Seneca Spark: Forge Cellars “Classique” Dry Riesling 2023

Tasting Notes

Glowing pale gold. Subtle honeysuckle and peach on the nose lead into a mouthful of spiced apple, crisp green apple skin, and lemon oil. Finishes lean, mineral-driven, and nervy with tension—bone dry, yet layered with calm fruit precision.

Meet the Winemaker

Forge Cellars was founded on passion and terroir exploration by Rick Rainey and Louis Barruol (of Château de Saint Cosme). Their terroir-driven approach leans sustainable and regenerative, focusing on Seneca Lake’s biodiversity—which they bottle through 16 different vineyard lieux-dits, each contributing to this world-class Finger Lakes Riesling. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Riesling

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Seneca Lake AVA, Finger Lakes, NY

• Aging/Method: Multiple lieux-dits vinified separately, indigenous yeast ferment, ~3.1 g/L residual sugar (bone dry)

• ABV: ~12.1%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 8–10 °C for maximum freshness

Critic Reviews

• Wine Spectator Insider: 90 pts — Marks the 8th vintage in a row to score above 90; highlights consistent quality and price-value ratio for Finger Lakes wine. 

• Wine Searcher (2023 vintage): Includes notes of Mirabelle plum, bergamot and excellent mineral tension; ranked among top-10 Seneca Lake wines. 

• Vinosaurus/Empire Wine: “Vibrant citrus, green apple flavors… driven by that cool climate terroir.”

• Reddit r/wine fan feedback:

  “This wine has such a round flavor profile. It’s lovely! … Flavors of ripe melon, peach, and apple. The balance of acidity is very well done.” 

Food Pairings

• Grilled halibut or scallops with lemon zest

• Sushi or shellfish plates with saline notes

• Goat cheese, arugula and melon salad

• Light Thai or Vietnamese seafood dishes

Why You Need This Bottle

Because this is clean, confident dry Riesling with serious terroir swagger. Forge’s Classique is the backbone of a visionary Finger Lakes project: minimal intervention, maximum purity, rocks-and-rain minerality, and all-day drinkability. Perfect for dinner, patio sipping, or showing off your Riesling cred.

Curious about Finger Lakes greatness? Add Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique 2023 to your cart—free shipping when applicable or with club perks included. Experience balanced acidity, peach-and-mineral clarity, and sustainable craft.