Northern Michigan, Day III

This was a shorter day, spent near Traverse city, and driving back to Ann Arbor. One winery, one restaurant, one hippie coffee shop.

Lunch: At Trattoria Stella, in the old mental institution, which is being converted to a series of shops. This was the best meal of the trip, hands down. We did an appetizer plate of seared beef, greens, olives, raspberries, strawberries, pickled ramps (man, they were garlicky!), hazelnuts. Yum. I did a cheese stuffed pasta in yellow tomato sauce--amazing--as my main. Julie had a gussied up nutella type sandwich with fruit. It was also good, though not to my taste. Dessert was amazing--I had gelato--a mix of blackberry and rhubarb, and Julie had panna cotta. We each did a glass of L. Mawby Talisman with lunch--a great pairing for everything.

Left Foot Charley: Modern tasting room, also at the institution, very knowledgeable, friendly staff, really good wines.
2008 Pinot Grigio: Strong acid, moderate pear and lemon fruit, some minerality, but a bit hot.
2008 Pinot Blanc - Island Vineyard: Amazing wine with great acid, minerality, green apple, lemon. Wow!
2008 Rose of Cabernet Franc: Classic cab franc notes of tobacco, herbs, with strong cherry fruit. well made, would compete with Chinon.
NV Murmur: Blend of pinot grigio, riesling, traminette. rather fruity and floral, a tad sweet, reminiscent of Alsatian Edelzwickers.
2008 Riesling Medium Dry. Floral and white peach notes, hints of sweetness, great balance.
2007 chardonnay: oaked, but not overly so.
2008 Riesling Seventh Hill Farm: Great dryish rielsling, balance of acid and fruit, substantial complexity, apricot; should age
2008 Riesling - Longcore Vineyard: Sweeter, has acid to balance. Not as much to my taste, but well-made.
2007 Red Blend: Mostly cab franc: Classic cab franc notes, but NOT overproduced; has good fruit, tobacco, but not over tannic, overoaked. Pleasant drinking wine.

In all, we had a great trip. Tried dozens of wines. Liked many of them, learned a ton about what Michigan wines are all about. And, at long last, the blogging on this is done!