Chateau Grand Traverse – Traverse City 7/14/08

Chateau Grand Traverse

This was a nice place, the people working the bar were very friendly and knew their stuff - the tasting room was fairly bit with an array of sauces and knicknacks.

2006 Pinot Noir Vin Gris – I grabbed a bottle of this just because it's so unusual – a white wine made with Pinot Noir, the juice saw absolutely no time with the skins. Dry, fruity, very light with cherry notes- expect full notes in time.

2006 Gamay Noir Limited Bottling – an earthy, Pinot Noir like nose / the palate is like a tremendous Beaujolais – earth, cherry, nice tannins, a great botte.

2005 Gamay Noir Reserve – Eucalyptus and cherry on the nose – a cherry cough drop if you will / earth and cola notes plus some strawberry. Outstanding.

2004 Merlot Reserve – when you're a nerd and you're spitting your wine and taking notes, sometimes the people like you – this bottle was “not available” for sampling but they had an open bottle and hooked us up – earth, wood, and cherry on the nose / quite big, spicy, black fruit, earth, and cedar – great balance.

2007 Semidry Riesling – Good acid and fruit, but not terribly sweet, all stone fruit of course.

Cherry Port – Imagine eating a chocolate covered cherry with a brandy filling – yes sir, I'll take a bottle.