James Suckling Highlights Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Depth and Diversity
In his latest Finger Lakes report, James Suckling reinforces what wine professionals and collectors have long known: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery stands at the forefront of American cool-climate wine. While the Finger Lakes has become a benchmark for world-class Riesling, Suckling’s scores confirm that Dr. Frank’s excellence extends far beyond a single grape variety.
Across more than a dozen wines reviewed, Dr. Konstantin Frank earned consistent 90–93 point scores, showcasing the winery’s rare ability to combine historic vineyards, innovative winemaking, and a deep respect for terroir.
This recognition arrives at what Meaghan Frank, fourth-generation owner and Vice President, describes as a “zeitgeist moment” for the Finger Lakes, one driven by experimentation, precision farming, and a growing appetite for distinctive, site-driven wines.
Top-Scoring Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines from James Suckling
93-Point Wines
Old Vines Pinot Noir 2022 (93 Points)
From vines planted in the late 1950s, this elegant Pinot Noir impressed Suckling with its layered aromatics of hibiscus, rose hips, cherries, and forest floor, finishing with remarkable finesse and depth.Eugenia Dry Riesling 2024 (93 Points)
A crystalline expression of Finger Lakes Riesling, praised for its crunchy minerality, laser-focused citrus character, and precision from nose to finish.Amber Rkatsiteli 2024 (93 Points)
Skin-fermented and aged in amphora, this wine exemplifies Dr. Frank’s leadership with heritage varieties, offering savory complexity, chewy texture, and an attractively nutty finish.
92-Point Wines
James Suckling awarded 92 points to an impressive range of styles, underscoring the winery’s versatility:
Cabernet Franc 2023 – Savory, floral, and expressive with supple tannins
Merlot 2023 – Silky forest fruits, spice, and vibrant acidity
Saperavi 2023 – Bright, herbal, and mouthwatering with cranberry lift
Gewurztraminer 2024 – Aromatic and expressive with balance and polish
Grüner Veltliner 2024 – Textural, savory, and complete
Pinot Gris 2024 – Depth and elegance from skin contact and barrel fermentation
Margrit Dry Riesling 2024 – Tropical notes balanced by vivid acidity
Semi-Dry Riesling 2024 – Supple texture with classic Finger Lakes minerality
Rkatsiteli Extra Brut (Lot 2 of 3) 2021 – Traditional method sparkling wine showcasing driving acidity and lees-aged complexity
Why These Scores Matter
James Suckling’s evaluations highlight a defining strength of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: the ability to excel across classic, experimental, and historic wine styles, all within a cool-climate framework.
From old-vine Pinot Noir and benchmark Riesling to Georgian varieties like Rkatsiteli and Saperavi, Dr. Frank continues to push the Finger Lakes forward while honoring the region’s pioneering legacy.
The results also reflect the quality of recent Finger Lakes vintages, particularly 2024, which Meaghan Frank describes as “magical”—offering both exceptional balance and strong yields after several challenging growing seasons.
A Legacy of Innovation in the Finger Lakes
Founded by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a true visionary of American viticulture, the winery has spent 65-plus years proving that European vinifera can thrive in New York’s cool-climate conditions. Today, under fourth-generation leadership, that legacy continues with a portfolio that is both historically rooted and globally relevant.
James Suckling’s latest scores reaffirm Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery’s position as:
A leader in Finger Lakes Riesling
A benchmark for Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir
A national reference point for traditional and experimental varieties
One of America’s top producers of traditional-method sparkling wine
Explore the Wines for Yourself
These critically acclaimed wines are available at the winery and online, offering wine lovers the opportunity to experience firsthand why Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery continues to earn international acclaim.
Whether you’re drawn to vibrant Riesling, elegant Pinot Noir, or boundary-pushing heritage varieties, the latest James Suckling scores make one thing clear:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is defining the present and future of Finger Lakes wine.
Read the full story from James Suckling here: https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tasting-reports/fresh-and-franc-finger-lakes-post-riesling-rise
