Maker: Wyncroft/Marland, Fennville, Michigan, USA.
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc (75%), Semillon (25%)
Place of origin: Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan, USA.
Vintage: 2020
Note: Aged in acacia barrels.
ABV: Not disclosed (table wine loophole)
Purchased for $19 (winery).
Appearance: Very pale straw
Nose: Golden delicious apples
Palate: Pear, touch of wood, honey.
Finish: Honey, gravel, clementines.
Parting words: Marland Sauv Blanc/Semillon is basically the less expensive, non-estate version of Wyncroft Shou (pronounced “show”) white. To my knowledge, Wyncroft’s James Lester is the only winemaker in Michigan who uses acacia barrels to ferment and age a white blend like this. He does it because that’s how many wineries in Bordeaux make their white blends. I don’t drink a lot of white Bordeaux, but the technique works very well in this wine, and its more expensive cousin. It adds a rich mouthfeel without any of the toasty tastes and aromas one gets from French oak barrels.
I’m not sure how much of this vintage is still kicking around, but 2020 was a great one for pretty much everything, so if you see this, pick it up! It’s a good all-season white that goes beyond the typical summertime porch-sipper. 2020 Marland Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon is recommended.
For more information on Wyncroft/Marland, see the write up of my visit there last year here.
Sipology 