Sheldrake Point Vineyard
New York State

The Estate
Sheldrake Point Vineyard, LLC. was founded in 1997. Bob Madill is the general manager and winegrower. The company owns and operates a 155 acre farm located on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, a vineyard of 40 acres planted to Vinifera vines, a winery producing 6,000 cases and a Café serving savory American cuisine. 

The Vineyard
Sheldrake Point Vineyard, lying within a cool climate region, enjoys a superb vineyard location, a site comprised of well drained, east facing slopes that descend gently to the shore of Cayuga Lake. "The combination of deep glacial soils and the moderating effects of Cayuga's waters provide superior conditions for growing fine quality vinifera wine grapes . . . in the world of winegrowing, it's called a 'microclimate' . . . we call it the 'Sheldrake Effect'."
In the vineyard they seek a balanced vine that fully ripens the grapes it bears, with all of the expressive character possible. This entails developing an understanding of each of their varietal blocks and matching with the appropriate viticultural practices such as Vertical Shoot Positioning and Scott - Henry trellising and related pruning and yields.
Their winegrowing philosophy is that wines of personality are created from the bones of vineyard soil, climate and inspired craftsmanship in the vineyard and in the winery.
"Our commitment to winegrowing at Sheldrake Point Vineyard is to strive for reflection of site personality in our wines, and to provide quality, pleasure and value." - Bob Madill, Winegrower


The Wine

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2004 Sheldrake Point Vineyard, Riesling, Ice Wine 12/375ml
The Riesling grapes for the 2004 December lot were harvested frozen on the vine on December 21 & 27, 2004 and pressed immediately. The rich must was fermented cool for 25 days at 65 degrees F. The wine has 12.8% alcohol, 10.7 grams per liter acid, and 15.4 % residual sugar.
Harvested in December from vine-frozen grapes, this sumptuous, rich and complex dessert wine expresses subtle aromas and silky stone fruits, all supported by a mouth-watering acidity and a racy, sweet finish. An exciting taste treat not to be missed.

Double Gold and Crystal Grape Trophy - Best Ice Wine
- 6th annual 2006 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Gold - Florida State Fair
Hyatt Trophy (Australia) - "Best North American Riesling"

Ontario-born Bob Madill has ambitious plans for this estate on the western shore of Cayuga Lake, and I tasted through a vast and diverse range of wines.
"The 2004 Riesling Ice Wine – actually from the 2003 vintage, but harvested in January, 2004, which by American law (however misleadingly) makes it a 2004 – was the clear standout. Aromas of honey and apricot jam-filled pastry tinged with brown spice leads to a creamy, yet juicy, engaging palate featuring fresh lemon, dried apricots, and spice-tinged honey. The layering of dried, fresh, and jammy fruits along with a hint of butterscotch in the finish is quite striking. The measurable acidity (11 grams) here would not ordinarily be enough to balance so much (200 grams) sugar in a German Eiswein, nor to deliver the goods including the combination of richness and lift, clarity as well as brightness and verve exhibited here. It’s also remarkable that this hung through many earlier frosts before being harvested – something of a no-no in Germany. But then, this is another part of the world with different ways."
 - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (June 2006), 90 pts

"Elegant, with lovely purity to the green almond, peach, dried pineapple and orange blossom notes. Long, lacy finish ripples with fruit and fine acidity. Drink now through 2007."
- Wine Spectator (Nov. 2005), 91 pts