L. Mawby Winery Visit

This was the first stop on our visit to the wineries of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas in Northern Michigan. L.Mawby has had a good reputation as a sparkling wine producer for some time. I first sampled some of their wines over 5 years ago and the quality and steadily improved. They have been making wines since 1978 and their first vineyards were planted in 1973 (making them one of the oldest wineries in the region). They produce about 8000 cases per year and own 18 acres of vines on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

Their tasting room is one of the more modest in the area but the wines make up for that. They allow 2 free tastes and then the charge $5 for 2 additional glasses of wine with a small snack (well worth it). Their wines are made in a Methode Champenoise and those bottled under the M. Lawrnce label are made in a Cuve Close Method. Here are my notes:

• NV Mawby Vignoles Crémant Classic Brut 86 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 100% vignoles grapes. Traditional method. This had a smokey, almond taste. It was dry with a good bead. 86-87 points.

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• NV Mawby Blanc de Blancs 89 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  This was the Cuvee 166 with a July 2009 disgorgement date. Mostly chardonnay with some pinot gris in the blend. The grapes come from the Leelanau peninsula. Dry with just a hint of sweetness. Biscuit notes with apple and stone nuances. Medium bodied. 88-89 points.

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• NV Mawby Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs 89 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  This was the Cuvee 171 and had a May 2009 disgorgement date. 100% pinot noir from the Leelanau peninsula. Whole cluster pressed before fermenting in stainless steel and bottle. My second favorite at this winery. White pink color. Dry Brut style wine. Notes of tart apple with a clean finish. Good bead. Impressive. 89-90 points.

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• NV Mawby Conservancy 86 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. This is a blend of red and white grapes. Clear pale straw color. Made in an extra dry style. This was leaner than the other traditionally made sparklers at this winery. Lemon and bread dough notes. 86-87 points

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• NV Mawby Talismon 90 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  This was the Cuvee 123 with a disgorgement date of June 2009. This Brut was the cream of the crop at this winery although we did not get to try their vintage sparkling wine 'Mille' because it was sold out. A blend of vignoles, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris. Full bodied with good complexity. Fruity with some weight to it. Finishes dry and clean with citrus and toast notes. 90 points.

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• NV Mawby WET 84 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  Tasteed at the winery. Made from pinot gris in a Cuve Close Method. This was the sweetest of the sparkling wines we tried. A fruit forward style. Fruity aromas. Despite the sweetness this was not out of balance. 84-85 points

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• NV Mawby SEX Brut Rosé 83 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. Blend of pinot noir and chardonnayMade in a Cuve Close Method. Fermented in stainless steel instead of bottle. Light salmon color. Sweeter for a wine supposedly made in a Brut style. Fruity with raspberry notes. Some bitterness on the finish. 83 points.

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VM