Maker: Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Grape: Pinot Noir (at least 85%, looks and tastes like 100%)
Place of origin: Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2016
Note: 5 months in oak
ABV: 12%
Purchased for $13 (Meijer)
Appearance: Translucent ruby, like a good red Burgundy.
Nose: Very ripe strawberry, cherry syrup, crushed mulberry, nutmeg.
Palate: Medium-bodied. Dry but fruity. Strawberry fruit leather, black cherry, raspberry, actual leather, earth.
Finish: Fruity and leathery.
Parting words: Although I think it should be Gamay, Pinot Noir is probably Old Mission’s finest red wine grape right now. Chateau Grand Traverse produces some of the peninsula’s finest, and they should, seeing how long they’ve been at it.
This wine is like a quality vin de bourgogne, or even a village Burgundy at a similar age. There’s not much earthiness, but loads of fruit and cool-climate Pinot character. It should improve and show better integration over the next two or three years too, if stored properly. That said, it’s very tasty now and at a price where one doesn’t feel obliged to let it lounge in the cellar for a long time. I like this wine a lot. 2016 Chateau Grand Traverse Limited Edition Pinot Noir is highly recommended.
Sipology 