Chateau Chantal winery Visit (Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan)

This was the prettiest estate in the area in my opinion. The 65 acre estate is located on a ridge offering spectacular panoramic views of almost the entire peninsula and worth a visit for that reason alone. Unfortunately the wines (except for the ice wine) were among my least favorite of the 9 wineries we visited. The only bottle I bought was the cherry port. However, the tasting was free (only the ice wine cost $5 to try). They offered over 20 wines in the tasting room. The estate vineyards were purchased by the Begin family in 1983 and grapes were first planted in 1986 when cherry orchards were replaced. Only vinifera vines are grown. The winery was opened in 1993. Since then the winery and 11 room B&B has been expanded into a lovely property. We tried to book rooms in the B&B for our trip but it was full. I would recommend this property for anyone staying in the area. Here are my notes:

• NV Chateau Chantal Tonight 85 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. This is a blend of 60% Riesling and 40% Chardonnay. Simple and pleasant but nothing spectacular. 85 points.

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• NV Chateau Chantal Celebrate 82 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. A blend of 57.5% Riesling, 37.5% Chardonnay and 5% malbec. An odd blend but it wasn't bad. Light and fresh with a good bead. Semi dry style. Strawberry notes. Price was only $12.50. 82 points.

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• 2005 Chateau Chantal Riesling Proprietor's Reserve 88 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 197 cases were made. This had an interesting character to it. Starting to show its age. Aroma of wd40. A dry white. On the palate some petrol and asian pear notes. 88 points.

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• 2008 Chateau Chantal Chardonnay 83 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 1443 cases were made. This is an unoaked Chard. Steely apple notes with some lemon on the finish. 83-84 points

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• 2007 Chateau Chantal Pinot Noir Proprietor's Reserve Pontes Vineyard 83 Points

  USA, Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 100% Pinot Noir. 290 cases made. Brownish red color which was odd for its age. This had a sweet red fruit nose. About 10% new French oak. Earthy and dry. Lacked balance. 82-83 points.

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• 2007 Chateau Chantal Proprietor's Reserve Trio 85 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. A blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot and 4% Pinot Noir. 287 cases made. This had a nice floral nose. More body than the Pinot. Moderate tannins and notes of red berries and currants. 85-86 points.

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• 2007 Chateau Chantal Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Reserve 87 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo

  Tasted at the winery. 100% Malbec. The grapes are grown in Argentina and the juice is shipped up to the winery in Northern Michigan in large bladders where the wine is made. Black red color. Full bodied. Sweet black fruit with notes of mocha and licorice. Heavy and concentrated. They could never make a wine like this in Northern Michigan. Dry finish. 86-87 points.

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• 2008 Chateau Chantal Late Harvest Riesling 84 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 790 cases made. 8.8% alcohol. 100% Riesling. A light bodied almost dessert style wine. A bit cloying. Needs more acidity. Notes of lemon tart, honey and apple. 2008 was not as good a vintage as 2007 so that most likely affected this wine. 84 points.

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• 2007 Chateau Chantal Riesling Ice Wine 92 Points

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. By far the best wine tasted. 100% Riesling. A true ice wine made from frozen grapes picked on the vines. Only 57 half bottle cases were made and this sells for $68 per 375ml. 19.2% residual sugar but with solid acidity. 13.5% alcohol. Thick and concentrated. Tropical notes with apricot puree. Long finish. 91-92 points.

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• NV Chateau Chantal Cherry Cérise

  USA, Michigan, Old Mission Peninsula

  Tasted at the winery. 350 cases made. They fermented cherries to 8.5% alcohol and then added a cherry eau de vie which they distilled to bring the alcohol level to 19%. This is made in a port style. Extremely cherry tasting but not overly sweet. The alcohol kept a good balance. No score.

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VM