The 2015 wine releases from Leelanau Peninsula were originally published in the June 2015 issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.

While some tasty rosés from 2014’s difficult growing season are starting to pop up, this year’s new release season is geared toward the unveiling of wines that have benefited from a little bottle age. And luckily there are many. The historically ripe 2012 vintage yielded red wines and rieslings of never-before-seen depth and concentration that are just now hitting their stride. Also, the cool, though wildly bountiful 2013 harvest has many tasting rooms and warehouses still flush with bright whites, bubblies, rosés and reds with significant staying power. Join us this month as we lift the curtain on Leelanau’s exciting new array of hybrid and vinifera bottlings.


 

Blustone Pinot Noir Rosé 2014

Blustone channeled the challenging 2014 harvest into a pretty, pale pink pinot parade of strawberry, watermelon and red cherry propelled by zippy acidity. Yum.

Forty-Five North El Fandango 2013

The inaugural harvest of prolific, cold-hardy Minnesota hybrid grapes frontenac gris and le crescent went into 
this sassy salmon-hued bubbly that effervesces strawberry 
and raspberry over a bright acid backbone.



Leelanau Cellars Baco Noir 2013

This juicy purple hybrid presents briary black raspberry, plum, peppercorn and violet aromas. Round and soft on the palate with just enough acid to keep the party going, this is a perfect summer barbecue wine.

Verterra Vintners Reserve 2012

Showing dark, complicated layers of blackberry, cassis, sweet tobacco and barrel spice on the nose that reveal black cherry, blueberry and fine tannins on the palate. A damn fine wine.

 

More Northern Michigan Wine

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Channing Sutton: 45 North Vineyard & Winery’s Manager

Grand Traverse Bike Tours: Cycle the Vineyards Tour