The Old Mission Peninsula of Michigan is nineteen miles long and just three miles wide. It bisects Grand Traverse Bay into its West and East Arms. 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, Michigan and seeks out grape growers who tend their vines assiduously but do not have their own winery. The fruit for their 2021 Island View Vineyard Pinot Blanc is from a one-acre site on the west side of Old Mission. Tempered by the influence of the lake, the grapes can ripen beautifully. The 2021 Left Foot Charley Island View Pinot Blanc shows ripe apple, pear, peach and citrus fruits at the nose with floral, earth and spice hints. On the palate, it combines juicy, fresh pear, apple and lemon tones with a delectably rich texture. Production was a mere 452 cases in 2021.
Left Foot Charley, Old Mission Peninsula (Michigan) Pinot Blanc 2021
By Wayne Belding