Glenora

Seneca Lake (West - Dundee)
5435 Route 14
Dundee, NY 14837

800-243-5513
info@glenora.com
glenora.com

Hours: 10am-6pm Sun-Thurs, 10-7 Fri & Sat
Fee: $1, Reservations: not required

Let me set the tone for our Glenora experience. Driving up, we could see the noteworthy location on the lake. Great views. Someone was even getting married at the gazebo in the distance. The tasting room is perched on the top of the hill, which has even better views. It's too bad the experience went downhill once we walked inside.









An employee breaking down boxes at the front bar greets us and directs us to the cash register area. Look toward register area. It is a rickety card table festooned with seasonal tablecloth (think pumpkins) sectioned off from the rest of the room with a red velvet rope. We pay our $1 tasting fee and are instructed to stick out our hand to be stamped. Huh? Realizing the hand-stamping is not optional, I dutifully obey and walk through the busy, touristy gift room into the slightly less busy and touristy tasting room. I see small children and adults milling about and realize they have good reason for the hand stamps. It's so the kids and cheap adults don't con them into pouring wine.

It's only once we pass the circus in the main room that I realize something. I hear country music. And feel it, for it is being played at an unnecessarily loud level. Because it is country music I recognize, I know it is at least 15 years old. Our young host (May I see some ID? Seriously.) is unfazed and explains the tasting menu. We choose six wines, leaning heavily toward the reds... assuming based on our experience so far that the whites will be sweeter than what we prefer. At the start of our tasting, a roving cheese-tray employee appears with wasabi-horseradish something. I pass because I foolishly think wasabi would ruin my palate (should've gone with the cheese). But the group next to us dives fingers first into the tray, by-passing the toothpicks at the height of the Swine Flu scare. More cheeses came around; this time they were fruit-infused (raspberry, grape?). No thanks, I'm good.

Glenora's tasting experience allowed us to gain perspective. We could now truly appreciate the quality wine and tastings, elsewhere. It did get my first ever "Bottom of the Barrel" award. Overall, the wines were not so flawed that a newcomer to wines would be distressed. They were safe, mellow wines designed to appeal to the tastes of the masses. And our favorite wineries will be less crowded because of that.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2008 - $17.99. Though watery, this wine had good flavors. The value isn't there, especially when we had just come from a fantastic sampling of Rieslings at Wiemer.
Meritage - $24.99. Bordeaux blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Found it to be "just meh".
Sangiovese - $16.99. Definitely one we wanted to sample since no one else had it on the tasting menu. It had a pleasing aromas but not enough complexity. This was one of the two better wines.
Syrah - $16.99. A Double Gold winner. Average, not a lot of flavor; good tannins. For this price, I really expect more personality. The second of the better wines.
Cabernet Franc - $15.99. A Gold Medal winner. Did not like this one. Oaky and a lot more fruit present than needed to be.
Brut 2002 - $24.99. Another Gold Medal winner. (Who are these judges? Not that I'm passing judgement, just curious.) Blend of Pinot Noir and Concord, excuse me... I meant Chardonnay. Couldn't get past the Concord grape smell and taste. Not recommended.
Glenora Port - $16.99. Hey, look. They have port on their menu. This is different. And it uses 8 year old brandy from their sister winery. Let's try it. Tasting notes just read "NO." I was idiotically hopeful.

Other wines on the tasting menu:
Whites & blends: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Dry Riesling, Lake Series.
Pinot Noir Rose
Semi-Dry & Sweet: Cayuga, Chardonnay and Niagara. Classic Blush. Bobsled Red and Jammin' Red. (I wish I were making this up.)
Reds & blends: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yellow Cab.
Fruit Series: Blueberry Breeze, Raspberry Rose, Cranberry Chablis and Peach Passion.
Sparkling, Port and Ice Wine

Wiemer

Seneca Lake (West - Dundee)
3962 Route 14
Dundee, NY 14837

800-371-7971
wiemer.com

Hours: 10am-5pm M-Sat, 11-5 Sun
Fee: $3 & $5, Reservations: not required

Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard was started by a German winemaker in 1973 with the first vintage released in 1979. At the time, Wiemer was one of the few wineries using vinifera (European) vines. The practices and traditions inherent to European winemaking carried over to these vineyards, creating series of wines that are well-crafted with balance, complexity and unique aromas and flavors. Everything from pressing to labeled takes place on premises. Wiemer employs environmentally-friendly practices.









Great tasting room in the barn - the old barn wood contrasts fantastically with the tall stainless steel tanks and white "barn within a barn". The staff (winemaker's wife Maressa, regrettably a Yankees fan) was friendly and offered side-by-side pours to compare vintages, which was immensely helpful in pinpointing preferences. I'd read great things about their Rieslings (HJW, Magdalena, Dry Reserve & Late Harvest all scored 89 points or higher in Wine Spectator). My favorite of the Rieslings was the regular Dry Riesling. I found the HJW to be too austere and the Magdalena flowery and too feminine, but still some of the best we sampled during our trip. Overall, Wiemer's selections of wines were a wonderful treat and will warrant a return visit next time we're in the area.












Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2007 - $17.50. A combination of the three Riesling vineyards, including austere HJW & flowery Magdalena. Crisp, dry with flint. Not a lot of sweet, balanced. Great nose. Texture is a touch oily. Very good flavor of apple and citrus with sharp acidity. Clean finish. 0.9% RS
Semi-Dry Riesling 2007 - $17. Oily texture; sourced from the Magdalena vines. Very well done. "Semi-dry Rheingau style... ripe, expressive nose featuring fresh floral notes of citrus and lime fruit. Complex minerality and subtle finish." 2.4% RS
Late Harvest Riesling 2008 -$23. The well balanced acidity brings the wine through; not cloyingly sweet. Spatlese style. "Apricot and honey flavors. Rich and full bodied." 4.5% RS. The 2007 vintage received 89 points in WS.
Gewurztraminer 2007 - $19. Heavier style. A touch sweeter than what I prefer. Picked up on the floral aromas, citrus flavors and finish. Smooth. Also aromas of "peaches, apples and melons perfumed with rose petals." 1.7% RS
Blanc de Noir 2003 - $26. Blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. Very delicate and great bubbles. Not my style as the flavors mimic the Niagara/Concord grapes, too fruity. "Apple and citrus on the nose... exotic maturity, nut flavors supported by a harmonious structure."
Dry Riesling Reserve 2007 - $23. Similar to the HJW (sourced from that vineyard). Much like the Dry Riesling 2007 but without oily texture and more acidity. "Hand-picked... from oldest low yield vineyard. Elegant... with brilliant fruit and long, lingering finish." 0.7% RS. This vintage received 89 points in WS.
Pinot Noir 2006 - more fruit driven with nice berry flavor. Pleasant, fine tannins. Ready sooner than the 2007 vintage. (Bonus taste to compare the two vintages.)
Pinot Noir 2007 - $18.50. Sharp, lean and not fruit forward. "Medium-bodied, smooth, dry... French oak. Black cherries in nose and taste... light tannins."
Estate Red 2006 - $16. Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Lemberger and Pinot Noir. A darker style than the Pinot Noir with sharpness and good acidity. A nice wine but tight. Pink-red color. Tobacco aroma was easy to pick up on. Well-structured.
Cabernet Franc 2006 - $17.50. Nice mid-palate with Red Delicious apple peel finish. "Firm and velvety tannins, well defined acidity.
Cabernet Franc 2007 - Very similar to the 2006, but wound tighter. Previous vintage has benefit of an extra year in the bottle; opened up more and had a light color. The 2007 had a darker color approaching light magenta and surprising fruit flavor. Will definitely be good with some cellaring.

Other wines on the tasting menu:
Chardonnay 2007
Pinot Noir Rose 2006
Frost Cuvee 2008
Cuvee Brut 2006
Chardonnay 2005
Select Late Harvest Chardonnay 2007

Ravines

Keuka Lake (West - Hammondsport)
14630 State Route 54
Hammondsport, NY 14840

607-292-7007
ravines@citilink.net
ravineswine.com

Hours: 10am-5pm
Fee: $3 & $5, Reservations: not required

Ravines produces restrained, terroir-specific wines that follow the example of the fine Burgundian and Bordeaux wines. This was my favorite winery out of the 15+ we visited over the weekend. You have two options for wine tasting: with or without chocolate. It's never a question for me... so I enjoyed pairings of wine with the artisan chocolates from Hedonist, sharing nibbles with Brian. The chocolate pairing is well worth the nominal fee.









The second floor tasting room overlooks Keuka Lake. While the room buzzed with activity around our group, I was oblivious after my first sip of Chardonnay. The wines were so impressive that I think I did a happy dance more than once. Our host, Lisa, was super sweet and knowledgeable. After much effusive praise over the wine and chocolate (sesame seed and sea salt being my favorite), we found out we shared a common bond: Neuchatel chocolate. It was such a great whirlwind of an experience that my tasting notes were left behind.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2007 - $16.95. Elegant style with a great nose and lush tree fruit (apple & pear) flavors with a citrusy edge and minerally finish. Wonderful example of a well-made, truly dry Riesling. Bought three bottles!

Argetsinger Vineyards Dry Riesling 2007 - $24.95. I had heard great things (91 pts in Wine & Spirits) about this single vineyard Riesling and wanted to see how it compared to the regular Riesling, but it was not on the tasting menu. Lisa was kind enough to offer a bonus pour for comparison. It is a much more restrained style - elegant with lean fruit, good minerality and zingy acidity. While I can appreciate this elegant wine, the lush style and flavors of the Dry Riesling '07 were more appealing to my palate. (The Argetsinger vineyard on Seneca Lake is one of the the oldest vineyards in the area. Older vines typically produce wines with more personality.)

Ravines Chardonnay 2007 - $18.95. Color me impressed. This is not a varietal I usually reach for. I find the majority of Chardonnay to be heavy-handed and over-oaked. This wine was anything but. It is an elegant, balanced Bordeaux-style wine offering up pear, citrus, fig and hazelnut aromas. (The search to sniff out the fig particulary excited me.) Great acidity with just the right amount of oak. Ravines uses a traditional Italian drying technique, appassimento, to create rich, lush flavors from only the best Chardonnay grapes.

Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $17.95. An unusual and enjoyable example of Sauv Blanc! Bright aromas of lemon and wet stones. Bracing, but balanced acidity and strong Alsatian minerality create a tight framework for the lemon, lime and tropical fruit flavors. Crisp and intense with an extended finish. Elegant, reserved but with a laser-like focus. Best with food. Picked up two of these goodies.

Gewurztraminer 2008 - $24.95. The Finger Lakes region is an ideal growing area for this persnickety cool-climate grape. This happens to be one of the wines I don't have much memory for. Really wish I hadn't forgotten those notes.










Dry Pinot Rosé 2007 - $14.95. This wine gets its salmon hue from the amount of time the juice and skins of the Pinot Noir grape are in contact. Great for sipping with or without food, summertime is a great time to enjoy this dry, delicate wine.

Meritage 2006 - $24.95. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes aged in toasted French oak barrels, the Meritage is classic Bordeaux style wine bursting with fruit. Pleasant tannins. This was the favorite wine for a member of our group.

Cabernet Franc 2007 - $18.95. Another lusciously soft wine with beautiful fruit and spice with a solid finish. I preferred the style of this wine only slightly over the Meritage '06.

Pinot Noir 2007 - $22.95. Hands down the best Pinot Noir of the whole trip. Given the time to taste all of the area Pinot Noirs, I would bet this would still be the best example of the varietal and terroir. A fine example of a Burgundian style Pinot Noir! Light red color with violet and brown undertones. Aromas of rose and clove with raspberry, cherry and touch of vanilla. Earth and smoke aromas emerge as the wine breathes. Great nose! Elegant and soft flavors of cherry and Red Delicious apple peel; long berry finish. Tart and earthiness in background. Lush but moderated mouthfeel. Spice comes out toward the end. After the second day, the wine presents more soft fruit and earthiness. Lots of complexity! Light tannins with an almost imperceptably bitter finish. Loved it so much I bought three bottles.

Other wines on the tasting menu:
Dry Riesling 2006
Pinot Gris 2007
Keuka Village White 2007

Atwater

Seneca Lake (Central South - Hector)
5055 Route 414
Hector, NY 14841

800-331-7323
atwatervineyards.com

Hours: 10-5 M-Sat, 11-5 Sun
Fee: $3 Tours: No, Reservations: Not required

Atwater Vineyards was a winery I'd been looking forward to visiting. It received a noticeable amount of positive press - local and national - with a special nod to the great Rieslings and affordable Gewurztraminers. The wines and tasting room staff delivered on these expectations. The tasting started off on a great note with Riedel glasses (assuredly not the norm). Our host kept an unhurried pace offering recommendations on wines to try based on our personal preferences. The Cab Franc and newly released Dry Riesling were some of the group's favorites. The steely Gewurzt also stuck out for its unique style.

Highly recommend this winery for the wine and the views. There is a picnic space overlooking the vineyards and lake which I'd imagine would be excellent in warmer, less rainy weather. Bring some cheese, olive oil and a baguette to pair with your favorite wine!









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Gewurztraminer 2007 - $16. Steely style with 0.4% residual sugar. "Heady Gewurz loaded with aromas of citrus and white flowers exploded with flavors of grapefruit and ginger." Rated 85 points in WS. Loved this style; only steely Gewurz on the lake.
Dry Riesling 2008 - $16. So light and delightful. Aromatic and unique. Grown on slate soils from mature vines. Peach, herb and lime flavors.
Pinot Noir 2007 - $17. Aged 8 months in French oak, this wine has an enjoyable resinous nose, light body and flavors. Cherry and sandalwood flavors with great texture.
Stone Bridge Red - $12. Beautiful color. A low tannin, easy drinking value red wine. Blend of Marechal Foch, Cabernet Franc and Corot Noir grapes. Cherry and plum flavors make it an ideal summer sipper to complement grilled meats.
Meritage 2006 - $18. Smoky, fruit nose leads to well balanced tannins with some tartness. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc creates a dark fruit (cherry, plum, black raspberry) profile that begs for hearty meats.
Cabernet Franc 2006 - $18. Another wine with a great nose. Balanced acid and tannins, solid finish with pleasant cherry flavors.









Other wines on the tasting menu:
Chardonnay 2007
Stone Bridge White
Pinot Gris 2008
Vidal Blanc 2007
Riesling 2007
Cabernet-Merlot 2007

Chateau Lafayette Reneau

Seneca Lake (Central South - Hector)
5081 Route 414
Hector, NY 14841

800-469-9463
clrwine.com
info@clrwine.com

Hours: 10-6 M-Sat, 11-6 Sun
Fee: $5, Tours: No, Reservations: Not required

After hearing positive notes about their red wines before the trip, I had high hopes that this high-traffic winery would pull through with a winner or two. Overall, the reds lacked body or flavor. The whites were similarly styled and leaned more to the semi-dry level of sweetness.

The extensive tasting menu covered 17 wines. For the first winery of the day, it is quite an undertaking. Visited on a busy Saturday, so our host wasn't able to provide much information. Thankfully there was a tasting sheet with detailed notes.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - $19.99. Tart, don't like.
Pinot Noir 2006 - $19.99. Very floral with a sweet fruit nose. Dry style without a lot of flavor. Did not like.
Cabernet Franc - $18.99. Tart, smoky and light. 2/5
Merlot 2003 - $14.99. Jammy nose. Savory, soup smell finish - strange. Better than the previous wine. 2.5/5
Cuvee Rouge - $9.49. Couldn't get past the strong body odor aroma. Sweet. 1.5/5
Roaring Red - $9.99. Blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Baco & 10% Pinot Noir. Nice wine for summer. Pleasing flavors with good finish with lingering sweetness. Tannins and touch of sweet. 2.5/5
Chardonnay (Barrel Fermented) 2006 - $14.99. Pear aroma, juicy flavors. Silky texture. Not flavored strongly - watery.
Chardonnay (Proprietor's Reserve) 2008 - $19.99. Ripe flavor and aromas. Pear and apple dominate. Flat finish.
Dry Riesling 2008 - $14.99. Not dry. An okay wine but too pedestrian and flat. Peach, melon and some citrus.
Seyval-Chardonnay - $14.99. White flower and tree fruit aromas. Smooth but finish falls flat. Not complex. 3/5
Pinot Noir Blanc 2007 - $9.49. Not that bad! Watermelon and strawberry. Targeted at White Zinfandel drinkers.
Northern White - $9.99. Floral aroma, lush texture. Acidity balances out the sweetness and is not offensive.
Emperor's Blush - $9.99. Did not care for this wine. Blend of vinifera and hybrid grapes. Watermelon and strawberry.
Riesling Semi-dry 2008 - $14.99. A nice style Riesling, but sweeter than I prefer. Tree fruit aromas with similar flavors.
Meadow Mist - $7.49. Passed on this wine. The wines at the bottom of the list were sweeter than I prefer. This wine was a blend of Native American and French-American hybrids designed to create a fruity rose.
Niagara Mist $7.49. Passed on this wine. Niagara grape and all of its grape flavors are present.
Late Harvest Riesling 2008 - $14.99. Very perfumed nose. Not as rich or syrupy as the other late harvest or ice wines.

Other wines not on the tasting menu:
Cabernet Sauvignon Owner's Reserve 2005 - $59.99

Standing Stone

Seneca Lake (Central South - Hector)
9934 Route 414
Hector, NY 14841

607-582-6051
standingstonewines.com
ssvny@standingstonewines.com

The tasting room at Standing Stone is unassuming and relaxed. Our host was knowledgeable, friendly and made excellent recommendations on wines to sample. We were pleasantly surprised by the dry, European-styled whites and reds on the tasting menu. I heard the gewurztraminer was the wine to try, but it was the reds that impressed us. These reds were complex, medium-bodied, full of character and the finish was strong. A far cry from some of the day's previous reds. We did a side by side of the '05 and '06 Pinnacle, which is a great way to discover the nuances of each vintage and find your favorite.

After such a strong representation from the dry wines, I didn't need or expect the dessert wines to shine. However, their Vidal Ice and Chardonnay Ice wines were very good.









This winery is located next to the deepest part of Seneca Lake (about 650 ft). The deep waters help to cool the vineyards in the summer and radiate heat back in winter.

Hours: 10-5:30 M-Sat, 11-5:30 Sun
Fee: $3, Tours: Yes, advance notice required, Reservations: Not required

Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Merlot 2007 - $20. The first vintage they produced in four years after the vines were hit by bad weather. Minty and herbal. This was a fun wine.
Cabernet Franc 2006 - $20. A good example of this varietal in the region. Balanced.
Pinnacle 2005 - $22. A plusher wine from a stronger vintage.
Pinnacle 2006 - $19. Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Merlot. Had more sharp acidity than '05.
Vidal Ice Wine - $24. Honeyed pineapple and tropical fruit with walnut finish. Liked wine but had trouble spending this much on a dessert wine.
Chardonnay Ice Wine - $24. Sauternes-like richness and honeyed fruit. Unexpected flavors wowwed. Nuttier flavors than the Vidal. Next time we'll pick up a bottle of this ice wine, simply for its uniqueness.









Other wines on the tasting menu:
Gewurztraminer 2007 - $16
Dry Riesling 2008 - $14 (tasted both whites but couldn't remember details without a tasting sheet)
Pinot Noir 2006 - $20
Smokehouse Blend - $20

Lamoreaux Landing

Seneca Lake (Central North - Lodi)
9224 Route 414
Lodi, NY 14860

607-582-6011
lamoreauxwine.com
Hours: 10-5 M-Sat, 12-5 Sun
Fee: $3, Tours: No, Reservations: Not required

Lamoreaux Landing produces dry, European-styled red and white wines. The wines are consistent and show the character of each vintage. This is a great winery for tasty whites and bolder reds. A fuller-bodied, balanced red wine requires some dutiful tasting to find, but you can skip the searching and head to Lamoreaux knowing you'll be okay.

They were in the middle of harvesting their reds during our visit. Forklifts were busy bringing full bins into the winery for destemming and crushing. Empty barrels were lined up waiting to receive the 2009 vintage.










Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2008 - $13. Very light color with a hint of yellow. Energetic flavors with lemon, ginger and steely finish. Polished and clean. Prefer this vintage.
Dry Riesling 2007 - $10. Smooth with sharp acidic finish - a good thing. A leaner style than the '08.
Red Oak Vineyard Riesling 2008 - $20. Leaner than '07. Good acidity. Creamy mid-palate with tropical fruit.
Gewurztraminer 2007 - $15. Very light gold color. Great nose! Roses, litchi and spice. Delicate flavors with ginger and steely finish. Enjoyed this style.
Pinot Noir Barrel-Aged 2007 - $20. Very clear dusty red color. Bright aromas; light and lean style. Body and flavors reminiscent of Va La's Silk. Can age 3-5 years.
T23 Cabernet Franc 2008 - $15. Light rose color. Tobacco nose. Vanilla scream through on finish. Very light for Cab Franc (fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks).
Cabernet Franc Barrel-Aged 2006 - $16. Denser, dusty red color. Bold, spicy with well-integrated tannins. Spice stays through until finish. Great oak structure. Really enjoyable. The first red we tried that wasn't wimpy.
76 West - $25. New release of their first meritage blend: 55% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft and spicy, great mouthfeel. Wow. Color is a more brilliant pink than Cab Franc. This wine was so delicate and perfectly balanced. Really wanted to buy, but we had so many wineries left to visit. Would have bought at a lower price point.
Estate Red Barrel-Aged - $11. Spicy tingle on finish, sweeter nose than meritage blend. Great value; an everyday wine. Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir & Merlot blend.












