#2lads

I guess he did!

This past summer I was able to get back home to Michigan.  I was lucky enough to have time to visit one of my favorite places— Northern Michigan and specifically Elk Rapids.  These visits "up north" usually allow me the opportunity to visit the wineries of Leelenau and Old Mission Peninsulas, some of my favorites in the State.  In July, I visited some of my faves: Black Star Farms, 2Lads Winery, Brys Estate, Mawby, Circa and Bel Lago. Here are some of my thoughts in a series of posts about my visits.  If you have never been to these wonderful wineries and have the opportunity, please visit their tasting rooms.  If you are not able to make the trip, I would recommend ordering from them for shipment if possible, or try to find their wines in your local wine shops.

My first "wine crush" was 2 Lads.  I will admit it.  

A number of years ago, on my first serious visit to Old Mission Peninsula to taste wine, I was anamoured by 2 Lads Winery.  I did some research before the trip and found that many in the Michigan "wine world" were talking about the most recent release of the Cabernet Franc from these young lads on Old Mission. 

I read about their new modern tasting facility, perched atop a hill facing the East Bay, and how it was one of the best views around.  I made my trek, on my own, passing a number of other wonderful wineries, to get to 2 Lads.  As I followed Smokey Hollow Road and turned left onto the property, I looked up the hill to see a modern steel and glass tasting room.  I was in awe.  I remember the wonderful view from the parking lot — yes, the parking lot! And, of course, from the tasting room. But, what I remember most vividly, is that first taste of the Cab Franc. Like your first love, your first kiss or your first . . .well, your first, it is something one does not forget easily.

This past summer, I had the chance to make the trek back to 2 Lads.  Now, much more experienced in the world of wine and, yet, just as excited to make that left turn and drive up the hill to their beautiful tasting room. First loves never leave you.

We were set to meet a new friend of mine, Caryn Chachulski, wine educator extraordinaire and all around sarcasm afficianado at 2 Lads.  I was excited to meet Caryn in person — another first (previously, I knew her only via FB and Twitter).  I was not disappointed.  

Caryn was a wonderful host, taking us through the entire 2 Lads lineup and even surprising my wife with the 2 Lads Reserve Charddy that wowed my "I hate oak in Charddy" spouse.  My only regret was I did not get the chance for a tour. Caryn had a meeting.  But, on the bright side, I have a reason to return for a visit in the near future 

The Winery

2 Lads is located on the Old Mission Peninsula.  It has 58 total acres of land with about 22 currently dedicated to wine production with three blocks planted in 1999, 2001 and 2008. The business runs out of a 10,500 square foot facility, featuring its unique tasting room.  The two level facility uses gravity-flow and gentle-handling techniques in the production of their wines. Eco-friendly — saving energy while making wonderful vino.

2 Lads specializes in cool climate red wines (Cab Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir), sparking wines (Sparkling Pinot Grigio and a Reserve blend of Pinot Grigio and Charddy) and white wines (Riesling, Charddy and Pinot Grigio).  

Their tasting room, as I mentioned, is very modern in style.  Their bottling and labeling is also some of the most modern and unique in the State.  The view over the Bay is unsurpassed and sentimental for me as my parents lived directly across that Bay for years.

2 Lads is, currently, a small producer and their distribution is a bit limited, but if you look hard, you can find it in your area— or, better yet, pay them a visit or order and have wine shipped.  It is worth the search.  Savor each sip.

The Lads

The Lads are winemaker Cornel Olivier and Chris Baldyga.

Chris grew up in Traverse City working at various local wineries and, once old enough, inside the wineries' tasting rooms. He developed a true love for making Michigan wine and learned the business side as well.  When offered the chance to own his own "piece of the pie," he jumped at it, with his fellow 'Lad' Cornel.

Cornel was born and raised in Stellenbosch, South Africa.  On the family farm, he learned how to grow and cultivate grapes under the guidance of his Grandfather.  He used that experience and a Viticulture and Wine Science Degree to become a successful winemaker in South Africa.  In 1999, Cornel traveled half way around the world to begin making cool climate wines for a number of local wineries on Old Mission.  In 2007, after earning award after award for Cabernet Francs and Pinot Noirs that he had a hand in producing, he and Chris opened 2 Lads Winery.

Some of our Faves

I was a fan of the Lads' Cabernet Franc when I first tasted it and I remain a fan today. Both the 2007 Reserve and the 2010 Cab Franc are fantastic.  The Reserve has a bit more body and tannin structure, while the 2010 is a bit more fruit forward.  

The Pinot Noirs, both the 2011 Pinot and the 2010 Reserve are fruit forward New World Pinots.  The Reserve is bolder with a flavor profile of cherries, vanilla and cocoa.  We truly enjoyed both in the tasting room.

The 2011 Sparkling Pinot Grigio is another first for me — the first Pinot Grigio 'sparkler'. It is a wonderful bubbly full of effervescence and paired wonderfully with the food served to us in the tasting room.  An unexpected surprise and delight.

2 Lads makes wonderful Rieslings.  In fact, in 2011, they made two of them — one from the 2L Vineyard and one from the Fouch Vineyard, which is the small five acre lot of neighbors of 2 Lads. Grown close together and, yet, each is uniquely its own wine.  Our fave was the Fouch. The mango, pineapple and peach notes were outstanding.

The 2011 Pinot Grigio is also wonderful.  Peach and apple notes suggest a wonderful summer wine paired with salad, fish or simply on its own over-looking the Bay.

Lastly, the Charddy.  Well, not just the Charddy but the Reserve.  This was the 'shocker' of the day for us.  My wife Jen, who was with me, despises oaked Chardonnay.  If there is oak, she will sense it before it ever passes her lips. Caryn brought out the Reserve and assured Jen that this was worth the effort, despite the oak — and she was right.  Skeptical to say the least, Jen was polite and gave it a try.  And, then, the taste became a glass.  

Caryn explained that Cornel made this Chardonnay by taking some (about half) stainless steel fermented Charddy and allowing it to finish the fermentation in French Oak.  He then blended the two back together.  The very slight hint of vanilla and caramel with the wonderful fruit notes of mango and pineapple work wonderfully— and yes, the glass became a bottle or was it two?  And, it was Jen who insisted we take some home with us 

Go Find 2 Lads Wine

Whatever it is, their quality wine, their labeling, their wonderful property or their great people (yes, you too Caryn!), I am a big fan of the "Lads".  If you have not had one of their wines, go seek one out.  Better yet, add this to your summer wine tour in Michigan.