Maker: Domaine Berrien, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA
Place of origin: Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA (Estate bottled)
Vintage: 2010
ABV: 12.8%
Price: $15.50 (Michigan by the Bottle tasting room)
Appearance: Quite dark for a pinot. Brick red with long thick legs.
Nose: Earth, red raspberry, cedar.
Palate: Mixed berry jam, toasted oak, wild blackberry, stewed rhubarb, pinch of clove, alcohol.
Finish: Chewy. Oak, alcohol, fruit of the forest, sautéed button mushrooms.
Parting words: Domaine Berrien was one of the first Michigan wineries to take the possibilities of Michigan reds seriously. Their care shows in impressive wines like this.
DB’s 2010 Pinot Noir is complex without being busy and gutsy without being belligerent. Its balance, intergration and complexity are head and shoulders above other Michigan Pinots, even the good ones. I’ve had Michigan Pinots from this vintage from Northern Michigan that had already fallen apart in early 2014, but this one is still going strong.
It did well a meal of pulled pork but it did clash a little with the tangy, mustardy BBQ sauce I used. Otherwise, it seems like it would go very well with turkey, pork, duck or flavorful chicken dishes.
At only $15.50, it punches well above its class. I’ll be seeking out the 2011 and 2012 vintages for sure. Domaine Berrien’s 2010 Pinot Noir is highly recommended.
Sipology 