Other wines on the tasting menu:
Semi-Dry Riesling 2008 - $13
Chardonnay 2007 - $13
Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - $24
Semi-Dry Gewurztraminer 2008 - $15
42 North - $15
Merlot Barrel-Aged 2007 - $17
Reserve Riesling 2008 - $25
Riesling Ice 2007 - $36
Vidal Ice 2007 - $23

Wagner

Seneca Lake (Central North - Lodi)
9322 Route 414
Lodi, NY 14860

607-582-6976
wagnervineyards.com

Hours: 10-5 M-Sun
Fee: $1, Tours: set times, Reservations: Not required

Just up the road from Penguin Bay, Wagner is one of the older wineries on Seneca Lake. Their vineyards envelope the tasting building, which enjoys views of the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Folks say they haven't changed much since opening. This is a good thing if you enjoy wines with a touch of sweetness. Wagner's dry wines lean toward semi-dry; same for semi-dry to sweet. They do sweet wines well - my favorite wine of the ten samples was the Vidal Blanc Ice, a dessert wine reminscent of Sauternes.

There's also a brewery and beer tasting for the non-wine drinkers the group.












Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2007 - $13. A little thin, but otherwise fine. Pleasing citrus flavors. Residual sugar 0.23%. 3.5/5
Cabernet Franc 2006 - $15. Dusty berry and spiced nose, restrained berry flavors. Low tannins, lighter color than expected. No residual sugar. 3/5
Merlot 2004 - $16. Very similar to the Cab Franc flavors, but drying with a touch more fruit. No residual sugar. 2.5/5
Melody 2007 - $8. Too sweet and light. Peach, citrus. Residual sugar 0.8%. 1.5/5
Semi-dry Riesling 2007 - $13. Nice flavors, but not my style. Residual sugar 2.0%. 2.5/5
Sunset Red - $n/a. Aroma of sweetened Red Delicious apples. Concord grape dominates flavor - bleh! Red blend best served chilled. Residual sugar 3.5%. 0.5/5
Niagara - $7. One of the grapes native to the region, tends to be aromatic and fruity. Off-putting aroma - cat pee? Sickly sweet. Definitely not my style. Residual sugar 6%. 0.5/5
Vidal Blanc Ice 2006 - $22. Varietal is an old French hybrid. Very similar to Sauternes but a touch more unrefined sweetness. Grapes are commercially frozen rather than waiting for frost to freeze crop (which gives the winemaker control over harvest and reduces costs). Taste difference between the two methods is said to be minimal. 3.5/5
Chardonnay 2007 - $11. Flat, unappealing; possibly because this wine was added on after the reds and dessert wine. No residual sugar. 1.5/5
Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 - $25. Better than Penguin Bay's, not a good value. Light style, still tight. 2.5/5












Other wines on the tasting menu:
Gewurztraminer Semi-dry & Dry 2007 - $12
Riesling Select 2007 - $13
Chardonnay Barrel-Fermented 2007 - $11
Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - $14
Vintner's Chardonnay - $12 (1.5L)
Seyval Blanc 2006 - $8
Cayuga White 2007 - $8
Delaware 2008 - $7
Vignoles 2008 - $8
Reserve Red, White & Blush - $7
Alta B Red, White & Blush - $6
Riesling Ice 2007 - $22
Vignoles Ice 2007 - $22
Celebration Cuvee 2005 - $15. Sparkling.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $15
Meritage 2007 - $22

Penguin Bay

Seneca Lake (Central South - Hector)
4565 Route 414
Hector, NY 14841

607-546-5115
penguinbaywinery.com
info@penguinbaywinery.com









Hours: 10-5:30 M-Sat, 11-5:30 Sun
Fee: under $5, Tours: No, Reservations: Not required

Casual tasting room located on the main road surrounded by vines with views of the lake. Winery produces value-minded, well-crafted wines. Go for the riesling & gewurztraminer. Try the sparkling wines while you're there; not many wineries produce them.

Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Pinot Grigio 2007 - $16. Lush, well done pinot grigio. Dry, strong pear aromas.
Surfside Chardonnay 2007 - $14. A dry, stainless steel fermented. Crisp & fruity. Not my style, but a nice wine.
Gewurztraminer 2007 - $18. Just a touch of sweet, very nice. Aromatic, spicy wine done in Alsatian style.
Blanc de Blanc Champagne - $14.99. Really enjoyed this semi-dry sparkler. Style and flavors reminded me of the Riondo prosecco.
Valvin Muscat 2007 - $16. Dessert wine from Muscat grape. Sweet, luscious. Good wine for my dad, who has recently discovered muscat. Crisp.
Rose of Chambourcin 2007 - $11. Light, clear red with delicate flavors and aromas.
Pinot Noir 2006 - $17. Great smoky nose, smooth but finish isn't strong.
Maroon Four - $14. Great nose on this dry, barrel-aged Shiraz-style blend. Tart with odd, unappealing finish.
Cabernet - $14. Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc blends of the '04 & '06 vintages. Light enough to be approachable. Purple-red color. A nice example of the varietal in this terrior.









Other wines on the tasting menu:
Naturel Champagne - $18
Pinot Noir Brut Rose Champagne - $18. Dry
Percussion (semi-dry white blend) - $12. Semi-dry white blend.
Riesling 2008 (semi-sweet) - $15. Semi-sweet.
Golden Spumante Champagne - $13. Semi-sweet.
Tuxedo White - $9.50. Sweet blend of Niagara and Diamond grapes.
Humboldt Red - $11. Semi-dry red blend of Rougeon and Isabella grapes.
Tuxedo Red - $9.50. Sweet, Concord grape.

