Finger Lakes Riesling is hard to come by out here on Long Island.  You may find a few in your local wine shop or your favorite restaurant.  I wish I could get my hands on more Finger Lakes wine here locally.

I had my first Finger Lakes Riesling about a year ago, when I started to see some in my local shop.  I had a real education about Finger Lakes Riesling in May when I went there for TasteCamp 2010.

My memories of TasteCamp will last until the next one, but my thoughts and love for the Finger Lakes region will last forever.  And my my knowledge on Finger Lakes wine will always be tested, especially when it comes to Riesling.  Riesling from the Finger Lakes is world class —  I have been told that, heard that in conversation and I am slowly educating myself.

This  Heron Hill Winery Ingle Vineyard 2007 Riesling ($15.00) is an example of a delicious Finger Lakes Riesling.

Heron Hill Winery, founded in 1977, though some of the vines have been in the ground since 1972, by John and his wife Jo.  Ingle Vineyard, located on Canandaigua Lake is the vineyard that is maintained by John.  Heron Hill Vineyards is on the grounds of Heron Hill Winery which overlooks Keuka Lake.

On the nose, there was aromas of lemon, lime, grapefruit and a hint of tangerine peel.  Hints of melon and an intense mineral note that to me is unmistakable Finger Lakes.

The taste of the wine brought more of the citrus notes that I was picking up on the nose with a hint more of grapefruit pith.  An element of petrol rounded out the glass, it was faint at first but as it warmed, it was present.

The wine showed great acidity with great balance of the residual sugar.  It was clean and crisp and quite refreshing.

If you happen to find some Heron Hill Winery’s wine at a restaurant or a wine shop, to try some out yourself.  If you don’t than make sure that you plan a trip to the Finger Lakes and visit them.

Sláinte!