Damiani Wine Cellars, on the eastern shorts of Seneca Lake, has built a reputation around its red wines -- a unique focus in a region known mostly for its aromatic whites.
They do make white wines -- and now bubbly -- too though, and while most of them have underwhelmed, this Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Riesling ($16) stood out during my tasting last weekend.
The winery sourced the riesling for this wine from one of the region's most experienced and respected growers -- Sam Argetsinger. I've tasted a couple other rieslings (1|2) made with Sam's grapes and this wine has a lot in common with those. It's a small sample size obviously, but I think Argetsinger rieslings clearly have a uniqueness to them. I guess you could say that's terroir.
Extremely aromatic, the nose brings orange blossom, peach, lime and subtle grapefruit aromas with classic Finger Lakes slate and just a little anise.
Lithe and lively, the palate features citrusy, mouth-watering acidity with primary flavors of lime, green apple and grapefruit zest, and understated apricot and slate notes in the background. The finish is long and ends on a slightly tart note.
Producer: Damiani Wine Cellars
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12.3%
Production: 225 cases
Price: $16*
Rating: 
(3.5 out of 5 | Very good-to-Delicious)
Whenever I make my way over to Seneca, I will definitely have to try this riesling. I'm a sucker for orange on the nose.
On my one previous visit to Damiani, the reds definitely drew more of my attention, but I also liked their white table wine quite a bit because of its citrus character. As far as FLX table wines go, Damiani's Dolce Bianco is near the top of my list.
Posted by: Ryan Love | February 18, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Can anyone tell me where the Argetsinger vineyard is located? Just curious.
Posted by: Cyclist | February 18, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for sharing the review of Damiani Wine Cellars 2008 Riesling. Will try it. It was nice going through your blog.
Posted by: Hampers | February 19, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Cyclist - Just off Tug Hollow Road, I believe, near the Hoffman Ranch. South of Red Newt by several miles.
Posted by: Evan Dawson | February 19, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Sorry that we missed you, Lenn - we were at Damiani last Saturday (although we did meet Dano from Dano's Heuriger while we were tasting there). We didn't pick up any of the Riesling, but got the Gewurztraminer instead. Really nice.
Posted by: Paul Z | February 19, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Sam's vineyard is certainly one of my favorite places to visit- and when he's there discussing growing philosophy I find myself thinking there's no place I'd rather be. Beautiful fruit, great vibe.
Try following the below link to see some pics of Sam and the vineyard: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45523998@N07/
If you're interested in sampling this wine don't wait too long- we're down to our last half-pallet. Thanks Lenn for reviewing it!
Posted by: Amy C | February 19, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I tried this wine from the tank and thought it was excellent then--can't wait to try the bottled version.
Posted by: Jason Feulner | February 20, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Evan - Is Tug Hollow Rd the Co. Rt. 5 between Burdett and Rt. 414? I must have been by there dozens of times without even knowing.
Posted by: Cyclist | February 20, 2010 at 11:35 PM