Ohio vs. Michigan Clash IV

For the fourth year in a row, Andrew H organized this comparison of Ohio and Michigan wines. Originally designed as part of a drink local effort during the Michigan/Ohio State football week, this has morphed into a friendly competition/chance for exposure on some interesting wines. Unfortunately, the last few vintages have not been kind to the mid-west. After an outstanding 07 and decent 08, the next three are challenging. Still, drinkable wine are being made. As much of the wine industry here is based on tourism, pricing is not usually competitive. There are some exceptions. Of course, a bit of global warming would not be inconvenient for this wine region.

The wines were served wine and in flights of two with some breaks built in.

• 2009 Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling 'Lot 49' 88 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  The nose was more Gewurz-like to me with lychee's/tropical fruit, but it was very pleasant. On the palate, this is round and fatter than I expected despite the over all profile of green apples. Its a nice wine that is easy to drink, slightly sweet. Not much cut or minerality. A fine wine nevertheless.

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• NV Mawby Talismon 90 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  I have often said that I think Mawby is the best producer of Domestic sparkling wines and that includes California. This is no exception. Really nice ginger ale notes on the nose. On the palate its ginger-ale meets bitters. Nice mouse with smaller bubbles. the finish has some ginger-like heat which is pretty cool. Excellent wine.

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• NV Ravenhurst Chambourcin Brut Noir 80 Points

  USA, Ohio

  This is interesting. Light ruby in color. Cherry root beer notes on the nose with some funk. Very foamy with large bubbles. Tastes like Cherry Fago Red Pop. Somewhat clumsy. Its OK, but not a wine I think was made to be serious.

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• 2010 Burnet Ridge Pinot Gris 84 Points

  USA, Ohio, Lake Erie

  Light nose, but opened with air. Selzer, minerals and some grapefruit. Slightly sweet. Bitter on the back end. Some heat. Its ok and makes an interesting aperitif. The back label indicated that 201 was a hot, draught vintage which was true until the end of July after which it got cold and rainy. Not sure when this was picked.

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• 2010 Black Star Farms Pinot Gris Arcturos 84 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  This has a bigger nose, but not necessarily better. Minerals, lemons but kind of rough. On the palate, more sweet peaches. A bit flabby.

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• 2010 Debonné Riesling Reserve Lot 907 82 Points

  USA, Ohio, Grand River Valley

  The nose is somewhat nondescript with the exception of a wintergreen chewing gum note that was odd. Viscous. It is sweet, but there is enough acidity that it works in some way. Nice finish. This would be a nice cocktail before dinner and I am sure it works well at the winery on a Friday night!

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• 2010 Chateau Grand Traverse Grüner Veltliner Laika 80 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  I scored this lower but after seeing it is GV, I raised the score for effort. An awkward flight with the sweet Riesling. the nose is somewhat nondescript with a celery note. I found the wine thin and bitter. Someone said stale beer and I agree with that. I applaud their efforts for trying this varietal but I don't think the grapes got ripe enough in this vintage. Interesting though.

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• 2010 Ferrante Golden Bunches Dry Riesling 86 Points

  USA, Ohio, Grand River Valley

  I agree with Andrew that this is one of Ohio's best wines most years. 2010 is a difficult vintage. The nose has Sprite notes to it with some waxy/buttery notes. Soft. Limes on the palate. Long finish. Slightly sweet even though it is marked dry. Not a bad wine and probably fairly priced but not up to the excellent 07 or the 08. Such is life. Still worth drinking. It was interesting to taste this after remembering Richard Jennings views on the wine.

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• 2010 Left Foot Charley Dry Riesling Terminal Moraine Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Slight nose pears, cantaloupe and peaches. The palate is more complex and deep. Also a weird white chocolate candy bar note that is not bad but odd. Overall, a nice wine though it has nothing to do with the Rieslings I normally drink.

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• 2008 Circa Requisite 85 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  An interesting wine. rhubarb and cinnamon on the nose. Juicy but thin strawberries on the palate. Light tannins. Long, slightly sour cherries on the finish. Another interesting wine, but I am told this cost over $30. That is more than I would pay.

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• 2010 Meranda-Nixon Winery Norton 86 Points

  USA, Ohio, Ohio River Valley

  Some loved this wine. I thought it was interesting. Purple with ruby swirls. Black raspberry and candied notes. Sweet red licorice and raspberry candy on the palate. Some cinnamon. Also some heat. Its fruit forward and a "party" style wine.

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• 2010 Old Shore Vineyards Pinot Noir Tree Line Flawed

  USA, Michigan

  This wine seems flawed to me. Light ruby in color. The nose is marred by rude scents. Too much sulfur? Reductive? I am not sure (I should have dropped a penny in). Apparently this was an issue the night before in two bottles and was present in our two bottles. The palate was quite tart and bitter with some raspberries. Not sure what is happening here so I don't know if time will cure the issue or not.

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• 1990 Weingut Günther Steinmetz Kestener Paulinsberg Riesling Spätlese 91 Points

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  Very nice wine from when Spatlese didn't mean super sweet. The nose has slate and pineapple. Nice texture. A bit of citrus peel on the finish. 8% Alc. A nice way to end the evening.

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While the wines may not be 100 pointers, the event is. I look forward to my drive each year 2.5 hours each way, just for it. Yr 1 featured a blizzard, yr2 was a car accident (thankfully not involving me) that shut down the freeway. Last night's drive home was just flooding, thunderstorms and tornado watches. Next year I look forward to the locusts!