Maker: Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City, Michigan, USA.
Place of origin: Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Grape: Gamay
Vintage: 2016
ABV: 12%
Purchased for $15
Appearance: Translucent ruby.
Nose: Black currant, black pepper, toasted oak, raspberry.
Palate: Medium-bodied and juicy. Cranberry juice cocktails, blackberry, sauteed mushrooms.
Finish: Juicy, then jammy, then oaky.
Parting words: I last reviewed CGT’s Gamay Noir in 2011. That was the 2009 vintage. It was a good one, but how does the hot and steamy 2016 vintage compare?
Well, there’s no cherry in the 2016 like there was in the 2009, but they’re very similar in profile. The 2016 is a hair more complex with some earthiness on the palate. It’s the equivalent of a quality Beaujolais-Village or a value Morgon. Chateau Grand Traverse retains its title as the king of Gamay in Michigan. This wine is recommended.
Sipology 