Stony Lonesome Estates Sauvignon Blanc

This 2012 vintage is their best wine yet.  Passion fruit is prevalent on the nose and carries through on the palate, and there is plenty of acidity and minerality to make for a well balanced addition to the Three Brothers Wineries lineup.  I paired it with Waterloo, New York's Muranda Cheese Company's Bel Ceillo, which they describe as a provolone asiago cross.  There seems to be very little residual sugar with this Sauv Blanc, and it would also do well with a fried Haddock or it would be perfect paired with Sharkey's spiedies - lamb or chicken - out of Johnson City, NY. Score: 89

Damiani Wine Cellars Saw Mill Creek Syrah

This 2010 vintage Syrah is light and airy compared with a big California Syrah, but don't let that discourage.  It has the full fruity profile one expects from a Syrah, without the chewy, inky, syrupy characteristics of the warmer climate Syrahs.  There are a number of foods that will work well with this, and that's another reason this is such an attractive varietal in cooler climates.  Make a homemade burger and wilt some kale as a topping.  Harnessing the power of this big grape was done well at Damiani. Score: 87