FarmHouse Organic Vineyard

Nestled in the picturesque region of Petoskey in Northern Michigan, the Farmhouse Organic Vineyard offers visitors a unique and idyllic experience. The vineyard boasts over 20 acres of lush, rolling hills adorned with organic grapevines, making it a true gem for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The founders of this quaint vineyard, John and Nancy, have prioritized sustainable practices and an organic approach to viticulture, resulting in the cultivation of some of the finest grape varietals, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc – all without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

Immersing its guests in a tranquil and serene atmosphere, the Farmhouse Organic Vineyard features a beautifully 19th-century looking farmhouse that was built into a sophisticated tasting room. Married with modern amenities for pure comfort, this charming space is complemented by exposed wooden beams, rustic accents, and large windows that provide enchanting views of the vine-clad landscape. The engineer in me was enamored with clever way John was able to reuse parts to make them functional and beautiful. While roaming thru the vineyard don’t be surprised if the local goats follow you around.  As you sip on the carefully crafted wines, visitors experience the blend of traditional and contemporary offerings, reflecting the vineyard’s humble beginnings and dedication to uncompromising quality.

Farmhouse Organic Vineyard is not only devoted to producing delectable wines, but also committed to hosting various year-round events and activities that capitalize on the area’s natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Petoskey. Ranging from wine tastings and pairings, private party, bridal shower or a beautiful venue for your wedding day. Farmhouse Vineyard is complete with the finest local Michigan cuisine, to vineyard tours and workshops, these events take guests on an unforgettable journey through the world of artfully crafted organic wines, curated by passionate and knowledgeable winemakers. The Farmhouse Organic Vineyard is a celebration of the richness and depth of Michigan’s terroir, ready to captivate wine connoisseurs and curious wanderers alike.

Raeburn, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California 2021

This Chardonnay from Russian River Valley has a pale lemon color and a fruity nose with hints of citrus, lemons, honeydew, light oak, honeysuckle, apples, light vanilla and spices. On the palate, it is dry with notes of lemons, apples, ripe pears, oak, vanilla, spices, and white pepper. The wine is medium plus in body with medium acidity and a nice creamy mouthfeel.

The wine has a good length on the finish, with a dominant lemon flavor that lingers. It is a great value and easy drinking, making it perfect for sipping by itself or pairing with cheeses and crackers. The wine is aged on its lees for six months in 75% French and Hungarian Oak barrels, which contributes to its creamy mouthfeel and subtle oak flavors. The 14% alcohol by volume adds to the wine’s body and richness.

Overall, this Chardonnay from Raeburn, Russian River Valley is a tasty and well-balanced wine that offers good value for its price. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with light appetizers. Its creamy mouthfeel and subtle oak flavors make it a perfect complement to cheeses, crackers, and other light snacks. This is a great wine for relaxing by the pool or beach, and it is best enjoyed after being aired for 30 minutes.

Straight from the Bottle Rating = 91 pionts

Bodegas Lan Rioja Gran Reserva 2015, Spain

Deep burgundy in color with a short reddish rim. Full bodied and soft with medium acidity. Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing blackberries, sweet cherries, plums, espresso, sweet cedar, vanilla, spices, cola, tobacco leaf, earth, chocolates, peppercorn and herbs. Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and pomegranates.

This is a very tasty Tempranillo from Spain. Still young, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 10 years.

Needs a couple of hours to open up properly.

A blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Aged for 24 months in American and French oak barrels.

Paired with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

Rating = 92 points.

Can find at most larger wine stores for around $30.

Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Chardonnay 2019, California

This is a tasty oaky Chardonnay from Chalk Hill in Russian River Valley. Dry on the palate with mild complexity. Showing oak, vanilla, lemons, apples, pears and light spices. Spicy finish with almonds, good quality wine. Easy drinking, elegant and bold.

Still young and has good potential to be better in a few years. A nice food wine, and good for parties, too. I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

100% Chardonnay grapes were aged in (40% new) French Oak barrels for 11 months. Unfiltered.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020

Last week, I reviewed the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva.  I’ve reviewed vintages of that bottle going back to 2013, and I’ve always found them to be pretty middle of the road.

With my review of the 2020 vintage, I brought my rating down to 85 points, and several readers agreed and asked for recommendations on other low-priced Chianti.

I ventured to my local Costco with the singular goal of finding that perfect low-priced Chianti, and I think that’s exactly what I did.

This bottle from Castello Di Querceto is a DOCG is priced just a hair above $10 at $10.99.  That compares to a list price of around $18 at many outlets including Wine.com.

It also comes with high ratings across the board; Suckling went 92 points, Wine Spectator 91 points, and Robert Parker gave the bottle 88 points.

On my first taste I could tell this was a nice step up from many DOCG Chianti I’ve tasted over the years.  In the glass the wine is a medium ruby with a bit of garnet; it is medium in body, signature Chianti; Flavors of black cherry and  blackberry with leather and earth into the finish.

The wine is really nicely balanced all around, and a surprise find at such a low price.  It’s a perfect food wine for pizza night or a casual meal with friends or family.  Give this one a try.

Straight from the Bottle Rating: 90 points

Bin 50 Shiraz

Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim. On the nose black currants, black plums, oak, earth, spices, tobacco, leaf, vanilla, medicine and black pepper. Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs. Dry on the palate with plums, blueberries, currants, vanilla, wood, spices, tobacco, bitter herbs, vegetables and black pepper. Short finish […]

via Lindeman’s Wines Bin 50 Shiraz 2015, Southeastern Australia — Odedi’s Wine Reviews Blog