Maker: Black Star Farms, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Place of origin: Capella Vineyards, Old Mission AVA, Traverse City, Michigan
Style: Unoaked Chardonnay
ABV: 12%
Appearance: Pale gold
Nose: apricot, pear, tangerine.
On the palate: Medium bodied and medium sweet. Slightly tart but easy going with lots of varietal character. More apricot, blood orange, pink grapefruit.
Finish: Slightly bitter and citric, moves from pink to white grapefruit.
Parting words: This is an unoaked Chardonnay, but it still is very much a Chardonnay. Lots of that fruity but medium dry Chard character. I’ll admit, I’m not as fond of the product of this grape as I once was. This is a nice enough wine, and it’s a nice change of pace from oaky California Chards, even if it doesn’t really impress. The wife thinks it tastes like a Vihno Verde, and I can see what she means. I doubt Chardonnay will ever reach the heights that Riesling does in Michigan, but if winemakers continue to be creative, Chard may have a place. At any rate, Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay is mildly recommended
#1 by the winegetter on January 30, 2013 - 10:37 pm
Mildly recommended. I like that. I have a Black Star Late Harvest Riesling in the cellar that I plan on trying soon…
#2 by Josh on January 31, 2013 - 10:19 am
What vintage?
#3 by the winegetter on January 31, 2013 - 11:57 am
2011. Should I wait a bit?
#4 by Josh on February 1, 2013 - 8:54 pm
Probably. Those age nicely an 2011 was a fantastic vintage.