Winery: Chateau Grand Traverse
Brand/Type: Semi-Dry Riesling
Vintage: 2005
Country: USA
Region: Grand Traverse Peninsula, Michigan
Alcohol content: 12%
Closure: Natural Cork
Appearance: Pale blonde
Aroma/Bouquet: Lemony citrus and melon
This is an excellent Riesling that compares well against any German Kabinett. The label says “Semi-Dry” but off dry is more accurate (at least for this bottle).
Very smooth on the palate, it is even with a complex fruit flavor that includes tangerine, orange, melon, apricot, and is well balanced with a mineral presence. It is consistent and crisp from the tip of the tongue to the finish. This is probably one of the more complex tasting Rieslings you will find anywhere.
Chateau Grand Traverse is well represented in most of the upper-Midwest. You can find this as well as other wines of theirs in most Meijer stores. Thankfully Meijer stocks regional wines and supports smaller brands. If you are in Ohio the Andersons also stocks this.
One note on the down side… the cork was overly dry. We’ve noticed this before with other bottles from Chateau Grand Traverse. This may be from improper storage at the retailer (most likely). Regardless of how, we would recommend that drink this brand soon. Frankly, with something this good, it’s too tempting not to drink right away!