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The Wines of the Finger Lakes : RED TAIL RIDGE 2007 PINOT NOIR
It is increasingly apparent that, in certain years, Finger Lakes wineries are capable of producing very good dry red wines. In a vintage like 2007—a year with a hot, dry summer—many vintners were pleased with, and even surprised by, the quality of their reds. Though many now tout Cabernet Franc as the premier red wine grape of the region, there are fine examples of Pinot Noir as well.
One of the finest 2007 Pinot Noirs was created by a new addition to the Finger Lakes wine scene, Red Tail Ridge Winery. This Seneca Lake winery was founded in 2004 by Nancy Irelan and Michael Schnelle, and one of the most impressive things about their Pinot Noir is that it was produced from their own, very young, vines and custom crushed at another winery’s facilities, as their own winery was still being built.
This lovely wine (about $19) has none of the “green” character found in some Finger Lakes Pinots. It is full of delicious red fruit, with hints of earth, vanilla, and clove lurking in the background and lingering in the long, balanced finish. It would be delicious with roast chicken or duck, pasta with wild mushrooms, poached salmon, or mildly seasoned sausages. Give it a try—but do it soon, as only 380 cases were made.
Red Tail Ridge is a winery to watch. Nancy Irelan brings to this project an academic background in vine genetics and experience from her work in the California wine industry, including a twelve-year stint at E&J Gallo as vice president of viticulture and enology R&D. She and Michael Schnelle are firmly committed to sustainability in both their vineyards and winery.
Visit their website at www.redtailridgewinery.com to learn more about their winery, now operational and certain to turn many heads. And if their 2007 Pinot Noir is any indication, their wines will be turning heads as well.
— Dave Pohl
Dave Pohl, MA '79, is a wine buyer at Northside Wine & Spirits in Ithaca.
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