefruit, on a richer but well-balanced palate. The acidity is well-integrated and the finish is fresh and citrusy. Rating: 86

Vineyard 48 2008 Chardonnay ($17): All steel. Ripe apple and citrus on the nose with a little nutty lees richness. Fruity on the palate with straightforward apple flavors, a creamy mid-palate and a little melon that steps forward on the medium-short finish. Rating: 82

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- August 2, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Here are seven wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table in recent weeks but will not be reviewed as part of a stand-alone post. As always, these are notes almost verbatim from my tasting notebook:

Martha Clara Vineyards 2005 Estate Reserve Merlot ($25): Ripe red cherry, milk chocolate, tobacco and light spice on the nose. Juicy on the palate with red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Soft tannins and subtle spice with more chocolate. Medium length with nice blueberry compote flavors towards the end. On day two, a bit more complexity emerged. Rating: 85

Lenz Winery 2007 Blanc de Noir ($15): Pinot noir rose. Delicate, almost austere nose strawberry candy, red cherry, cotton candy and orange zest. Light body and somewhat short, but show nice varietal character -- red berries with silky texture cut with fresh acidity at the end. Simple, but with a little earthiness on the finish. Rating: 83

Lenz Winery 2007 White Label Chardonnay ($12): Soft vanilla and toast aromas surround a nose that shows ripe apple and delicate lemon zest and butter scents. The medium-bodied palate shows much less oak and is far fruitier bringing ripe pears, Meyer lemons and green apple. There is a minerally vein that really steps forward on the end of a medium-length finish. Simple but fresh and tasty, this is the kind of every day chardonnay people are looking for. Great value. Rating: 86

Red Tail Ridge 2008 Semi Sweet Riesling ($14): Big pear aromas with a little tropical fruit cocktail on the nose. Lush and mouth-filling. Sweet but good balance because of juicy, citrusy acidity. Grapefruit note -- along with that acidity -- scrubs the palate on the end of a long finish. Nicely done in the sweeter style. 40 g/L RS. Rating: 86

Vineyard 48 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19): Spicy but a little underripe with tomato leaf flavors a bit too apparent mingling with sweet red cherry and raspberry flavors. Rustic acidity makes it a wine best enjoyed with food — perhaps pizza or other tomato-based cuisine. Rating: 81

Vineyard 48 NV "48 White" ($13): Blend of chardonnay, riesling and sauvignon blanc. A little matchstick on the nose, but once that blew off fruity aromas of peach and grapefruit were accented by a little herbal quality and a note of canned pears. Medium-bodied and a little un-focused on the palate, the flavors are mostly fruity — peach, citrus and a little melon — with fresh acid and a bit of residual sweetness. Rating: 80

Vineyard 48 2007 Riesling ($20): Shows some nicely maturing character on the nose — almond, candy shell , golden apple and honey. Off-dry style with good-not-great acidity. There are fruity pear and apple flavors on a medium-light bodied palate with more almond notes. A little short, but in a tasting room-.popular style At $15 this would be a nice every day wine for people who like a little residual sugar. At $20, it’s a little overpriced. Rating: 84

The New York Cork Report Tasting Table -- July 26, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Here are seven wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table in recent weeks but will not be reviewed as part of a stand-alone post. As always, these are notes almost verbatim from my tasting notebook:

Channing Daughters Winery 2008 Sauvignon ($24): Ripe pear, peach, apple and lemon fruit aromas blend with nutty oak character and subtle herbal quality. Medium-bodied but rich, the palate shows pear and grapefruit with subtle nutty-spicy oak. Finish is long with a peachy note. A bit more acid would really bring this one alive. Rating: 86

Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Barrel Select Cabernet Franc ($30): Black cherry and dusty blackberry nose with nice sweet herbs, vanilla and disappointingly charcoal-like oak. More black cherry on the palate. The herbal qualities are a bit overwhelmed by oak/charcoal. Medium bodied with a nice fruit core, with lowish tannins and subtle acidity. Too much oak for my tastes. Rating: 82

