This past May, many of you may remember that I went on a little trip to the Finger Lakes where a group of bloggers and writers from around the country and outside our country, mainly Canada, had the opportunity to explore the wine region.  Many vineyards opened their doors as well as cellars to show us what the finger lakes wine region is about.

Heron Hill Vineyards was the first stop of our trip.  The prepared a wonderful luncheon for us as we had the opportunity to taste their wines along with other vineyards along Keuka Lake. I look forward to the opportunity to visit the finger lakes again, but until then, I have memories and a few bottles I took home to have over time.

I know — this is not from Long Island, but the Finger Lakes carved a little place in my heart.

Heron Hill Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay Ingle Vineyards ($15) is one bottle of chardonnay that I really enjoyed.  On the nose I was picking up some apple skin, yeast, roasted almonds, citrus pear and peach.  There was some baking spice on the nose, some nutmeg.  Buttery notes did not evolve until the second day of tasting.  The nose of this wine is what carried the wine, I found it hard to take my nose off the glass.

When I tasted the wine I was getting some apple, peach and more baking spice.  There was a hint of vanilla as well.

It was crisp and bright with a streak of minerality that was enjoyable and thirst quenching.  It tasted fresh which I think kept the typical creamy chardonnay down to a minimum.

Despite that this was oaked Chardonnay, the barrel fermented and ageing it did not beat the heck out of the fruit.  Hungarian and Russian Oak Barrels were used.  There is 30% of steel fermented chardonnay in this bottle, which I think helps keep the oak influence down and let the fruit shine through.

Sláinte!