This is the third rendition we have tried of this relatively crowd pleasing, not for everybody semi sweet red blend of 5 varietals. They said 3 were of the cool climate French hybrid type. The nose sure smells of Cabernet Franc. It is last on their tasting list. Aside from sweetness, it is a very mild, light red wine. Lots of cherry and cranberry. Adequate acidity.
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A Personal Tasting Visit (Chateau Fontaine Tasting Room, Lake Leelanau, Mi.): Obviously a different batch from what I reviewed in 2013. Generally speaking, "It is what it is". I would not seek this out, but when visiting a tasting room we try them all and give our best, somewhat informed opinion. They need wines for everyone's taste, and this one does a pretty good job. The nose is pure Cabernet Franc. This is a fun wine with loads of cherry and strawberry fruit, albeit a bit sweet.
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I consume mainly CA dry red wines and I bought this for my wife while on a MI Fishing trip. She doesn't like my dry wines, but will sometimes have a little semi or sweet wine. So after it stayed in my basement wine boxes for a while, I decided to venture into a semi-dry territory. I guess I'm spoiled with my CA, OR, and WA wines. I only like MI, OH, NY dry Riesling. This wine may fit into someone's roundhouse, but not mine. I tasted some bing cherry and maybe a little tobacco, but it didn't seem any more complex than that. I wouldn't buy this again and I'll let my wife stick to her sampling until she finds something she likes.
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Yeah, a little on the sweet side, but so tasty! Almost begs for food. Nice medium body, smooth mouthfeel. Dark berry and dark cherry notes. Like a Zin fruit bomb with a hint of sweetness!
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Very easy drinking, quite smooth. Don't let the rating fool you--this is a satisfying wine and it may win over some of the white-biased crowd. It just lacks some of the complexity and subtleties that are present in its higher-ranked companions. +1 point over the last rating due to its ongoing appeal.
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7/21/2020 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 85 Points
This is the third rendition we have tried of this relatively crowd pleasing, not for everybody semi sweet red blend of 5 varietals. They said 3 were of the cool climate French hybrid type. The nose sure smells of Cabernet Franc. It is last on their tasting list. Aside from sweetness, it is a very mild, light red wine. Lots of cherry and cranberry. Adequate acidity.
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9/3/2017 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 85 Points
A Personal Tasting Visit (Chateau Fontaine Tasting Room, Lake Leelanau, Mi.): Obviously a different batch from what I reviewed in 2013. Generally speaking, "It is what it is". I would not seek this out, but when visiting a tasting room we try them all and give our best, somewhat informed opinion. They need wines for everyone's taste, and this one does a pretty good job. The nose is pure Cabernet Franc. This is a fun wine with loads of cherry and strawberry fruit, albeit a bit sweet.
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2/15/2016 - boatman72 wrote: 85 Points
I consume mainly CA dry red wines and I bought this for my wife while on a MI Fishing trip. She doesn't like my dry wines, but will sometimes have a little semi or sweet wine. So after it stayed in my basement wine boxes for a while, I decided to venture into a semi-dry territory. I guess I'm spoiled with my CA, OR, and WA wines. I only like MI, OH, NY dry Riesling. This wine may fit into someone's roundhouse, but not mine. I tasted some bing cherry and maybe a little tobacco, but it didn't seem any more complex than that. I wouldn't buy this again and I'll let my wife stick to her sampling until she finds something she likes.
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9/29/2015 - 4mentor Likes this wine: 87 Points
Yeah, a little on the sweet side, but so tasty! Almost begs for food. Nice medium body, smooth mouthfeel. Dark berry and dark cherry notes. Like a Zin fruit bomb with a hint of sweetness!
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1/24/2014 - swinder wrote: 87 Points
Very easy drinking, quite smooth. Don't let the rating fool you--this is a satisfying wine and it may win over some of the white-biased crowd. It just lacks some of the complexity and subtleties that are present in its higher-ranked companions. +1 point over the last rating due to its ongoing appeal.
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11/24/2013 - swinder Likes this wine: 86 Points
Pleasant, unusual slightly sweet red. Good pairing for traditional Italian foods. Good table wine.
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10/16/2013 - Stockhausen Likes this wine: 85 Points
Smooth, rich and not too heavy. Would be a good wine with pizza. Pinot Noir/Cab Franc blended with 3 hybrid grapes.
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7/4/2013 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 84 Points
A Personal Visit to Chateau Fontaine Tasting Room, Lake Leelanau, Mi 7/4/2013 (Chateau Fontaine Tasting Room): Not a real big fan of sweet red wine, but it does have it's place. Don't know what varietals they included. The color is much darker than their Pinot. The nose is candied cherry and red raspberry. It is super smooth. To me not balanced with enough acidity. Has some super nice red licorice on the finish.
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