2012 Tierce is here!

     What view from the deck at Red Newt Wine Cellars on  July 5th where the 2012 Tierce was released! Tierce began as the cooperative efforts of three Finger Lakes winemakers: Peter Bell of Fox Run, Johannes Reinhardt of Anthony Road and Dave Whiting of Red Newt in 2005. The "Tierce Brothers" have grown to encompass six winemakers now (and some are women)!  However the collaboration of the various winemakers from different locations on Seneca Lake is unique to wine regions of the world.

      Jim and I arrived as several other cars were pulling into the large parking lot behind the winery.  It was a gorgeous July night: low humidity, a cloudless sky, and a refreshing breeze. The tasting room doors and windows were open allowing the light breeze to keep everyone comfortable.  We were directed to begin the evening by sampling three favorite summer wines:  Anthony Road's Pinot Gris, Fox Run's Rosé Lemberger and Red Newt's Gewurtztraminer. We took our first sample of the crisp, light Pinot Gris out on the deck to enjoy the scenery of the southeast side of Seneca Lake. We also were able to sample the perfectly chilledPinot Lemberger, which I absolutely love.  We were just finishing the Gewurtztraminer with its lovely floral nose and lychee finish when we were called to the tasting room for the Tierce unveiling.

     Bob Madill introduced the featured speaker, Stewart Piggot.  Piggot began by discussing his new book, Best White Wines on Earth, and told of the metamorphous of people's views of Riesling and how other parts of the world have caught on to to the merits of Riesling.  Riesling is no longer associated with an over-the-top sweet wine, but can range from bone dry to a super sweet dessert wine.  And the Finger Lakes shines in Riesling production.   Next, the Tierce Brothers were introduced: Johannes Reinhardt, Peter Bell and Kelby Russell (from Red Newt).  Each discussed the nuances of their dry rieslings that went into the Tierce blend.  

      Jim and I were eager to try each ourselves, so when the speeches were over, we were poured a sample of each and we took them to the deck to taste. I don't have the best palate, so my impressions were:  Fox Run's flavors hit immediately and were the brightest, Red Newt's flavors developed slowly and pleasantly and were strongest in the middle. Anthony Road's citrus flavors started strong, faded a bit in the middle and then came back to finish with lingering vanilla or almond.  Jim felt Fox Run was the most flavorful and he enjoyed the balance of Anthony Road's as well.  He felt Fox Run and Red Newt's wines had slight petrol notes.  All were delightful and we wondered how they would be when  blended.

      Finally the Tierce was revealed, and we were amazed at the synergistic effect the three dry Rieslings had on each other.  I could taste Fox Run's initial flavor burst, Red Newt's citrus/mineral notes in the middle and Anthony Road's lingering vanilla notes at the end.  Truly this wine showcased the best of the three components.   

      As we finished our Tierce Dry Riesling, we asked Johannes Reinhardt about the possibility of another Tierce Red.  He said that the quality of the vintage will decide whether the winemakers get together to make a red blend like they did in 2007.  Who knows - 2010 was a really good year….