This handsome devil was sunning himself in the driveway a week ago. He was a hundred yards from the nearest water. Perhaps the grass is so high and damp that he is happy just about anywhere right now.
I have had hit or miss experiences with rieslings in the US and New York State in the past and therefore have steered away from rieslings. Mark's two rieslings - Trilium and Wanderlust - have changed my mind. They are as good or better than some of the fine rieslings I have had in Alsace or Germany. I served both at a New Year's Eve dinner and they were the hit of the night. Right out of the gate, I believe he is a fantastic addition to our region's winemaking and I look forward to whatever Mark produces in the future.
Pleasantly surprised how easy it was to receive our first four wines. This is the first time we ordered wines to be shipped through the mail. Wanderlust is now my favorite Riesling. I enjoy rieslings that are somewhere in the semi-sweet/semi-dry range. To my taste Wanderlust is a perfect combination of sweetness and an overall clean taste. I would not consider myself a wine expert, but I have enjoyed a number of finger lakes rieslings as well as rieslings from other areas. Wanderlust would now be my first choice over all others. I also enjoyed the Convivial.
My wife and I thought the wine selection was excellent. We enjoyed them all, but the Riesling was definitely our favorite. Looking forward to purchasing more in the near future.
Had a dinner party over the winter holidays and the wine was a perfect fit. Light, fresh and bright... my only wish was that I was drinking during summer. I'll just have to order another round.
Mark Wiltberger is far from a novice vintner. For decades he has patiently learned his trade and so his first offerings deliver at a far higher quality than other new wineries, perhaps any other. We plan to visit the winery this summer and look forward to tasting more wines throughout the year. About half of our first shipment went to friends as gifts, so we may need to reorder soon.
The first vintage from Mark T. Wiltberger winery on Keuka Lake is everything one could ask for in white wines - beautiful bouquet and smooth flavors with a satisfying finish. If you like Chardonnay, Riesling, or Gruner Veltliner these wines are for you. Thumbs up to Mark.
All of Mark's wines are delightful. His hard work and determination to produce great wine has paid off. Will continue to share Mark's wonderful wine in Colorado. Congratulations on launching your new winery.