Ravines 2007 Dry Riesling

Tasted December 2011

Pale golden color. The aroma has developed nicely, it has become a little more intense and has now the lush scent of overripe juicy pears. The spice of tarragon has diminished a bit and instead the mineral aspect of this Riesling has taken its place. The acidity is still very vibrant, the minerality is chiseled and the wine overall very refreshing. Apple, grapefruit and stones on a medium(+) length. Elegantly balanced from its soft mid-palate to its unforgivingly mineral finish. Pure pleasure.

Tasted July 2010

Still a pale lemon color, but the green tint is gone. Developing nose with a medium(-) intensity of pear, white gummy bears and tarragon. Very dry on the palate (only 3g of residual sugar). The medium(+) acidity is well balanced against the medium alcohol. The flavor profile is sublime: hints of apple, tarragon and bitter grapefruit, with line of minerals running through it. Long length with a mineral finish. Drink now through 2015.

A Finger Lakes Riesling with subtleties which, thanks to its striking purity, will never be a crowd pleaser but is a perfect companion for shell fish.

Tasted October 2008

Pale lemon color with a green tint. Youthful nose with a medium intensity of minerality, pear aromas. Delicate hints of smoke and hay. Medium acidity. Medium(-) alcohol. Light to medium body. Beautiful floral and spicy flavors with pink grapefruit and bosc pear. Medium(+) length.

Very different from its 2006 sibling. The warmer 2007 vintage shines through in this slightly fruitier Riesling. Still, the 2007 is as much a Ravines as the 2006: a slender Riesling with very fine minerality and occasional flashes of fruit. Despite its more floral character the wine does not lose its focus throughout the fairly long length. The grapes were sourced from Keuka, Seneca and Skaneateles lakes.