Maker: Lawton Ridge Winery, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Grape: Chardonnay (at least 85%)
Place of origin: Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2013
Style: Oaked, malolatic fermented Chardonnay
ABV: 12.7%
Price: $15 (winery)
Appearance: Very pale gold.
Nose: Creamy, slightly bitter, French oak, lemon thyme.
Palate: Full-bodied and medium sweet. Oak, citrus peel, white peach, pineapple sage.
Finish: Clean and fruity with a hint of oak.
Parting words: Lawton Ridge winery is located west of Kalamazoo, Michigan, but thier vineyards (around 10 acres planted) are near Lawton, Michigan, south of Paw Paw. It has been in commercial operation since 2005 or so. According to their website, they pride themselves on producing terroir-focused food-friendly wines.
This Chardonnay was one of my favorites when we visited the tasting room last year. It’s a departure from their standard, all stainless Chard. According to the label, this wine is finished in oak barrels for three months immediately before bottling. It’s a good example of judicious use of oak in Chard. It has a hint of the brown butter aroma that California Chardonnay is known for, but it’s balanced by fruit and herbal aromas. It’s one of the best oaked Michigan Chards I’ve had and a steal at $15. 2013 Lawton Ridge Vintner’s Select Chardonnay is highly recommended.
Sipology 