Congratulations to Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Wolffer Estate, Bedell Cellars, Lenz Winery and Paumanok Vineyards for placing first through fifth on the "Greatest Wine Producers" list for the Atlantic Northeast region in Tom Stevenson's "Wine Report 2009." Dr. Frank's has now taken top honors for the past fives years.
It's hard to argue with any of the wineries on the list and the composition of the list shows that New York has clearly positioned itself as the eastern state if you're looking for quality wine.
I've had wines from Chaddsford (some were good) and L. Mawby (liked those better actually) but not the other wineries. Has anyone tried them?
Visited Dr. Frank this past weekend and tasted some amazing wines...a few that stood out were the 2006 dry riesling, the 2006 gewurtz and the 2007 lemberger. Definitely agree with these 5 selections. Even though I learned that some Finger Lakes wineries and some North Fork wineries trade grapes (for example, Hunt Country sources some grapes from Peconic Bay for Cab Franc), one thing that I found surprising after my visit was how little the Finger Lakes wineries seem to know about the North Fork wineries and vice versa. Not sure if this already in the works or happens, but would not be bad idea to have a Finger Lakes/North Fork weekend conference or gathering for winemakers, vineyard owners and consumers.
Posted by: Andy | October 29, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I am glad to see Paumanok made the list.
I have been to Sakonnet before and their wines did not really impress me, certainly not enough me to consider them one of the top ten wineries in the region. why no love for Massachusetts? Turtle Creek Winery is making some incredible wines.
Posted by: RichardA | October 30, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Hard to know how these wineries were chosen, really.
In MA...I've had some terrific bubbly from Westport River Winery as well...
Posted by: Lenn | October 30, 2008 at 08:35 AM
We live right near Chaddsford Winery. They do have some good wines, although there are some that are not that great. They are the biggest local winery in Southeastern PA so they do hold a lot of events and are always open for tasting. If you ever get down this way, Lenn, you should try Va La Vineyards, not too far from Chaddsford. Their wines are excellent.
Posted by: Kristen | October 30, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Lenn:
I would agree that Westport Rivers makes some very good sparkling wines.
Posted by: RichardA | October 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM