Postcard from the Finger Lakes
Dana Nigro
Posted: February 3, 2000
We've picked out some of the top Finger Lakes wines, as rated by Wine Spectator's editors. As news editor Dana Nigro explains in her postcard, not all are made in large quantities, but they're out there.
Dates and tasters' initials can be found after the notes: JG (managing editor Jim Gordon), KM (assistant managing editor Kim Marcus), TM (New York bureau chief Thomas Matthews), BS (tasting director Bruce Sanderson)
86
Standing Stone Pinnacle Finger Lakes 1997 $18
A vibrant and focused red with flavors of cherry and red currant, with some appealing herbal notes mixed in. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now. 670 cases made. --(KM)
(07/31/99)
85
Fox Run Pinot Noir Finger Lakes Reserve 1997 $20
A very dry, enjoyable Pinot Noir with fresh, light cherry and smoke flavors, medium body and moderate tannins. Drink now. --(JG)
(07/31/99)
85
Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli Finger Lakes 1997 $13
This distinctive white resembles a Riesling in its crisp acidity, peach and pine flavors and racy texture. Very refreshing, with a core of fruit that keeps it lively. Drink now. 650 cases made. --(TM)
(12/15/98)
85
Shalestone Cabernet Sauvignon Finger Lakes 1995 $15.00
A flavorful Cabernet that's lean in texture, with firm tannins and acidity. Has cherrylike, earthy flavors accented by spicy oak. Slightly austere, but appetizing. Drink now through 2001. 180 cases made. --(JG)
(11/15/98)
85
Wagner Pinot Noir Finger Lakes Reserve 1995 $18.00
Shows good varietal character, with pleasant cherry, berry and spice flavors. On the light side but still lively, with pleasant tea and spice notes on the finish. Drink now. --(KM)
(02/28/99)
85
Hermann J. Wiemer Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 1997 $9.00
This fresh, balanced wine shows true Riesling character, with peach, pine and floral notes that have good intensity and linger on the finish. Dry, with a clean, lingering finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases made. --(TM)
(12/15/98)
84
Fox Run Riesling Finger Lakes 1997 $9.00
Lovely peach and apricot aromas and flavors highlight this sp¿tlese-style Riesling, which offers a rich texture and a cleansing finish that balances the hint of sweetness. Drink now. 1,120 cases made. --(BS)
(07/31/99)
84
Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay Finger Lakes Barrel Fermented 1996 $11.00
Clean and crisp, with lively acidity buoying the apple and citrus flavors. Has vanilla accents from light oak treatment. Finishes a bit short. Drink now. 2,200 cases made. --(BS)
(05/15/98)
84
Standing Stone Chardonnay Finger Lakes 1997 $13.00
Good Chardonnay flavors of pear, butter and spice, with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Pleasant and easy-going. Drink now. 740 cases made. --(KM)
(07/31/99)
84
Wagner Vignoles Finger Lakes Ice Wine 1997 $12.00/375ml
This simple sweet wine has appealing orange peel and anise flavors. Drink now. --(KM)
(02/28/99)
83
Fox Run Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 1997 $10.00
Apple, honey and a pine accent mark this firm, dry Riesling. Richly textured and delicate, it ends on a crisp appley note. Drink now. 600 cases made. --(BS)
(07/31/99)
83
Dr. Konstantin Frank Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 1997 $10
This easy-to-like Riesling is generous in flavor, sweet in style and well balanced with acidity. Drink now. 2,300 cases made. --(JG)
(11/15/98)
83
Shalestone Merlot Finger Lakes 1995 $16
An ambitious effort, with plenty of currant and cranberry flavors, but lacks a bit of flesh. Finishes with smoky accents. Drink now. 192 cases made. --(KM)
(12/15/98)
83
Hermann J. Wiemer Chardonnay Finger Lakes 1997 $12
Interesting flavors of quince and gooseberry, not normally associated with Chardonnay, yet the wine's purity, vibrance and elegant structure make it pleasant in its own way. Drink now. 1,300 cases made. --(BS)
(12/15/98)
83
Hermann J. Wiemer Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Reserve 1997 $16
Very dry and quite austere, this white is crisp, even tart, with light lemon and herb flavors. Has intensity and needs food to show its best. Drink now through 2000. 2,000 cases made. --(TM)
(12/15/98)
82
Dr. Konstantin Frank Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Salmon Run NV $9
Easy to quaff. Slightly sweet, very fruity-tasting Riesling, with attractive pear, pineapple and apple flavors backed by good acidity. Drink now. 2,000 cases made. --(JG)
(11/15/98)
82
Hermann J. Wiemer Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Semi-Dry 1996 $10
This white walks the line between sweet and sour, with dried apricot, citrus and light petrol notes characteristic of Riesling. Lively in texture, with a clean finish. Drink now. 3,500 cases made. --(TM)
(12/15/98)
81
Dr. Konstantin Frank Johannisberg Riesling Finger Lakes Semi-Dry 1997 $10
A sweeter style Riesling, with appealing but simple pear and honey flavors and a generous texture. Drink now. 2,000 cases made. --(JG)
(11/15/98)
