I first tasted Weis Vineyards in the back of a van, at the Finger Lakes Wine Festival almost a decade ago. Peter and I did not know one another. I thought it odd, that he insisted I tasted his wines. I was also amused. It turns out, he did me one of the biggest favors in my wine career. Peter Weis is one hellava winemaker. And a recent tasting of his newest releases, in September, proved once again that Weis is one of the most talented winemakers on the eastcoast.
The 2024 Governor's Cup was presented to Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes region for their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine. In addition, Weis Vineyards was also honored with the Winery of the Year award.
The Weis Gewurztraminer 2023 is one of my favorite American bottlings, light, bright, aromatic, lively. Great acidity. Love it! I love Dry Riesling. And Weis Vineyards 2023 release is no exception. Granny Smith apples, apricots, tropical fruits, lychee, a slight hint of petrol, with great acidity. Absolutely lovely! And the Weis Dry Rose has all the classic requisite flavors of bright, fresh strawberries, and bright cherry, which dissolve smoothly into a lemon-lime finish. Delicious.
For a winemaker who had such a deft hand with whites, one is never sure if the reds will be commensurate in terms of taste. with Weis this is not an issue at all. The First wine, Weis Blaufrankisch 2021 was a big cherry bomb, with huge notes of plum and cherry, and a lovely soft finish. A tremendous, mature Blau! The Schulhaus Red is a dark red wine made from Chancellor, which is big, and jammy, and has tremendous flavor. A great table wine appropriate for lunch or dinner. A super utilitarian red. Great for gatherings or pizza. And finally the Weis Cabernet Franc 2021 was tremendous. Great fruit forward red wine, with dark cherry, plum, dark raspberry, lovely middle, and a great finish. Wonderful balance and complexity. Terrific wine.
Weis Vineyards continues to be one of the best producers in the region. Great job once again, Peter!!!!