L. Mawby Cremant Classic Sparkling Wine: Review

L. Mawby Cremant Classic

Brut Sparkling Wine

L. Mawby

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Lmaby.com

100% Vignoles

Estate Grown

11% abv

$27.00

Appearance: crystal pale yellow

Aroma: white peach, buttered fruit-nut white bread, light toasted oak

Flavors: summer fruits, red apple up front, yellow peach and tart apple on the back and aftertaste; citrus meat (lemon) on the back and finish, just a touch of toasted oak

Mouthfeel: plenty of bubbles to please the palate; summer fruits up front; tart and dry fruits on the finish; dry to very dry

To the Point: Damn, another sparkling wine that I like from this winery – that means I’ll have to make another trip to the winery.  

Bowers Harbor 2896 Langley 2010: Review

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Bowersharbor.com

Meritage Blend of: 60% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, 1% Cab Sauvignon

$60.00 a bottle

Appearance: Rich ruby red; kind of light looking for a big Meritage – 60 bucks qualifies as ‘big’.

Aroma: nice berries, some red mixed with some dark berries, very light spice

Flavors: little blackberry, black plum, black currant mixed with a little tart cranberry and cherry; light earth,

Mouthfeel: light for a Meritage; thin in spots, lacks depth and character;

My Strength Rating: 5 – medium at best

To the Point: for $60 … pass; there are plenty of 20 to 25 dollar wines out there that are much better.  I did like the 2007 2896 Langley and the 45 bucks then had me on the edge but, I said yes it was worth it.  The 07 was far better than this one.  

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.  

Peninsula Cellars 2010 Dry Riesling: Review

Peninsula Cellars

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Old Mission Peninsula

12.5% abv

$15.00 a bottle

Appearance: yellow crystal

Aroma: soon as I opened the bottle I knew I was going to like it.  First off I did not smell straight out lemon.  I am soooo tired of lemon.  A lot of the beers I had this summer and spring had a lemon note, some stronger than others, and then when I would have a white wine guess what note was prominent you got it lemon.  So, I had to read this bottle first before opening and I did not see the word lemon.  It did had lime but, no lemon.  Back to the aroma: tropical fruit all right; mango, white peach, Fuji apple, pineapple acidity,

Flavors: apple, green apple, summer stone fruit, touch of tangerine and a dose of lime. 

Mouthfeel: crisp notes, there seems to be an ever so slight watery edge that hits the tip of the tongue but, right after that ‘tip’ it is nothing but dry baby. 

To the Point: between the aroma and the flavors this is a real treat.  This would be good with white fish.  I love shark, tuna, and swordfish and I think this would be good with the pineapple, mango, and ginger sauce I make to put on my swordfish.  

Bowers Harbor 2010 Riesling Block II: Review

90 degrees outside makes the bottle sweat a little

Old Mission Peninsula

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Bowersharbor.com

12% abv

$20.00 a bottle

I tried this yesterday and doing the review today.

Appearance: pale yellow

Aroma: faint floral and mild citrus meat,

Flavors: the citrus bite is bigger than I was expecting, lemon mineral water with an extra squeeze on the lemon, once in a while I think a note of some other fruit shows up but, the lemon just dominates. 

Mouthfeel: pucker power, acidic, very dry, like biting on a lemon wedge

To the Point: I thought my taste buds were off yesterday and thought I needed to wait one more day to review this … it is a lemon drop.  I had to stop after one glass yesterday because the acidic nature of this Riesling started to bother me.  I think I’ll cook some shrimp and scallops with the remainder of this bottle.  Not what I think of as a Riesling.  Maybe with this high acidity this Riesling could be aged and the flavor profile may mellow with time.  

Bry's Estate Pinot Grigio 2010

Bry’s Estate Vineyard and Winery

Old Mission Peninsula

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Brysestate.com

13.5% abv

$22.00

Appearance: straw

Aroma: delicate citrus notes

Flavors: lemon is the main profile here along with a touch of orange meat.

Mouthfeel: light and refreshing for that summer day that calls for a white wine.

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.  

Bry's Estate Pinot Noir / Riesling: Review

No vintage date found on bottle

Bry’s Estate Vineyard and Winery

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blend: 73% Pinot Noir; 27% Riesling

Brysestate.com

12% abv

$14.99

Appearance: liquid strawberry

Aroma: light red fruits like strawberry and pomegranate mixed with a hint of melon and fresh pear.  

Flavors: a little more tropical like than I expected.  A little acidic pineapple twang, red fruits similar to the nose,

Mouthfeel: a refreshing and lightly sweetened red fruit style on the delivery with the tropical notes hitting my mid-palate with that acidic pineapple tone on the back.

