The grapes for this late harvest Riesling from New York's Long Island region were picked in late November, by which time most of berries had been attacked by noble rot, a beneficial fungus that punctuates the grape's skin - while the water in the berries evaporates the flavor compounds are being concentrated at the same time. Botrytis does not happen every year - since 1986 Jamesport Vineyards was only able to produce 5 vintages of Late Harvest Riesling.
This 2010 Late Harvest Riesling has a deep golden color. The nose of the wine is very youthful; lush with very ripe apricot and peach aromas and hints of spiciness and botrytis.
It is very sweet (322 g/l residual sugar) and so concentrated that the acidity seems to struggle a bit in order to keep up with so much flavor concentration. Still, the wine strikes a balance and because of its high acidity should enjoy a long life in the cellar to further balance the impressively concentrated and complex fruit flavors of apricots, peaches, berries and honey. Medium(+) length with a spicy finish.