TASTING NOTES
This Riesling presents a vibrant bouquet, marrying the zest of fresh lime juice with the bright notes of citrus. A distinctive petrol stoniness, characteristic of the Keuka vineyards where Doctor Frank’s legacy began, intertwines beautifully with the softer cantaloupe and apricot nuances derived from the Seneca vineyards. Beneath the initial zing, discover a richly textured body and a subtle creaminess, creating a harmonious balance of energy, brightness, and a lingering finish.
VINEYARD NOTES
The story of Riesling in the Finger Lakes is intrinsically linked to Doctor Frank. Our founder pioneered Riesling cultivation here, and remarkably, vines planted as far back as 1958 continue to bear fruit. On our Keuka vineyard, Riesling blocks, planted across decades (1958-2012) with diverse clones, benefit from shallow, shale-based soils, imparting minerality, acidity, and elegance. In contrast, our Seneca estate, planted from 2007-2012 with different clones, enjoys slightly warmer temperatures and deep honeoye silt loam soils, contributing riper fruit expressions. A select portion of grapes hails from the Eric Volz Vineyard, neighboring Doctor Konstantin Frank’s original Keuka Lake plantings, established in 1985.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2023 vintage presented a unique narrative. A mild winter preceded an unusually warm spring, prompting early budburst. However, mid-May brought a rare century-level freeze, impacting bud viability by 10%-50% across the region. This natural pruning resulted in a concentration of the remaining grapes, elevating their quality. The subsequent ripening and harvest period, from August to October, unfolded typically for the Finger Lakes, characterized by warm days, cool nights, and periodic rainfall, culminating in an exceptional harvest.
VINIFICATION
De-Stemmed and Direct Pressed to ensure purity of flavor.
VESSEL
Fermented and aged exclusively in Stainless Steel, temperature controlled to preserve delicate aromatics.
FERMENTATION
Unoaked fermentation, followed by 5 Months of Lees Aging to enhance complexity and texture.
ÉLEVAGE
Unoaked, allowing the true character of the Finger Lakes Riesling to shine.
ACCOLADES
(Accolades section would be populated upon release and review of the vintage)
