2007 Parallel 44 Meditation

Another Wisconsin wine - this one from Parallel 44, which is located outside Green Bay, a bit out of the way so you're unlikely to stumble upon it, but worth a visit if for no other reason than to try some Wisconsin wine made with local grapes. A warning, hybrid grapes are kind of weird, a bit funky, an acquired taste, if you will - but they're also most likely different from anything you've encountered before, so it's worth a look - this one is made with Frontenac.

The first night:
Thick and sweet - very much a cherry dominated wine - you'd almost think it was infused with cherries or had cherry brandy added, as well as some grapey notes. Smooth drinking, low on tannin but certainly high in alcohol.

Several days later:
This has totally change to a wine dominated with blackberry. A blackberry liqueur quality overwhelms on both the nose and palate. A very slight anise quality comes through - subtly - on the back palate.

This half bottle goes for about $18 and I'd say that's about spot on. It's big, fruity, heavy enough for a cold night - a dessert wine for those not into the sweeter light wines and not crazy about the nuttiness of Ports.

Wine: 7
Value: Yep

2004 Fox Valley Winery Heritage Collection

I felt like supporting a local(ish) winery and saw this one for $15. We've visited this winery about a year ago and felt they were easily one of the better wineries in Illinois. If I had one gripe, it was that all their dry reds were a bit expensive. This is a blend of Chambourccin and Frontenac – two common Midwest varietals.

Funk and cherry on the nose.

Earth, funk, dirt, even some barnyard, oak, cherry and raspberry on the palate – outstanding depth not only from the region but for the price in general. Low tannin overall.

The finish comes through with some earthy notes, a touch of oak, and perhaps some berry.

I have to say this is much better than I anticipated it being. If I had to compare it to anything, I'd say a nice Chianti Classico. If you see this – or if you're in the area – I strongly recommend both the wine and the winery.