There is also a tart note playing in the back of the palate.  Nice balance.

To the Point: have to say it again; I am not a fan of rose or red and white blends.  BUT, and as you can see that is a big but, I think I like this one.  I like the red fruits and the light strawberry sweet/tart aftertaste. 

On their web site they say to have this with BBQ.  Well, it’s summer, so go pick up a bottle and light up the grill.  

Blue Water Dry Riesling 2009: Review

Blue Water Winery

Carsonville, Michigan, USA

In the Thumb of Michigan 

Bluewaterwinery.com

12% abv

$14.00

Appearance: Light straw with a yellow hue

Aroma: green apple

Flavors: green apple tartness, citrus zip with a lemony touch

Mouthfeel: very dry and has a little pucker power.

To the Point: if you like it dry, this should work for you.  

Blue Water Semi-Dry Riesling 2009: Review

Blue Water Winery

Bluewaterwinery.com

Carsonville, Michigan, USA

12% abv

$14.00

Appearance: light straw

Aroma: green apple and a hint of cat pee.

Cat pee is an old term that they don't use anymore. I think they call it guava now.  

Flavors: a mix of green and red delicious apple flavors, touch of pear and a hint of sweet nector

Mouthfeel: it lives up to the name ‘semi-dry’

To the Point: I would try this again.  A decent Riesling for the money. 

Chateau Grand Traverse Gamay Noir 2008

Reserve Gamay Noir

Old Mission Peninsula

Cgtwines.com

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

On the back of the bottle they describe the wine as, ‘aromatic and fruity with distinct tart cherry, red plum and black pepper flavors.’

I have to agree with what they have written here - The nose is aromatic, fruity and I am going to add spice to bouquet.  The tart cherry, red plum and a fine grind black pepper shows through on the flavor profile.  The appearance is a shiny crimson color.  The mouthfeel seems thin at times and I feel like something is missing with each sip.  Maybe I am picking up a watery edge that is interfering with the structure of the wine and that is making wine seem uninteresting.

Let me come back to this bottle in a day or two.

Two days later:

That watery edge seems to be gone.  Today, the flavors are melding together.  Besides the tart cherry, red plum and fine grind black pepper I am going to add cedar today.  There is a little cedar spice mixing in with the black pepper spice.  There is a lingering earthy and cedar tone on the palate.  Two days ago there was nothing on the aftertaste but, sheer boredom dancing alone on my tongue.   

This wine needs time to breath after opening. 

  

Muscedere 2010 Riesling vs Bower Harbor 2010 Riesling

Michigan Riesling vs. Ontario Riesling

First Up: Muscedere Vineyards 2010 Riesling

Coming from: Harrow, Ontario, Canada

Muscederevineyards.com

11.8% abv

$16.00 a bottle

Appearance: bright straw

Aroma: very faint, fresh apple, and let’s call it sweet apple blossom.  You will have to swirl that glass a bit and get the nose down in there. 

Flavors: a mix of fresh apple, maybe a touch of tart apple, and the acidity is giving it a little citrus squeeze. 

Mouthfeel: the acidity is a touch more than I would expect and it comes across like a citrus note. 

To the Point: I don’t know if I would guess Riesling here but, it is a tasty little white wine.  The more I drink it the more I like it.  I would pair this with shellfish – lobster, shrimp, and mussels – oh yes; cook some mussels with this that would be perfect. 

Why would I not guess Riesling?  I think for one it is the apple focus and not peach like and I am not picking up that classic petrol or mineral like quality.  So what – pick up a bottle and you’ll like it. 

Next up: Bowers Harbor Vineyards 2010 Riesling

Coming from: Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Langley Vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula

Bowersharbor.com

10.5% abv

$19.00 a bottle

Appearance: looks just like the Ontario wine – a bright straw color

Aroma: oh, that nice touch of mineral or the good old term of petrol,

Flavors: white peach like on the delivery, washed stone mineral note, a little honeysuckle, just a wee hint of citrus (actually, I think that is more on the aftertaste) and a sweet finish with a touch of petrol on the aftertaste. 

Mouthfeel: a nicely balanced white wine, the acidity seems undercontrol, a lingering touch of sweet citrus with a hint of petrol

To the Point: a nice display of the Riesling grape, very tasty and I think I’ll do this with my fish dinner tonight. 

L Mawby Consort: Review

Sparkling Wine SEC

Methode Champenoise

Leelanau Peninsula

Bottle no. 34 out of 230

12% abv

L. Mawby

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Lmawby.com

Appearance: light golden delicious apple color with a yellow-green hue around the rim

Aroma: soft summer sweet fruits

Flavors: a mix of green apple and Fuji Apple, splash of sweet summer fruit

Mouthfeel: tartness on the mid and finish, touch of citrus rind lingers on the tongue, easygoing bubbly, light fizzy feel. 