Keuka Spring Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer ($17): Melon and ginger lead the nose with a little lychee and understated floral aromas. Gingery and spicy with more melon-citrus character. Just off-dry with a long finish that delivers watermelon and spice. Good value. Rating: 86

Onabay Vineyards 2007 Great Blue Heron: Plum and sweet red raspberry on the nose with black licorice and  some definite oak that expresses itself as black coffee and well, oak. Medium-bodied with medium-intense tannins, red raspberry and red cherry with more coffee and licorice. A little earthiness emerges on the medium-long finish. Like the acidity. Don't love the heavy dose of oak. Rating: 84

Wagner Vineyards 2008 Dry Riesling ($13): Intensely minerally with river stones on the nose with citrus blossom, green tea and grapefruit-lime aromas. Dry and crisp, fruit flavors of melon, grapefruit and lime bring depth to a truckload of wet rock. Medium-length finish. Great acidity. Great value. Rating: 87

Wagner Vineyards 2008 Select Riesling ($13): Peachy nose with dried apricot and dried fig notes and just a little lemon-lime citrus character. Decidedly off-dry but with good acidity. Surprisingly feather-light palate given the sweetness. Stony edge that cuts through the fruit basket. A little dried fruit again on the end of the medium finish. Rating: 85

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: July 2, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Here are seven wines that have crossed the NYCR tasting table in recent weeks but will not be reviewed as part of a stand-alone post. As always, these are notes almost verbatim from my tasting notebook:

Bouke 2009 Bouquet Rose Wine ($15): Intense watermelon Jolly Rancher with sweet strawberry and just a little rose petal on the nose. Watermelon and cherry candy with an interesting gingery not. Off-dry and while not sugary, could use a bit more acid to lift the freshness. Rose petal peeks in again on the finish. Rating: 79

Channing Daughters Winery 2008 Blaufrankisch ($25): Shows red berries on the nose -- raspberry and cherry -- with sweet licorice and black pepper sprinkled. More plummy on the palate with briary red raspberry, spice and a little cured meat edge. Soft tannins and just enough acidity. Medium finish of plum and pepper. Rating: 86

Hosmer Winery 2008 Riesling ($12): Fennel, sweet lime and pear on the nose with an interesting dried apple note in the background. Nicely balanced off-dry style. Mouth-filling and fruity with lime and pear/apple. Enough RS to please the masses, but not without class. Very good value. Rating: 85

Paumanok Vineyards NV Vin Rose ($17): Watermelon rind, red raspberry and cherry on the nose with cranberry, cherry and strawberry on the palate with just a little peach. It's fresh with acidity, but with so much sweetness (3.8% RS) it still tastes quite sweet. Rating: 81

Raphael 2009 Grand Cru Chardonnay ($17): Fuji apple and lemon are accented by a lightly floral note and ocean breeze salinity. Crisp palate with apple, lemon verbena. Fresh acid and a little salty minerality on the medium finish. Simple but clean. Rating: 84

Raphael 2009 Grand Cru Sauvingon Blanc ($16): Nose is filled with white grapefruit -- pulp and pith -- with a little grassy herb and fresh hay. Grapefruit dominates the medium-bodied palate with juicy acidity. Subtle mineral character on the end of a short finish. Extremely fresh, but very simple and short. Rating: 83

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2009 Classic White ($16): Blend of chardonnay, riesling and gewurztraminer. Peachy and apple-y with orange peel and sweet lime on the nose. A bit more gewurzty on the medium-bodied palate. Rich but lively with a peachy core and lychee, spice and a squirt of lime. Finish isn't lengthy, but is dry/fresh. Great balance and freshness. Rating: 85

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: June 18, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

I promise we'll get back to Tasting Table as a weekly feature here on Fridays, but in the meantime, I'll put them together when I can -- like today. As always these are short notes taken almost directly from my tasting notebook:

Brimstone Hill Vineyard 2008 Vidal Blanc (Hudson River Region | $10): Honey, golden raisin and pool water on the nose. Light apple flavors but also a lot of honey, like Bit o Honey candy. Not overly sweet, but needs acidity. Rating: 77

