By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor
Anthony Road Wine Company's winemaker Johannes Reinhardt is the most humble man I've ever known.
Just watch this video as his winery accepts the Governor's Cup award, handed out for the wine deemed "Best in New York state." Today the award went to Anthony Road for their 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling. Johannes doesn't look like he's getting the honor of his career; he looks like he's having hernia surgery.
When I reached him by phone this evening I was surprised to hear what he was doing. "I've just sat down with a glass of sparkling wine. I'm relaxing," he told me. It's rare for Johannes to even acknowledge his own achievements, so this was a departure. But he assured me the glass was in honor of Anthony Road owners John and Ann Martini.
Reinhardt calls the 2008 vintage "the best riesling vintage in New York state in my 10 years making wine here. There was almost perfect balance," he explained. And then, in his typical understated -- yet utterly sincere -- manner, Johannes said, "Many of these '08 rieslings will become wines of record. They will age beautifully and seriously. I can think of so many outstanding rieslings. Sheldrake Point, Fox Run, Red Newt, Wiemer, Ravines... I want to stop now because I'll leave someone out. There are literally so many wineries who could have won this award."
A wonderful write up Evan and many congratulations to our friends at Anthony Road...it is much deserved!
Posted by: Nena Thompson | August 18, 2009 at 09:52 PM
It was a very exciting moment when they announced Anthony Road as the winner of the 2009 Governor's Cup. The emotion was real and raw and it was a great day for Finger Lakes and New York wines. Thanks for the coverage.
Posted by: Morgen McLaughlin | August 18, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Very accurate assessment of J.R., Evan. He is a true gentleman in the industry, who always passes credit to others. The Martinis and he have been doing great, yet ever-improving work, for so long. The cup doesn't surprise me at all.
Posted by: David Falchek | August 18, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Yes, congratulations to Johannes!
I was thinking of a whole other rant post, but to save my breath I will simply state that the overall results of this year's Classic competition are very plausible and realistic. The Anthony Road semi-dry is a very good wine by any measure, and Sheldrake Point is a great winery that is in the lead pack of quality year after year.
For too many years in a row, the Classic results have left me scratching my head. I'm still mystified by many elements of the judging and competition, but in this year's case I could not agree more about these two main results. Congratulations to Johannes and Sheldrake for continued good work!
Posted by: Jason Feulner | August 19, 2009 at 08:56 AM