Finger Lakes

Headed to the Finger Lakes for a long weekend. Visiting lots of wineries along Seneca and Keuka Lake. Full report and photos to follow.

Port

Mainly served as a dessert wine, port is a fortified wine from Portugal. The flavors, aromas and production method vary by style and include white, ruby and tawny port. Each port producer has a defined style, known as the house blend, so you may try several types of ruby or tawny port before you find a favorite.

Tawny port - barrel-aged, wine picks up the nuances of the oak barrels imparting nutty flavors and aromas. Tawnies can be served before or after a meal.
Ruby port - bottle-aged and does not generally improve with aging. This is a young, fruity wine perfect for after dinner pairings with dark chocolate and berries.
White port - very similar to a ruby port except white grapes are used. Great as an apertif.

Fine by itself as an after-dinner drink, port also cooperates with food. These wines pair well with mild, hard cheese like Manchego or a tangy, salty blue cheese (a perfect pairing to the sweetness of a ruby or white port).

White Port


Niepoort Dry White Port
$18
Lighter body, rich golden color. Sweeter than other white port (Rozes) while aroma isn't as strong. Sampled recently at Domaine Hudson. 3.5/5


Rozes white reserve port
$20
Soft aromas with walnut note. Sweeter nose than Niepoort. Caramel gold color. Rich, full flavor - decadent. Walnut flavors with long finish. Moderate sweetness. My favorite of the two white ports. 4/5

Tawny, Ruby & Late-Bottled Port


Graham's 10 year Tawny Port
$30
Beautiful orange-brown color. A little hot. Nutty & vanilla flavors on a light body. Pairs wonderfully with Manchego cheese and hazelnut dark chocolate. Ideal for an after-dinner drink, especially after a large meal because it is not as heavy or sweet as a ruby or white port. 4/5


Fonseca Porto Late Bottled Vintage 2001 Unfiltered
$22-30
This ruby port is very refined. A nice change from our everyday, $12 bottle ruby port which is much sweeter. Rich and smooth. 3.5/5


Fonseca Porto Bin 27
$18-23
Powerful nose of brambly, rich & concentrated fruits. Raspberry burst finish on the palate. A little hot but a very nice wine. Complex. 4/5




Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2003
$20
Striking nose. Much sweeter than Fonseca Bin 27. Softer, more delicate nose. Smooth finish, not too hot. My favorite of the three ruby ports. 4.5/5

Tiny Bubbles - Sparkling Wine

Candoni Prosecco Brut
Veneto, Italy - $12
This is a drier style and doesn't have the explosion of flavor of the Riondo. Both were sampled during the 2008 Raft-up with appetizers and the consensus was that the Riondo was a better bottle. 3/5

Riondo Prosecco
Veneto, Italy - $14
Favorite sparkler with light aromas. Green apples flavors and pleasant tartness, good acidity. Flavors burst through, a very unique prosecco. Good summer sipper or apertif. Heard it can be found in NYC for $8 bottle... 5/5

Piper Sonoma Brut
Sonoma County, California - $13
Initial fruitiness opens into apple and citrus flavors. Another 2008 Raft-up wine.

Pinot Noir

In ascending order of price, some recent Pinot Noirs with tasting notes from a Collier's Pinot Noir event below.



Meridian Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
Santa Barbara County, California - $10
Buy several for the excellent value. Our house or party Pinot Noir. Clean berry, a little earth, vanilla. Floral aromas come out with food. Smoke. Flavors of blackberry, plum, interesting mocha with light spice. Light tannins & body. Smoky plum. Bitter finish. Better with food. Character comes out and forms a great complement. 3/5


Concannon Central Coast Pinot Noir Limited Release 2006
Central Coast, California - $15
Good earthiness with smoky sour cherry aromas and flavors. Soft. Not as complex as I'd expected or hoped for.

Erath Pinot Noir 2007
Willamette Valley, Oregon - $18
WS top value for 2008. Shows real class for moderate price. Light dusty rose color. Aromas of sour cherry, hay/straw, earthiness, light floral (rose). Light, but firm tannins. Light body. Flavors of light berry and red delicious apple peel opens to sour cherry and light spice in back of mouth. Elegant. Fruit flavors come out with food. Prefer more dynamic style, but a good summer wine. 3.5/5

Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2006
Central Coast, California - $20
Aromas of soft leather, slight barnyard, violets, red jammy berries & cherry. Soft tannins, low acid. Flavors of sweet red berry with woody aftertaste. Smooth finish. Average wine, not considered great value at price point. Lacks complexity of better Pinots. 3.5/5

Alamos Seleccion Pinot Noir 2006
Mendoza, Argentina
Aromas of sour cherry, red fruit, earthy, light barnyard & florals. Still tight. Dark, deep tannic berry flavors; earthy. Soft but steady tannins, cocoa bitterness. Not intense. Long finish, reserved & elegant. A better Pinot than most, especially if price is low. Lacks flavor alone; better with food when floral and spice notes come out. No strong faults. Less exciting than I prefer. 4/5

The following wines were tasted at Collier's on 4/15/08
Alfred Roco Pinot Noir 2006
Argentina - $12
Really liked. Spicy nose; great mouth feel - lush & soft. Spices in back of mouth almost like Zinfandel. Heavier weight than Cono Sur's Pinot Noir. Medium dark red color.

Picardy Pinot Noir 2004
Australia - $25
Aromas of barnyard, wet straw (interesting & intense), burning matches & smoke. Light body. Smooth on palate with some tannins. Berries come out with food. Style is truer to Burgundian wines.

Wild Hog Sara Lee's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006
RRV, California - $32
Fruity & floral nose knock-out. Sweet aromas open up into herbal notes of menthol/mint. Anise & Spike spice rub aroma. More flavors of blueberry with side of the tongue spice with an overall heat. Not as smooth as previous wines and a thinner mouthfeel. Nose more interesting than flavors.

Stoller Dundee Hills JV Pinot Noir 2006
Dundee Hills, Oregon - $25
Light barnyard; light and elegant nose. Earthy, strawberry sweetness on palate. Most Burgundian of the tasting. Smoky, smooth, long finish. Rated 90 pts in WS. From the winemaker: Juicy raspberry, green tea & earth mingle enticingly.

Highfield Pinot Noir 2005
Wairau Valley, New Zealand - $32
Love it. Nose reminds me of Gary Farrell's Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs. Jam, smoke and spice on palate; fresh ripe fruit with an edge. Smooth, lush and sophisticated.

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2006
South Africa - $33
Earthy aromas with accompanying sour barnyard and peat. Cheese brings out fruit; wine is great with food. Meaty, bacon fat aroma and flavor. Age up to 5 yrs.

White wines for Mexican food

Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde 2008
Lima, Portugal - $11
Light, herbal, crisp aromas dominated by lime and lemon. Light body with effervescence. Crisp lemon-lime and green apple flavors. Good acidity. Not fruity or floral - a pure, clean wine that doesn't overpower the food. Normally, I would drink this wine in the heat of summer with salad or seafood.

More info on this wine can be foundhere, on the importer's website.


Moulin de Gassac Guilhem 2006
Languedoc, France - $10
Vin de pays (table wine) with Sauvignon Blanc, Clairette and Grenache Blanc grapes. Producer is Moulin de Gassac; Guilhem is their name for the blended wine. Strong floral notes with slight petrol nose. Flavors are marked by minerality and lemon juice with balanced acidity. Much more floral and fruity than the Vinho Verde. Not my preference for chicken/shrimp tacos but enjoyed the petrol and minerality components.

Sauternes

Sauternes is an intensely sweet, white dessert wine from the Graves region of Bordeaux, France. The primary grapes are semillon, sauvignon blanc & muscadelle. Thanks to a fungus called botrytis cinera, which removes the moisture and leaves a shriveled raisin-like fruit, the sugars are concentrated and sweetness approaches dessert wine levels. Because there is less juice to start with, more grapes must be used. This and several other factors (hand picked bunches, fermentation in smaller oak barrels) increase the cost of this unique wine.

Chateau Y'Quem is the pinnacle of Sauternes. I consider myself fortunate have enjoyed this prohibitively expensive wine... However, it was decidedly not an ideal introduction to Sauternes. I've set the bar too high.

Chateau Belingard Sauternes
France - $11
Amazing flavor and richness for price point. Pineapple flavors and aromas. The little wine that could. Good value dessert wine. Obscure enough for most people not to bother with detecting the nuances between a $11 and $40 bottle. Most are just happy to have something deliciously different. 3.5/5


Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2006
France - $30
Aromas of honey and tropical fruit, most notably pineapple. Honey, walnut and pineapple flavors emerge under a silky smooth and clean body with extended finish. First-cru Sauternes. Cleaner, purer, and more complex than the less expensive Chateau Belingard - no surprise. Not sure if it's worth the additional money, especially if consumed after a long night of wine drinking. A raft-up wine from 2008. Previous vintages have received a 92 rating from WS. 4/5

Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes 2004
France - $40
Another first-cru Sauternes. A raft-up wine from a mystery year, but we loved it. Rated 88 points in WS, 95 by WE. 4/5

Mmmm... Malbec

Originally from France, the Malbec grape has lived with an unfortunate reputation for being difficult to grow and mature. The varietal's true potential has finally been realized in Argentina. It has flourished in this sunny, warm country whereas it floundered in the cooler, rainy climate of Bordeaux. Primarily a blending grape in French Bordeaux, Malbec was rarely given the spotlight or even used as a single varietal wine. The wine is typically rich, plush and full of dark, juicy fruit. Argentinian expressions of the grape are less tannic than Bordeaux blends. (Chile has tried its hand at Malbec, producing a more tannic wine that approaches the French style.) The Mendoza region, as you'll read below, is the largest producer of Malbec in Argentina.

Mendoza Station Malbec 2008
Mendoza, Argentina - $6
Aromas of plum and rosemary; Lush and fruit-driven. Finely grained tannins. Stewed red fruits, smoke, plum, sour cherry, mocha or dark chocolate. Not overly sweet or syrupy. Needs time to open up, better on second day. Pair with red meat (lamb), grilled chicken or spicy Asian food. For the price, a surprisingly balanced and drinkable wine. 3/5

Bodega Norton Mendoza Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $8
Buy again, but too tannic initially - decant. Popular at party.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $9
Loved it; better than the Norton. Plum, black currant, raspberry aromas & flavors.

Phebus Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $9
Classic fallback. Have gotten out of habit drinking it to explore more Malbecs. Jammy raspberry and plum; clean flavors. Well-rounded, modern style. Finishes with a firm, yet juicy grip.

