Forge Cellars, Seneca Lake (Finger Lakes, New York) Dry Riesling 2022

 Forge Cellars has made vineyard focus and quality a cornerstone of their operation since their founding in 2008.  In the early days of the winery, Rick Rainey teamed up with John Wagner to identify key vineyard sites across the Finger Lakes from which to source fruit.  Wagner Caywood East was one of the plots chosen for its shale deposits, austere conditions, and steep slope.  Combined with sustainable farming, manual harvesting, and a strong desire to harvest late into the season, this wine remains a favorite among wine club members.  The wine shows bright stone fruit nearing tropical ripeness, rich minerality, floral notes including lily and baby’s breath.   I have enjoyed a number of vintages from Wagner Caywood East and am positive they will age well if you have the patience to do so.