Sunday, October 30, 2016

New York - Seneca Lake (West) - Lakewood Vineyards

Lakewood Vineyards - (August 2016) When we entered the building, we were greeted by the host, given a tasting sheet, and directed to the tasting bar. Amelia would be out tasting bar host. After I paid the tasting fee, we were given two tokens, which could be used to reduce our bottle purchases later.


They offer two flights: the dry and the sweet. I did the dry while my wife did the sweet. I started off with the Chardonnay, which is aged in New York oak, not a blend of American oak, giving it a soft buttery nose and taste with only a hint of oak. The dry Riesling had a hint of sweet citrus balanced with an acid finish. The Long Stem White, a blend of Cayuga and Vidal Blanc, is a classic summer porch wine; sweet start with a crisp finish. The cabernet franc was flavorful, but not one of the better ones I’ve had; maybe because it is a 2014 vintage and probably needs more aging time. I completed my flight with the Long Stem Red, a blend of deChaunac, Vincent, merlot, marechal focht and baco noir. The soft tannins and the fruity flavors made this a surprise based on the grape blend.

My wife started off with the semi-sweet Riesling. It was more pleasing to the nose and palate compared to the dry Riesling. The Valvin muscat, a Cornell hybrid, offered peach and apricot on the palate. The Abby Rose, a blend of concord, Delaware and Ives (light pink) grapes is their version of a sangria without the fruit. Their Niagara tasted like adult Welch’s white grape juice. She completed her flight with the Glaciovinum, an iced wine made from the Delaware grape.

I asked about the Lemberger and Amelia said I could have a taste. Not as smooth as the Long Stem Red, but it was good. We inquired about the Full Monty Riesling, one I read about on their website. It was the first Riesling started by the winery and it is one of the more popular wines sold. I asked if my wife could get a taste. She enjoyed it. We decided to purchase a bottle of the Full Monty Riesling and the Long Stem Red.

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