New York wine: Finding its identity

New York wine is no longer a “novelty” item, said Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post. Decades after a local wine industry first took root, Empire State vintners are playing to the region’s distinct strengths. Long Island winemakers are now crafting top-notch Merlot, while upstate, the Finger Lakes “can stake a claim as the country’s best region for Riesling.”

2008 Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling Finger Lakes ($21)

This “classically styled” Riesling has bold mouth feel and “impressive complexity.”

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2008 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling Finger Lakes ($20)

This wine starts out “racy and full-bodied” before “structure emerges and takes control.”

2007 Pumphouse Red North Fork of Long Island ($17)

This “fruit-forward” blend “went down so easily, it seemed to evaporate as soon as the screw cap was opened.”