Maker: Hawthorne Vineyards, Traverse
City, Michigan, USA
Place of origin: Hawthorne estate, Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Grape: Pinot Noir (100%)
ABV: 12.3%
MSRP: $22
For more information, see tech sheet here.
Appearance: Bright ruby, almost transparent.
Nose: Blueberry, new oak, cherry juice, raspberry jam, allspice, pepperoni.
Palate: Light bodied and semi dry. Fruit cocktail but with beefy oak and tannins looming in the background like hired goons.
Finish: A little chewy and oaky, but still refreshing and fruity.
Parting words: I had this bottle in the wine rack in our dining room (the wine version of the on deck circle in our house) when I saw a local wine loving friend of mine raving about it on social media. So I had to make it the next one I opened. I’m glad I did. It’s very good.
Perfectly balanced between fruit, spice and meat, it’s easily one of the top Michigan Pinots I’ve had. Hawthorne is becoming one of my favorite Michigan wineries on the back of the wonderful wines they produced in the 2012 and 2013 vintages. Don’t let the shiny labels and modern condo-esque tasting room fool you, these are people who take growing grapes and making wine very seriously. These bottles can be found on the odd grovery store or wineshop shelf, but Michigan by the Bottle Auburn Hills is the place you can be sure to find some. Hawthorne Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir Reserve is highly recommended.
Sipology 