Bel Lago Winery & Vineyards

Consumer enthusiasm for Leelanau Peninsula AVA Pinot Noir has caused it to be sold too early. Bel Lago Estate Bottled 2003 Pinot Noir illustrates the rewards of patience, bottle aging and the "I won't rush my wines to market," attitude of owner/winemaker Charles Edson. Perhaps this comes from Edson's ability to take life a little slower and admire his gorgeous vineyards overlooking Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan.

Dark, spicy cherry, dried rose petal, dried leaves and new leather gloves aromas develop subtle smoky and apple wood smoked bacon notes with evolution in the glass. Flavors show the depth and secondary flavors that bottle aging brings to Pinot Noir, such as fine tobacco hints over ripe plum and berry fruit.

With medium weight, this Pinot Noir is appellation expressive in a Burgundian and less-fruit-forward style than Pinots from major California growing regions, but it's one with elegance and finesse from a careful crafting of wine from 30 clones of Pinot Noir. This pretty wine is most rewarding in its long finish -- one that bottle age has developed.

Reviewed February 27, 2007 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.