Chateau Grand Traverse Old Mission Peninsula Gamay Noir Limited, 2018.

I have always been enthusiastic about tasting Pinot Noirs from the cool climate of northern Michigan. However, the Gamay Noir wines from Chateau Grand Traverse strike me as more typical of fine Pinot Noir than any of the Pinot Noirs I have tasted, even those from the CGT estate. In fact, they are my favorite reds of any kind from Old Mission or Leelanau. This Limited is the less expensive Gamay Noir bottling, selling for $14 to $16 a bottle and an incredible bargain.

Very light garnet. Tart cherry, plum and spice. Has the zesty, peppery mid-palate and finish that reminds me of some of the top Oregon Pinots. This is on my buy list every year, and I am impressed by this 2018 vintage.

 

Chateau Grand Traverse Old Mission Peninsula Whole Cluster Riesling, 2018

The Old Mission Peninsula of Michigan is one of my favorite sources of high quality Riesling. This Whole Cluster Riesling from Chateau Grand Traverse is one of the driest and best. Grapes are hand picked and whole clusters are pressed without any destemming or crushing. Residual sugar at 1% is barely detectable.

Medium light. Beautiful scents of ripe pear, apple and flowers. Surprising richness on the mid-palate for a wine with such zesty acidity. Great finish.

Good Harbor Vineyard Leelanau Pinot Grigio, 2018

Good Harbor was one of the earliest wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, and it is still one of my favorites. I always taste there on my trips to the Traverse City area, and I am particularly fond of this Pinot Grigio and the Good Harbor Chardonnay.

Medium light color. Pears, apples, citrus. Has spent some time on its lees (spent yeast cells), and this adds some richness and a slight tingle on the mid palate. More in the Pinot Gris rather than Pinot Grigio style, and that is one reason I like it. But it has the zesty acidity that characterizes northern Michigan wines. At $15 or less, it is a good value.
 

Amalie Robert Her Silhouette Chardonnay, 2010

This is Oregon Dijon Chardonnay in its purest form, created, according to the label, to "reveal the inherent beauty of unadorned Chardonnay." It was fermented in stainless steel and aged without oak. It has few of the smells and flavors that most Americans associate with New World Chardonnay. Over 11 years, it has aged well, and I love it.

Deep lemon yellow color. Green apple and citrus. Lemon zest that broadens out on the palate. Low alcohol (12%), reflecting the cool climate and vintage. As an unoaked, cool climate Chardonnay, it lacks the flinty, earthy qualities of Chablis and has more substance and depth than most unoaked Macon wines. It is well balanced and uniquely Oregon Chardonnay. Well defined flavors on tart, lively finish.
 

Cave de Tain Premiere Note Collines Rhodanniene Syrah, 2016

This inexpensive Syrah from the Collines Rhodanniene has many of the qualities you might expect from more prestigious appellations such as Crozes-Hermitage.

Deep and dark. Scents of blackberries, anise and violets. Warm and rich. Currants and dark cherry. Subtle spice and black pepper on the finish. Not overly complex but a good match for grilled lamb chops.
 

Taittinger Brut La Francaise, NV

Toasting our return from the pandemic, our four-couple gourmet group enjoyed this delightful bottle of Taittinger Brut.

Small, persistent bubbles. Rich, toasty notes on the nose and palate with a pleasing green apple zest on the finish. Warm and rounded with subtlety and class. When choosing a traditional non-vintage champagne, I usually go for Roederer or Veuve Cliquot. Next time, I will look for 
Taittinger as well.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Griffin Creek Grenache, 2016

As a fan of Chateauneuf du Pape and other Southern Rhone wines, I usually don't have much use for New World wines based on the Grenache grape. From my experience, most are overly sweet and one dimensional. This wine, however, grabbed my interest.

The color is darker than I expect from Grenache. Scents of strawberries, blueberries and chocolate and some notes of blue plum, anise and licorice on the palate. Medium bodied with good acidity. Not at all like a Chateauneuf du Pape, but there are some interesting oak-influenced flavors and textures. I would consider this a wine for immediate drinking or medium term aging.