BETWEEN THE VINES

Ellen Landis, CS, CSW

Le# Foot Charley | 2020 Riesling Terminal Moraine, Old Mission Peninsula Fragrant peach aromas rise from the glass. Here’s a beauAfully complex Riesling bursAng with layers of peach, nectarine, wet stone, apricot-lemongrass Asane, and hazelnuts, wrapped around a brisk core of acidity. The lingering finish is energeAc with a preIy stream of underlying lime. SRP: $38 | Food pairing: Lobster roll www.lePfootcharley.com Black Star Farms | 2019 Arcturos Pinot Noir, Leelanau Peninsula The essence of forest floor greets the nose with this expressive, finely structured cool climate Pinot Noir. Blossoming on the palate are delectable layers of red cherries, fresh raspberries, earth, oak nuances, wild mushrooms, and crushed herbs supported by complementary balancing acidity. Elegant and refined with a silky texture, and the finish hangs on and on. SRP: $25 | Food pairing: Puff pastry mushroom tart | www.blackstarfarms.com Black Star Farms | 2020 Arcturos Pinot Blanc, Old Mission Peninsula The tantalizing aroma wakes up the senses as this gem approaches the nose. On the palate, freestone peaches, toasted marshmallows, spiced pears, blanched almonds, and a splash of lemon interweave seamlessly. Well balanced and remarkably textured with a persistent finish. SRP: $19.50 | Food pairing: Pan seared halibut www.blackstarfarms.com Black Star Farms | 2020 Arcturos Gamay Noir, Leelanau Peninsula A beguiling aroma of forest berries and spice waPs from the glass. Citrus blossom, juicy red raspberries, spiced mulberry pie, hints of fresh-turned earth, and a gentle touch of chopped herbs join balancing acidity decoraAng the palate. Pure and finely balanced through the vivacious finale. SRP: $23 | Food pairing: Oven roasted pork loin www.blackstarfarms.com Brengman Brothers | 2012 Riesling, Leelanau Peninsula The brilliant yellow-gold hue sparkles, and the wet stone nose is engaging with this well-balanced, nicely aged Crain Hill Vineyard Riesling. Flavors of honey-drizzled figs, dried apricots, and peach jam join brisk acidity and a thread of minerality. Hints of lime curd peek through as the flavors extend beyond the final sip. SRP: $30 | Food pairing: Braised chicken with preserved lemon | www.brengmanbrothers.com Brengman Brothers | 2020 Chardonnay Barrel, Leelanau Peninsula A tantalizing aroma of tree fruits and buIerscotch floods the senses. Full bodied and richly textured, this barrel aged Chardonnay speaks clearly of its variety. Creamy pears, Honeycrisp apples, well-managed oak and hints of vanilla custard meld with lively acidity, and the finish is lip-smacking. SRP: $40 | Food pairing: Fresh corn chowder www.brengmanbrothers.com

Brengman Brothers | 2021 Riesling KabineI, Leelanau Peninsula The wet stone aroma lures you into the glass where a juicy mouthful of sun ripened white peaches, oyster shell, minerality, crisp apples, underlying salinity, and fresh lime zest interweave. A racy backbone of acidity keeps the wine in fine balance as it sails smoothly to a long and zesty finish. SRP: $25 | Food pairing: Crab friIers with remoulade sauce www.brengmanbrothers.com St. Julian | 2020 Winemaker’s Series Double Barrel Merlot, Lake Michigan Shore InviAng mixed berries and a touch of earth kick off this velvety smooth, well-structured Merlot. Elegant and nicely balanced as it glides across the palate with notes of blueberry compote, red plum, savor spice, and earthiness. Aging 14 months in new French oak gives added depth. This wine promises to drink well for years. SRP: $25.99 Food pairing: FlorenAne steak www.stjulian.com St. Julian | Braganini Reserve 2021 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Lake Michigan Shore The perfumed nose of citrus blossom is delighdul. The palate is bursAng with flavors of crisp green apples, kiwi, grapefruit and fresh crushed herbs. Ideally balanced with sharp edged acidity, and the finish is bright and invigoraAng. SRP: $21.99 Food pairing: Oysters on the half shell with mignoneIe sauce | www.stjulian.com St. Julian | 2021 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Riesling, Lake Michigan Shore A sweet fragrance of white fruits and pleasing flinty notes on the nose are awakening. Enlivening layers of passion fruit, a hint of lemongrass, succulent white peaches, and fresh squeezed lime intertwine with crisp acidity. Lovely vibrancy prevails as the wine makes its way to a juicy, refreshing finish. SRP: $21.99 | Food pairing: Red snapper fish tacos. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery | 2021 Reserve Pinot Blanc, Old Mission Peninsula The mouthwatering aromaAc of tree fruits, fresh cut citrus, and delicate florals leaps from the glass. Smoothly textured and sumptuous as notes of baked pears, McIntosh apple buIer, lemon sorbet, Casaba melon and subtle herb accents traverse the palate. An ideal level of acidity keeps it well balanced, and the finish is graceful and long lasAng. SRP: $26 Food pairing: Quiche Lorraine | www.brysestate.com Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery | 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir, Old Mission Peninsula The provocaAve forest floor aroma clearly shouts out Pinot Noir. CapAvaAng flavors of Lapin cherries, star anise, a grind of pink peppercorns, earthiness, and red raspberries entwine harmoniously on the palate. Savory accents and well managed oak add depth and complexity through the irresisAble lengthy finish. SRP: $38 | Food pairing: Smoked salmon avocado tartare | www.brysestate.com Aurora Cellars | 2017 Cabernet Franc, Leelanau Peninsula Expressive floral, earthy scents put you in a garden wonderland frame of mind. Deep dark fruits lead the way on the palate, as blackberries, black raspberries, and purple plums join subtle herbs, graphite, and dark chocolate melding in harmony. Lively acidity and refined tannins complete the package; age-worthy. SRP: $50 | Food pairing: Filet mignon with blue cheese sauce | www.auroracellars.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

Coravin Timeless Three

Pour your favorite wines without pulling the cork with the Coravin Timeless Three Wine Preservation System. The Three System is the perfect introduction to our Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years.

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Merlot-Infused Tea

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Wine Bible

Comprehensive, entertaining, authoritative, and endlessly interesting, The Wine Bible is a lively course from an expert teacher, grounding the reader deeply in the fundamentals—vineyards and varietals, climate and terroir, the nine attributes of a wine’s greatness—while layering on tips, informative asides, anecdotes, definitions, photographs, maps, labels, and recommended bottles. Available at

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