As part of New York State Wine Week at Garnet, we held a
tasting that included two of the top producers from the Finger
Lakes region: Ravines Wine Cellars and Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard.
Wiemer has been listed on Wine and Spirits Top 100 wineries in the world for
the past 6 years while Ravines has been featured on the Wine Spectator top 100
wines list twice since 2010.
The region’s unique soils combined with the lakes’
moderating effects on weather have made it ideal for many cooler climate
varietals to thrive. The 2012 vintage featured a long, warm growing season
adding richness and depth to the reds which was perfectly showcased in the
Wiemer Cabernet Franc. A wetter than normal summer in 2013 meant ripening was a
bit behind schedule but a perfect September and October saved the day.
Rieslings fared very well and the 2013 Ravines Dry Riesling showed beautifully,
ready for the summer months ahead.
Those inclined to seek out a sweeter rendition can look for
the Late Harvest Riesling from Wiemer. Lucious yet elegant, it’s a perfect
match for lobster come June. Oskar Bynke, co-owner of Hermann Wiemer
explained that the 2014 season started off with quite a scare. Record low
temperatures in March and April led to some vine damage and vintners crossed
their fingers waiting for bud break. In mid-May that arrived and after a cooler
growing season, another beautiful fall resulted in racy rieslings showing high
acidity and bright fruit.
Oskar Bynke, right with Deborah Anaymo and Eric Elkin, Garnet's New York State wine buyer.
Rounding out the tasting were two unsung heroes from
Ravines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot don’t always find success in cooler
climates but Morton Hallgren of Ravines proves that the right vineyard sites
and deft wine-making win out every time. Those who long for Bordeaux of the distant past will be
delighted by this balanced and nuanced blend. The Village White turns
French-American hybrid varietals Cayuga and Vignoles into a surprisingly
complex and delicious white wine.
Ravines Village White 2013
Very pale gold. Pretty nose with flowers and fragrances of
orchard fruit, peaches, pit fruit and grapefruit – a complex and deliciously
inviting nose! Lychee comes out with more air. Soft, medium bodied with
balanced acidity. Long, persistent finish that includes citrus flavors and
apples. $11.99
Ravines Dry Riesling 2013
Pale gold. A bit shy on the nose to start with hints of
petrol, white floral notes and some lemon-lime. A touch lighter than the
Village White. Dry and austere with nice acidity. Well balanced with an
excellent, mineral-laced finish. $16.99
Ravines Meritage 2009
A Meritage (rhymes with heritage) is a blend of the usual Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
Cabernet Franc but made outside of Bordeaux.
Beautiful transparent ruby color. Oak on the nose with hints of spice, earth
and more than a little rich currant alongside some asphalt and other mineral
aromas. Complex nose! Medium bodied with a citrusy element, dry cranberry and
savory cherry fruit on the palate. A long finish completes the picture. $23.99
Wiemer Dry Riesling 2014
Medium gold color. A hint of fresh cream with green pear
and honey on the nose. Some effervescence on entry. Juicy wine with great
balance, bright acidity and a long finish. Light to medium bodied with
excellent texture. Refreshing! $18.99
Late Harvest 2013
An 18-Carat gold hue to this wine, ie gorgeous. Rich, ripe
fruit aromas on the nose. Round, medium-full body. Good persistence with
minerals and soft stone fruit flavors. Luscious without being over the top.
$27.99
Cabernet Franc 2012
Another gorgeous robe, this one the color of the ruby
slippers from the Wizard of Oz, befitting the deliciously complex wine that
follows. Plenty of earth on the nose along with soft cranberries. Very
inviting. Hints of oak from neutral/used barrels. Very aromatic and ripe but at
the same time elegant. An expansive, dry palate with good fruit and mineral
flavors. Finishes well. $24.99
-Christian Botta
& Eric Elkin
