If you are in the Finger Lakes you must make a stop at Red Tail Ridge on the west side of Seneca Lake. They won’t disappoint!
I participated in a tasting of 4 of their wines a few months ago and they did not disappoint! We tasted 2 Rieslings, Pinot Noir and a Blaufrankisch. Neither Paul or I are big fans of Blaufrankisch, but we were really impressed by this selection that it is making me seek out other producers. Maybe it will grow on me.
Here are the tasting notes from the 4 wines.
2010 Estate Pinot Noir – Layers of sweet strawberry and red raspberry aromas lead to some earth and a hint of vanilla. The palate is a tad acidic with red fruit, cranberry and notes of cinnamon on the finish.
2009 Martini Family Vineyards Blaufrankisch – Aromas of black currant with hints of smoke and pepper filled the glass. On the palate black pepper surrounds your mouth leading way to blueberry and tart cherry.
2010 Dry Rielsing, Red Tail Ridge Vineyard – Fresh aromas of white peach, citrus, lime zest with wet slate bringing out the minerality of the wine. The palate is very limey (is that a word?) with some soft floral notes.
2010 Semi Dry Riesling, Red Tail Ridge Vineyard – Notes of honey and melon fill the glass. Flavors of melon and apricot fill the palate. Less minerality, smooth and stands well on its own and will make a nice sipping wine.