Best New York State Red Wine

I am interested in trying the various wines grown right here in New York State. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some decent New York reds for me to try and their producers. I just had a Pinot Noir from Brotherhood Winery that I enjoyed.

[Chrisf116]

I have recently become addicted to a wine called "Hunter's Red" from Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport, New York (Finger Lakes region). It's considered to be in the semi-dry to semi-sweet range. To me, it tastes slightly sweet with a nice crisp finish. I can drink this stuff all day. And for less than 10 bucks, I could afford to as well. Don't let the price tag fool ya though, everyone else I've recommended it to has loved it as much as me. It will probably be tough to find in stores though, you might have to order it.

Just this weekend bought a 1999 Standing Stone Pinnacle from the Finger Lakes. Was at Vintage with a couple of friends, and the tasting we had of this was astonishing enough to make all of us consider this one of the biggest winners among the 15 we collectively sampled. Bordeaux style with deep cherry notes. Lovely stuff. Had good luck with some Osprey's Dominion wines as well. Vintage's site is http://www.vintagenewyork.com

Link: http://www.standingstonewines.com/ope...

The Schneider Vinyards Cabernet Franc I had 2 years ago was excellent. Back then, a bottle went for $20.00. I saw a bottle last week at Vintage in Soho selling for $28.00. Is it worth $28.00 - I can't say. It's hard to imagine a $28.00 St. Emillion (I know, different grapes, mostly) not kicking it's ass. Still, it's nice to support our local growers.

I agree that Schneider has the best Cab Franc.

Although there is a lot of noise that Long Island wines are getting much better, I think most are easy drinking summer wines. There are many whites with little oak (most americans like lots of oak) and that makes for a great crisp summer white. Also most of the merlots are pretty simple and medium bodied, also ok during the warm summer months. The trick is to stay under $20 for the whites and merlots.

Count another vote for the Schneider Cab Franc. Actually, I think it is an excellent wine. Had a dinner for about 10 people at Judson Grill, with a variety of dishes, and this was a smash hit. Medium-to-full bodied, nice structure without tannic bite, good finish.

Of the Hudson Valley Wines made near me (Cascade, Millbrook, Brotherhood, Alison, Clinton), I like Millbrook Reserve Chardonnay. That's not to say its my favorite wine or that I think the price is a good deal--in general Hudson Valley wines cost a lot more than their European equivalents, but it's a good, tasty Chardonnay, and I prefer it over their reds.

BTW, a great summer rec is the evening outdoor jazz series at Millbrook Vineyards, food provided by Allyn's I think. All you need is a chair and some decent wineglasses.

Anthony Road (at the Greenmarket, Union Square, on Saturdays) from the finger lakes makes great wines--great cab franc. Also wonderful dry reisling (gone for the year, check back in late spring) and chardonnay.
Try it!

Go to a wine store called Vintage New York downtown. They sell only wines produced in New York State. They're also open on Sundays.

I've been to Vintage New York and LOVED it! I tried a few reds from Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

There is a new Vintage on the east side of Broadway around 93 St. or so, also open Sundays. They offer tastings at very reasonable prices, and it often includes free samples of savories or chocolate.

Maybe I just had bad luck, but I didn't like any of the five wines I sampled.

We just bought a few bottles of Long Island red yesterday.

All from Pindar:
1998 Cabernet Franc
1997 Mythology
1999 Syrah
Sweet Scarlet
1999 Beaujolais

We also bought a bottle of their 1996 Cuvee Rare Champagne. Nice and dry.

Link: http://www.pindar.net/Wines/wines.html

All through the years (about 20 give or take)
Bedell Cellars Merlot and Merlot Reserve
is the best NY State wine, for a single year
their might be others that are better
but year in and year out...
JMHI