WTN: 2006 Hart Cellars Dry Cayuga

This bottle was a gift from the most generous Mr. Hart. I was bit afraid that we had held the wine too long and it would be DOA. I was wrong.

Color: Wet straw yellow.

Nose: I uncorked the wine a bit on the cold side. After letting it warm in the glass a wonderful nose of flowers and peaches developed. I thought that I picked up some boxwood notes as well, but my wife disagreed. I will defer.

Taste: Super crisp with nice acidity. Off-dry character with great melon and honey flavors. Extended finish that was just a bit on the tart side.

A very enjoyable wine that complimented our peppered whitefish and ravioli dinner very nicely. Wish I had more of this juice. Very tasty indeed. Thanks Howie.

I'm happy that you enjoyed it. There is something special about that 2006 that makes it distinctive, but I'm not sure what. It was not a particularly good growing year for most varieties in our area, but this was a unique wine. I also wish I had more of this (I think I have 3 bottles left).

Interesting! I made a Cayuga in 2006 too, but the wine didn't age all that well. That said, the vineyard where I picked was a bit neglected; today I wouldn't repeat the same mistake.

I like Cayuga. It's an uncommon grape in Ontario, but I recall how I tried a regional white blend about a decade ago that had some Cayuga blended in. In cool years, the Cayuga is citrusy-neutral; but in warmer years, it can give a hint of candied pineapple and just a dash of torrefied coffee beans.

I just got back from a 10 day trip - 7 days in Hawaii and 3 days in California (will post some notes on Santa Cruz Mtns when I get caught up). In the past few years, I've been adding about 20% Vidal to my Cayuga to enhance the mouthfeel.