FLX Revisited Part 2

Last week I focused on Seneca Lake. This week I will share my highlights from Keuka Lake wineries.  These highlights include revisiting two wonderful wineries (Dr. Frank’s Winery and Heron Hill Winery) and a new one (for me)-Keuka Spring Vineyards. My criteria for revisiting a winery were twofold: great wines and wonderful lake views and/or beautiful architecture. With so many super wineries to choose from, Dr. Frank’s Winery and Heron Hill Winery were obvious choices to revisit. We were fortunate to be able to add Keuka Springs Vineyards at the last minute, without a reservation. All three of these wineries epitomize great wines and beauty. Before I get into each of these venues, I will share a few things about Keuka Lake.

Keuka Lake

Like Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake has a rich and interesting history. The brightest star in this history is certainly Dr. Konstantin Frank. His contribution (and that of his family) to the Finger Lakes and the wine world beyond are hard to overstate. Keuka Lake is smaller and not as deep as Seneca Lake. Fewer wineries dot its shores, but without Dr. Frank, vinifera varieties like Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay might not be found growing in New York today. His contribution is critical to the understanding and appreciation of the Finger Lakes and its wineries.

Dr. Frank’s Winery

Dr. Frank came to the US from Ukraine in 1951, after getting his Ph.D. in Viticulture and becoming a leading expert in his field in Europe. Once in New York, he set out to utilize his knowledge and plant vineyards with vinifera grape varieties. At that time, most people were very skeptical that New York’s  winters could support these classic varieties. Today, their estate vineyards are among the oldest in America. They date back to 1958 and today they offer more than 40 different wines to be enjoyed.

Tastings during COVID have been totally revised to include small groups (there were five in our group) who move from one station to another. At each station, a few wines are tasted with tasting notes and a brief history about the contribution of a different family member. The contributions of the Frank family continue to produce excellent wine and to educate anyone who passes through their tasting room.

We enjoyed every one of the wines we tasted, but my favorites here were:

• 2019 Saperavi-brought to the Finger Lakes by Dr. Frank in the early 1960’s. Dark, rich, full-bodied and wonderful.
• 2020 Dry Riesling-One of the best from an area that still produces some of the best in the world. This one came from vines dating back to 1958.
• 2010 Pinot Gris-This estate was the first to produce Pinot Gris in America. It is excellent.
• 2019 Old Vines Pinot Noir-Delicious version from the second oldest Pinot Noir vines in the country
• 2018 Amur-I never tasted this variety before, but its deep, color and rich, full body taste immediately won me over. It is native to Southern Siberia and Northern China so we know it does well in cold climates.

Heron Hill

This is a beautiful winery that sits on a hill and overlooks Keuka Lake. They also have a tasting room on Seneca Lake, but in my opinion, this one is more unique. My highlights here included two wines and a liqueur that is produced at a New York distillery nearby.

• Heron Hill 2019 Pinot Noir-A French-style Pinot Noir that will pair with nearly anything.
• Heron Hill 2020 Dry Riesling-Another classic Riesling that delivers the goods at a very reasonable price.
• Bespoke Bourbon Cream-Not a wine and not produced by Heron Hill, but sold there and OMG! It is similar to Bailey’s Irish Cream (only with a bourbon, rather than rye flavor).

Keuka Spring Vineyards

My favorites here included two Rieslings and a Chardonnay:

• 2020 Keuka Spring Dry Riesling-Citrus notes with soft mouthfeel, but a clean, refreshing finish.
• 2020 Keuka Spring Chardonnay Winemaker Select-A terrific refreshing unoaked Chardonnay with plenty of acidity
• 2020 Keuka Spring Riesling Classic-A semi-dry Riesling that will definitely be paired with a classic Thai dish in the near future.

I’m so glad we got to visit this winery. Beauty and awesome wines with an ambiance that you cannot capture in words or photos.

Final Notes on the Finger Lakes

I can’t leave this post without a few words about our accommodations and dining in the area. We stayed at the beautiful Seneca Harbor Hotel (pictured below). The accommodations were great, with views overlooking Seneca Lake, a fitness center, great indoor and outdoor dining, and a location that is very convenient for winery hopping. We enjoyed great seafood at the hotel and at Seneca Harbor Station, a very short walk from the hotel. We were able to sit outside at both venues with views of the lake and the boats. Finally a shout out to a winery we didn’t get back to, but enjoyed their wines with a couple of our dinners (Lakewood Vineyards).

 

 

 

Cheers!

Coming Attractions

• NJ & NY Breweries
• A Few More Shout Outs

Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Have a question or comment on what is presented here? Please share your experience or comments below. Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to click on the “subscribe” button below and get your weekly pour of New Jersey wine. No spills. No mess.