"I Had Some Tears..." Anthony Road Wins the Governor's Cup

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.

"I had some tears with John in private before the event," Johannes said. "When they told me about the award I thought maybe they were fooling with me. When I knew it was real, it was very emotional. John and Ann believe so deeply in New York wine, and they fight for New York wine. They deserve this."

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."

When Anthony Road accepted the award, Johannes noted that some cheering members of the crowd at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel had tears in their eyes, just as he did when he first found out. "They were emotional for the Martinis," Johannes said. But maybe, just maybe, they were emotional for a man who has earned this honor through hard work and humility. 

The video is courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country. Cayuga Lake's Sheldrake Point won the honor for Winery of the Year. The full list of winners can be found right here.

Comments

[Nena Thompson]

A wonderful write up Evan and many congratulations to our friends at Anthony Road...it is much deserved!

[Morgen McLaughlin]

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.

[David Falchek]

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.

[Jason Feulner]

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!