The Old Mission Peninsula is a narrow, 19 mile long finger of land that protrudes into Lake Michigan, just north of Traverse City. The Pinot Blanc grape has found a favorable environment in the glacial soils here. At 45 degrees of latitude, the moderating influence of the lake is needed to allow grapes to ripen. Left Foot Charley was established in 2004 in Traverse City and seeks out growers who carefully tend their vines but do not have their own winery. The fruit for their 2022 Island View Vineyard Pinot Blanc is from a one-acre site planted in 1995 on the west side of Old Mission. The 2022 Left Foot Charley Island View Pinot Blanc shows ripe peach, pear, apple and citrus fruits at the nose with floral and spice hints. On the palate, it combines juicy, fresh pear, apple and lemon tones with a delectably creamy texture. It is a delicious and versatile white that can pair with many seafood and poultry dishes.
91 Wayne Belding
Left Foot Charley, Old Mission Peninsula (Michigan) Island View Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2022 ($28)
By Wayne Belding
