A $30 ice wine made from Vidal blanc grapes, a Northeastern speciality, was chosen New York’s best wine yesterday in the state’s 20th annual contest.

The 2004 white, Fiori delle Stelle, came from Casa Larga, a Finger Lakes winery.

Beginning tomorrow, when the state’s historic direct-shipment law takes effect, consumers in states permitting shipments of New York wines can order winning wines in all categories.

The New York Wine and Grape Foundation, a trade association, sponsored the two-day contest.

Other winners, all from the Lakes region were as follows:

Overall white: Swedish Hill’s 2004 Vidal blanc

Chardonnay: Lamoreaux Landing’s 2002

Dry Riesling: Atwater’s 2004

Semi-dry Riesling: Standing Stone’s 2004

Vinifera sparkling wine: Hermann J. Wiemer’s 2002 blanc de blanc

Pinot Noir: Chateau Lafayette Reneau’s 2002

Cabernet Sauvignon: Lafayette Reneau’s 2001 Owner’s Reserve

From Long Island:

Best Gewürztraminer: Corey Creek’s 2004

Best Merlot: Diliberto’s 2003

Best overall red: Osprey’s Dominion’s 2001 Cabernet Franc

Best vinifera red blend: Pellegrini’s 2001 Vintner’s Pride Encore

Written by Howard G Goldberg in New York

Howard G Goldberg
Howard G Goldberg
Decanter Magazine, Food & Wine Writer

Howard G Goldberg is a wine writer and critic based in New York City. He made his name writing about wine for The New York Times, where he worked for 34 years. He has written various books on food and wine, including Prime: The Complete Prime Rib Book and All About Wine Cellars. He compiled The New York Times Book of Wine – a collection of the publication’s best wine articles.