As many of you know, I have set off on a 3 year journey to the Middle Kingdom— Shanghai China to be exact.  Before I departed in mid-August though, I set out to have one last grand weekend in Michigan.  I took in the Lions' first preseason game on Friday night down at Ford Field and saw Kid Rock through the rain on Saturday night at Comerica Park.  But before all that fun and frivolity, on the Thursday night before my grand weekend, I attended one of the best wine tastings I have ever been to.  I was lucky enough to procure a seat at the Old Shore Vineyards Winemaker Dinner at Vinology in Ann Arbor.  Not only was the wine and food fantastic, but the company was outstanding as well.

Vinology

One of my favorite venues for wine, Vinology is an wonderful destination for wine lovers and foodies alike!  I was greeted by the host for the evening John Jonna who escorted me downstairs to the "Bubble Room" in Vinology.  The evening began with a little "Sex" by Larry Mawby— a Michigan institution in and of himself.  John, always the gracious host, introduced me to some of his best customers that were there that evening.  He apologized for his daughter Kristin not being able to make the evening— she had just recently delivered twins— "red" and "white"— as Grandpa likes to call them. He then told me about the tasting events they host at Vinology. 

I knew that they host wonderful wine tastings and dinners.  They even are a favorite spot for many bachelorette parties.  What I did not know— and I will pass along to you— is that you, the customer, can choose the wine tasting topic for a private event at Vinology.  If you have a varietal, flight, producer or even winemaker that you would like to try at Vinology, you just need to contact John.  He will help you organize and host the event and add his own wine and food expertise to make the evening a success.  There is a minimum number of 12 guests that you would need to guarantee, but I thought it was a wonderful service that Vinology provides to their customers.

A pleasant surprise upon being seated. . .

It was time to be seated to begin our tasting and seated next to me, just by chance, were Dick and Sally Scheer, owners of the Village Corner in Ann Arbor.  Another one of my favorite wine destinations, Village Corner recently closed after 40 years on campus at the University of Michigan.  I had never met Dick or Sally, but have "chatted" with Sally through email and Twitter.  I am happy to say that both are true local gems.  Dick is a true wine expert, both of Michigan wines and wines in general.  He gladly offered his insight on this evening for us about Old Shore Vineyards wine and wine in general. Sally was a pleasure to talk to and let me know that the "new" Village Corner should be opening very soon at their new home at 1747 Plymouth Road in the Courtyard Shops.  If you used to shop at Village Corner or have never had the opportunity, do so, as soon as they open back up.  Utilize their website to check out all the wine they have available.  Sally told me that it will be even better than before with more detail and even more selection.  I have missed being able to look for certain varietals or labels just by checking the Village Corner site— but now, Sally assured me— customers will be able to do that, and then some!  She said it will be a true "wine geek" site—-so, keep checking for the grand opening soon

The Dinner

All that was left was the dinner. . . and wow, was the wait worth it.

David Maki and Dannielle Alphonse are the owners of Old Shore Vineyards (OSV).  Old Shore's winemaker is Cornel Olivier.  David and Dannielle graciously lead us through five wonderfully prepared courses featuring their 2009 'Turkey Nest' Pinot Gris, 2010 'Sofia' Rose of Pinot Noir, and all three vintages of the 'Tree Line' Pinot Noir. . . the 2008 (the original vintage-not released for sale), the 2009 (which I recently tasted and loved), and the 2010 (which had been bottled the evening before this event— so it was as close to a barrel sample as we could get).  To enjoy with these wines, Vinology served us Alderwoood Smoked Alaskan Halibut, Togarashi Crusted Black Pearl Salmon, "Seventy-Two Hour" Beef Short Rib, Chargrilled Domestic Lamb Chop and, lastly, Cherry Berry Tasting with Michigan Cherry clafoutis, raspberry 'linguine', and lingonberry ice cream.

We were guided through this wonderful tasting adventure by Dannielle, David and Cornel, each offering us insight into the vintage and varietal of the wines and how they were produced.  John Jonna even conducted a blind tasting between the 2009 'Tree Line' Pinot and the 2009 Albert Bichot Burgundy— which was quite interesting (the '09 OSV was the fave of the group).

A few notes . . .

    . . . Danielle and David have a true passion for their wine and it shows in their product
    . . . Cornel, although softspoken, has a dedication to his craft that is admirable
    . . . the 2009 'Turkey Nest' Pinot Gris is a bold Pinot Gris with more flavors of apple pie than I remember and would be a great addition to anyone's  Thanksgiving table in a few months
    . . . the 2009 'Tree Line' Pinot Noir is just as good as I remember and wrote about not that long ago
    . . . it was an honor to taste the 2008 Pinot Noir as it was not released to the public— but could have been—- Danielle, David and Cornel just did not know what they had
    . . . the OSV Rose is like nothing you have ever tasted— this is not your normal 'pink' rose, and
    . . . the 2010 'Tree Line' Pinot Noir promises to be a wonderful bottle of wine when released— different from both the '08 and '09— you better get them once released while they last!

I have quickly become a great fan of the Old Shore Vineyards' label.  I am now a true fan of the people behind that label.

OSV is a boutique winery with only great things to come.  Their production at this time is small, so do not wait too long to order your bottles.  I would also suggest that if you have the time, and are on the western side of the state of Michigan,  send Danielle and David a note and see if you can stop by— you will not be disappointed.  I know I plan to pay them a visit next summer!

Cheers!
(Gan bei!)