Maker: Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA.
Grapes: 73% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc
Place of origin: Leorie Vineyard, Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Michigan, USA
Vintage: 2012
ABV: 13%
Purchased for $46 (Holiday Market)
Note: for more information on this wine and vineyard, read this post on Black Star Farms’ Blog.
Appearance: Dark red.
Nose: Cedar, black currant jam, clove, smoke.
Palate: Juicy but structured. Full bodied. Black currant, cherry juice, blueberry pie.
Finish: A little chewy, with some acid.
Parting words: Leorie Vineyard is in an old gravel pit on Old Mission Peninsula that has become one of Black Star Farms’ finest vineyards, especially for reds. It consistently produces ripe (a challenge for Merlot in Northern Michigan), disease-free Merlot that finds its home under this label year after year.
I’m afraid my notes don’t really do this wine justice. It’s fruity for sure but nicely balanced with spice and tannins producing an elegant but not austere red worthy of the Right Bank of the Gironde. It cellars well too, obviously. I’m looking forward to cracking my other bottle of Leorie in 2022 or sometime after that. $46 is expensive by Michigan standards, but that’s a good price for a quality Merlot blend from one of Michigan’s finest vineyards made by one of Michigan’s finest wineries. 2012 Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet Franc is recommended.
Sipology 