Click here for the 2009 Harvest Report
The winemakers and grape growers are optimistic about the quality if the fruit across all varietals. Many report that the Rieslings are relatively clean with small amounts of botrytis and with continued cool nights, 2008 should shape up to be a classic year for the varietal. Viognier and Chardonnay are also reported as ripening well with little disease pressure. Quantity of grapes remains at good levels and no shortages are reported. Especially good news after the leaner harvests in earlier years.
“It’s one of the most promising harvests of the past ten years,” said Doug Hazlitt, of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, as the presses continued their daily labors. “We’re seeing outstanding fruit ratios from the vines and great ripeness in the Rieslings and Cab Francs.” Undoubtedly the potential exists for some wonderful wines from the 2008 vintage and now it’s up to our winemaker and his team to see this harvest through to the bottle. Winemaker Tim Benedict is very positive as the process begins. “I work with a very competent and dedicated team who care about the product we create. We’ve had the opportunity to gain insight from the European winemaking perspective since Stephan Meadow from the Bordeaux region of France joined our team.”
From Peter Bell, winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards, “We’re in ecstasy about Riesling this year. And the Pinot is beautiful.”
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars harvest team observes that “2008 is turning out to be a record harvest here at Lamoreaux! With almost 90% of our 105 acres at full production, we are on track to bring in more grapes than ever before. And the quality is OUTSTANDING! All of our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have been harvested, with the Chardonnay already bubbling away in barrel. We have also started with our Gewurztraminer and Riesling, but still have a long way to go. Our Cab Franc, Merlot and Cab Sauvignon are hanging beautifully, and we don't expect them in much before November.”
"Of course, last year was a great harvest. But this year's harvest will rival last year's." says Mark Wiltberger, winemaker at Keuka Spring Vineyards. "Some people thought that with the rain the weather was not as good this year. But the weather really played out nicely in September with some really nice grapes coming in."
On a lighter note, John Martini, owner of Anthony Road Wine Company notes that a successful harvest is determined “if everyone has their fingers and toes and there’s not a lot of overwork” and that “quality is important and consistency is the goal.” From Anthony Road’s winemaker Johannes Reinhardt, “Each year is different. You must be flexible and use your intuition. Weather and growing conditions were similar to those in 2005.”
It looks as though the region’s wine producers are predicting a stellar, classic year for Finger Lakes Rieslings and that the warm weather in September benefited this year’s harvest. Our 2008 varietals will be highly anticipated. The excitement of the potential for it to be a stand-out vintage year for the wineries of the Finger Lakes is evident throughout the region.-Melissa Dobson
A dozen or so of the Hazlitt faithful gathered in the pre dawn hours of November 22nd at the Vidal Blanc block affectionately known as the Pee Wee Vineyard. Their task was to collect the berries that had hung for weeks on this hillside awaiting right moment and temperature. Several freezes had led up to this day and the berries had turned from greenish gold to milky brown, with flavors emerging of honey and apricot. This was what Winemaker Tim Benedict was looking for, an indication that these grapes were ready for that one last freeze, qualifying them for Ice Wine. The temperature was 17 degrees F at 4:30 am and the fruit had the consistency of sorbet when popped into the mouth. The weather was clear with no wind, and the crew did their deed bolstered with Irish coffee, an on site chef cooking breakfast on a grill, and hobo fires in wine barrels to thaw the digits. A good time was had by all and they emerged from the vineyard with a ton and a half of frozen grapes, which were quickly turned into 120 gallons of nectar that measured 38 degrees brix and 2.9 pH. At this writing on December 15, the fermentation is around one half complete, and everyone at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is very excited about their first Ice Wine.
As reported by Tim Benedict, winemaker at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
Unfortunately by the time we picked our Chardonnay for Ice Wine the birds had taken about ninety percent of the crop...lesson learned: buy more bird netting!! What we took in was picked Monday December 8th between 7:30 - 9:30AM and the air temp was between 14F and 18F. About 60 lugs yielded around 60 gallons of 33 Brix juice, which should produce 50 cases (375ml bottles).
As reported by Vinny Aliperti, winemaker at Atwater Estate Vineyards
WINE SPECTATOR
2008 Vintage Report Card: Part 1
Wednesday, December 10, 2008, Wine Spectator
Every year, vintners learn a crucial lesson—no two vintages are the same. In 2008, California faced one of its more dramatic growing seasons in years, with frost, heat waves and wildfire smoke. Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington had an easier time. Back East, New York successfully dealt with rain and humidity. Though it's too early to assess overall wine quality, Wine Spectator's editors have analyzed the season's conditions in key regions and given each a preliminary grade.
United States
Region: New York
Grade: Finger Lakes (A-), Long Island (B)Read the Harvest Report for 2009