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.  

JT Red Wine 2011: Review

Vineyards at Bowers Harbor
Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Old Mission Peninsula

Bowersharbor.com

Blend: 50% Merlot; 50% Cabernet Franc; both from Big Paw & Wind Whistle Vineyards

12% abv

$18.00

Appearance: very light translucent red.  Seems like the Michigan red wines that I have reviewed from the 2010 and 2011 vintages have all been very light in color.  I can go back to the 08 and 09 vintages on this blog and they have a deeper garnet body color. 

Aroma:  super faint, non-descript berries, and a touch of spice.

Flavors: thin berries, a little raspberry and a touch of cranberry,

Mouthfeel: thin, light body, not much on the aftertaste,

Let me spin it: a nice red to have with fish or a sandwich or even a fish sandwich.  Actually, this would work on a summer day.  I like big and bold reds so, in the summer I do not drink too many reds, this wine would do the job in the summer for its light body and thin style. 

To the Point: The 2011 JT Red is just too thin.  Personally, I would not buy this vintage again.  I am disappointed for I enjoyed the 08’s and 09’s from this winery so; I was looking forward to tasting their newer vintages.  You have to remember these are handmade and nature made.  With some bad summers in the last few years – and wow – think of 2012 summer – total crap from the bad spring.  This is sad, for Michigan was making some very good red wines. 

I am still stopping by Bowers when I make it into the Traverse City area.    

Their dog Brix greets my dogs

My hound Annie sings Brix a song.  My Corgi in the front seat
and my Mutt just behind Annie.

M. Lawrence Green Sparkling Wine: Review

Extra-sec

M. Lawrence SPW

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Mlawrence.us

$15.00 a bottle

11% abv

Blend: Cayuga and Vidal wine grapes

Appearance: pale straw

Aroma: light touch of fruit and I mean light;

Flavors: this is a hard one here to breakdown; here is my best shot, green melon, pineapple and citrus meat,

Mouthfeel: nice semi-dry feel, nice fizzy feel, dry on the aftertaste with a light citrus

To the Point: nice, nothing special, I like his Sandpiper Sparkling Wine better. 

Old School Red: Review

Dry Red Table Wine / No Vintage

Peninsula Cellars

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

PeninsulaCellars.com

Old Mission Peninsula

12% abv

$14.99

Blend: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Lemberger and Baco Noir

Appearance: ruby in color

Aroma: very berry

Flavors: red fruits: currant, raspberry, and cherry with some light spice. 

Mouthfeel: light in body, simple in flavors, easy to drink, not much on the aftertaste,

To the Point: a nice wine to drink with a meal; how about a sandwich or even pot roast.  The flavors are simple enough and the body light enough to enjoy on a hot summer day.  

M Lawrence Wet Sparkling Wine: Review

M. Lawrence

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Mlawrence.us

Pinot Gris and Riesling

SEC

11% abv

Batch 310

1542 of 2600 bottles

$17.00

Appearance: straw; pale lemon water

Aroma: very light nose; light lemon water; ‘wet’

Flavors: there is a lemon water theme going on here; lemon, fresh melon, biscuit, candy sugar, 

Mouthfeel: lemon citrus zest, crisp, sweet but, not overly sweet, does remind me of a Pinot Gris

To the Point: a nice bubbly, perfect for a hot summer day, pair this with white fish or shellfish.

Here are a few pictures from my visit back on the first week of March

Fizz Sparkling Wine by M. Lawrence: Review

Demi-sec

Batch #31

#2081 of 2640 bottles

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Cuve Close Method

M. Lawrence SPW

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Mlawrence.us

Lmawby.com

11% abv

$14.49 Wine Barrel in Livonia, Michigan

Appearance: as light of a straw-yellow without being water; plenty of bubbles on the pour

Aroma: a light fresh chilled green apple, pear, and light biscuit; yes – a very light bouquet

Flavors: lively note of fresh sweet red apple on the front, slightly tart green apple on mid and finish, crisp clean pear, do they have a pear flavored cotton candy at the local fair? … if not this will do.   

Mouthfeel: it is a Demi-sec so it is on the sweet side without being overly sweet. Super fine fizzy bubbles help to tingle the tongue for a crisp feel. Slightly tart finish that lingers on the palate along with the dominate cotton candy sweetness.   

To the Point: a very nice demi-sec sparkling wine.  The nose is light and the flavors are lively.  Would make a nice dessert wine or maybe pair it with a fresh fruit salad.  I have to admit that I am not a fan of dry to sweet, extra-dry is ok, but I prefer brut to brut nature.  With that said, I do like this Fizz.   

Here are a couple of pictures from the winery when I was there in March

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,  

Peninsula Cellars 2002 Cabernet Merlot: Review

Peninsula Cellars

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blend: Cab Franc 75%; Merlot 25%

12% abv

PeninsulaCellars.com

When I visited this winery they had a Library sale on this 2002 Cab Merlot blend.  I did get to sample the wine and it seemed good enough to buy one bottle and bring it home to do a review.  When I selected the bottle, at the winery, the worker said ‘you may want to sample it first’ which had me concerned but it was good to go.  He also said, ‘drink this bottle soon.’   Maybe the average wine drinker would not be in the market for this wine?

If you visit the Traverse City area this is a good place to stop by for a sample or two.  It is located on the Old Mission Peninsula in an old school house – how cool is that.

I wish that I have reviewed this wine before to know how it has progressed.

Appearance: still looking good; garnet body with a crystal rim; no brown edges – maybe a little amber edge; older wines will develop a brown edge

Aroma: good dark berries, smoke and earthy tones; as the wine opens a touch of cedar spice starts to play with the other notes; overall very nice; just from the nose I can say this wine will be nice with a fine cigar.

Flavors: nice blackberry, black currant, touch of cranberry and tart cherry, good soil earthy tone and nice oak and oak spice on the finish. 

Mouthfeel: a solid medium-full bodied wine; nice light tart berry notes linger on the palate, nice smooth flannel texture; nice, nice, and nice if you like red wine. 

To the Point: damn, I only bought one bottle, I like this wine, nice firm body, tasty notes, ready to drink soon as you open the bottle.  It seems like this wine has another year or two left in it … maybe more … maybe not.  This is a very good example of what Michigan Red Wines can offer. 

I heard from a couple of locals, ‘the Michigan reds are not that good … stay with the whites.’  I would like to share this red with them … they would change their mind.  I buy these wines on my dime.  Read my reviews, I will tell you if I like it or not. 

I have to say thank you to the workers for I stopped by at the time of closing and they were still very helpful.  They could have had the attitude of hurry up and get out of here but, they were still ready to help.  They were professional and pleasant even at the closing bell.  They did not make me write on the chalkboard 1,000 times that ‘I was late to class.’  

I just read my review on the 2007 Cab Merlot and this one is just as good as that one.    

Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc: Review

Peninsula Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc

Peninsula Cellars

Old Mission Peninsula

Hog’s Back Vineyard & Ligon Vineyard

PeninsulaCellars.com

$25.00

13% abv

Appearance: a pretty crimson body with a ruby edge

Aroma just after opening: reminds me walking into a wine room at a winery; nice aromatic berry bowl and a touch of spice

Aroma after allowed to breathe: blackberry, black plum, black currant with a nice touch of spice.  The dark berry notes seemed to be a little more discernible after the wine opened up.

Flavors: boysenberry, raspberry, currant, hint of earth, as the wine opens a slight tart cranberry with a touch of toasted oak, light spice probably coming from the oak, flavors come together well

Mouthfeel: mixed berries on the delivery and mid; light spice on mid and finish; smooth – they use the word elegant on the bottle to describe the mouthfeel;

My Strength Rating: 6 – just limping into the medium-full range

To the Point: I like this Franc; I only bought one bottle – I’ll have to get some more.  

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.  

Cave Spring Icewine: Review

Cave Spring Icewine

Cave Spring Cellars

Jordan, Ontario, Canada

Cavespring.ca

10% abv

100% Riesling

Appearance: golden crystal with nice legs on the glass

Aroma: light bouquet, sweet pear

Flavors: honey dipped white summer fruit – apple and pear; golden raisin; very light lemon twist on the finish

Mouthfeel: silky smooth, nice icewine syrupy feel coats the palate and lingers on the palate with a touch of lemon twist – the kind you just rub on the rim of a glass.

To the Point: a must buy for icewine drinker.  This is a sipper – just like all icewines.  One or two ounces and that is it – the sugar content is way too high to drink more – believe me.   

Layer Cake 2009 Malbec: Review

One True Vine

Mendoza, Argentina

14.9% abv

$17.99

Layercakewines.com

I have always enjoyed the Layer Cake line up of wines.  They are good in quality and they have a great price tag.  I always like it when a 20 dollar bottle of wine makes you think you are drink one twice that price versus – a 40 dollar bottle making you think you have a 15 dollar grocery store wine.  Now, let’s get one thing straight … I am not saying this is a $40 a bottle quality … I said, ‘makes you think it is so.’ 

I am finally reviewing the 09 here and I probably reviewed the 2010 a year ago – yep I just looked at the posting 3-14-12.  I better get to the store and pick up the 2011 before they are all gone. 

Appearance: rich garnet body with a purplish rim.

Aroma: dark berries with a touch of cocoa; I’m not picking up any spice right now – it is a freshly opened bottle.  Took the dogs for an hour walk and then poured another glass and the aroma has opened.  Still solid dark berries and the usual spice is on the nose now. 

Flavors: juicy blackberries, boysenberries, with a touch of dark cherry (sweet), oak spice on the palate; as always a good earthy feel – like you can taste the soil the grapes were grown in; it is like I can taste the minerals and the composting of the rich soil; dark chocolate like dryness and bitterness on the finish and aftertaste, I am changing the oak spice to a cedar spice

Mouthfeel: nice acidity, nice blackberry and dark chocolate bitterness, dry spice that is reminding more of an oaky spice rather than black pepper.  Now that I am thinking about it … it is more of a cedar spice. Nice rich feel overall for this Malbec.   

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – medium-full

To the Point: as I have always said about this wine, ‘for the money you can’t beat this wine.’  So, go out and buy some.  Just don’t look for the 09 for the 2011 is out on the market – just a good guess on my part. 

I have not bought any wine in a long time so, I need to go and buy some current stuff.  I have been trying to lower what I have in my stock so to say.  I did buy some Michigan wines on a recent Traverse City vacation.  Other than that Jimmy at my favorite wine store, the Fine Wine Source in Livonia Michigan probably has been wondering what happened to me.