Aromatic Whites

WINE #1

2022 Left Foot Charley Mary Lion’s Yard
Kerner
Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan

Founded in 2004 by Bryan Ulbrich, Left Foot Charley began when he rescued a neglected vineyard. Facing overgrown vines and mildew, Ulbrich saved the grapes and earned a share as his reward, leading to his first dry Riesling. Today he collaborates with 16 local growers, focusing on grapes for still and sparkling wines, as well as apples for hard cider.

This Kerner offers apple, pear, apricot, citrus, and peach all intermingled with a honey and tropical fruit backdrop. Pair this wine with soft cheeses, seafood, grilled white meats, and moderately spicy dishes.

WINE #2

2022 Boundary Breaks #239
Riesling
Finger Lakes, New York

Boundary Breaks founder Bruce Murray took a bold leap at 50. Leaving his publishing career behind, he purchased 120 acres in the Finger Lakes (previously corn and soybeans) in 2007, drawn to the region's potential for cool-climate grapes. Recognizing the unique terroir, he believed it could rival established Riesling regions like Germany and Alsace. While Boundary Breaks grows other varieties, Riesling remains a focus, aiming to showcase the Finger Lakes' potential for world-class expressions.

This wine offers vibrant aromatics of fresh nectarine, wild strawberry, and jasmine. The mouth is rich with fruit but dry and bright, with flavors of strawberry tart and salted watermelon, vibrant acids, and a mouth-watering finish with notes of yellow raspberry and rose petals.

This wine received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

WINE #3

2023 Paumanok Vineyards
Chenin Blanc
North Fork of Long Island, New York

Family-owned Paumanok Winery, established in 1983 on Long Island's North Fork, began as a grape grower's dream. Charles and Ursula Massoud harvested their first crop in 1985, selling grapes throughout the decade. Today the next generation leads the charge. Kareem Massoud, the winery's president and winemaker carries on the family's commitment to exceptional quality. Paumanok's philosophy is simple: only the finest grapes become exceptional wines.

This is a fresh, crisp, racy, and bracing Chenin that is redolent of grapefruit and pineapple, with more subtle notes of melon, apple, and guava. This wineakes an excellent companion to flounder, cod, and lobsters, and especially oysters.