The grapes for this single vineyard Riesling from the Finger Lakes come from the Ingle Vineyard, which lies on the west coast of Canandaigua Lake and has been farmed sustainably by Heron Hill owner John Ingle for over 30 years. The 2010 Ingle Vineyard Riesling has not been released yet.
The 2010 Ingle Vineyard Riesling is vibrant with subtle fruit flavors built on a solid mineral structure. It is perfectly drinkable now but will benefit from a couple of years of aging to add a touch of softness to the chiseled vibrancy. Either way definitely a Riesling that will enhance any fine meal.
The grapes for the Dry Riesling were sourced from all three vineyards of the Hermann J. Wiemer estate and for the first time winemaker Fred Merwarth used only spontaneous fermentation for all of his Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. Each Riesling lot from the three vineyards was fermented separately and the finals wines were then blended together to create the dry estate Riesling. The last of the Riesling tanks stopped fermenting in August 2011, a rather long primary fermentation!
This spontaneously fermented Riesling is the most expressive dry estate Rieslings of Wiemer I have tasted. The warm growing season of the 2010 vintage shows well in the moist ripeness of the fruit and sufficient acidity balances its ornate style.
The grapes for Heron Hill's 2009 Riesling Reserve come from the Heron Hill Estate and from the Ingle Vineyard. It was fermented in stainless steel and bottled in the summer of 2011.
It has a pale lemon color, with pure mineral and tropical aromas. A citrus-fresh aroma! It is dry on the palate and has a firm structure that is controlled by this Riesling's high acidity. The alcohol is on a medium level and the flavor spectrum focuses on the freshness of its citrus character and the slightly mineral finish. Medium length.
Heron Hill's 2009 Reserve is a Riesling with a refreshing citrus character and a nice touch of minerality. It tastes a bit closed at the moment but the wine has a solid structure and may benefit from a couple more years of aging.
Pale lemon color. Vivid aroma of minerals, citrus and a touch of pear. It is dry on the palate, yet only has 11% alcohol. A pleasantly light-bodied Riesling with high acidity and a good structure. Very light and mineral on the palate. Medium length.
A very clean and clear Riesling with pronounced acidity, which makes it for a perfect companion at the dinner table.
Wagner Vineyard is located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The winery was founded in 1979 and thus is one of the veterans in the Finger Lakes.
The 2008 dry Riesling has a pale lemon color. On the nose it is clean and fresh. The aromas of citrus, apple and fresh cut flowers are of medium intensity. The Riesling is quite dry on the palate. The acidity is crisp, both the alcohol and flavor intensity are of medium intensity. Citrus and green pear fruit dominate, although there is a nice touch of minerals towards the finish. Drink now through 2014.
An energetic Riesling and ideal candidate for the dinner table. It does not brag but silently pleases.
Showing developing nose of apple peel and hints of spices. Dry, high acidity. Simple flavor profile of citrus and minerality and rather thin on the mid-palate. Short length.
Tasted at the Riesling AC blind tasting "Kiwi vs. Aussie".
Interesting deep and plush aroma of orange blossoms and slightly oxidized apple. Dry on the palate with medium acidity. The alcohol is a bit out of balance and dominates the simple floral flavors and medium(-) length.
Tasted at the Riesling AC blind tasting "Kiwi vs. Aussie".
The Steingarten vineyard was planted in the earl 1960s and its Riesling is known for its ageing potential. Jacob's Creek tries to avoid petrol character in Riesling. 2003 was a difficult year. There was little rainfall during winter and spring, which resulted in less bunches per vine and therefore lower yields. An initially cool ripening season in December was followed by hot summer temperatures in January with the much needed rain following in February.
Simple aroma of candied pear, slightly floral. Dry on the palate, with crisp acidity and refreshing citrus flavors, but also a bit thin overall and somewhat short in length.
Tasted at the Riesling AC blind tasting "Kiwi vs. Aussie".
