Following 2016’s heat and drought, 2017 delivered one of the coolest, longest growing seasons in well over a decade. From budbreak through mid-November, the Finger Lakes had even, cool weather before a two month stretch of solid sun during harvest. The result is the best vintage for Riesling since the storied 2008s; wines that are drinking well with youth, but have the structure and acidity to age for years to come.

Designed to be an honest representation of Finger Lakes Riesling, they worked with varied vineyard sites that have a mix of mineral soil types ideal for dry Riesling, including: shale + gravel, shale + clay, sand over shale, and limestone + shale. Each vineyard site was vinified entirely separately to best bring out individual character; from cold so>Dazzling silver-gold in colour, on the nose there are intense mineral aromas of shale, gravel & limestone, combined with notes of white flower, golden apple, peach & lemon oil. A focused burst of acidity hits the palate, followed by flavours of fresh apricot, lime & grapefruit pith, all leading to a weighty, savoury mineral finish.

About EMPIRE ESTATE:

GWGP is thrilled to introduce EMPIRE ESTATE to the United Kingdom! The force behind EE is Finger Lakes native son, Thomas Pastuzak, former executive wine director of The NoMad in NYC. Thomas was named one of the Best New Sommeliers of 2012 by Wine & Spirits Magazine, Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2013, and one of Food & Wine’s Sommeliers of the Year of 2015. He created Empire Estate to showcase the incredible Finger Lakes region of New York State. Along with renowned winemaker Kelby James Russell (Apollo's Praise, formerly Red Newt Cellars) their goal is to present Finger Lakes Riesling to the world and give everyone yet another reason to love New York. Be sure to try their Traditional Method SPARKLING RIESLINGS, too!