Croteaux Vineyards 2009 Cuvee Sparkle (North Fork | $24): Grapefruit, strawberries and light peach aromas on a simple, fruity nose. Charmat style.  Bubbles are soft and refreshing. Creamy mid-palate with a certain softness. Fun, fruity. Shortish finish. Rating: 85

Glorie Farm Winery NV Red Monkey (Hudson River Region | $13): Menthol, black pepper, dark berries and American oak on the nose. Medium-bodied palate with low (oak) tannins and red hybrid-acidity. Toasty American oak flavors. Black pepper and dill over black plum and cherry flavor. Medium-short finish. Rating: 79

Lieb Family Cellars 2009 Bridge Lane Rose (North Fork | $15): Faint nose. Watermelon rind and red cherry. Lightly herbal flavors go with watermelon and strawberry fruit flavors, with a little sweet melon and citrus in the mix. Not all that flavorful in the lineup. Medium body, fresh acidity/finish. Rating: 82

Macari Vineyards 2009 Rose (North Fork | $18): Red cherry and watermelon nose. Same on the palate with a little orange/tangerine. Creamy on the mid-palate with good-not-great acidity. Long finish that shows an odd bit of heat given the 13.1% abv at the very end. Rating: 82

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: May 28, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

It's been a while since we've published a Tasting Table -- sorry for that. Our coverage of Finger Lakes riesling and Long Island rose will carry over into June a bit, but here are some of the rieslings and roses that for one reason or another.

Heron Hill Winery 2008 Dry Riesling ($13, New York): Floral nose with lime candy and lemon-lime soda. Honeyed, candied citrus on the palate with a little minerality. Citrus zest on the finish a little sweet on the finish for a wine labeled "dry." Rating: 83

Heron Hill Winery 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13, New York): Dried apricot, grapefruit, citrus blossom and lemon drop candy on the nose. Sugary apricot-peach on the palate and with okay balance. Finish is short and a little sweet without fruit. Popular style, but lacks focus. Rating: 81

Martha Clara Vineyards 2008 Syrah Rose ($19, North Fork): Nice nose of raspberry and strawberry with light floral, citrus and melon. Dry palate but much simpler flavors and stale flower-perfume note. Round but little flabby. Rating: 81

Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2009 Vin Gris ($15, North Fork): Intense, slightly jammy strawberry and red cherry candy aromas. Strawberries and a little watermelon on the palate. Mid-weight and simple, but nice acid balance. Not wimpy, but no noticeable tannins. Cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 84

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: March 12, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Here are some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table over the past week but won't be reviewed as standalone posts.

Alison Wines 2005 Reserve Merlot ($16): Minty, mouthwash-like nose with a little cherry and not much else. Short, low tannins with just a little acidity. Mint, mint, mint and a little cherry. Rating: (1 out of 5 | Not Recommended)

Fox Run Vineyards 2008 Riesling ($14*): Super-ripe peach/apricot nose with a little dried pineapple. Big fruitiness on the palate with okay-not-great balance and hints of honey. Not precise, but a nice zesty finish helps. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Hunt Country Vineyards NV Classic Red ($9*): Blend of DeChaunac, merlot, Noiret and Rougeon. Nose is all cherry Ludens/candy at first with raisins and a little black pepper. Simple and short, but pleasant. Raisin, plum a a little spicy oak. Decent acid. RS comes through on the finish. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)

Hunt Country Vineyards 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14*): Tight nose with light golden delicious apple and golden raisin aromas. Similar flavors with a little honey added. Nice fruitiness but needs acidity to balance 2+% RS. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)

Palaia Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc ($22*): Surprisingly light color. Lots of oak on the nose -- raw, vanila and caramel. A little cherry in the back but not much. Raw, bitter oak on the palate with smoky vanill. Fruit hard to find on the palate. Good acidity to go with lower tannins. Long finish of vanilla and campfire. Rating: (1 out of 5 | Not Recommended)

