2021 Blaufränkisch (Lemberger) awarded Best New York State Red Wine!
Our 2021 Blaufränkisch was awarded the Best Red Wine in New York State for 2023!
The annual New York Wine Classic competition judges a diverse selection of world-class wines, consisting of nearly 750 entries from 108 wineries across the state. There are just six Best of Category winners: Best White Wine, Best Sparkling Wine, Best Red Wine, Best Pink Wine, Best Dessert Wine, and Best Specialty Wine. We were thrilled that our 2021 Blaufränkisch was judged the Best Red Wine in New York State!
Head Winemaker, Dan Bissell, with the Best NYS Red wine
"With all of the amazing wines being produced across the state, it's a huge honor to be recognized for this award and one that we share with all our hardworking growers and amazing staff," stated Dan Bissell, our Head Winemaker. "These results really highlight how diverse we can be stylistically in this region. We are so proud to be a part of that story and want to congratulate everyone else who was recognized."
The following Keuka Spring wines were awarded in the competition:
- 2021 Blaufränkisch/Lemberger, Best Red Wine, Best Lemberger/Blaufränkisch, Platinum Medal, & 97 pts.
- 2020 Traditional Method Sparkling Zweigelt, 90 pts. & Gold Medal
- 2021 Classic Chardonnay, 90 pts. & Gold Medal
- 2021 Classic Riesling, 91 pts. & Gold Medal
- 2022 Bubbly Vignoles, 93 pts. & Gold Medal
- 2021 Epic Reserve, 88 pts. & Silver Medal
- 2021 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling, 89 pts. & Silver Medal
- 2022 Vignoles, 87 pts. & Silver Medal
Many of these wines are available to order today! Why not put yourself together an six or twelve pack of award winners, with free shipping? We are so excited to be a part of the fantastic wines being produced in New York State. Cheers!
See the full list of 2023 New York Wine Classic Award Winners
Further reading:
Strong showing for Finger Lakes Wineries at New York Wine Classic competition
Governor Hochul Announces Winners of the 2023 New York Wine Classic
New York's best wines and top winery for 2023: And the winners are...
Three Best of Class Awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
At the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, we were awarded three Best of Class awards.
This competition includes over sixty judges representing various North American wine regions, who evaluate 5,500 wines from nearly 1000 wineries.
"These are the best of the best wines within each category of the competition," stated Bob Fraser, Executive Director of the competition, states, "I was impressed that these wines represented a diversity of wine regions throughout the United states. To be selected as a Sweepstake or Best of Class wine from over 5,500 wines submitted to the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is truly an honor for these wineries."
Here are our award-winning wines, with tasting notes from longtime wine writer Mike Dunne:
2021 Vignoles
"...There's nothing uncertain in the swashbuckling stride of this rich, hefty, and off-dry white wine, a perfect cocktail wine for its straightforward fruit but alos with the build and acid to accompany a wide range of casseroles."
2021 Winemaker Select Gewürztraminer
"...showcasing with authority the variety's characteristic floral, fruity, and spicy components...vivid acidity."
2021 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling
Our semi dry, single vineyard Riesling.
This vintage is currently sold out.
Join us in celebrating these Best of Class wines
We've created a bundle, featuring two of each of these wines (free shipping!) to make it easy for you to enjoy them. You can order our Best in Class bundle below.
Order the Best of Class bundle
Eleven of our 2021 vintages rated 90+ on Jamessuckling.com
Eleven of our 2021 vintages recently received outstanding point ratings of over 90 points on jamessuckling.com.
James Suckling has four decades of experience as journalist and wine critic, and is one of today's leading wine critics whose reviews are read and respected by wine lovers, serious wine collectors, and the wine trade worldwide. He and his tasting team of 22 around the world focus on the great wines of the world including Bordeaux, Champagne, Australia, New Zealand, California, Chile, and Argentina. In 2021, they rated over 25,000 wines. They taste thousands of wines each month.
Wines are rated on a 100 point scale. A wine rated 90 points or more is considered outstanding.
Here are the wines reviewed recently, with tasting notes:
92 pts.
2021 Classic Chardonnay
"Aromas of sliced lemons, rosemary stems, lilies and white peaches. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and sliky texture. Bright and fresh with a slightly more savory finish. Tasty. I like the length and phenolic grip here. Drink now."
92 pts.
2021 Epic Reserve
"A pretty nose of strawberries, rose petal and grated nutmeg. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. The nose follows through to the palate. Rather elegant and refined. Drink now."
92 pts.
2021 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling
"Aromas of peaches, pears, beeswax and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Juicy and fresh with a crisp acidity and lovely drive. Stone fruits with orange peel undertones. Drink now."
Currently sold out
91 pts.
2021 Classic Gewürztraminer
"...you are greeted with aromas of rose, banana leaf and sliced peaches. Medium-bodied and rather concentrated. Intense stone fruit and orange fruit on the palate with a floral edge. Drink now."
91 pts.
2021 Gewürztraminer, Winemaker Select
"Aromas of pears, apricots and jasmine. Medium-bodied and off-dry. Mineral and herbal on the palate with a sturdy core of stone fruit. Floral at the finish. Drink now."
91 pts.
2021 Classic Riesling
"Aromas of peaches, apricots and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied and charmingly off-dry. Succulent and fresh with the subtle sweetness adding a bit more depth. Bright acidity too. Drink now."
91 pts.
2021 Vignoles
"Aromas of pears, dried herbs and chicory root. Medium-bodied and sweet. Juicy and fresh with a persistent finish. Drink now."
90 pts.
Crooked Lake White
"Aromas of green apples, pears and savory spice. Medium-bodied with bright ...palate with a gentle finish. Drink now."
90 pts.
2021 Dry Riesling
"Aromas of peaches, orange peel and lime zest. Medium-bodied with mineral undertones. Fresh and bright with a green apple character. Drink now."
90 pts.
2021 Humphreys Vineyard Zweigelt (wine club exclusive)
"Aromas of plums, pitted red cherries and woody spice. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Bright on the palate with steady balance and subtle notes of nutmeg and clove coming through. Drink now."
90 pts.
2021 Merlot
"Aromas of plums, nutmeg, rosemary and a hint of white pepper. Medium-bodied tannins and a floral edge. Pretty and juicy on the palate with a straightforward feel. Drink now."
We are so excited to share these outstanding wines with you! Make them a part of your every day enjoyment of life, or bring these to a special occasion. Up everyone's fullfillment a notch or two by sharing smiles and heartwarming conversation over one or two of these delicious bottles of wine. Cheers!