I judged again this year in the New York State Fair wine competition, where the diversity and quality–especially among the red wines, and the up-and-coming American hybrid Diamond–was loud and clear.

The final round of the competition pitted about 10 wines that had won double gold medals against each other for Best of the Competition award. Also were the Best of Category awards for red, white, riesling, sparkling, native, and fruit wines.

The big winners were Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (east Seneca Lake) for Best Winery (most top awards), Chateau Frank for Best of Show with its 2008 Brut (methode champenoise), and Keuka Springs Vineyard winning the June Phillips Riesling Award with their 2014 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling. Complete top awards are as follows:

Best Winery Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
Best of Show Chateau Frank – 2008 Brut
June Phillips Riesling Award Keuka Springs Vineyard – 2014 Humphreys Vineyard Riesling
Best Riesling Chateau Lafayette Reneau – 2014 Dry Riesling
Best Rosé Chateau Lafayette Reneau – 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé
Best Dessert – Fortified Casa Larga Vineyards – 2013 “8”
Best Dessert – Non-Fortified Idol Ridge Winery – 2014 Vidal Blanc Icewine
Best (non-riesling) White Keuka Spring Vineyards – 2014 Vignoles
Best Red Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards – 2012 Cabernet Franc
Best Sparkling Chateau Frank – 2008 Brut
Best Fruit Montezuma Winer – Cranberry Bog