Arcturos 2011 Cabernet Franc: Review

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

50% Grand Traverse County

50% Leelanau County

Vineyards: Montague Estate, Capella and Isidors Choice Vineyards

$25.00 a bottle

Blackstarfarms.com

This review looks like Déjà vu all over again.  Yes, I just did a review on the Arcturos Cabernet Franc but, that was the 2010.     

Appearance: rich ruby body with lighter ruby edges

Aroma: blackberry, black plum, light spice,

Right after opening:

Flavors: fruit forward; with black currant, pomegranate, and raspberry notes, a hint of mineral soil and light spice on the finish.  The only thing that seems to change after the bottle has been opened for a couple hours is the ‘hint of mineral soil’ is just a tad firmer – just a tad. 

Mouthfeel:  a little thin on the front, dark berries swirl on the tongue, slight oaky spice on the finish, moderate acidity, it does not have that watery edge like the 2010.

My Strength Rating: 5/5.5- medium body

                

To the Point: While this seems close to the 2010 – I think I like this one just a tad better.  I have two more bottles left and I’ll check out the next one in a year or two.  This is just okay.   

Black Star Arcturos 2010 Merlot: Review

Black Star Fams

Blackstarfarms.com

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

$25.00 a bottle

Appearance: about as transparent as the Obama Administration.  Okay, it’s not deep or dense – it’s a nice crimson color.

Aroma: Earth, deep berries, light touch of oak spice, hint of smoke

Flavors: dark berries, earthy, a little toasted oak, as the wine opens a little spicebox hit the palate, touch of floral/herbal

Mouthfeel: a smooth yet thick earthy feel, the dark berries and earthy tones coat the palate, nice acidity and tannins are under control, medium-full body

To the Point: a tough one to review; I like it; the berry notes were not discernible to me; It is not elegant – it’s more BBQ style; so sever it up with a brisket sandwich,  

Black Star Vintners Select 2010: Review

Black Star Farms

Suttons Day, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

Merlot based blend; made from ‘micro-lots’

58% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Regent

12% abv

$25.00 a bottle

Read the 08 posting

Appearance: rich ruby body

Aroma: fruity all the way; berry bowl mixture with reds leading the way.

Flavors: this is just not fruit forward – it is just fruit; red berries, reminding me of raspberry, pomegranate, sweet cherry, red currant; soft dark berries, reminding me of boysenberry, black currant, and blue berry.  This is just a smorgasbord of berries. 

Mouthfeel: lacks some depth or structure to me; slight watery edge; mild-medium

Strength Rating: 4/3.5 – mild-medium body

To the Point: okay it is complex in its berry profile but, it is simple overall – it is just … berries.  A little too berry juice like.  With that much Cab Franc I would like a little better earthy style and blackberry.  To me it lacks acidity and tannic structure.  I also like it – I think it should be a good red on a summer day.  A good red to have with fish, chicken, and other light fare that has a red sauce base.  This might be good with my Salmon smothered in Tomato Bacon Dressing. 

I bought three bottles so I’ll check on the next bottle - next year!  Hopefully some aging might help here but, I doubt it … for it lacks acidity and tannins.  I would say, enjoy this wine over the next two years and just enjoy the berries. 

Would I buy this again?  No. Not with the 25 dollar price – 15 bucks sure. 

I really liked their 08 Vintners Select.  It was 30 bucks a bottle and I said, buy … buy … and buy.  Oh the beauty of handmade natural products. 

Black Star Arcturos 2010 Cabernet Franc: Review

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Montague Estate and Isidors Choice Vineyards

Blackstarfarms.com

$25.00

12% abv

I really enjoyed the 2008 so, when I was in Traverse City I had the opportunity to pick up some bottles of the 2010 and 2011 Cab Franc. 

Appearance: crimson with shiny ruby highlights

Aroma: blackberry, black plum, light-moderate wood,

Right after opening:

Flavors: delicate floral on the tip of the tongue followed by light earth, firm blackberry, a pomegranate raspberry note, a hint of floral late on the palate, light-moderate oak 

Mouthfeel: thin in spots, earthy dark berries swirl on the tongue, watery edge on the mid and back, slight oaky spice on the finish, moderate acidity,

My Strength Rating: 5/4.5 - medium body

To the Point: not even close to the 08.  The mouthfeel on the 08 was thick and jammy, how I like my Cab Franc to be.  This is on the thin side.  

