Chateau Chantal and Hawthorne Vineyards Gems from Michigan
A few recent tasting notes from Michigan:
Hawthorne Vineyards
Hawthorne Vineyards 2017 Gamay, Old Mission Peninsula: An engaging aromatic of fresh spring flowers greets the nose with this spirited Gamay. It is light and airy with a burst of red berries on entry. Elegant through the palate as juicy red raspberries, Santa Rosa plums, boysenberries, and strawberry jam join Valencia orange tones, shades of savory spice, and a tinge of cinnamon candy on the zesty finish. SRP: $18
Hawthorne Vineyards 2018 Semi-dry Gewurztraminer, Old Mission Peninsula: The perfumed aroma of a fresh bridal bouquet of white roses is heavenly. This gem invigorates at first sip and sings with typicity on the palate, as the interlacing of lychee, mango, peach, and ginger creates a vibrant explosion of flavors. Tingling acidity keeps the wine balanced and the finish is long and silky. SRP: $16
Hawthorne Vineyards 2016 Reserve Merlot, Old Mission Peninsula: Here is another succulent, well-crafted Michigan Merlot. This intensely fragranced wine struts forth with a concentrated black fruit, earthy aroma. Well integrated and layered with blueberries, warm olallieberry pie, shades of earth, sandalwood, and savory notes rolling gracefully across the palate. Smooth in texture and nicely structured with the fruit, approachable tannins, and acids in balance all the way through. SRP: $35
For the latest, visit www.hawthornevineyards.com
Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal Proprietor’s Reserve 2018 Chardonnay, Old Mission Peninsula: An engaging aroma of sauteed apples and spice wafts from the glass at first swirl. The entry is rich yet well-balanced and luminous, and the wine broadens with tasty flavors of caramel apple, toasty oak, lemon curd, roasted nuts, and a pinch of nutmeg on the palate. Full-bodied and gratifying through the lingering close. SRP: $30
Chateau Chantal 2019 Pinot Blanc, Old Mission Peninsula: Fresh white fruits and lemon herbs on the nose are tantalizing and remain focused on the smoothly textured palate. Layers of nectarine, star fruit, and crisp apple meld in harmony with blanched almonds and lemon verbena, painting a bright display of flavors. The wine is well structured and boasts perfect balancing acidity as it heads to a luxurious last swallow. SRP: $18
Chateau Chantal Entice, Michigan: Here is an opulent after-dinner drink, a magnificent blend of Chateau Chantal’s Riesling Ice Wine and their own aged brandy. Highly aromatic with notes of honeysuckle nectar and brandied apricots. Flavors are heightened on the palate with the brandied apricot notes joining stewed peaches, lemon custard, lime-flecked nectarines, and cinnamon-sugar roasted pecans, all framed by nice acids, and the decadent finish lingers. SRP: $35
For the latest, visit www.chateauchantal.com
