2004 Mary Michelle Cynthiana

[dananne]

Mary Michelle is an Illinois winery. Anne and I typically explore local wines as we travel around, but this is the first wine we've ever had from Illinois. Actually, this one was a real surprise. Deep purple color with great grapey/cherry fruit with some mineral, meat, and smoke elements. Lip smacking finish. All-in-all, really enjoyable. Anne had no idea what we were drinking and said "This is pretty good" before even realizing that we were drinking. Surprisingly, it weighs in at 13.5% alc., which is higher than I would have guessed. Well done. Ran $11 up in Chicago at Binny's.

[Innkeeper]

AKA Norton, frequently makes a nice wine in wineries east of the Rockies.

[dananne]

Yeah, we've had some nice ones from N. GA (the best probably from Tiger Mountain) and from VA. I'd like to try a few from MO. I wasn't expecting much from it, as the IL wine industry is well behind those of, say MO and VA, but it was well made.

[Innkeeper]

Agree with those from MO and VA. Have enjoyed them from Mt Pleasant in MO and Horton in VA.