Thought I would start a thread for the rest of the American wine world that’s not Washington, Oregon, or California based. Non-West Coast is subjective I suppose, but I thought I would share a few examples of wines I’ve enjoyed recently and invite the rest of you to do the same!
Hosmer (Finger Lakes) 2019 Pinot Noir:
Light in the glass with a bit of a dusty blackberry opening, gave way to a bit of licorice and red raspberry. Medium body with a quick finish, but pleasant nonetheless.
Javens (Minnesota) 2014 Frontenac Gris:
A bit over the hill, oxidative orange gummy bears with a hint of fruit left still. Acidity (unsurprisingly) held up well enough to make sure it didn’t echo flabby.
Ravines (Finger Lakes) 2017 Dry Riesling:
Coming into some classic diesel notes already but still maintaining a bit of fresh mango on the nose. Balanced acidity that doesn’t seem completely bone dry. Glad I have a bunch more of this to hold onto and check out later.
Lenz (North Fork Long Island) 2019 Firefly Rosé:
Fresh strawberry bomb, definitely a porch pounder. Nothing too complex here but very enjoyable.
Mackinaw Trail Winery (Old Mission Peninsula Michigan) 2012 Gewurztraminer:
Lychee circus, but with pineapple and pear still singing through. Clearly has a hint of sugar on it, acid falling off a little bit but still very pleasant.
A bit over the hill, oxidative orange gummy bears with a hint of fruit left still. Acidity (unsurprisingly) held up well enough to make sure it didn’t echo flabby.
Sounds about right for a MN wine. What I don’t get is why they charge so much for them.
Is Bailly still in business in Hastings? That was sort of the original Minnesnowta winery.
No love for Arizona? Caduceus Cellars, Pillsbury, Az Stronghold, and Page Springs. Callaghan (sp?) down in Sonoita used to show up at Hospice du Rhone. These are all competent wineries but also are way over priced.
I could probably dig up some AZ notes from my last visit. Caduceus is the only distributed wine near me, and I’ve enjoyed it in the past but I know part of the price comes through from the ‘celebrity’ aspect.
I did post this thread hoping to see others contribute notes on some of their favorites!
I’ve also enjoyed many wines from other states… CO, TX, VA, and many more.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some MN wines I’ve enjoyed. I think it’s incredibly important to find producers who have experience and a reputation at this point, but I really enjoy cold-hardy wines.
The one I posted may have been a little over the hill at 6 years old, it was just the most recent MN wine I consumed.
Opened an L Mawby Grace (Leelenau, MI) that I’ve held on to for 5-6 years on Thanksgiving. A lovely wine. Happy to put it up with any group of domestic sparklers
Floral Terranes 2019 Marquette North Fork of Long Island:
Whole cluster Marquette. First off the nose is starkly earthy…wet black dirt and light hints of licorice. Little going on in the way of tannins, but has a refreshing acid component that wakes the tongue up.