2008 Blue Franc

100% Blaufrankish (Lemberger)

Case Production: 483

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $22.00

Winemaker Notes:

We planted this variety with the high hopes of producing a red with a lush, soft, big fruit profile and loaded with lots of spice. 2007 was our first vintage of this wine and our expectations for this variety were not only realized, they were greatly exceeded. I really have to say I am very excited about having this wine as part of the Shady Lane Cellars offering. Concentrated fruit flavors of blueberry, mulberry and blackberry are there with a big mouthfeel, soft, lush tannins and a level of black pepper and cedar spice that make this wine a personal favorite. The unique power but softness of this wine makes this a versatile match at the table pairing with anything from grilled poultry with a fresh salsa to pasta to grilled or roasted beef and lamb. I especially like this with grilled lamb chops seasoned with Middle-Eastern spices!

 

2006 Cabernet Franc          

100% Cabernet Franc

 Case Production: 343

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $21.00

Sale Price: $17.00

 Winemaker Notes:

I have always loved the Cab Franc style produced in the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. This wine has the trademark varietal fruit aromas of raspberry and red cherry coupled with the intriguing aromas of violets, tarragon and anise. Evident is some oak treatment but not so much as to interfere with the above inherent Cab Franc qualities. This wine has noticeable richness and moderate but supple tannins throughout. A fantastic match with grilled steaks, venison and braised meats dishes such as Osso Buco.

 

2007 Cabernet Franc

 97% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot

Case Production: 372

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $21.00 

Winemaker Notes:

This wine is modeled on the classic Loire wines of Chinon. This variety can pull off a tough balancing act of displaying both power and prettiness at the same time, and this particular wine certainly does that. It shows wonderful richness on the palate and exhibits classic Cabernet Franc aromas and flavors of raspberry and red cherry while adding plum to the mix. An enticing floral component of violet combines beautifully with a tarragon and anise quality. Barrel ageing adds notes of vanilla, brown spices and cocoa. The finish has ample tannins that retain a certain roundness and suppleness. A great match with Osso Buco or any game dish, not to mention a great Delmonico steak right off the grill.

 

2006 Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir

Case Production: 523

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $16.00

Sale Price: $13.99

Winemaker Notes:

This is modeled on the great red wines of the Cotes de Beaune of Burgundy. This wine has all the wonderfully exotic and ethereal qualities that cool climate Pinot Noir is known for. Lush and soft, it has both power and elegance at the same time. Cherries, cranberries, herbs and spice come out in wonderful micro-explosions of aroma and flavor, followed by a smokiness and wonderful earthiness in the finish from ageing in French oak. Try this wine with roasted Duck or Lamb, Beef Tenderloin, and anything with mushrooms.

 

2006 Pinot Noir Reserve

100% Pinot Noir

Case Production: 143

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $32.00

Winemaker Notes:

The “Reserve” bottling of Pinot Noir is our opportunity to bring you a wine that offers increased intensity and depth. We start with applying additional techniques to specific portions of our Pinot Noir blocks that build intensity of targeted compounds within the fruit itself. We then nurture these designated vines throughout the growing season to deliver the ultimate expression of Pinot Noir to the winery. Modified fermentation practices and ageing techniques further develop these characteristics. The result is a wine that has many of the same aromas and flavors as our regular Pinot Noir, but more intensified. The flavors are black cherry, raspberry, pomegranete, plum and spice. There is added richness and depth of spice notes making this wine a wonderful expression of Northern Michigan Pinot Noir, but with much, much more. Look for this wine to age beautifully for 5 to 10 years.

 

2007 Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir

Case Production: 752

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $22.00

Winemaker Notes:

After producing several vintages of a “Reserve” bottling of Pinot Noir, I decided with the 2007 vintage all of our Pinot Noir would be made in the same method as the “Reserve”. Wonderful cool climate Pinot, all at once lush, soft and aromatically intense. The tannin, mid-palate and finish suggest a wine with tremendous ageing potential yet it is eminently drinkable now. Aromas and flavors are black cherry, raspberry, pomegranete, a nice bit of cocoa, some cola and even a hint of orange peel followed by brown baking spices and smokiness in the finish. The structure and depth of this wine brings to mind Premier Cru Burgundy with its richness and complexities. This wine can’t miss with any dish where mushrooms are a focus and is a personal favorite paired with roast pork with a blackberry sauce. Expect this wine to age like an old friend for a minimum of 5 and up to 12 years.

 

2007 Coop de Rouge

65% Regent, 35% Pinot Noir

Case Production: 333

Residual Sugar: Dry

Price: $13.00

Winemaker Notes:

Another one of our renamed wines, this is what you are familiar with as Roost. Aimed at being that wine that is medium-bodied, soft and approachable, it is the sort of wine we like to call “Tuesday wine”. Nice cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit with some oak as a compliment. Have this any night of the week with burgers, ribs, old-fashioned spaghetti with meatballs… you get the idea.