Maker: 2 Lads, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Grapes: Cabernet Franc (90%), Merlot (10%).
Place of origin: Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
ABV: 13%
Price: Don’t remember. 2013 vintage is $32 at winery)
Appearance: Dark ruby.
Nose: Blackberry, blueberry, cherry, new oak.
Palate: Medium dry. Fruity but with backbone. Blueberry juice, roasted sweet red pepper, oak, vanilla.
Finish: Oak. A little chewy, then light vanilla.
Parting words: My wife and I bought this bottle several years ago when we made our first trip to 2 Lads. It was a part of the hallowed stash of bottles we brought with us from the old house.
I almost opened it a couple times after listening to the opinion of a couple folks in the “screw top wines don’t age” camp, but I’m glad I waited. This wine has aged into an elegant, harmonious example of what a cool climate Cab Franc can be. 2012 is generally the vintage to look for in Michigan reds, but 2 Lads Cab Franc/Merlot is proof that Michigan’s best winemakers still made good wines in cooler “white” vintages. We had this bottle with porterhouse steaks and it paired well, but given its character it could go just as well with BBQ or turkey. 2011 2 Lads Cab Franc/Merlot is recommended.
Sipology 