Chateau Grand Traverse Lot 49 Old Mission Peninsula Riesling, 2013

In a large tasting of Riesling wines from around the world, English wine critic Jancis Robinson chose this wine, from Old Mission Peninsula in Michigan, as one of  her favorites. It comes from a special single vineyard planted with Alsace clone #49. As the winery puts it: "There is so much fruit and substance in the late harvested grapes from this vineyard that we are willing to sacrifice a little of our Riesling’s youthful, up-front “fruitiness” in exchange for the palate texture and longevity that comes from ambient yeasts, long fermentations, and extended lees contact in German oak." 

I taste at the winery at least once every summer, and this nearly always ranks as my favorite- as well-a bit sweeter than the Wbole Cluster Riesling but with comparable texture and a bit more complexity. It is now known as Block 12 Riesling.

Medium deep gold. Compared to the Helfrich Pinot Gris beside it at the table, it is noticeably sweeter but also fresher and brighter. Ripe pears and apples. Rich texture on the mid-palate. It has aged well over 11 years and still offers up youthful Riesling fruit and the promise of greater complexity to come.