Heron Hill Vineyards on Keuka Lake is a vineyard with wonderful views of the lake and their vineyards. A vineyard I would definitely visit when in the Finger Lakes Wine Region.
While there, be sure to taste through their lineup of white and red wines. Sure most folk visit the finger lakes for the world-class Riesling, but at Heron Hill Vineyards, don’t over look their Chardonnay.
Heron Hill Vineyards makes two Chardonnay’s an Oaked one and this one, Heron Hill Vineyards Ingle Vineyards 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay ($16). Both are delicious and distinctive. I happen to like the Oaked Chardonnay, but that is where my palate is right now.
On the nose I was picking up what I would call classic Finger Lakes aroma, stoney minerality. Notes of peach, apple and spice with hints of lemon and citrus. Herbal with notes of fresh-cut lemon grass. As the wine comes to room temperature it shows more spice with hints of apple skin.
On the palate it shows tangy lemon with lively bright acidity. There is a hint of herbs on the back-end of the wine with some stony minerality. A nice moderate finish with hints of apple and spice.
Sláinte!
*I received this bottle as a sample from the vineyard
Undertaking Wine 
Michael,
Glad you enjoyed the wines. Ingle Vineyard is actually Heron Hill’s owner’s vineyard. The wines are made at Heron Hill Winery. We keep his grapes separated from the rest of our crop. His vines are pretty old for the area, since he first planted some vines as early as 1972. From this vineyard we produce Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. We occasionally make a Late Harvest or an Icewine out of his field. You will notice that most of the whites have that distinct minerality. Due to low yields, the reds are very rich. That is why we keep these grapes separated. Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself: I am Heron Hill Winery’s winemaker.
Bernard,
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I just finished reading Evan Dawson’s book, “Summer in a Glass” and I loved the chapter on Heron Hill and Ingle Vineyards. Thanks to your explanation and the chapter in the book I have a better understanding of Ingle Vineyards and the Heron Hill operation.
I just opened the 2007 Cabernet Franc from Ingle Vineyards the other night and it was showing nicely. I probably should have left it in the cellar for a few more years.