Wine Enthusiast magazine has published a terrific "Special Best of Year Double Issue", which includes some great ratings for New York wines, with a particular focus on red wines like Cabernet Franc.

                  For beginners, Fox Run 2011 Reserve Riesling, Seneca Lake, and Hermann J. Wiemer 2012 Cabernet Franc, Magdalena Vineyard, Seneca Lake both received scores of 94 and inclusion in the Top 100 Wines of 2015.

                  Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard also received 92 for its 2013 Cabernet Franc, Seneca Lake; and Fox Run 2013 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes received 90.

                  Other wineries with multiple 90+ scores include Anthony Nappa 2014 Bordo Cabernet Franc (92), 2013 The Savage Cabernet Sauvignon (92), and 2013 Tridici (91)--all with the North Fork of Long Island appellation; Channing Daughters 2013 Mosaic (91) and 2013 Sylvanus (90) from Long Island; and Southold 2014 Flying & Falling Cabernet Franc, and 2014 Illigitimi Non Carborundum from North Fork of Long Island.

                  Additional 90+ scores went to Atwater 2013 Cabernet Franc-Merlot (Seneca Lake), Bellangelo 2013 Cabernet Franc (Seneca Lake); Keuka Spring 2014 Cabernet Franc (92); Millbrook 2013 Proprietor's Special Reserve Cabernet Franc, Hudson River Region (91); Lamoreaux Landing 2012 Estate Bottled Cabernet Franc (90); and Raphael 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Fork of Long Island.

                  The strong showing of Cabernet Franc from different regions suggests that perhaps that varietal has the best chance of becoming New York's flagship red wine.

                    Since its creation 30 years ago, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation has recognized people in the grape and wine industry who have made significant contributions in various ways by presenting annual awards in different categories: Grower, Winery, Research, Retailer, Distributor, Consumer, and others.

                    At the top of the list are the Unity Award for major contributions in promoting unity within the industry; and the Industry Award for extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the industry.  Going forward, these awards will be named the Phyllis Feder Unity Award, and the Jim Finkle Industry Award.

                    Phyllis Feder is the owner of Clinton Vineyards in the Hudson Valley, and served as Chair of the NYWGF Board of Directors during three of the most turbulent years in its 30-year history.  She guided the organization through hazardous waters with a combination of unshakable determination, amazing strength, and inspiring diplomacy.  She has also served as President of the Dutchess Wine Trail and been involved in other organizations as well.

                   Jim Finkle, who passed away a few months ago at far too early an age, made more contributions to the New York, American, and international wine industry than are possible to list.  As Senior Vice President for Public Affairs at Constellation Brands, Jim served on our Board for over 25 years, including 3 as Chair; had a similar record at WineAmerica, the national organization of American wineries; rescued a vital international organization (FIVS) and served as its President for over 15 years; and played leadership roles in Wine Institute, DISCUS, Beer Institute, and other organizations.  Like Phyllis, he was the consummate diplomat, as well as the world's nicest guy.

                    Phyllis Feder and Jim Finkle represent the best characteristics of humanity--selflessness, modesty, commitment, integrity, and passion--and we are delighted to name these important awards after them as an inspiration to others.

                    I also want to recognize others who have served as Chair of the Board since the Foundation's beginning: Bert Silk (Canandaigua Wine Company), Gene Pierce (Glenora Wine Cellars), Neil Simmons (Simmons Vineyards), Jim Finkle (Constellation Brands), Phyllis Feder (Clinton Vineyards), Pete Saltonstall (King Ferry Winery), Jim Bedient (Bedient Vineyards), Harold Smith (Chautauqua juice grape grower), and now Trent Preszler (Bedell Cellars).  All who serve on the Foundation Board devote a lot of volunteer time and energy, but the Board Chairs truly go the extra mile.

                     Hard Cider is exploding in popularity among consumers nationwide, and New York is no exception.  So to meet that new demand and diversify their offerings, at least 15 New York wineries are no producing hard cider (apple wine) as well as their traditional grape wine.  About 10 others do not produce cider but do offer it for sale in their tasting rooms.  These numbers are the preliminary count from a quick survey we did, and are sure to grow rapidly.

                      Syracuse Orange sports fans are now able to enjoy Coyote Moon Wine in a Can during basketball games.  The Thousand Islands winery uses convenient cans for its popular Fire Boat Red and Fire Boat White wines.  Cheers!

                      Thomas G. Mitchell Sr. passed away suddenly this week, leaving his family and many friends with sadness.  Tom was a grape grower himself, but also the longtime director of grower relations for Taylor Wine Company--not at all an easy job--and in that role balanced the needs of the company with those of the growers, earning both friendship and respect from all sides.  We extend our condolences to his family.

                      Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound in red wine, has been shown to stop the progression of a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study from Georgetown University Medical School.  It's just the latest example of how a glass a day keeps the doctor away.