Nestled back in the hills southeast of Barneveld is Botham. Built in a renovated barn with plenty of nostalgic decorations inside the tasting room. Sampling is three for free or $5 for the whole list.
Here are the wines and their descriptions on the tasting sheet. After each wine I will put our opinions.
Latitude 43
Crisp and refreshing, Latitude 43 is a dry, cold-climate-grown Chardonnay. Lightly Oakes to enhance its structure, it exhibits a wonderfully floral fruit character that plays well with food and makes an elegant sipping wine. Enjoy with soft cheeses, grilled fish and Alfredo pasta.
1-5 bottles $12
6-11 bottles $11.75
12+ bottles $11.50
Joel's ranking: +
Dana's ranking: neutral, but she did note that it was buttery.
Uplands Reserve (2012)
Estate-grown and mellow, this dry red exhibits earthy overtones and significant fruit character. Lightly oak aged, it drinks well young, ages nicely and presents equal portions of grace and seduction. Pair with red meat, pasta, mushroom-inspired dishes and flavorful cheese. Think of it as a long, warm hug from an old friend; comfortable and familiar.
1-5 bottles $12
6-11 bottles $11.75
12+ bottles $11.50
Joel's ranking: + (despite not being a fan of reds)
Dana's ranking: neutral, but noted that it was light and fruity
Field 3 (2012)
Produced from the Leon Millot grapes exclusive to Field 3 in our vineyard, this supple dry red exhibits the true beauty of cold-climate growing. Lusty, busty, ripe and succulent, the 2012 vintage of Field 3 just oozes with sensual fruit character; deep raspberry, blackberry and cherry overtones that mellow to a thick raisin-y finish. Enjoy with grilled steak, rich stews, beef stroganoff, roast pork and hard cheese.
$18 per bottle in any quantity
Joel's ranking: +
Dana's ranking: :-)
Field 3 (2011)
Same field, older vintage, and another incredibly supple wine. Fruit-filled on the nose and palate, this wine has a lovely, soft finish that is round and mature. It is lightly oaked for structure and aroma but not so much as to ruin its graceful character. Enjoy with grilled steak and tender lamb, pork tenderloin and pungent cheese.
$18 per bottle in any quantity
Joel's ranking: +
Dana's ranking: :-) smooth
Vin 10
Fresh melon, lemon and grapefruit essences fill this nearly-dry, Geishenheim varietal with unexpected freshness. One moment casual, the next bold, elegant and enticing, it dances with lobster just as easily as it bares it's toes in the sand for white fish, curry and spicy rice. Cheese, yes. Fruit, yes. Chocolate, yes, yes, yes. Unforgettable.
1-5 bottles $10.50
6-11 bottles $10.25
12+ bottles $10
Joel's ranking: ++
Dana's ranking: :-) Yes
Cupola
A mouthful of freshness that never overpowers, Cupola is a sipping and aperitif wine that works well with Sunday afternoons on the back porch as with black tie and elegant hors d' oeuvres. Serve before dinner with baked Brie and fresh bread or after with pecan pie a la mode. Compliments a cold pork tenderloin sandwich like no other.
1-5 bottles $9
6-11 bottles $8.75
12+ bottles $8.50
Joel's ranking: +
Dana's ranking: :-)
Riesling
An intensely sensual, mouth-filling pleasure, this wine favors traditional pairings like ham, turkey and mild cheeses, but is also open to experimentation. Think beyond the ordinary, then pair it with this luscious Riesling.
1-5 bottles $11
6-11 bottles $10.75
12+ bottles $10.50
Joel's ranking: + (could drink all day)
Dana's ranking: :-D (big smile)
Badger Blush
Refreshing, spirited and a little sassy, Badger Blush is lightly sweet and entirely adaptable, festive and congenial. Tailgate party, picnic, ski chalet, rainy Sunday afternoon. Finger foods especially cheese and fruit, chips 'n dip and barbecued chicken wings, are entirely appropriate for this one-of-a-kind blush wine.
1-5 bottles $9
6-11 bottles $8.75
12+ bottles $8.50
Joel's ranking: ++ sweet and sour
Dana's ranking: Yes
Big Stuff Red
This semi-dry red wine is robust, fruit-forward and best served chilled. Yes, chilled. It's extraordinary fruit character and complex, but beautifully balanced favors brighten when chilled, offering a lovely gift to the palate. A favorite with red-sauce pasta, burgers, brats and chicken on the grill, Big Stuff Red also dances well with grilled tenderloin/bleu cheese/walnut salad, most cheeses, almonds, fruit and pizza.
1-5 bottles $10.50
6-11 bottles $10.25
12+ bottles $10
Joel's ranking: ++
Dana's ranking: :-)
Finis
Crafted as a desert wine, Finis is sweet without marching across the palate with a syrupy sugar bomb in hand. It is instead, a carefully balanced fresh, citrus-filled companion to most any dessert. Think cheese cake, turtle sundae, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, chocolate pie, creme brûlée, lemon mousse. It also plays well with fine chocolates, pungent cheese and nuts. No dessert in sight? No problem. It is a fine stand-in and the perfect end to most any meal.
1-5 bottles $9
6-11 bottles $8.75
12+ bottles $8.50
Joel's ranking: +
Dana's ranking: :-/ (meh... Too sweet)
Beautiful outdoor seating area. I could see sitting and enjoying a few bottles.
Overall really enjoyed the wines here. There wasn't a single one that I wouldn't have bought. Not a member of any map for freebies group.
