***+ $$ Dr. Konstantin Frank New York Johannisberg Riesling, Finger Lakes, NY, 1998 - Wine Review and Rating

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By way of background:This is a pretty unusual tasting... a 12 year old riesling, from New York State.  Dr. Konstantin Frank New York Johannisberg Riesling is a semi-dry riesling finished at 11% alcohol.  The grapes come from the New York Finger Lakes region, an area that has developed a world-class reputation for riesling. 

In the glass: Dr. Konstantin Frank New York Johannisberg Riesling shows as light yellow/gold in the glass.

On the nose: Poured cool, without a decant and swirled vigorously, the wine shows a mineral plus honey aroma, with just a small hint of grass.

On the palate: The first element on the palate is a sweet mineral middle that runs across your tongue and glides to the sides of your cheeks.  Then mild, very mild acids lodge at the back of your tongue, with hints of honey mead.

And the finish: Brief, sweet, perfectly clean

In summary: Overall, an awesome showing for a New York wine of this vintage.  Fun, light, yet complex experience.  Three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale,with a plus for its incredibly long life. Very good value.

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