Maker: Domaine Berrien Cellars, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA
Grape: Merlot (at least 85%)
Place of origin: Domaine Berrien Estate, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2014
ABV: Unknown
Purchased for $20 (Michigan by the Bottle, Royal Oak)
Appearance: Brick red.
Nose: Black currant, cedar, pick peppercorns, sauteed mushrooms.
Palate: Medium-bodied and juicy. Blackberries, raspberries, leather.
Finish: Oaky and tannic.
Parting words: In a vintage like 2014, it’s close to a miracle that any estate wines were produced in Michigan at all, let alone one this good! It’s pretty chewy for a Merlot, but the combination of acid and tannin makes for a pairing with beef or lamb. A little more sweetness might have made for a more balanced product but, hey, this is 2014. $20 is a bargain. 2014 Domaine Berrien Merlot is recommended.
Sipology 