Pair this with a fruit salad or maybe set up the chocolate fountain with some fresh fruits. 

I paired the Consort with a Hemingway Classic Cameroon Cigar

Peninsula Cellars 2007 Cabernet Merlot: Review

Peninsula Cellars

Old Mission Peninsula

The Hog’s Back Vineyard

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Peninsulacellars.com

$30.00 a bottle

13% abv

67% Cabernet Franc and 33% Merlot

Appearance: garnet body with a ruby edge

Aroma: deep rich dark berries.  Later as the wine opens there is a floral note that develops. 

Flavors: dark berries unlimited, black currant, black berry, throw in a little black plum with a good oaky backbone and this is one tasty wine. The earthy style evolves with each sip I take.  It started off soft and now has a good rich soil character. 

Mouthfeel: It says on the bottle “supple” and this sounds good to me.  Nice earthiness and dark berries linger on the aftertaste and coat the palate with each sip. 

To the Point: this is my kind of wine; rich dark berry profile with a good earthy style and the right touch of oak.  This would be great to pair with a fine cigar.  In a matter of fact I am going to finish the bottle off with a Kristroff Maduro Cigar. 

Shady Lane 2008 Cabernet Franc: Review

Shady Lane Cellars

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Leelanau Peninsula

Shadylanecellars.com

12.9% abv

$18.00 a bottle

I thought this winery was a nice little find.  The century old stone building, which is the tasting room, was a chicken coop back in the days.  Going in the door from the driveway you will see a few bottles on display – at first I thought “oh-o, nothing much going on here.  Let’s say it was very unpretentious.  On the second level is the tasting bar/room with some racks of their wine.  Make sure to go to this level and sample a few different wines.  They do have a patio area for sitting and sipping on those nice spring, summer, and fall days. 

I was impressed with both their whites and reds that I tried.  I am not a blush wine lover – okay I am a hater.  I have not had too many that I like.  They had a blush that was pretty good. 

Let’s get to the review

Appearance: deep ruby or garnet body with rich ruby highlights. 

Aroma: rich dark berry mix, light spice, touch of floral

Flavors: black currant, raspberry bowl – red, black, yellow, pomegranate, light green spice feel, light soil earthy tone, dry cocoa powder

Mouthfeel: nice smooth delivery of mixed berries, the tannins and acidity seem undercontrol, nice acidic finish for a dry feel, moderately coats the palate

My Strength Rating: 6 – nice flavors, nice mouthfeel, very pleasing to drink

To the Point: only $18.00 for this Cab Franc – you can’t beat it.  I am a Cab Franc slappy and I like this baby.  It’s not big and bold and may not have that wow factor but, so what – it has a very pleasing style in taste and mouthfeel.  I’ll be buying a six pack next time. 

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.   

Bry’s Cabernet Franc 2008: Review

Bry’s Estate Vineyard & Winery

Old Mission Peninsula

Estate Grown

Traverse City, Michigan, USA
brysestate.com

13.8% abv

$30.00 a bottle

Aged 10 to 13 months in French Oak

On the bottle, “This northern Michigan red will surprise you with its upfront fruitiness, intense color and everlasting flavors on the palate.”

This winery is planted on the Old Mission Peninsula and you can take in a nice little view of the bay. 

Inside the tasting room you get your first sample free and then it is $5.00 and you get to sample a few more wines AND keep the wine glass. 

Appearance: as I was pouring the first glass you can see the bright and brilliant ruby color as it was splashing and swirling around the bottom of the wine glass. 

Aroma: a mix of red and dark berries with a touch of spice.  The nose was fairly faint overall.  I was expecting a little more.

Flavors: on the first few sips it comes across like a grape concentrate.  So, I swirled the glass a few times and then let it sit for a few moments while I set up for doing this review.  Then a few more swirls and the next sip showed a little improvement.

The flavors remind me of: red cherries, pomegranate, black cherry, red and black currants, and touch of spice box.  I keep waiting for some oak but, it think the tart cherry note may be hiding it from the taste buds. 

Mouthfeel: tart twang on the tongue, lingering tasty berries and cherries.

My Strength Rating: 6 – the tart style makes the score.

To the Point: a decent Cab Franc.  Nothing to write home about.  Too much on the tart cherry note for me.  I like my Franc’s to be stronger in the dark berry with a solid earthy style, and firm spice to add some character.   

