A barrel sample of sorts. The wine is currently bottled under its temporary crown cap and is a few months away from disgorgement. VM noticed one bottle had leaked due to a faulty seal and so it was sacrificed for our curiosity.

A blend of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir made in the traditional style. Fully on its lees and thus moderately sedimented and cloudy, this still had a lovely light straw yellow color. Primary notes of green apple and chalk give way to a red apple quality that is very appealing. Apple tones dominate the palate, but there's nice acidity here to balance the fruit. VM is thinking of a dosage of around 6g/L.

The name is an homage to the sun & sand of the southwest Michigan shore. I really like the raw materials and look forward to trying the finished wine. Very good to potentially outstanding. (VM)

Disgorged Jan 28, 2020. Opens with a slightly earthy, clay-like quality, which gives way to lovely orchard fruit and honeycomb elements. Medium bead. Flavors of green apple and chalk. 92+ pts. (VM)

Our penultimate bottle. Medium yellow color. Aromas of pear and marzipan, with subtle caramel undertones. The longer this sits the more the fruit comes forward and the caramel and marzipan fade. Apple and vanilla crème flavors. Lovely- drinking at peak for my palate. 93-94 pts.

Our first of three, poured during brunch. The deepest color of the wines tasted today, with a moderate mousse. Intriguing start to the bouquet with something akin to the bloom on a round of brie. That quickly blows off and leaves white peach, pear and almond with subtle hints of brioche in the background. Flavors of pear, lemon meringue, marshmallow and vanilla creme. Lovely fruit. Quite creamy in texture, though with a slightly more coarse bead than the Bonville that followed.

Avize fruit, disgorged March 2023 at 6.7 g/L. Medium color with a persistent mousse. Bright and focused bouquet, with orchard fruit and floral elements along with something else that's hard to pinpoint but nods in that orchard fruit direction. Fine bead with a wonderful creamy texture and lush forward fruit. Absolutely delightful. 94+ pts. (VM)