Terrain at Styer's birthday dinner

Brian and I dined at Terrain last night for my real birthday dinner. Uncorked a wine from our 2008 California trip: Arista 2006 Longbow Pinot Noir. We were so relieved it was better than we remembered and had yet to peak. After our first sip, we just sat there with eyes closed savoring it and the memory of the trip.

Our second bottle should be beautiful in about six months.

Birthday dinner

Sampled at Dom. Hudson on 9/27/10 at a true "wine with friends" dinner.

Praxis Pinot Noir Monterrey, CA 08
Great nose. Lots of rich berry. Smoky nose. Slow start but stronger mid-palate pulls through to long finish. Bittersweet chocolate flavors barely there. Reserved fruit. Strong aroma was my favorite part of this wine, best of the three here. 7 of 10

Le Cadeau "Red Label" Pinot Noir willamette valley, OR '07
More delicate nose. Restrained. Odd bitter mid-palate but not unpleasant. Fades slowly. Better with food. 5 of 10, 6 of 10 with food

Daniel Rion Bourgogne, Burgundy, FR '08
Vegetal, sweet nose. More vegetal and definitely more tannic than the le cadeau. Sour cherry flavor. Light body. Probably too light for food; nuances disappear.

Food:
1st: Polenta with shirred egg and truffle oil
2nd: Wild mushroom risotto
Dessert: Poached peaches (plus fourth drink - a lovely tawny port)

Finger Lakes - Best of the Reds

Best Reds
1. Standing Stone
2. Lamoreaux Landing

Best Pinot Noir
1. Ravines 2007
2. Lamoreaux 2007
3. Wiemer 2006












Best Cab Franc
1. Ravines 2007
(Atwater 2006, Lamoreaux Landing - "Barrel Aged" & Heron Hill - "Ingle Vineyard")

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Penguin Bay (blend, no vintage)

Best Merlot
Standing Stone

Best Lemberger (blend)
1. Anthony Road 2007
2. Rooster Hill 2007












Best Red: Other
1. Lamoreaux Landing - "76 West"
(Anthony Road - "Devonian Red", Atwater - "Stone Bridge Red", Prejean - "Marechal Foch 2008")

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

Heron Hill

Seneca Lake (West - Himrod)
3586 Route 14
Himrod, NY 14842

607-243-7109
heronhill.com

Hours: 10am-6pm Sun-Thurs, 10-7 Fri & Sat
Fee: $5, Reservations: not required

Heron Hill was the first winery of the last day. I was excited that we had an extra day of tastings ahead of us; some of the wineries were highly regarded. Heron Hill was one of them. They're noted for being green winery using organic methods whenever possible and always keeping sustainable farming practices in mind.

For convenience's sake, we visited the tasting room on Rt. 14. Their beautiful Keuka Lake site was just too far - next time! The tasting fee covers 6 wines; we shared our tastes so for two people it's more like 12 wines. Heron Hill prorates the fee back with a purchase. We found the wine room host to be knowledgeable and friendly. He gave good advice and direction toward certain wines based on our disclosed preferences, giving a bonus pour of a similar style or different vintage. It was a quiet, slow start to a Sunday. The tasting room had a few more visitors by the time we left, but had the room to ourselves almost the whole time. Definitely focus on off-peak hours or days if you want the intimate, intellectual conversations.









Selections from tasting menu (purchases in bold):
Reserve Chardonnay Unoaked 2007 - $18.99. Crisp with clean finish. "Light peach and apricot aromas." 0.15% RS
Eclipse White 2007 - $13.99. Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Toasty and ideal for someone on our gift list. 0.66% RS
Reserve Old Vines Riesling 2007 - $22.99. Love the nose. Clean finish. Like it but not at this price point. "Light citrus aromas with tart steel, mineral finish." 0.8% RS
Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2006 - $14.99. Very nice wine; represents a great value. "Crisp wine... apple and lemon." 1.76% RS
Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 - $14.99. Woodsy, berries and touch of spice. Light body. Prefer this style over the Reserve. "Small European oak barrel aging... floral aromas of strawberries." 0.02% RS
Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 - $27.99. More body, stronger aroma, markedly stronger tannins. Longer vanilla finish. Oak and vanilla dominate. Needs time to calm down and present other flavors. "Fruit forward... deep color and delicate nuances." 0.3%
Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc - $14.99. Bold. Green pepper, spice on nose and mid-palate. Like this one. "Small European oak barrel... intense berry flavors." 0.2% RS
Reserve Blaufrankisch 2007 - $32.99. Tight; spice and tannins without balance of fruit. Traditional California Pinot Noir nose. Aromas are stronger than flavors. "Deep blackberry and plum flavors, finishing with vanilla and spice notes and soft tannins." 0.2% RS

