Last Week's Tasting Notes

Anthony Road Devonian White ($11.99)
Seneca Lake
From the producer:
"Winemaking Notes
The major grapes for our Devonian White are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling. The goal is to produce a dry white wine that is intriguing, fruit forward and approachable. Its lighter body, vibrancy and fresh flavors enable it to pair with most cuisines.
Tasting Notes
Pear, white peach and citrus aromas on the nose. There are flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple, pineapple and lemon. The acidity is vibrant and helps to invigorate and refresh the flavors on the palate."

From me:
This is one of the wines I found on my 2-day, 13-winery tour of the Finger Lakes. I enjoy its fresh and citrus character, and I think it's a good example of how winemaking has improved overall in the region. This is a crisp, dry blend that works well as a table wine. It's easy to drink, but it does not lack complexity. I hope that this wine will demonstrate that there's more to the Finger Lakes than just sweet wines.

Shinn Estate Vineyards Red Blend ($15.99)
Long Island--North Fork
From the producer:
"Our winemaker strives not only to make the best wine but to make it at the best value. This red blend exemplifies a delicious everyday drinking wine that shows bright fruit and acidity with flavors and aromas of red cherries, licorice and spice making this red wine smooth, soft, and elegant."

From me:
I spent time last spring tasting wine on Long Island, and although I found most to be quite nice, the pricing was prohibitive. I was thrilled to find Shinn Red Blend because it's a good wine at a good price. It's almost impossible to find a Long Island red for under $20 that is also actually drinkable, so this is a bit of a gem. Shinn also practices sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming.
65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec.

Lake George Distilling Adirondack Wildfire Cinnamon Whiskey ($19.99/375ml, $29.99/750ml)
Fort Ann
From the producer:
"Much like the engulfing flames of a forest fire scorching everything in its path, this whiskey will leave you with a pleasant burn going down and a warm cinnamon finish.  Crack open a bottle, call someone special, and start your own Adirondack Wildfire!!!"

From me: 
Love the taste of Fireball, but trying to limit the propylene glycol in your diet? This is for you! Snark aside, this 70-proof moonshine made from locally grown, non-GMO corn is flavored with real cinnamon and is incredibly smooth. I don't go in for many flavored drinks, but I have a bottle of this at my house. It really tastes like a candy fireball (spicy and a bit sweet, but not cloying), and it can be enjoyed neat, with ice, or mixed into mulled wine or cider. It will warm you from the inside for sure!