My favorite wines from the 2009 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition
Okay…it has been a few days and I have had a chance to both reflect on the competition and to also go through my own notes. The competition gives us judges a master sheet of every wine that was entered so we can then go through everything and find the wines that we liked personally.
I am going to let you in on some of my personal favorites (outside of the big sweeps winners). Remember, this is just my own personal opinion. Some of these wines may have gotten big awards and some may have not. The wisdom of the entire panel overrides in some cases. In others, the panel is in agreement with my judgement. Regardless…it is up to you to ultimately decide if you like these wines as I do. Here we go.
2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc - This was my favorite red wine of the entire show. I loved it from the get-go. It was big, bold and incredibly balanced.
2008 Fenn Valley Riesling - If you like German style Riesling, then this is the one to go to. It has that wonderful petrol aroma that I personally look for in Riesling. It is a little off-dry, so remember that when pairing it with foods.
2008 Brys Estate Pinot Blanc - I know that the Left Ft. Charley is getting all the press then this is some pretty darn good stuff as well. I actually put it just a hair short of the Charley. It has a very similar, intense juicy character and begs to be gulped down.
2007 Bel Lago Semi-Dry Riesling - Another German style bomb! I think you can tell the type of Riesling I dig.
2008 Tabor Hill Cab Franc Rose - Unfortunately, our panel did not give this one a gold, so it never made it to the best of show round. Too bad, because I think it could have taken it. This is pure French-style rose. Tight acidity, totally dry and wonderfully fruity. Great stuff.
Black Star Farms Sirius Raspberry - This is pure raspberry goodness. There isn’t much else I can say. Just think of the most intense raspberry flavor you have ever tasted and you are still not even in the ballpark.
2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc - Wow…I have a lot of Brys estate wines here. This is a very big Cabernet Franc. That is what I can say.
So…that is my wrap-up. I hope you find and enjoy some of these.
Comments
Shannon Casey
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 : 6:36 p.m.
On another note, I agree with your selection of the 2007 Brys Estate Cabernet Franc. It is a great wine!
Shannon Casey
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 : 6:34 p.m.
Teresa and Ron - I checked the winery websites and unfortunately most of these wines are not showing yet. I am sure that some haven't been released yet, but it is ashamed that these sites are not more up to date. Here are the prices I did find: Fenn Valley Riesling $12-$14 (depending on which Riesling it is). Black Star Farms Sirius Raspberry $32.
Ron Sober
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 : 6:09 p.m.
Angela...while all of the wines will be available at the winery, I would recommend checking in with your local wine purveyor. If they don't have it, they may be able to bring it in for you. Some of these wines may also be limited availability, so you may only be able to buy them at the winery.
Angela Smith
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 : 7:45 a.m.
where can we find these beauties locally?
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 : 6:28 a.m.
The rose looks lovely. I'm definitely going to look for it.
Joel Goldberg
Sun, Aug 9, 2009 : 8:47 p.m.
Ron, let me second one of your choices: the Tabor Hill Cab Franc Rose. David Creighton and I both bemoaned that it didn't take a gold medal. Light, crisp and fruity where so many roses are heavier and sweeter. A summertime favorite that's great on its own or with food.
Ron Sober
Sun, Aug 9, 2009 : 7:21 p.m.
Hi Teresa. Unfortunately, we don't get the pricing info, so I don't know what the price point for the wines are. I am sure that their individual websites should have that information, though.
Teresa Shaw
Sun, Aug 9, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.
The Fenn Valley Riesling sounds great. Can you provide price points for these wines, please?