Other wines from the tasting menu:
Classic Chardonnay Unoaked 2008
Ingle Vineyard Chardonnay 2005
Classic Dry Riesling 2006
Game Bird White
Classic Semi-Dry Riesling 2007
Classic Semi-Sweet Riesling 2008
Classic Cabernet Franc 2006
Eclipse Red 2005
Late Harvest Chardonnay 2007
Late Harvest Vidal Blanc 2007
Late Harvest Muscat Ottonel 2005
Ingle Vineyard Late Harvest Riesling 2006
Riesling Icewine 2003

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

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.

Baldacci

Baldacci sits at the top of the Stags Leap district - home to my favorite expression of Cabernet Sauvignon: deep & intense wine with silky, velvety tannins and powerful fruit. The texture of this wine is key and won't be found elsewhere in Napa or Sonoma Valleys. The Stags Leap district is only 1 mile wide by 3 miles long, but the wineries in this area are well-known for their high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Baldacci, we enjoyed an outdoor tasting with views of the vineyards followed by a private tour of the wine cave and facilities. Our guide was very knowledgeable and encouraged questions. I would definitely recommend a visit to this winery or another comparable Stags Leap district winery.

Baldacci Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Stags Leap, California - $55
Rich with deep red hues. Big bold aromas with ripe fruit, vanilla bean, fig & clean dirt. Full, great body; overflows with intense mouth-watering ripe black fruit, dark chocolate mocha, & dried currants. Lingering finish with refined tannins & balanced acid. Rated 95 points in WS.

Baldacci IV Sons Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Stags Leap, California - $35
Lots of flavors; drying (Cab Franc). Good weekend Cab, more tannic than the Estate Cab. From the winemaker: 97% cab, 3% cab franc. Aromas of dried black fruit, cherries, figs, supple & full bodied. Velvet & lingering tannins. Hints of mocha & dusting of oak. Can be aged 2013-2015.

Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir 2005
Carneros, California - $35
Very soft wine. Earthy, mineral and "stinky Pinot" barnyard aromas. From the winemaker: Notes of pomegranate, strawberries, raspberries balance earthy aromas. Rich, velvety structure with complex mineral. Dusting of oak & tannins, lingering finish & robust personality.



More at Baldacci Vineyards.com
More about Stags Leap

Merry Edwards

Most of my time is spent walking the vine rows - measuring, evaluating, tasting & planning - Merry Edwards

This really comes through in her wines. Merry is very hands on. We had the privilege of a private wine tasting at their new facility. While we thoroughly enjoyed the wines, I think we caught our host on an off day... as we received a very basic run-through of the wine without much enthusiasm. Learning more about the wine, vineyards and winemaker herself would have left a stronger impression.

Merry Edwards was our third and final stop on "Pinot Noir Day".



Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006
Russian River Valley, California - $42
Slightly brown color; dark black cherry and plum flavors.

Merry Edwards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006
Sonoma County, California - $36
Too tannic, needs a few years. Nice black cherry finish.

Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2005
Russian River Valley, California - $54
Loved it, very fruity and smooth. Rated 90 pts from WS. From the winemaker: Generous aromas of blackberry, raspberry, anise w/hint of cardamom. Supple, rich flavors, firm tannins, lush palate. Powerful & well structured.



More at Merry Edwards.com

Arista

Primarily focusing in Pinot Noir, Arista believes in sustainable farming and minimal interference in the vineyards. The grounds feature a breathtaking setting of mountain and vineyard vistas and Japanese water gardens - designed by renowned landscape architect Harry Sumigawa. It is an amazing place for a picnic lunch. (The vista below was designed to mirror views of Mt. Fuji.) The kind folks at Gary Farrell recommended Arista as a good picnic spot where they just happen to make great wine! (Arista was our second winery visit during "Pinot Noir Day".)



Arista Gewurztraminer 2007
Sonoma County, California - $25
Jasmine and honeysuckle aromas. Clean, crisp. Green & yellow pear flavors.

Arista Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006
Sonoma County, California
A three vineyard blend and a wonderful example of RRV terrior - slightly sweet, slightly bitter and silky.

