WIOG Weekly Roundup: Aug. 12, 2012

One thing that we at MBTB want to focus more on is supplying information about individual wines. We often field emails, Twitter posts, and Facebook questions about wines we recommend and which wineries everyone should explore. As we often stress, we are not wine experts, but we do taste a lot of Michigan wine. This is our attempt to give you an idea of some wines that you may want to try based on what we have been tasting. Cheers!

Tabor Hill 2010 Syrah: "Cherries and blueberries on the nose, lots of firm tannins, spice-tastic and a bit of dirt on palate. Overall, really enjoyed this; especially a treat if you enjoy an earthy, dry red. This was a silver medal winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Lynn Aleksandr 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon: "Rich dark plums, very intense, BIG, BIG red, meaty body, the perfect steak wine. I don't think I've ever had a Michigan Cabernet Sauvignon with as much body as this one. One of the most interesting wines I sampled at the Gold Medal Reception. This was a silver medal winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon

"I got back in line to try this one at Shannon's suggestion. Agreed on all counts, and this coming from more of a hit-or-miss Cab Sauv drinker. I loved the full mouthfeel on this wine." — Cort
Forty-Five North 2011 Cabernet Franc: "Chocolate-covered cherries on the nose, a bit of earthiness and a hint of cherry cola. This wine stood out to me at the Gold Medal reception. This was a gold medal winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Left Foot Charley 2009 Gitali Brut Sparkling: "85 percent Chardonnay, 15 percent Pinot Noir, this was super dry and yeasty. The bubbles are captivating, lemon/lime, possibly the driest Michigan sparkling wine I've tasted. This is the first sparkling wine I've ever had from winemaker Bryan Ulbrich. This was a gold medal winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Chateau Fontaine 2011 Woodland White: "100 percent Auxerrios, peach and grapefruit, very fruit-forward and refreshing, one of my favorite Michigan whites. This was a gold medal winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Chateau de Leelanau Cherry Wine NV: "An interesting cherry wine because it has layers of different cherry flavors. At first I tasted sweet fruit, then the tartness came through, ending with a spicy note. It reminds me of a great homemade cherry strudel. It could be paired with dessert or could be dessert by itself. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Lawton Ridge 2011 Late Harvest Vignoles: "Very distinct notes of honey and caramel apples, super sweet wine with a lot of viscosity. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
L. Mawby Blanc de Blancs NV: "Tons of tiny bubbles racing to the surface, a burst of yeasty on the nose which makes your mouth water, lots of green apple and tartness, reminds me of great French Champagne. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Fenn Valley 2011 Vignoles Reserve: "Peach and lemon on the nose; interesting that the lemon flavor and acid balance out the sweetness. Very enjoyable semi-dry white. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Shady Lane 2010 Blue Franc: "100% Lemberger. spicy, tangy, and a bit of mushroom-ness, layers of flavor, lots of blackberry. I am excited to see how it ages. Perfect red wine to pair with food or by itself. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Chateau Fontaine 2011 Pinot Blanc: "Subtle dried hay and horse barn aromas came through on the nose. Grapefruit and lemon on the palate. This was a Best in Class winner at the 2012 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition." — Shannon
Shady Lane 2008 Blue Franc: "100% Lemberger. Fresh blackberry cobbler on the nose, spicy blueberries and licorice, fruit up front then the earthiness takes over, layers of complex flavors with a long finish. I really dug this wine." — Shannon
Chateau de Leelanau 2007 Pinot Grigio: "I was a little concerned with the age of this one, but it pleasant surprised me. Bright green apples on the nose. Fresh pear and citrus, very refreshing, it aged beautifully." — Shannon
St. Julian Braganini Reserve 2009 Meritage: "Chocolate and raspberry on the nose, unripe blueberries and raspberries." — Shannon