As usual in this region, I found myself drawn toward the 2007 Riesling Dry rather than its “semi-dry” counterpart. Finger Lakes Riesling cannot support residual sugar in the manner of German Riesling. This wine labeled “dry” tastes like what in Germany would be considered “halbtrocken,” which is to say it’s well balanced with a very faint and appropriate hint of sweetness. Cooling lime and mint mingle with a hint of vanilla on a sleek, soothing palate with plenty of freshness but no distinct impression of acid “cut.” A substantial, juicy finish is lent invigoration by faint fruit skin and lime peel astringency and a hint of pungent, bitter-sweet herbs. Enjoy Riesling this over the next 2-3 years. Last year, pioneer Finger Lakes wine maker and nurseryman Herman Wiemer sold his winery to his long-time assistant, Fred Merwarth. No one should expect this to bring significant changes in the wines other than a continuation of the steady improvement and emergence into an international spotlight that has been Wiemer’s legacy. (And he continues to be directly involved in operations at the winery that bears his name.) The latest crop of Riesling bottlings here includes two fascination single block wines that transcend the price ceiling for this report but are well worth consumers’ attention.Tel. (800) 371-7971