Midwest Wine Challenge Reviews

Bright gold color. Aromas and flavors of honey, white grape jelly, ripe apricot, and mango with an vibrant, light-to-medium body and a warming, appealing, long finish that presents notes of white pepper. An fruity and extroverted Vignoles with a spicy side.

Silvery straw color. Aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, slate, and jasmine tea with a supple, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, charming, medium-length ripe pear, orange blossom, and strawberry-kiwi smoothie finish with no oak flavor. A soft and pillowy Vidal Blanc with pure fruit flavors; both Pinot Grigio and Muscat lovers with find a match here.

Light tomato bisque color. Fruity aromas and flavors of watermelon fruit leather, cherry candies, and vanilla glaze with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a graceful, easy finish displaying nuances of dried cranberry, sage, over ripe red plum, and raspberry lemonade with fruit tannins and no oak flavor. A dry and refreshing rose pleaser from Missouri.

Yellow color. Perfumed aromas and flavors of ripe pineapple, honeysuckle, wildflower honey, key lime, and gardenia with a silky, crisp, dryish light body and a sleek, interesting, medium-length finish with no oak flavor. A crisp, dry, exuberantly floral Vidal Blanc that will charm lovers of Spanish white wines.

Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of craisin, clay, blackberry vinaigrette, and oily nuts with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, appealing, medium-long finish with notes of pickled beets and purple carrots, blood orange, and nut skin with chewy, dusty tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A rich, chewy, mature red with a great savory character that will be superb with game; drink now.

Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of ripe peach, apricot jam, key lime, wisteria, and crushed juniper with a supple, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with shades of ripe melon melange and candied orange peel with no oak flavor. A ripe, concentrated wine with piles of attractive fruity flavors; easy to love.

Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of sweet orange blossom, white peach, pear candies, and pineapples in syrup with a satiny, bright, off-dry light-to-medium body and a warming, breezy finish with notes of tangerine and sweet plantain. A tasty and balanced wine that makes for sweet summer refreshment; sauvignon Blanc lovers need apply!

Straw color. Aromas of sweet melon, candied apricot, coconut, and allspice with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an interesting, medium-length key lime, fondant, and lemon and tangerine zest finish. A dry and racy Vignoles with outgoing, exotic flavors.

Brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate peanut toffee, dried and baked berries, mocha, and Thai cucumber salad with a silky, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with impressions of grilled and marinated beets and carrots and pepper with well-integrated, chewy, fine tannins. A rock solid, savory red perfect for everyday meals.

Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of white peach, pine, pineapple, and honeycrisp apple with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a sleek, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of white pepper, apricot, alfalfa, and sea salt with no oak flavor. A nicely restrained Seyval Blanc with wide appeal for Italian Pinot Grigio lovers.

Golden straw color. Aromas of white peach, honeysuckle, and ripe pear with a supple, crisp, fruity light body and a smooth, crisp finish with no oak flavor. A crisp and fruity white in a crowd-pleasing style.

Emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of apricot preserves, passionfruit, and cracked peppercorns with a supple, crisp, dry light body and an interesting, medium-length finish that presents notes of ginger and mesquite. A spicy, dry vignoles ideal for thoughtful pairing.

Straw color. Aromas of ripe pear, white peach, graham cracker, honeydew melon, and orange blossom with a satiny, vibrant, dry light body and a smooth, carefree lemon spritz and apple custard finish. A zingy Chardonel to liven up a meal.

Yellow color. Aromas of fallen peach, miso, and vanilla taffy with a supple, bright, off-dry light-to-medium body and an even, brisk candied pear and pineapple finish with no oak flavor. A slightly savory, off-dry white that will be fun to pair with.

Pink color. Aromas of compressed watermelon, grape leaves, and nopales with a soft, dry light-to-medium body and a short melon gelatin finish. A fruity yet dry rose for summer.

Garnet color. Interesting aromas of molasses, peach cobbler, amburana wood, bergamot, and soy with a silky, vibrant, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a warming, brisk chocolate syrup, sugared berries, and cinnamon-spice finish with light oak flavor. A solid American Port for after dinner indulgence.

Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of golden apple, honey, and yellow tomato with a slightly chewy, bright, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, short finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A rustic and chewy Chardonel for the table.

Black garnet color. Aromas of chocolate syrup, macerated boysenberry, fig roll, peach liqueur, and baking spices with a satiny, puckering, sweet-and-sour medium body and a swift sour raspberry candy finish. An ice with with racy acidity; best as a unique cocktail ingredient to add distinctive flavor and structure.