Paul Hobbs, an influential figure in the wine industry, founded Hillick & Hobbs winery on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake near Watkins Glen. Having launched his first winery in 1981, Hobbs’s passion for Riesling led him back to his roots in New York. The vineyard, named in honor of his parents who met at Cornell University, began with its first plantings in 2014 on a modest 2.5 acres before expanding to 25 acres of Riesling and 1 acre of Grüner Veltliner.
The unique geography of Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, plays a vital role in the vineyard’s success. It is renowned for holding more water than the others combined, which helps create a conducive environment for grape growth.
Lynne Fahy, the winemaker at Hillick & Hobbs, took the helm in 2021, following her experiences working at other Finger Lakes wineries and in Oregon. The winemaking approach emphasizes wild fermentation, where wines are left on their lees for an extended period to enhance flavor complexity.
Recent vintages from Hillick & Hobbs showcase a commitment to quality and an understanding of the distinct climate conditions in the region. For example:
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2021 Dry Riesling: A challenging vintage that produced a concentrated and bold wine, rich in citrus and stone fruit flavors, rated 93/100.
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2022 Dry Riesling: The opposite climate conditions in 2022 led to a pristine and beautifully balanced wine, with a focused lemon profile, rated 95/100.
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2023 Dry Riesling: Characterized by juicy brightness and minerality, this vintage received a score of 94/100.
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2024 Dry Riesling: This warm vintage shows the potential for beautiful wines, marked by bright fruit flavors and a lovely salty twist, scored at 95/100.
In addition to their flagship Dry Riesling, the winery also crafts a range of other wines that exhibit finesse and complexity, ensuring that Hillick & Hobbs has carved a notable niche within the Finger Lakes wine scene.
For more information about their offerings, visit Hillick & Hobbs.