Between the Vines

Aurora Cellars | NV Brut Rosé, Leelanau

Peninsula

Sparkling like a pink sapphire, this gem is a great way to start off any evening. The aroma is engaging, and the wine lights up the palate with flavors of red cherries, strawberries, Jolly Rancher watermelon candy, and a pinch of orange zest. Wonderfully balanced, and the Iny stream of bubbles is dazzling. SRP: $34 | Food pairing: Sushi-grade ahi tartare | www.auroracellars.com

Aurora Cellars | 2020 Pinot Noir,

Leelanau Peninsula

This cool climate Pinot Noir displays a pale ruby hue and delicate floral fragrance up front, while packing a punch of flavor upon entry. Bing cherries, wild mushrooms, oak nuances, and spiced cranberry chutney intermix, and an underlying thread of earthiness lingers through the saIsfying finish. SRP: $38 | Food pairing: Chicken pot pie | www.auroracellars.com

Aurora Cellars | 2021 Sauvignon

Blanc Leelanau Peninsula

This snappy Sauvignon Blanc with a nose of fresh cut summer grass is exhilaraIng. Juicy sweet grapefruit, crisp green apples, a splash of lime juice, and subtle chopped green herbs intertwine. Lively acidity plays a great supporIng role, and notes of fresh squeezed lemon heighten the upbeat finish. SRP: $22 | Food pairing: Avocado/goat cheese crosIni | www.auroracellars.com

Le, Foot Charley

| 2018

Island View Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Old Mission Peninsula

A tantalizing floral, tropical fruit aroma leaps from the glass. Layers of pineapple, lemon curd, yellow apples, and succulent peaches coat the palate. This mouthwatering Pinot Blanc is bright with ideal acidity supporIng the rich fruit, and it finishes with elegance. SRP: $28 | Food pairing: Mango chicken curry | www.le^footcharley.com

Brengman Brothers |2020 Cabernet Franc, Leelanau Peninsula

This Ightly wound Cab Franc leads with a pre_y nose of violets and lilacs. Broadening with aeraIon, this well-structured wine showcases blackberries, cocoa powder, black plum preserves, lead pencil shavings, eucalyptus, earthiness, and sweet oak nuances (from 14 months in American oak) neatly wrapped around a core of chalky tannins; cellar-worthy. SRP: $60 | Food pairing: Sausage stuffed pasta shells | www.brengmanbrothers.com

Brengman Brothers |2021 Crain Hill Vineyards Chardonnay

Concrete, Leelanau Peninsula

A pleasing citrus blossom aroma wa^s from the glass. Pure and vivacious on the palate as layers of Granny Smith apples, Meyer lemon, honeycomb, and an edge of minerality unfold. FermentaIon and aging in a concrete egg enhances the splendid texture, and the finish is persistent. SRP: $32 | Food pairing: Steamed mussels and clams | www.brengmanbrothers.com

Brengman Brothers | 2019 Le^ Bank, Leelanau Peninsula

From their ArIst Series Winemaker CollecIon comes this mulIlayered, red blend composed of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, and PeIt Verdot. The aroma engages the senses at first swirl. Notes of earth and new leather join cassis, wild blackberries, and black plums delectably coaIng the palate. Velvety smooth and finely balanced with a firm backbone of tannins, and the finish is endless; complex and age-worthy. SRP: $90 | Food pairing: Beef Wellington | www.brengmanbrothers.com

Black Star Farms | 2021 Arcturos Semi-Dry Riesling, Old Mission Peninsula/Leelanau Peninsula

Wow, this expressive Riesling shines brightly. It is brimming with fresh white peaches, wet stone elements, sun-kissed nectarines, and Granny Smith apples. ExhilaraIng at first sip, with Ingling acidity keeping the wine beauIfully balanced, and the finish is simply brilliant. SRP: $19.50 | Food pairing: Crab souffle | www.blackstarfarms.com

Black Star Farms | 2021 Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay, Leelanau Peninsula

This well-defined Chardonnay opens with a remarkable nose of tropical fruits and honeysuckle. Sleek and lively in the mouth with layers of Honeycrisp apples, hints of bu_erscotch, fresh pineapple, Bartle_ pears and lemon curd supported by a lively backbone of acidity. It is pure and complex with a long-lasIng finish. SRP: $19.50 | Food pairing: Garlic bu_er langousInes | www.blackstarfarms.com

Black Star Farms | Arcturos 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Michigan

The luminous pink diamond hue and expressive aromaIc lure you into the glass. GraIfying flavors of Sweetheart cherries, red raspberries, cranberry orange Isane, and a nice touch of minerality sashay across the palate with ease. Marvelously dry with lively acidity, it thoroughly saIsfies from first bright sip to last lingering one. SRP: $19.50 | Food pairing: Goat cheese/raspberry bu_er le_uce salad | www.blackstarfarms.com

St. Julian | 2021 Single Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake Michigan Shore

The striking aroma of bramble berries and fresh turned earth will have you engrossed. Deep and complex, showing off notes of blackberry cobbler, tart cherries, black currant, cedar, and new leather that marry a_racIvely with firmly structured tannins and balancing acidity. Delicious now, but have paIence, this is an age-worthy wine. SRP: $39.99 | Food pairing: Beef short ribs | www.stjulian.com

St. Julian | 2021 The Reserve CollecIon Grüner Veltliner, Lake Michigan Shore

A stone fruit, citrus blossom aroma puts you in a summerIme mood. Vivacious and buoyant on the palate as refreshing layers of juicy nectarine, Granny Smith apples, lemon-lime granita, and a gentle sprinkling of white pepper are supported by crisp acidity. Refreshing and nervy through the lingering finish. SRP: $21.99 | Food pairing: ArIchoke heart pasta | www.stjulian.com

St. Julian | 2021 Braganini Reserve Albariño, Lake Michigan Shore

Highly aromaIc with citrus fruit on the nose, this zesty dry white wine shines. Honeydew melon, kiwi, grapefruit, lemon sorbet, and key lime pie create a beauIful tapestry of flavors that wake up the palate. Sleek with racy acids, and the finish remains bright and fresh with a lemon peel accent. SRP: $21.99 | Food pairing: Pesto/goat cheese riso_o | www.stjulian.com

About The Author

Ellen Landis, CS, CSW, is a published wine writer, certified sommelier, wine educator and professional wine judge. She spent four years as a sommelier at the Ritz Carlton and sixteen years as Wine Director/ Sommelier at the award winning boutique hotel she and her husband built and operated in Half Moon Bay, CA. They recently sold the hotel to devote more time to the world of wine. Contact Ellen at ellen@ellenonwine.com

Guitars Racked

Tired of tripping over guitars, Brad Evans created this rack using oak wine barrel staves. Available at https:// www.uncommongoods.com/product/wine-barrelguitar-rack | MSRP: $65-95

Surfboard wine rack

Beachcombers natural wood surfboard wine rack, 22-inch high. Perfect for your cabin by the beach, Make waves while storing your favorite Michigan wines. Available at https:// tinyurl.com/3t2wvset | MSRP: $34.07

Crushed

Climate change is altering the very nature of wine and spirit production around the world. From the unimaginably destructive fires that rip through California’s wine country with terrifying frequency to the floods and hail storms that threaten grape and grain harvests from Bordeaux to Kentucky and beyond. Available at https://tinyurl.com/3asm96sn | MSRP: $31.77