PROPRIETOR'S RED

Crafted as a flagship red blend, Proprietor’s Red is where robust character meets regional integrity. This wine was designed to satisfy the palate of those who seek the depth and richness of a California-style red, yet desire the balance, acidity, and finesse that only a cool-climate region like Old Mission Peninsula can offer.

This multi-vintage, winemaker-curated blend features estate-grown European Vinifera grapes—typically Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay Noir—with occasional touches of Pinot Noir depending on vintage variation. The final composition may vary, but the goal is unwavering: to build a bold, fruit-forward wine with structure, spice, and smooth approachability.

Aged primarily in American oak, the wine reveals a deep garnet hue and opens with aromas of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, and cedar, accented by subtle vanilla and toasted spice. The palate is generous and textured, offering notes of ripe red fruit, mocha, baking spice, and black tea, supported by integrated tannins and a dry, lingering finish.

This is our answer to the quiet question asked by many red wine drinkers who visit Northern Michigan: Can you make a red that drinks like California but still speaks of place? The answer—bottled here—is yes.

Winemaker’s Note:
One of the most frequent questions we receive about Proprietor’s Red is, “Why is it non-vintage?” The answer lies in both artistry and philosophy. Rather than being bound by the limitations of a single harvest, our winemaker intentionally blends across multiple vintages and varietals to craft a red that embodies consistency, depth, and balance—regardless of the year’s variability. This approach allows us to highlight the strengths of each vintage: one year may bring riper Merlot, another year more structured Cabernet Franc, and yet another vibrant Gamay.

By building the wine component by component, we’re able to maintain a core flavor profile that customers come to rely on, while still allowing room for evolution and nuance. Much like a Champagne house or Port producer, we embrace the non-vintage model as a tool of precision—not compromise. Each bottling of Proprietor’s Red represents a thoughtful composition, not just of grapes, but of seasons, textures, and time itself.

Terroir Insight:
While California delivers density through heat, we build flavor through hang time. On Old Mission Peninsula, our reds develop slowly under extended daylight and cool lake-moderated nights, allowing sugars, acids, and phenolics to mature in harmony. The result is a structured, vibrant wine with Old World balance and New World accessibility.

Cellaring Note:

• Ready to enjoy now but capable of aging gracefully over the next 4–7 years.
• Time in bottle will mellow the tannins and reveal additional layers of dried herbs, leather, and spice.

Food Pairing Ideas: 

• Omnivore
  • Beef bourguignon with root vegetables; Lamb kofta with roasted garlic yogurt
• Vegitarian
  • Eggplant moussaka with cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce; Caramelized onion and blue cheese galette
• Vegan
  • Grilled vegetable paella with smoked paprika; Tempeh skewers with balsamic glaze and roasted potatoe