Maker: Bel Lago, Cedar, Michigan, USA
Place of origin: Leelanau Peninsula AVA, Leelanau County, Michigan, USA (at least 85%)
Grape: Pinot Noir (at least 85%)
Vintage: 2016
ABV: 13.3%
Purchased for $22 (Michigan by the Bottle, Royal Oak)
Appearance: Dark Burgundy.
Nose: Cedar, sauteed mushrooms, blueberries.
Palate: Cherry juice, pomegranate seeds, pinch of nutmeg
Finish: Sweet, then tart, then tannic.
Parting words: Nobody in Northern Michigan (maybe -Northern) does Pinot Noir as well as Bel Lago. This is a perfect cool climate Pinot with an elegant balance of wood, fruit, earth, and tannin wrapped together in a coat of acid. I’ve reviewed past vintages (2012 single vineyard and non-vintage, released in 2016). This isn’t in the same class as the Moreno single vineyard, but at less than half the price, I don’t think this wine is intended to be.
Still, it’s very good and well worth purchasing. 2016 Bel Lago Pinot Noir is recommended.
Sipology 