Atwater Estate Vineyards 2004 Dry Riesling

There's no doubt about it -- my favorite white varietal is riesling. Of course, I don't like every one I try. They need to have that that zing of acidity that 'forces' me into another sip (and another and anoter and another).

New York's Finger Lakes region is pretty well known for it's riesling, with Dr. Konstantin Frank probably the most well known outside of the state. This relatively winter-hardy varietal has done very well in the region becuase it ripens even in the cool Finger Lakes climate and because good wines can be made from riesling that isn't at full ripeness.

In many ways, the Finger Lakes region is the perfect place to grow U.S. riesling. In California riesling is often grown in cooler central coast areas...they often lack the backbone acidity because night time temperatures aren't cool enough. In Oregon and Washington State, they have the cool temperatures at night, but the daytime temperatures often rise higher than they do in central New York.

Atwater Estate Vineyards is located on the south east shore of Seneca Lake and they are starting to get some press for their top-flight riesling. I was first introduced to Atwater by Rich Pisacano, owner of Roanoke Vineyeards on Long Island's North Fork and vineyard manager at Wolffer Estate in the Hamptons. Atwater's winemaker, Vincent Aliperti, used to work at Wolffer Estate...which is where he and Rich met.

Despite riesling's  success in the Finger Lakes, quality still varies greatly from location to location and winery to winery. Even in a relatively small region like the Finger Lakes, riesling from different sides of different lakes definitely taste different. I guess we can chalk that up to rieslings propensity for picking up difference in soil conditions.

I actually have several Atwater whites that I plan to taste and write about in coming weeks, but last night we enjoyed their 2004 Dry Riesling ($15) with homemade Greek chicken on pita. Only 377 cases were produced and it's sold out. Luckily, I've got a couple bottles left.

Eyes: Crystal clear and extremely light yellow

Nose: Extremely aromatic with mineral, stone fruit and faint citrusy aromas

Tongue: Definitely in a trocken (dry) style, it's light bodied, super crisp and refreshing with flavors that grow and change as the wine warms a little (remember, don't over chill!). They start with lime and other citrus...but then become richer with apricot and ripe peach flavor with a honey-mineral finish.

Price: $15

Lenn's Grade: B+/A-
Nena's Grade: A+

Comments

[Kevin Riley]

OOh I have a bottle of the Atwater Pinot Blanc that we picked up at the Gallucio Long Island shop on our last visit. I will have to grab a reisling next time we are there.

[Steve Wirt]

Atwater's 2004 Dry Riesling was amazing. We have enjoyed it on many occaisons. Oddly enough we were there the day they poured the last drop...right into the tasting glasses of the people next to us...and we got none. Our faces must have clearly displayed our disappointment because the Pourer ran back to grab us an unreleased Chardonnay to appease us. It was very good..but not the same.

I suggest Lamoreaux Landing's Dry Riesling as a very close alternative.
http://www.lamoreauxwine.com