Michigan Wines Continue to Shine: Recent Tasting Notes
Recent tasting notes worth sharing:
Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery 2023 Moreno Vineyard Auxerrois, Leelanau Peninsula: The clean, wildly expressive stone fruit aroma rocks! Well defined and vivacious with delicious layers of yellow apple, juicy pomelo, and subtle gooseberry elements intertwining with minerality and tinges of lemon verbena. Pure as it gets and well balanced as it dances to a vibrant and uplifting close. SRP: $22 www.bellagowine.com
Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery 2018 Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula: Here is a glistening and lively Chardonnay with well-managed oak sitting perfectly in the background. Striking and well-built with flavors of Honeycrisp apple, pear, and a touch of fresh-cut herbs wrapped around a thread of minerality. Elegant from start to lingering finish, and it promises continued enjoyment ahead. SRP: $28 www.bellagowine.com
Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery 2023 Semi-Dry Riesling, Leelanau Peninsula: Another brilliant vintage of Bel Lago’s Semi-Dry Riesling that stimulates the senses. Tree fruits and wet stone on the nose remain consistent on the palate. Crunchy Granny Smith apples, minerally notes, hints of earth, and crunchy pears traversing the palate will leave you wanting more. A pop of lime zest from first sip through long finish enhances this well-crafted wine. SRP: $18 www.bellagowine.com
Two K Farms 2022 Pinot Gris, Leelanau Peninsula: Inviting aromas of juicy white fruits and a whisper of florality on the nose expand on the palate. Flavors of citrus-splashed pears, ripe summer nectarines, and crisp red apples are supported by gentle balancing acidity. Bright and fresh through the pleasing honeysuckle-kissed finish, lovely for a warm, sunny afternoon. SRP: $18 www.twokfarms.com
Brengman Brothers 2022 Cedar Lake Vineyard 2022 Merlot: Wildly aromatic at first swirl, this Merlot displays mesmerizing layers of blueberry jam, earthy tones, dark plums, hints of fresh tobacco, oak nuances, and crème de cassis coating the palate. Plush while delicately balanced with supple tannins and a satin-like texture. Elegant through the long-lasting finish. SRP: $95 www.brengmanbrothers.com
Brengman Brothers 2022 Concrete Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula: Whiffs of honeysuckle and tree fruits rise from the glass with this well-balanced Chardonnay. Succulent yellow apples, almond paste, lemon curd, and creamy Comice pears highlighted by Meyer lemon speak clearly of the cultivar. Fresh with a faint dash of herbs on the uplifting finish. SRP: $32 www.brengmanbrothers.com
Aurora Cellars 2021 Blaufränkisch, Leelanau Peninsula: Dark Forest berries on the nose open the door to an expressive mouthful of huckleberry pie, chewy black licorice drops, allspice, black currants, and nicely integrated oak nuances. Well balanced and succulent as it flows smoothly across the palate and finishes long with a kick of savory black pepper spice. SRP: $48 www.auroracellars.com
Brys Estate & Vineyard 2023 Signature Rosé, Old Mission Peninsula: Wow, mouthwatering florals on the nose at first swirl of this stylish dry rosé. A blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Pinot Noir, it energizes the palate as blueberry preserves, raspberry, and Sweetheart cherry fruit accented by subtle spice meld in harmony. Brilliantly balanced and exhilarating through the persistent final swallow. SRP: $30 www.brysestate.com
Brys Estate & Vineyard 2023 Pinot Blanc Reserve, Old Mission Peninsula: The expressive aroma of springtime apple blossoms is awakening. Delighting the palate are harmonious layers of Comice pears, Golden Delicious apples, subtle shades of sliced pineapple, and a touch of lemon herbs. Fresh, bright, and silky in texture with a finish that enraptures like a sublime dream. SRP: $26 www.brysestate.com
Brys Estate & Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir, Old Mission Peninsula: Consumers sometimes ask if Michigan offers noteworthy red wines, and yes, here is one fine example. This satin-smooth, fully flavored Pinot Noir opens with an irresistible aroma. Bing cherries, a twist of multicolored peppercorns, black raspberry coulis, allspice, and hints of earth tantalize the palate. Well-managed French oak aging adds further dimension through the memorable finish. SRP: $35 www.brysestate.com
Rove Winery 2023 Fíona Rúnda, Leelanau Peninsula: This generously fruited white blend of 50% Riesling, 20% Pinot Blanc, 15% Pinot Gris, and 15% Gewurztraminer displays inviting aromas of white flowers and citrus. The palate is vivid and juicy with apricot jam, fresh-squeezed lemons, and tropical fruits framed by nice balancing acidity, and the extended finish is oh so refreshing. SRP: $22 www.rovewinery.com
Rove Winery 2021 Cabernet Franc/Merlot, Leelanau Peninsula: The dark fruit and earthy nose of this sinewy blend of 55% Cab Franc and 45% Merlot drives you into the glass. Blossoming on the palate are lush layers of mulberries, blackberries, blueberries, and well-integrated French oak framed by approachable tannins. Silken and finely balanced with a kick of spice on the long finale. SRP: $40 www.rovewinery.com
Blustone Vineyards 2023 Latitude Artisan White Wine; Leelanau Peninsula: This savvy blend of Pinot Blanc, Sauv Blanc, and Gruner Veltliner leads off with a nose of sun-ripened fruits. Lean, clean, and pure with layers of green apples, bananas, and just-cut pineapple slices coating the palate. Accents of almond paste and lemon drops add delight, lingering on the satisfying finish. SRP: $28 www.blustonevineyards.com
Blustone Vineyards 2022 Winemaker’s Red, Leelanau Peninsula: Bursting with mixed berries on the nose is this nicely balanced red blend. The succulent blackberries, tayberries, and olallieberries meld in harmony. Accents of cinnamon and nutmeg, warm caramel sauce, and well-placed oak spice continue to wake up the senses. Deep, well-structured, and fine-tuned through the long finish. SRP: $45 www.blustonevineyards.com