Black Star Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay 2011: Review

Black Star Farms

Old Mission

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

Isidor’s Choice and Capella Vineyards

$22.99 a bottle From Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth

They are overpriced for it should be around $16.00

13% abv

Appearance: very light straw

Aroma: citrus skin, pear, and mineral water

Flavors: citrusy acidity, a tangy grapefruit peel tantalizes the tongue; crisp apple and white grape to add a little balance, nice touch of floral, lingering tart feel on the aftertaste

Mouthfeel: the acidity is very crisp from start to finish

To the Point: this might be a nice one to age a few years; the acidity should mellow with time and the flavors should shine.

Twist off cap

   

Isidor’s Choice 2009 Blanc de Noir

Sparkling Wine

Leelanau Peninsula

BlackStarFarms.com

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

100% Pinot Noir

12% abv

$22.00 a bottle

I reviewed this Sparkling Wine back in the middle of summer.

Appearance: bridal blush pink

Aroma: bubbles tickle the nose, dusty grapes,

Flavors and Mouthfeel: the first thing I notice is the effervescence and then the dry mouthfeel, hint of muskmelon with a touch of strawberry, lightly tart cranberry, with a pinch of pink peppercorn

To the Point: I don’t know about having this sparkling wine on a hot summer day like today (95 degrees with 80+ humidity).  I wanted something different on this hot day and this has been sitting there waiting to be selected for at least six months.  I thought a little sparkling wine might go well on a hot day.  I don’t think the dry mouthfeel fits the bill.  Save this for a cool fall night. 

I do like this sparkling wine just not on a hot day.  

Arcturos 2010 Pinot Gris: Review

Black Star Farms

Old Mission

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Montague Estate, Capella and Mountana Rusa Vineyards

Blackstarfarms.com

$18.00 a bottle

12% abv

Here is what they say on the bottle: “… crisp and refreshing with distinctive fig, melon and white flowers in its aroma and pronounced ‘slate’ on the palate.”

Appearance: yellow diamond.  This is as close to water in color without being water.  Okay, there is a very slight yellow hue. 

Aroma: you may have to swirl the glass to pick the aroma up.  Very delicate with fresh honeydew melon on the nose.

Flavors: fresh melon, mineral water that reminds me of mountain stream water washing over some stones, a little lemon twist but ever so slight, citrus on the aftertaste and lingers in the back of the palate. 

Mouthfeel: very crisp and delicate

To the Point: I wish I had a few bottles to age another one to three years.  This is a near perfect summer time white wine on a hot summer day.  Too bad they don’t have this vintage anymore.  But, good news the 2011 is on the market.  Looking forward to getting there this summer.  

Black Star Farms 2008 Merlot and Franc: Review

Blend: Merlot 76% and Cabernet Franc 24%

Old Mission Peninsula

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

13% abv

$45.00 a bottle

Opening the bottle has the heart beating a little fast because the cork has a lot of seepage and it looks like the wine has made it way to the top of the cork.  The cork does have a wax topper.  I smell the cork and it does not smell bad and then a quick whiff from the bottle all seems well.  I pour a little into a wine glass and it seems okay.  No outstanding nasty taste.  Okay, let’s set up to do the review. 

Appearance: garnet body with a ruby edge.

Aroma: fresh red berries with a dusting of earth.  Light overall.

Flavors: Red currant, plum, spice from the oak, cocoa powder, and black soil.



The cork was not looking good



Mouthfeel: smooth on the delivery and then a bit jammy on the finish, lingering berries on the palate, full-medium body overall,

To the Point: a tasty red wine, but was it worth its $45 price - weeelllll?  45 I probably will not buy another but, for 30 sure.   

Be Dazzled 2009: Review

Dry, bubbly white wine

“Fresh, crisp fruit, off-dry finish”

Black Star Farms

Old Mission Peninsula

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

12% abv

$13.75 a bottle

Blackstarfarms.com

I was surprised by the bottle cap top that was under the foil.  Then, I was a little intimidated opening this bottle with a bottle opener.  Was it going to blow the cap off as I tried to pry the cap open?  It did not.  It seems to not have the pressure of a regular bubbly. 

I don’t have the blend for the 2009 but, they have the 2010 blend listed as: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc. I’ll bet the 09 is not far off from this blend.  The 2010 is also priced at $15.50 a bottle. 

Appearance: light dusty crystal with some bubbles floating from the bottom to the top. 

