Growing Conditions
- ESTATE VINEYARDS: HJW, Magdalena, Josef, Seneca Lake AVA
Our HJW Vineyard features Hermann’s original plantings on Seneca Lake of Riesling and Chardonnay from 1977 and 1978. Mature vines, combined with the site’s shallow topsoil and shale bedrock, produce lower yields, resulting in expressively vibrant flavors. Higher elevation and a greater distance from Seneca Lake contribute to a cooler growing season, resulting in leaner, more austere wines with intense flavor and excellent aging potential. In 2009, we planted two more block of Riesling, bringing the total acreage to 33. In 2015, we began our venture with biodynamic farming and have converted the entire property. We are awaiting Demeter certification.
Our HJW Vineyard features Hermann’s original plantings on Seneca Lake of Riesling and Chardonnay from 1977 and 1978. Mature vines, combined with the site’s shallow topsoil and shale bedrock, produce lower yields, resulting in expressively vibrant flavors. Higher elevation and a greater distance from Seneca Lake contribute to a cooler growing season, resulting in leaner, more austere wines with intense flavor and excellent aging potential. In 2009, we planted two more block of Riesling, bringing the total acreage to 33. In 2015, we began our venture with biodynamic farming and have converted the entire property. We are awaiting Demeter certification.
The unique traits of our Magdalena Vineyard shine through the wines sourced from this site. A beneficial air exchange with Seneca Lake moderates the temperatures, creating a warmer and more protective site in the colder months and a cooling effect throughout the summer. The airflow keeps the vineyard dry, and deep soil provides room for spreading root growth. The lime silt loam soil that the site is celebrated for is crucial to the development of flavor intensity in the grapes.
This property was included in the Dresden purchase that Hermann made in 1998 from the Taylor Wine Co. He began planting the site in 1999, beginning with Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot, and continued to add Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, and Cabernet Franc. This site has proven to be able to ripen and protect varieties that do not thrive in our other vineyard locations. We have incorporated exploratory measures regarding dense vine spacing, and vineyard orientation to open airflow and increase hang time.
Harvest
Hand-picked
Bottling
Estate bottled
Winemaking
- hand-sorted
- whole cluster press
- 4 month indigenous yeast fermentation
- no fining or filtering additives
- 0.7% RS
Nose
Fragrant essence of spring blossoms sets the stage for a succulent palate.
Palate
Early fruit balances with a refreshing crispness, revealing the true qualities of the Riesling grape. A brilliant texture carries into a long, lingering finish.
Food Pairing
This wine accommodates a wide range of food.