Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rooster Hill









Keuka Lake (West - Penn Yan)
489 Route 54 South
Penn Yan, NY 14527

315-536-4773
roosterhill.com
info@roosterhill.com

Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11-5 Sun
Tasting Fee: $6









Our last winery! We drove out of the way late Sunday afternoon to reach Rooster Hill. A friend's mother had been a year before and recommended it. Heck, after the last winery, I was determined to leave on a positive note.

The Rooster Hill tasting room sits halfway up the steep hillside with views of Keuka Lake. Homey, comfortable tasting room with helpful, knowledgeable staff. Our wine pourer guided us in the right direction with suggestions from the tasting menu. Overall, it was a positive experience with average wines. It was such a hike from our temporary home base that only out of my stubbornness and a desire to visit as many wineries as possible did it make it onto the itinerary.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Dry Riesling 2008 - $15.99. Crisp, lime and light apple. Light body, high acid. Smooth. Prefer the Gewurzt. "Luscious, dry crisp wine... flavors of tangerine, lemon and white pepper. Dusty hint of slate and minerals. Citrus fruit keeps it fresh and vibrant."
Estate Gewurztraminer 2007 - $19.99. Delicate, dry style with solid acid to bring it through to finish. "Ripe with intense spice... floral bouquet is prominent. Layered with fruit."
Estate Pinot Noir 2007 - $15.99. Tannins and spice without a lot of fruit; still tight. "Delicate... cherry fruit and strawberry... soft tannins. Finish is crisp and clean."
Estate Cabernet Franc-Lemberger 2007 -$19.99. Blend of 70% Cab Franc, 30% Lemberger. Lovely nose of herbal fruit, vanilla finish; nice tannins. "Lush wine... bold blackberry, cherry... complexity and depth... layers of spice, hint of mint. Oak adds touch of vanilla and smoky bacon."
Estate Cabernet Franc 2007 - $19.99. Smoky and meaty. Nice weight and balanced tannins. "Open and easy-going, medium-weight mix of tobacco, black cherry and spice notes."
NV Port - $15.99. Cab Franc blended with brandy. Chocolate-y, sweeter than expected and a touch hot. "Dark fruit aroma... plum and black cherry."












Other wines from the tasting menu:
Chardonnay 2008
Estate Gewurztraminer 2008
Estate Semi-Dry Riesling 2007
Silver Pencil 2008
Traminette 2007
Rosecomb Red
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Meritage 2005

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