Hunt Country Vineyards 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling

  By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

2010 Finger Lakes rieslings are starting to trickle into the market, but I'm still enjoying tasting through the 2009s, which are showing great balance and intensely -- almost across the board.

In general, 2009 wasn't a great year in New York for reds, but it was great for whites. Remember that the next time you hear that this vintage or that "wasn't a good year." It's rare that a season is bad for both reds and whites.

2009 was Jonathan Hunt's first vintage as head winemaker and based on his Hunt Country Vineyards 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling ($14) I'd say he has an affinity for the grape.

Just-ripe pear aromas dominate the nose with a squirt of lime juice, hints of citrus blossom and some high-toned white tea complexity.

That lime-pear combination is a bit more citrusy on the mouthwatering, well-balanced palate, with the white tea and blossom character further in the background. Though off-dry, it wears the 2.5% RS well because of snappy acidity that turns just a bit sour on a long finish.

Producer: Hunt Country Vineyards
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12.5%
pH: 3.0
TA: 9.9 g/L
RP: 2.5%
Price: $14*
Rating: 87

 

Comments

[Duncan Ross, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards]

It's more complex than a year being good for reds or whites.... it has more to do with varietals and ripening qualities, then there is regional variation. Early harvest reds like Pinot Noir did quite well here. Chardonnay was beautiful as well as aromatic whites like Riesling.
Though Merlot is an early ripener, it did not fare as well in our vineyard, but the Cab Franc and Cab Sauv are terrific. I had a 2009 Cab Franc from Eveningside last night that was delicious.

[Pandora Bracelet]

Thanks, I'm going to have nightmares tonight.