Palaia Vineyards 2006 Merlot ($21*): Red cherry and plum accented by smoky American oak and a little chocolate on the nose. Medium body with simple flavors that match the aromas. Soft mid-palate. Just enough structure and a nice, medium-length finish. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Peconic Bay Winery 2008 Riesling ($22*): Extremely pale yellow-green. Lemony citrus nose with white flowers, a hint of anise and peach. Tangy and citrusy on the palate as well. Good balance between acidity and residual sugar. Medium finish with lemon and lime zest. Simple, but refreshing. Not a great value though. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($40): Black cherry and blueberry nose with coffee, licorice and a meaty/black olive note with a little spice. Medium-body with surprising intensity for the vintage. Dark fruit with grippy, dry tannins. More coffee and black olive with a long, earthy-spice finish. Rating: (3.5 out of 5 | Very good-to-Delicious)

Sheldrake Point Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir ($18*): Smoky nose with strawberry, red cherry and a little grilled mushroom. Softy cherry and vanilla on the palate with subtle earthiness. Much less overt smokiness. Nice acid on the finish. Solid for the money. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Warwick Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16): 25% cab franc. Nice, classic cassis and black cherry fruit on the nose with a little oak and vanilla. A bit more oak shows on the palate, where cassis and cherry carries through. A little earthy with a little herbal edge. Solid structure and nice grip. Finish is a short and a bit too oaky. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

(* Ratings Guide)

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: February 26, 2010

 

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Here are some of the wines to cross the NYCR tasting table over the past week that -- for one reason or another -- won't get standalone review posts. As always, these are more-or-less taken right from my notebook.

Lucas Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve ($20*): Deep color. Smoky on the nose with grilled peppers, muted dark fruit and black pepper. More smoke and grilled green peppers on the palate with ripe, rich black cherry. Full body and plush mid-palate. Could use a bit more structure in the form of tannin or acid. Long smoky, dry finish. Rating:  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Wolffer Estate 2006 Cabernet Franc ($23*): Great varietal nose of blackberry, spice, earthy mushrroms and just a little bit of roasted jalapeno. Medium-light body with lightly grippy tannins and still-fresh acidity, blackberry leads with a little cola, roasted mushrooms, spicy oak and light vanilla. A nice lighter style from a challenging year. Rating:  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Wolffer Estate 2007 Chardonnay ($19*): Nice nose of apple with a little buttered brioche and herbal edge. Medium body and creamy with very good acidity. Apple and pear with a little lemony citrus. Nice butterscotch component. Oak is mostly restrained, but pokes out a bit on the end of a medium finish. Rating:  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Zugibe Vineyards 2007 Gewurztraminer ($16*): Big rose aromas, candied ginger, candied rose petals and dried pineapple on the nose. Medium body and very floral with background lychee and ginger. Okay balance. A little bit of honey sweetness on the finish. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)

(* Ratings Guide)

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: February 5, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

This week, the tasting table post is a little shorter than usual, but I've got a big tasting planned for Super Bowl Sunday. In the meantime:

Fox Run Vineyards 2007 Merlot ($20): Ripe blackberry and plum with vanilla and smokey (American?) oak. Even smokier on the palate with vanilla covering up what is a nice core of ripe, concentrated fruit. Blueberry pie peeks through with time in the glass. Medium body, ripe, medium-low tannins. Great fruit, with a little too much oak.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Ravines Wine Cellars 2007 Chardonnay ($19): Toasty oak, fig, roasted nuts and apples greet the nose. Not timid or fruit-forward, roasted nuts, oak and fig lead here with apple and dried apricot fruit. Vanilla cream on super-long finish. Good balance, but a lot of oak right now.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Ravines Wine Cellars 2008 Pinot Noir Rose ($15): Red cherry and cranberry on the nose with a subtle earthy-herbal note. Fresh and refreshing palate, cranberry and dried cherry flavors. Med-light body with great acidity and light herbal character. Great balance.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Ravines Wine Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($18): Austere nose -- a little passion fruit, subtle herbaceousness. Even more herbs on the palate with passion fruit, citrus and a minerally vein. Unique raw butternut squash flavor. Great acidity, but a little thin. Okay length.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

New York Cork Report Tasting Table: January 8, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

This week, we have a bunch of mini-reviews that, as always, come directly from my tasting notebook with minimal editing.

Bedell Cellars 2007 Taste Red ($35): Nose of sweet cherry, vanilla, brown spice, black pepper and subtle violet note. Core of sweet cherry and plum on a medium-full palate. Tannins are a bit astringent at this stage, but nice spice, vanilla with dusty chocolate, menthol/pine and a slightly earthy edge.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Bouke 2008 Bouquet Dessert Wine ($36): Chardonnay and gewurztraminer. Floral nose with intense ginger aromas with fresh apple. Sweet, but delicate on the palate with ginger spice leading the way for candied orange peel and honey. Feather light. Finishes dry and clean.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Fulkerson Winery NV Burntray ($12): Made with cab sauv and Noiret. Big black pepper aromas with lightly floral notes, vanilla and dark fruit. Tastes almost like a black pepper-coated cherry. A little thin on the palate and the oak and acid are a little out of balance. Pepper is interesting at first, but there's not much else here. (2 out of 5 | Average)

Fulkerson Winery 2007 Cabernet Franc ($14): Dusty on the nose with plum, vanilla, subtle spice and light green edge. Nice plummy core with spice. Juicy with a lot of vanilla that pushes the green flavors back a bit.  A little astringent.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Lenz Winery 2006 White Label Chardonnay ($12): Pineapple, apple and lemon zest on the nose with subtle sweet corn and spice. Sweet core of tree and tropical fruit, with light spice and lees character and vanilla. Great balance. Acid is fresh, but well integrated because of bottle age. Medium-long finish with a gentle herbal note.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Lenz Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): Pure, high-toned cherry aromas with tobacco leafe, cedar and a light leathery edge. Medium body, bright cherry flavors with leather and more cedar. Good acidity. Light tannins. Solid value for everyday red. Drink soon.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Lucas Vineyards 2008 Cayuga White ($9): Pear nose with a little bit of herbal-grass. Maybe the most subtle foxy note, but it adds complexity, rather than distract. Juicy pear and apple on the palate with green apple acidity. 2.75% RS brings roundness and sweetness, but balance is good. Simple. Fruity but not foxy.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Paperbirch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Fine Ruby: Prune, vanilla, black licorice and roasted nuts on the nose. Fruity on the palate, with dried plum and cherry with licorice and vanilla. Sweet, but far from cloying. Good balance.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Ravines Wine Cellars 2007 Keuka Village White ($12): Clean, fresh apple and citrus nose. Light body with fresh apple/pear tree fruit and light citrus zest flavors. Great, citrusy acid that balances 1% RS very well. Short on the finish, but refreshing. Good value.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

New York Cork Report Tasting Table December 11, 2009

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

A handful of wines from the NYCR Tasting Table. As always, these mini-reviews are more or less typed directly from my tasting notebook.

Macari Vineyards 2007 Block E Cabernet Franc ($40): Made with commercially frozen cab franc. Strawberry preserves dominate the nose, with subtle spice and sweet herbs beneath. Sweet up front, but dry on the finish, with good acidity for balance. Straightforward strawberry flavors. Simple but balanced and tasty.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Paperbirch Highlands Fine Ruby Dessert Wine ($18): Blackberry and boysenberry jam on the nose. Simple, fruity. Decent balance of flavor, sugar an alcohol. Simpe jammy black fruit. Short finish. A little hollow on the palate.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Pumphouse Wines 2008 White ($12): House label of Premium Wine Group. Light nose of pears, flowers and lemon-citrus. Palate is a little watery with light pear and citrus flavors. Good, fresh acidity. Very simple. A summer gulper.  (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Pumphouse Wines 2007 Red ($12): Plum and smoke on the nose with a little earthy tobacco edge. Medium body with dark fruit but a little bitter on the mid-palate and the finish. Tannins are medium-intensity but bitter as well. Hard press fractions? (2 out of 5 | Average)

Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2006 "Perle" Chardonnay ($29): Green tea, pear, peach and orange blossom on the nose with vanilla, oak, and hints of pine resin. Full bodied and creamy, yet lively on the palate with great acidity and length. Peach, roasted pear and faint guava on the palate with caramelized sugar, vanilla and spicy lees character. Toasty but not overwhelming.  (3 out of 5 | Recommended)