New York State's most important fine wine region — eleven glacially-carved lakes in upstate New York whose depths moderate the climate, extending the growing season in this otherwise extreme continental climate. The Finger Lakes are defined by Riesling: the region's cool climate, shale and limestone soils, and the moderating influence of the deep lake water produce Riesling of extraordinary precision, mineral depth, and natural acidity that rivals German Mosel and Austrian Wachau. Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are the two dominant sub-AVAs. The region is also notable for Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Franc. A fine dining wine list staple for American regional identity and Riesling enthusiasts.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 90 | Good Finger Lakes vintage with above-average quality. Warmer than 2021 but the lake moderation preserved characteristic Riesling freshness. Accessible from release; mid-term aging potential of 5-8 years. |
| 2021 | 93 | Outstanding Finger Lakes vintage — one of the best recent years for Riesling. The long, cool growing season produced wines of extraordinary mineral precision and natural acidity. Magdalena Vineyard 2021 is a collector's wine with 15+ year potential. |
| 2019 | 92 | An excellent cool-climate Finger Lakes vintage — the Great Lakes influence kept temperatures moderate through September, producing Riesling of classic precision: citrus zest, mineral, high acidity. Wiemer dry Riesling 2019 is among the most food-friendly in years. |
| 2018 | 91 | A warm, challenging Finger Lakes vintage — late-season cold snaps threatened the crop but the best sites on Seneca and Cayuga Lakes produced concentrated, ripe Riesling. Less typical mineral precision than 2016 but showing generous fruit and early accessibility. |
| 2016 | 94 | A near-perfect Finger Lakes Riesling vintage — ideal growing season with warm summers and the lake's moderating influence preserving acidity through a long September harvest. Wiemer Magdalena and Ravines Argetsinger 2016 are benchmark expressions: mineral, precise, and with exceptional aging potential of 15-20 years. One of the region's historic vintages. |