Aroma: light fruity nose but it doesn’t have that bubbly feel on the nose.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: nice crisp mouthfeel, crisp apple, fresh pear, lemon meat, tastes like a white wine with some carbonation added to it.  The crisp apple flavor lingers along with a light lemon meat swirling around on the palate.

To the Point: Black Star sells this as a ‘fun sparkling wine.’  For under 15 bucks I’ll have to agree.  This would be good to make some mimosas with.

Pair this with fresh fruit, salad, fruit salad or breakfast.   

Black Star Farms 2008 Brut: Review

Sparkling Wine

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Leelanau Peninsula

Blackstarfarms.com

11.5% abv

$22.00 a bottle

Blend: 68% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Blanc

Appearance: straw in color and some really aggressive bubbles happening here

Aroma: fizzy fresh apple with a hint of plum

Flavor and Mouthfeel: super fine fizzy feel tingles the palate with apple, tart apple, and I think I get a little lemon peel on the back of the tongue with a touch of apple blossom, the profile is very dry yet crisp on the delivery and the long lingering aftertaste. 

Sirius Red: Review

Grape Dessert Wine

Black Star Farms

Old Mission Peninsula

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

18% abv

375 ml bottle

$28.50

Appearance: deep dark burgundy with ruby highlights

Aroma: dusty baker’s chocolate powder, mixed nut shells, light earthy tone, slight alcohol scent

Flavors and Mouthfeel: almost syrupy, little dusty and slightly grainy feel to the mocha, spice from the alcohol so, it has a light peppery tone, slight medicinal feel also coming from the alcohol, black cherry, hint of anise and/or horehound, I think I like the idea of horehound here because it has a spicy style that is bittersweet and this wine has that style.  Now, it all comes together, black cherry, horehound, alcohol with a slight medicinal feel – this sounds like the perfect cough drop lozenges. 

My Strength Rating: 5.5 – a good medium body dessert wine.

To the Point: May not be for everyone. The slight medicinal style may be at issue; while I like it … my wife did not. 

Black Star Farms Inn

Arcturos 2008 Cabernet Franc: Review

Black Star Farms

Old Mission Peninsula

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

12% abv

$29.50 a bottle

When I was in Traverse City this summer I bought one bottle of this wine and took it back to the hotel to see if I really liked it.  The wine seemed tasty when I sampled it, I really like Cabernet Franc on top of that, but sampling is different than sitting back with a full glass of wine. 

Well, I was back at the Black Star store, located in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, buying the few bottles they had left of this vintage.  Yes, I really liked this one.

Appearance: garnet body with some ruby highlights. This looks like it is going to be a medium-full bodied Franc.

Aroma: blackberry, soil earthiness, little smoky.  Overall, a nice little nose. 

Flavors: tasty blackberry, spice, mineral soil, smoky with a hint of oak on the finish (toasted oak). 

Mouthfeel: thick, close to the jammy side, tannins and acidity while present were under control, lingering dark berries that just coat the old teeth and gums. 

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – the lingering notes and the ‘almost jammy’ style kicks it up a notch. 

To the Point: This is my type of Cab Franc.  Nice earthy tones, blackberry without being bitter, spice without being too peppery.  If you want a good quality Franc find this in a store near you and give it a try.  This is a very worthy wine to try.  Don’t forget – Black Star Farms is out of it – the wine that is.   

Arctutos 2008 Pinot Noir: Review

Old Mission Peninsula

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

12% abv

$27.00 a bottle from Hiller’s

Blackstarfarms.com

Did this review before I left for Traverse City.

I don’t like to get wine from a grocery store but, I had to pick this one up to give it a try.  Most grocery stores have wines sitting on shelves (up-right) with lights blasting right on the bottles (adds warmth).  If turnover is quick it should not be a big deal.  If not; the warmth ages the wine and the cork goes dry and you may end up with a corked bottle after you store it properly.

Appearance: light semi-transparent ruby-amber color with a clear crystal edge on the rim. 

Aroma: spicy on the nose with tart fruit

Flavors: the tart and spicy profile is on the palate as well.  Tart sour cherry and cranberry.  The spice reminds me of pink and white peppercorn, a little sweet (pink) peppery note and a little mustiness (white). Then there seems to be a ginger and oak taste on the back of the palate. 

Mouthfeel: medium body coming from the spice profile and tart bite.  Plenty of spice playing on the palate.  A little empty after the short aftertaste. 

