Spectacular Wagner Riesling Select 2023

Wagner Vineyards is a long established winery in New York State. Wagner Vineyards was founded in 1976 (with the passage of the Farm Winery Act) by Bill Wagner, and the winery officially opened to the public in 1979. The family had been growing grapes in the Finger Lakes for five generations prior to establishing the winery. 

Wagner Vineyards is owned by the Wagner/Lee family, with Bill Wagner's children, Laura Wagner-Lee and John Wagner, currently running the business as co-owners. They have been leading the winery since their father, Bill Wagner, passed away in 2010. The winemakers at Wagner Vineyards are Kevin Lee and Jess Johnson, who serve as co-winemakers. Kevin Lee, a fifth-generation Wagner family member, became an assistant winemaker in 2013 and a co-winemaker in 2019. Jess Johnson joined him as co-winemaker in 2019 after Ann Raffetto's retirement. 

The other night at the New York State Liquor Store Association show at the Crowne Plaza Albany/Desmond Hotel, I tried some wines from Wagner - a lovely Gewurztraminer and Gruner Veltliner. Both were very, very good. But the Wagner Vineyards Riesling Select 2022 was absolutely incredible. It had all the classic notes of tropical fruits, green apple, and lychee one expects plus a lovlely floral note - and my favorite - a whiff of petrol. All the flavors came through on the palate, along with a mild sweetness, and a long, long lingering finish. Absolutely the perfect off-dry Riesling. 

Fantastic job Kevin and Jess!!!