2896 Langley 2007: Review

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Old Mission Peninsula

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Estate grown grapes

Meritage: 55% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
bowersharbor.com

13.5% abv

$45.00 a bottle

We spent a couple of hours at this winery because we bought two flights of wine, one flight of whites and the second reds.  We also got a cheese spread and whitefish pate.  We then copped a squat on the porch and enjoyed a beautiful day. 

When sampling flights of wine it is a good idea to write some notes to which ones you liked and why.  Then, you can make up your mind on which one or ones you want to buy. 

I really liked this one in the flight sampling so; I sure hope it is what I remember it to be. 

I do know this going into this review – I personally like a Meritage that has the Cabernet Franc as the highest percentage grape.

Appearance: deep garnet with a nice purple hue

Aroma: rich berry and cherry, touch of spice, slightly earthy and a bit smoky.  As the wine open the spice livens up a little.  Overall, the Langley has a very pleasing bouquet.  I would not call it bold – I would call this sophisticated. 

Flavors: Oh yes, this is one tasty treat.  The flavors really follow the nose.  Mulberries, currants, cherries, touch of spice that is a little reminiscent of brown spices.  There is a swirl of mineral soil and the right touch of oak.

Mouthfeel: I called the aroma sophisticated then; I just have to call the mouthfeel … sophisticated as well.   While the texture is smooth there is a little alcohol warm on the finish.  Thinking of the finish the aftertaste is not overpowering.  There is a big lingering dark berry aftertaste.  The tannins good to me but, the acidity seems a tad high.  I think this wine should have some good aging potential. 

My Strength Rating: 6.5

To the Point: Is this worth the $45.oo price tag?  To me, YES.  This is a nice sophisticated Meritage.  A very pleasing bouquet and plenty of flavors.  I will buy more of this bottle for aging.   

(I won’t be buying the 2007.  I just checked their web site and it looks to be sold out and they have the 2008 on the shelf.)

I think my dinner plans for tomorrow will be grilled lamb paired with the second half of this bottle.  Tonight I am going to kick back and just enjoy my next glass with a Kristoff Maduro Cigar.  I also have a chunk of dark chocolate pecan bark from Kilwins and this is tasty with the wine and cigar. 

M Lawrence SEX Sparkling Wine

L. Mawby

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

12% abv

$15.00

Brut Rose

1019 of 2542 Bottles

Batch #81

A sexy blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Cuve Closed Method

lmawby.com

When I was in Traverse City I stopped by a bar called Phil’s on the Front – Restaurant & Chocolate Bar.  Chocolate and alcohol – I’m there.  I ordered a glass of M Lawrence SEX and a triple chocolate cake.  I figured I was going to M. Mawby’s the next day I might as well try this sparkling wine ahead of time.  It was a perfect match.  If you make it to TC stop by Phil’s. 

Appearance: Soft pink rose’ (double bubblegum color) with some slowly rising bubbles.

Aroma: strawberry soda fizz

Flavors and Mouthfeel: dry on delivery, mid-palate, and very dry on the finish.  The fizz seems moderate.  The mouthfeel is the main profile of this bubbly.  A soft blend of strawberry and raspberry.  There is an undertone of sweetness but, you may have to look for it for the dry fizzy profile demands your attention. 

To the Point: This Brut Rose’ is dry and the touch of red fruit is tasty.  Get a piece of dark chocolate and enjoy. 

I do not like Rose’ wines but, for some reason I find Rose’ Sparkling Wines fun to drink. 

If you like sweet bubbly go with the M. Lawrance Detroit.  If you like it really dry go with this Brut Rose – SEX. 

Shady Lane 2006 Pinot Noir: Review

Leelanau Peninsula

Shady Lane Cellars

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Shadylanecellars.com

12% abv

$18.00

Shady Lane Cellars is a nice little winery found on the Leenlanau Peninsula somewhere between Traverse City and Suttons Bay. 

Appearance: somewhat transparent, light ruby with amber edges, the amber could be coming from the age of this wine. 

Aroma: herbal/spice hits me first and then there are some red berries that fill the bouquet out along with a light earthy tone and a touch of smokiness.  An overall pleasing aroma.

Flavors: Nice mixture of red cherries and berries.  It reminds me of tart cherries and a slightly acidic cranberry with a touch of strawberry.  The green herbal quality hits at mid-point on the palate and then it finishes with a pleasing spicy style and a touch sour oak.  

Mouthfeel: there are tart, sour, and acidic notes playing on the palate.  Along with the spice on the finish there is a lingering tart/sour quality that leaves a slightly bitter mouthfeel. 

My Strength Rating: 6.5/7 – the mouthfeel brings the rating up quite a bit.  A worthy wine to pick up.  It has a nice stimulating style that should wake-up the palate.