Zugibe semi-dry Riesling 2008

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling.  Titled 'Grape Expectations,'  the article promoted Riesling month in the Finger Lakes and interviewed the proprietor (Gary Decker) of one of my favorite wine shops (Vinomania) in Syracuse. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report.  Evan is passionate about Finger Lakes wines and authors some of the most interesting articles on the subject. His article "Life, Death and Rebirth at Zugibe" is the story of a winery, that survived the death of their founder just weeks before their first vintage.  Their rise out of adversity is signified by the Phoenix found on the Zubibe labels.

This past Saturday I was able stop by Vinomania and pick up the Rieslings mentioned in the New Times article.   The only one sold out was Ravines, but I did bring home the other three.  The first one I opened was the Zugibe semi-dry 2008($14).  Shirley did not feel like working in the kitchen today so we dined on Chinese take-out.  I was the only one drinking wine and that meant a pairing with chicken and broccoli.  After tonight, Riesling will now be my wine of choice with that meal.

All the characteristic aromas of Finger Lakes Riesling were present.  A nice blend of grapefruit, floral (honeysuckle) with some melon lead to a nice mouthful of citrus, melon and peach and a hint of sweetness.  Sipping later was delightful.

I was starting to put together an itinerary for a May 26 wine tour and just added Zugibe Vineyards to the top of my list.  We will probably stay on the east side of Seneca Lake this time and plan to do a Cayuga Trail tour in June.  Getting ready for some fun.

Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy) 
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)
Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007 (NY)
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 (California) *organic
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 (NY)
Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008 (California)
Bogle Winery Petite Sirah 2007 (California)
Arboleda Carmenere 2006 (Chile)
Concha y Toro Concha Marques de Concha Casa Carmenere 2007 (Chile)
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008 (Chile)
Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Reserve 2004 (California)
Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah 2007 (California) 
Red Tail Ridge Winery semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY) 
Brotherhood Winery dry Riesling 2008 (NY)