Ok, so geographically this may not be the most refined place to start, wine-wise. But, given the fact that there's a family-owned cabin on Glen Lake, and at least seventeen local wineries right around the proverbial corner (many cheap cheap cheap), I decided to start my path to becoming a wino, or rather a Master Sommelier (I will pass that test, damnit!), given the first abundant opportunity.
During my weekend Bacchanalia, I visited nine wineries (ok, one cider house included): Bel Lago, Black Star, Ciccone, Lellanau Cellars, L. Mawby, Shady Lane, Tandem Ciders, Willow Vineyard and 45 North.
I bought 32 bottles which I think is perfectly reasonable given the fact I was perceptibly distressed when I was told these joints can't ship out of state...what happened to interstate commerce laws?!
I digress.
The first bottle I popped upon arriving home was the Baci Rose (of Pinot Noir, 2007) from Willow Vineyards. I've enjoyed their Pinot Noir extensively, and, though they weren't conducting tastings of the Baci Rose, I was sure I was going to enjoy it as well, especially because I've been on a huge rose kick for the past year.
I was disappointed, and I hate to admit that because Willow Vineyards is one of the most beautiful tracts of land I've ever seen, and because whenever I go there I get a true sense that this is a small-time local business, and it makes me proud. Bunches of lavender surround the joint, and the hilltop view is absolutely breathtaking.
The rose, however, was not.
The nose was immediately reminiscent of Welch's Grape Juice. Okay, okay, I know this is wine we're talking about...it should taste like grapes, right? Eh, not really, at least not so blindingly. This wine smelled of grapes so strongly that it lacked any kind of apparent nuance at all, especially in the nose. The flavor was basic, and unremarkable, and it was actually a burden to choke the stuff down. While the color was "cute" (very, very cool pink) and the intent good, I can't say that I would ever buy the stuff again, or even recommend it to a friend who enjoys even the most obtuse White Zin. I've had several Pinot Noir Roses, and this is the first I have ever been truly disappointed in.
I will note, however, that I did drink the entire bottle in one sitting, thought begrudgingly and with a side of Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding, a seemingly appropriate accompaniment. So, I suppose, it was, at least, a mildly tolerable experience!
Well, I've got 31 more bottle to go, and many more wines up for review...get ready, should be a strange ride.
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