Even as many Finger Lakes wineries get more attention from national publications, Thirsty Owl Wine Company continues to fly (pun intended) a bit under the radar. I'm not familiar enough with the people behind the wines to say why, though.
Still, the Cayuga Lake producer does come recommended by at least a handful of local wine lovers I respect and trust, so I was excited to be able to buy a bottle of this riesling a little while back.
Peach and dried apricot aromas lead the way on the nose with a dollop of honey and subtle hay notes, which probably means there was at least some botrytis here.
Ripe, juicy -- almost candied -- peach flavors are accented by lime and grapefruit zest on a off-dry palate. The light, honeyed sweetness perceptible on the mid-palate is cut and balanced reasonably wellby a squirt of citrusy acidity.
The finish is medium length, fruity but dry.
This wine would be a solid value at $12-13, but is still a very nice wine at $15.
Producer: Thirsty Owl Wine Company
AVA: North Finger Lakes
ABV:
11%
Price: $15
Rating: 87
This winery won the Governor's Cup for the best wine in NYS a few years ago. Not sure why they're still flying under the radar after such a prestigious award. Really nice wines through the line-up, though. I never hesitate to recommend Thirsty Owl wines to my customers.
Posted by: Carl @ Chateau Buffalo | May 25, 2010 at 04:50 PM
Carl: Thanks for the comment. I have a bottle of their 07 pinot to taste as well. Looking forward to it.
Re: Gov's Cup. I'm not sure that winning really has much long-term impact for wineries, though I'm sure it helps them sell out of the winning wine pretty quickly.
I'm just not convinced that the wine world at large puts much credibility into an award given to a NY wine by a NY wine organization.
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | May 26, 2010 at 07:11 AM