The nose is rich—mulberry, unsweetened chocolate, and a ripe, meaty, gaminess. The Cabernet Franc leads on the attack, more blackberry than mulberry, with tobacco leaf and unsweetened chocolate. Merlot takes over on the mid-palate, softening to a silky mouthfeel and-read more-
I am generally skeptical of the notion of signature grapes, but in the case of the Finger Lakes, it would be hard to contest that riesling is really what makes that region go round. It is well-made all around the-read more-
Blackberries, briars, black pepper, and nutmeg waft up from the glass. On the palate blackberries, real licorice, pecan shells and soy make a complex array of flavors. The finish lingers. Tannins are still very tight - this would benefit from-read more-
Backstage at the world’s largest wine competition: two incredible days of judging at the International Wine Challenge in London. Continued from Part 1: Initiation During the judging, no judges are allowed into the vast warehouse space that holds all of-read more-
Not a wine that accurately represents the strengths of New York or the Finger Lakes. Clear, medium-low intensity straw yellow. Medium intensity aromas of orange, pungent white florals, over ripened melon, musk, and fragrance often associated with wheat beer. Dry-read more-
There are always certain stereotypical visuals that cross one’s mind upon the mention of a country’s name. Mention France and you see a guy (of course with a French beard), holding a baguette, staring blankly at the Eiffel Tower as-read more-
Dusty dark fruit in the aroma at first, then vanilla. Opens up to be rich and buttery, with a touch of char on the fruit, like burnt sugar. Over all well balanced with moderate tannins and respectable structure. A bit-read more-