My Strength Rating: 4.5 – medium. 

To the Point: Blind tasting this wine I would not guess Pinot Noir.  A Syrah or Franc or some kind of blend.  I can think of two Cab Franc’s that I had last winter that were nice and spicy.  For a Pinot it is just okay.  As a wine – I like the spicy style of this wine.  I just don’t think I like it overall.  I just have a problem with the appearance, the overall taste and the $27 price tag.

Hopefully, I can sample this when I get to their winery to see if it was just this bottle.

(They did not have this one for sampling – and I was not going to spend 27 to see if it was any better) 

Traverse City Wine List

L. Mawby's Bubbly Wines
I just might become a Bubble Head

Here is the list of Traverse City wines I picked up on my trip, which I will be reviewing in the coming months.  I’ll add the link when they get posted. 

Old Mission Peninsula

Black Star Farms

       

        2009 Be Dazzled Bubbly

        Sirius Red Dessert Wine

        2008 Arcturos Cab Franc

        2010 Pinot Gris Arcturos

        2008 Merlot / Franc

       

 Bry’s Estate

        2010 Pinot Grigio

        NV Sauvignon Blanc

        NV Pinot Noir Riesling blush

        2008 Cab Franc  

        NV Cab S / Merlot

       

Peninsula Cellars

   

        2007 Cab F / Merlot

        2007 Merlot / Cab F

        2008 Pinot Gris

        2010 Dry Riesling

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

        2010 Riesling Block II

        2010 Riesling Langley

        2007 2896 Langley
            2009 JT Red Wine

Leelanau Peninsula

Black Star Farms

        2009 Blanc de Noir Sparkling

        2008 Brut Sparkling Wine

        2008 Vintners Select

Shady Lane

        Coop de Blanc 2009

        Riesling

        2006 Pinot Noir

        2008 Cab Franc

L. Mawby

        Detroit

        Sandpiper

        Consort

        SEX

My Selection from Bowers Harbor

Arcturos 2010 Sur Lie Chardonnay

Old Mission Peninsula

Capella Vineyards

Black Star Farms

12% abv

$18.00 Hillers

$15.50 on BSF web-site

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

Appearance: straw

Aroma: pear and apple seem to be the main profile with a touch of tropical to keep things interesting.

Flavors: stunning display of pear, fresh apple, with a squirt of tart apple, and I am going to throw in almond.  Oh, I have a touch of tropical on the nose so; let me see what is going on with that in the taste.  Yes, let me describe it this way; a squirt of red grapefruit with a squirt of pineapple (vodka optionalJ) blend them together and you get this tropical acidic touch that is not dominate but is a good role player. 

Mouthfeel: nice acidic structure but, still has a good hint of sweet fruit.  The mouthfeel has a moderate tingle from the tart fruit notes but, still has a semi-creamy butter almond feel.  The finish is dry and pleasing on this 80 degree day here in the Tip of the Thumb of Michigan. 

My Strength Rating: 5 – very good character; nice complexity for a simple Chardonnay.

When I had their Riesling the other week I wanted to get over to their winery – Now, that I have had their Chardonnay, I am really itching to get over to their winery. 

I have to admit that doing these wine reviews have opened my eyes to wines that I would not even look at or if I did try them I would discount them right away – just because of my pure subjective perception. 

This wine is case n’ point.  I am not a big white wine drinker but, when I use to have one it would ‘have to be’ an oaked chardonnay.  Now, when I am doing my wine and beer reviews, I try to put my subjectivity on the sideline and play the game of ‘reviewer’ with an objective pair of spectacles.  Now, I have a better understanding of other wines beyond ‘what I like’.  The down side: I like more wines! 

Arcturos 2009 Riesling: Review

Black Star Farms

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

11% abv

$31.00 a bottle at The Bank Restaurant

Around $15 retail

Blackstarfarms.com

Aroma: fresh white fruits

Flavors: I think of it this way; a lot pear with a squirt of red grapefruit then a touch of pineapple and squeeze some fresh apples.  How do you describe it?

This is a really wonderful white wine.  I plan to buy some when I get a chance. 

Mouthfeel: the acidity is fine, semi-dry feel on the palate, the wonderful fruit notes linger on the palate, I really don’t want to eat anything with this tasty white.  I think you will want to drink this all by itself too.   

My Strength Rating: 2.5 – a super tasty summertime wine