Kaiken Malbec 2006
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $11
Great buy. Lots of flavor: brambly fruit, cocoa and plum. Enjoyed this one so much last year that I was spurred to purchase the '07 recently.


Maipe Malbec 2008
Mendoza, Argentina - $12
Smoky and earthy; brambly blackberry and raspberry. Lovely aroma. Blackberry is very strong. Flavors of spicy vanilla opens to brambly, bold berry with long balanced finish. Smooth, pleasant tannins. Mocha flavor lingers on finish. Deep purple color. An excellent value for the complexity and flavors this wine delivers. Good gift wine for nice label and flavor. 4/5


Kaiken Malbec 2007
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $14
Smoky and juicy red fruit with cherry notes at the end. Balanced, smooth, and fruit forward. Vanilla and spice come out after it opens up. Dense. Enjoyed it as much as the 2006.

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2007
Mendoza, Argentina - $15
Aromas of black pepper, tar; spicy and dark. Blackberry. Strong aroma. Flavors of blackberry, currant, slight bitter finish (pill-like). Well balanced but becomes more bitter as it opens up on second day. Bitterness ruined what started off as a strong wine. Better with food, bitterness subsides. Lots of complex flavors, good value. Not sure if I'll buy again because of the bitterness.

Paul Hobbs El Felino Malbec 2005
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $20
A favorite on the higher end of casual. Juicy, rich dark fruit shows blueberry, raspberry, plum & black cherry. Layered with sweet spice & licorice. Long finish. Rated 88 points in WS.

Also check out the Luigi Bosca 2005 Malbec and Gouguenheim 2007 Malbec in previous posts.

Unusual Whites

Martin Codax Albarino
Spain -
The albarino grape is light bodied with high acidity and features aromatics on par with Viognier and Gerwurztraminer. This wine had lemon juice & lime aromas. Flavors begin with fresh grass and lemongrass and close with a long, lingering citrus finish. Clean and crisp. Great with sushi. 3.5/5


Vitiano Falesco Verdicchio Vermentino 2008
Umbria, Italy - $11
Grape varietals verdicchio (high acid, grassy) and vermentino (crisp acidity, minerality, low alcohol, good richness). Green apple, lime, herb and floral aromas. Fresh, crisp & vibrant wine. Lots of Pinot Grigio flavors. Green apple and peach flavors follow sparkling acidity. Light golden color. Pairs well with salads. 3/5

Riondo Rose Prosecco

Riondo Pink Prosecco Raboso
Veneto, Italy - $14
Soft pink color with light body, this sparkling wine starts off with berry aromas that lead to soft, delicate flavors of melon and berry. A well-balanced, dry and smooth wine that pairs well with grilled veggies and pasta salad. A lovely summer sparkler gets points for being different (pink) but still a basic prosecco. I still like the original Riondo prosecco much better with its strong note of green apple. 3.5/5

Sauvignon Blanc Round-up

This list is an assortment of the Sauvignon Blanc wines I've sampled over the past few months. It's one of my favorite white varietals, simply because it is so food friendly. I have listed the wines with the higher rated ones at the top. The two at the bottom without ratings fall in the middle of the pack, but weren't assigned a value since they were consumed before I started to rate the wines.

Root1 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Colchagua, Chile - $9
Aromas of zesty citrus fruit: lemon, grapefruit, grassy, clean and fresh. Sparkling acidity. Flavors of lemon & grapefruit. Really interesting as it finishes. Pineapple at end. Grassy. Pairs well with scallops and avocado. Bright & lively citrus flavors & aromas. Strong acidity without food. 4.5/5

Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, New Zealand - $17
Part 1 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Very lush aromas & exotic tropical flavors. Impressive, strong aroma. Juicy vibrant palate with mouth-watering acidity. Better alone; food brings out more acidity and slight bitter finish. Would buy again. Initially overshadowed other wines in flight from CA & France. Delight for the senses. 4.5/5


Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Clarksburg, California - $9
Green apple and floral aromas dominate followed by grapefruit, grassy and light vanilla notes. Pale gold color. Surprising body with acidic citrus with pear and apple on the mid-palate. A little bitey. Balanced with a long finish. The 2006 vintage was rated 86 points by WS. Lovely nose with balanced palate of citrus, sparkling acidity and green tree fruits. Great value and easy to pair with summer food. 4/5

Ricard "Le Petiot" Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Loire Valley, France
Part 2 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Light nose dominated by mineral & wet stone. Restrained, sophisticated wine; light body but plush. Good acidity, doesn't overpower. Deeper yellow color. Complex aromas & flavors. Flavors sweeten as wine opens and is paired with food. Very long enjoyable finish. 4/5

Carl Roy Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Napa Valley, California - $14
Part 3 of a Sauvignon Blanc flight at Domaine Hudson. Lots of oak on nose (vanilla & cooking spices) compared to New Zealand and French companions in flight. Pineapple and other lush tropical flavors as it opens up. Balanced acidity, light body and light yellow color. 4/5

Sterling Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Napa County, California
Aromas of rich florals, lemon and a hint of melon. Crisp citrus and round fruit flavors. Lime and lemon with pleasant acidity. Not bitey. Melon flavors come out as wine opens. Paired it with Asian marinated beef and rice. Would go really well with sushi. 3.5/5

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc
Sonoma Co, California - $12
A Marc freebie; zingy & citrusy. Grapefruit, grass, refreshing and crisp. For the price, a good value party wine.

Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Loire Valley, France
A Marc freebie, very minerally, light & refreshing. Oysters would be an ideal pairing. Would like to find this again or a similar expression as the minerality was unusual.