Twelve days ago, we arrived at Frank Winery outside Hammondsport and were met by Fred Frank, granbdson of Konstantin. Later we were joined by Fred's father, Willy. Both were are justifiably proud of what they've accomplished both there, and at Chateau Frank nearby where Willy produces sparkling wines. We tasted the following wines. Notes are brief due to time constraints.

1997 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, $32-
The wine had a light, fruity nose, with a light mousse and nice fruit. 87

2000 Brut sparkling wine, $25-
This was very similar to the Blanc de Blanc, but with a little bite. 86

nv Celebre Cremant, $20-
This sparkler is made from Riesling, the only one I'm aware of. It had almost nose nose but was fruity and delicious, also a great QPR. A gift from the Franks, I brought a bottle of this to the Toronto dinner two nights later. 89

2003 Salmon Run Chardonnay, 12% alcohol, $11-
Salmon Run is Frank's "value line" of wines. This one was made mostly in stainless steel and had a tropical fruit nose and nice fruity flavor. 84

2002 Frank Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 12.5% alcohol, $15- This Chardonnay had a fine melon and oak nose. It was rich and buttery. One of the best Chardonnays I've had from NY or Canada. 88

2004 Frank Dry Riesling, 12% alcohol, $16-
This had a beautiful apple and mineral nose with a very nice crisp mineral taste. One of the very best American Rieslings I've ever had. A gift from the Franks, I brought a bottle of this to the Toronto dinner two nights later. 89

2003 Salmon Run Riesling, 11.5% alcohol, $13-
The wine had a muted nose of peaches and pears, also a hint of sweetness. 84

2004 Frank Semi-Dry Riesling, 11.5% alcohol, $14- This had a fruit basket nose of apples and pears, with light sweetness and citrus flavors. Very tasty. 88

2004 Frank Rkatsiteli, 12% alcohol, $25-
This had a lovely mineral and peach nose with tropical fruit flavors. 85. It wasn't til this past weekend that I learned that the Frank Rkatsiteli improves with some age. We had a bottle of the 2002 with friends. It had been 21 months since I last tasted the 2002, and it was still light in color and very young tasting, but had taken on a nice complexity.

2001 Pinot Noir, 12% alcohol, $25-
The dark cherry nose promised a little more than the wine delivered. The light, tart cherry flavor was a little sharp. 84

2002 Salmon Run Meritage, 12% alcohol, $13-
This had a rich dark fruit and cedar nose, and was balanced and complex, and ready to drink. Outstanding QPR. 88

2002 Cabernet Franc, 12% alcohol, $20-
It had a flowery nose and was well-balanced with dark fruit flavors, far better than any other NY or Canada Cabernet Franc I can remember. 88

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% alcohol, no price listed because this was a library wine, kept in the Frank cellars, but not for sale- The wine exhibited a lovely nose of pepper, cedar, and dark fruit, along with a beautiful blackberry flavor. This was the best red wine I've ever had from North America that didn't come from one of the three West Coast states. A gift from the Franks, I brought a bottle of this to the Toronto dinner two nights later. 91

2001 Meritage, 12% alcohol, also a library wine-
This had a peppery berry nose and was smooth and balanced. 88

Based on previous visits to the region as well as this visit, it is apparent to me that the Franks and Hermann Wiemer are the class of not only the Finger Lakes, but all of NY and Ontario. They are the two best wineries I've ever visited with the exception of the three West Coast states. I'll give an honorable mention to Lamoreaux Landing.