Sheldrake Point Winery -- A Gem on Cayuga Lake

From the Back Parking Lot
 of Sheldrake Point Winery
 looking towards Cayuga Lake

We had the opportunity to revisit a favorite winery on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in the Finger Lakes of New York. We were definitely excited about the current offerings from Sheldrake Point Winery in Ovid, New York. 

Sheldrake Point has been a favorite winery of our for many years. Located on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, it is a short drive from Ithaca and is very scenic. The winery offers a good variety of wines suitable for all situations. The staff is friendly and helpful and the tasting room has a bright, openness to it which matches the character of the wines being produced. 

Our house white wine for a few years now has been the Luckystone White, at $12 has a great price point is fantastic and the wine has a character that pleases many palates. It is a bright blend of Riesling (49%),  Pinot Gris (33%), Chardonnay (12%), and Gewürztraminer (6%). These are all great Central New York grapes and produce bright, full flavors. It gets a score of 84.7 in Cellar Tracker--which is a solid score for a good all around white blend.

The 2014 Dry Rose was another great find at the winery during our recent visit there. We found that at $14, the price point on this wine is very good. The Rose is a Cabernet Franc Rose and the bouquet of the wine is floral with nice firm strawberry flavors. The wine is a pleasant drinking wine and it should go well with a variety of foods and cheeses.

The find of the visit, however, was the newly released 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. I know what you are thinking--but it is New York! Don't be fooled--this is a full bodied CabSav with a great nose and full flavor taste accompanied by supple tannins and a medium finish. I was impressed. The tasting notes read: Plush with aromas of smoke and stewed fruit. Flavors of sweet oak and plum interact with an herbaceous and savory quality through the finish of the wine. At $37, it is not for everyone, but it is very nice drinking right now and I believe that in two or three years this is going to be a very special wine. 

RECOMMENDATION: This is a Finger Lakes winery that is not to be missed. There is something for every palate and the view of the lake is worth the visit even for the designated driver!

-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD