Bowers Harbor 2010 Cabernet Franc: Review

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Bowersharbor.com

13% abv

Erica Vineyards

Old Mission Peninsula

Appearance: fairly clear for a red; shiny ruby; probably a light Franc just looking at it

Aroma: very light, light earthy berries

Flavors: light, fruity, fairly thin

Mouthfeel: fairly clean for a red, mild body

My Strength Rating: 3 – mild; I don’t know if I have had a lighter tasting Cab Franc than this one

To the Point: a fairly weak Franc; I was hoping for better; I would pass on this one unless you want a light red

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.   

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.