Discover a curated selection of the most acclaimed Rieslings from New York's Finger Lakes region. This list explores wines known for their crisp acidity, lingering minerality, and a range of profiles from dry to off-dry. Finger Lakes Rieslings are globally recognized for their quality and reasonable prices, often compared to their German counterparts. Explore the standout wineries and vintages that make this region a hub for white wine enthusiasts.
This Riesling stands out for its crystalline expression and crunchy minerality, featuring a laser-focused citrus character that makes it vibrant. Its racy, bone-dry palate, coupled with a sturdy backbone and tingly citrus drive, establishes it as a benchmark of quality in the Finger Lakes region.
Cleanses the palate
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This Red Newt Cellars Riesling offers a complex tasting experience with intense aromas of pineapple, peach, and apple, and a palate that balances tropical and orchard fruits with a subtle sweetness. Its meticulous production, including aging in stainless steel and neutral oak, imparts a freshness and structure that set it apart in the Finger Lakes region.
Ripe, forward dry Riesling
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This dry Riesling from Red Tail Ridge offers a vibrant expression of tropical and stone fruits, complemented by well-honed acidity and polished balance. Its complex flavor profile, including notes of pink grapefruit and pickled ginger, distinguishes it as a remarkable example of Finger Lakes Riesling quality.
Bone dry and light
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This Finger Lakes Dry Riesling stands out for its round flavor profile and excellent balance between acidity and residual sweetness. It offers notes of peach, melon, and green apple, complemented by a dusty mineral touch and crisp acidity that make it refreshing and versatile for food pairing.
Very perfumed nose with sweet jasmine, honeysuckle, orange peel, and white pepper
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This wine stands out for its dry and crisp profile, featuring vibrant acidity that enhances its notes of citrus, white peach, and tropical fruit. Its aromatic complexity and balanced palate, with a mineral finish, showcase Hermann J. Wiemer's mastery in Finger Lakes viticulture.
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Hugely likable
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This dry Riesling from Standing Stone Vineyards is an outstanding example of Finger Lakes wine quality, scoring 92-93 points from critics. Its aromatic and flavor profile, including notes of honey, citrus, and peach, along with balanced acidity, showcases the excellence of the Riesling grape in the Seneca Lake region.
Delicate aromas of apple, lemon peel and ginger
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This Riesling stands out for its complex aromatic profile, featuring notes of apple, lemon peel, and ginger, complemented by hints of candied citrus and honey. Its palate is characterized by vibrant acidity and a silky texture, lending it exceptional balance. The 2023 vintage was awarded 92 points by James Suckling, solidifying its reputation for quality.
Delicious
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This Hillick & Hobbs Dry Riesling stands out for its complex aromatic profile, featuring notes of peach, nectarine, and citrus, alongside an intense minerality. Its racy palate and long, slightly drying finish make it an exceptional example of the quality produced in the Finger Lakes region.
At the peak of off-dry and nobly sweet rieslings
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This Weis Vineyards Riesling stands out for its exceptional concentration and purity, culminating in an extremely long and pristine finish. It has been awarded 98 points by James Suckling, highlighting its superior quality and remarkable aging potential of several decades.
Expressive, mineral driven, and immensely bright
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This wine offers exceptional complexity, featuring an aromatic profile that includes white flowers, citrus fruits, and a distinct minerality. Its balanced structure and remarkable aging potential make it a standout expression of Finger Lakes Riesling.
Delicious with an exuberant nose of ripe apple, white blossoms and crushed slate
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This Damiani semi-dry Riesling stands out for its balanced flavor profile, combining notes of ripe apple and white blossoms with bright acidity and a lingering finish. Its production with Finger Lakes grapes and pure varietal character make it an authentic expression of the region. The quality of Damiani's Rieslings is recognized, offering a round and vibrant tasting experience.
Rated highly by several important critics
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This 2015 Riesling stands out for its complex aromatic profile of citrus, green apple, and floral notes, complemented by crisp acidity and vibrant minerality. Its eight years of aging have allowed for the development of creamy and buttery nuances, offering an evolved and balanced tasting experience.
Delightful and very well-priced
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This dry Riesling from Fox Run Vineyards is a classic example of the style that has made the Finger Lakes region world-famous. It offers aromas of lime zest and wet rocks, along with citrus and tree fruit flavors, standing out for its refreshing acidity and balanced profile.
Delicate off-dry style Kabinett Riesling
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This Weis Vineyards Riesling stands out for its complexity and balance, a result of partial botrytis that provides nuanced sweetness and vibrant acidity. Its flavor profile, with notes of peach, citrus, and mineral hints, along with a fine structure, makes it an outstanding expression of Finger Lakes Rieslings.
Our methodology for ranking the best Finger Lakes Rieslings focuses on providing a comprehensive and transparent guide for wine enthusiasts. We consider several factors to ensure the featured wines are representative of the region's excellence.