Arista Longbow Pinot Noir 2006
Sonoma County, California
Very berry, dry. Smoky, earthy and more toasty as it opens. Young, so put down for as long as 10 years but at least 2 years. We'll open the first bottle sometime in 2010 to decide when to open the second bottle. The 2004 vintage was available for tasting and had the benefit of 4 years of bottling. From that sampling, I decided the 2006 had much more potential as it ages. Looking forward to opening this one in a year.



More at Arista Winery.com

Gary Farrell

A winemaker renowned for beautifully crafted Pinot Noirs, Gary Farrell Winery is an iconic name. The dramatic architecture of the hilltop tasting room enhances the amazing vistas of the Russian River Valley. It was a hike, but well worth it. This was our first stop on "Pinot Noir Day".



Gary Farrell Rochioli Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2012. Clean, flinty, melon and touch of oak with harmony and balance. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2011. Floral aromas, lots of depth and complexity. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Westside Farms Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Slightly tart, long finish with butter and oak. Brian likes this one. Drink now-2011. Fresh, snappy, elegant with long finish. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Cresta Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
This Chardonnay was my favorite. Picked up minerality immediately. More crispness and minerality than Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (below). From the winemaker: Bursts with aromas of orange blossom, citrus zest and hints of toffee. Luscious, fresh cut green melon, spiced pear, interesting mineral components.

Gary Farrell Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Sonoma County, California - $25
new French oak, very citrusy, not grassy. "Bright, forward aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, lime and melon. Generous flavors, richness on mid-palate, never strays from crisp refreshing acidity. Rated 91 points in WS.



Gary Farrell Sonoma County Merlot 2003
RRV, California - $32
Picked up the mint and cedar aromas. Very interesting. From the winemaker: Complex aromas of blackberry, chocolate-cherry, mint and cedar. Juicy expressions of wild berry fruit, cassis and green peppercorn.

Gary Farrell Collins Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
RRV, California - $40
Notable nose. Cranberry, very tart, really needs decanting for a few hours. Will be prime in 2011-2013.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California 2005
Very good, but needs more time to develop in bottle.

Gary Farrell Carneros Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California - $50
Very good. Beautiful now, but can age up to 12 years for greatness.

Gary Farrell Santa Barbara Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2005
Santa Barbara County, California - $50
Favorite Pinot from the tasting. Pretty aromas & silky, elegant tannins. Nose of raspberry, black cherry with hint of spice. Fine, rich and voluptuous textures. Decant, cellar up to 10 years. Rated 87 points in WS.



More at Gary Farrell wines.com

Gourmet Raft-up 2009

Peju Rose of Syrah 2007
Napa, California
Light cherry, melon, other berries and dusty aromas. Dry style of rose, light body. Brilliant red-orange color. Light flavors that mimic the aromas. Paired with smoked salmon, pickled red onions, & goat cheese boursin. Interesting wine for summer event, surprising and refreshing. Rarity increases score. 3.5/5


Va La Silk 2007
Avondale, Pennsylvania - $28
Aromas of smoke, berry & plum open up to woodsy notes. After decanting for an hour, insane spice aromas appear - cinnamon. Spice and smoky fruit flavors with light body. Very complex flavors. Versatile red and a great local wine. Good for appetizers or as a substitute for Pinot Noir. 4.5/5


Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Russian River Valley, California
Violet aromas followed by berry and vanilla with medium tannins. Needed more time to open - not as aromatic as initial tasting in CA.




Neal Zinfandel 2006
Napa Valley, California
Herbal, soft red fruits (berry) on the nose. Same jammy red fruits with medium tannins. A soft Zinfandel with powerful tannins that need time to open up, fruit is obscured. 4/5


Luchador Shiraz 2007
South Australia - $12
Stewed red fruits followed by good oak nose. Amazing flavor when paired with grilled lamb. Thick, powerful aromas; intense, spicy flavors and easy tannins. More potent nose than flavors. For the price, great flavor & intensity. 4.5/5

Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva 2005
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Aromas of smoke, earth, plum, red fruit and leather. Big hit of spice (back of throat) and smack of alcohol on initial taste. Bold. Same flavors as aromas. Peppery, port-like ripe fruit. Needs food. Tannic and powerful, nice finish. 4/5

Chateau de Segur Sauternes 2003
Barsac, France - $19
Pineapple, honey, light floral and ripe golden citrus aromas. Very sweet, syrupy weight. Honeyed pineapple. Very elegant and soft. Extended pineapple finish with caramel hint. Fantastic value for full bottle under $20 - why spend more? (That is, unless you're shooting for Chateau Y'Quem). 4.5/5