Cedar Creek Winery (WI) Review
Address: N70 W6340 Bridge Rd. Cedarburg,Wisconsin 53012.
Phone Number: 262-377-8020
Tasting Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-5:00, Sun 11:00-5:00
Region: Wisconsin Ledge AVA, Wisconsin
Reviewer: Larschelby Kidd
Review Date: 6/17/2014
Reviewer: Larschelby Kidd
Rating: 3
The Review
Although Cedar Creek Winery is owned by one of the oldest wineries in Wisconsin, Wollersheim Winery, it has a history of its own. Before Wollersheim purchased the winey in 1990, it produced wines from locally grown and sourced cherries. With the purchase, the winery was taken to a new level and wine offerings were expanded.
Today the history continues in what was once a Mill factory. You can feel a sense of the past as you gaze upon the exterior of the winery. The winery is nestled in a historic town and surrounded by similar buildings that now contain modern shops and restaurants.
I’ve always enjoyed the hospitality I receive during every visit to this winery. My favorite tasting room guide has been with the winery for over 30 years, and her excitement hasn’t fallen in my 16 years of periodic visits.
With a nice selection of styles and types, I knew I was in for a varied experience. Cedar Creek, similar to Wollersheim, produces wines from both local and out-of-state grapes. The out-of-state grapes come from long-standing relationships with growers in New York and Washington state. The wines are made by the same winemaker who produces the wines at the sister winery Wollersheim, but there is a difference in the wines at each location. I’ll begin with the out-sourced fruit. The reds did not impress. I feel that maybe the newness of the barrels impart too much of an astringent cedar taste and mouthfeel, hiding the taste of the fruit. For the whites, the Pinot Grigio was ripe, with a fruit-forward style and lime and apple notes. Very refreshing. The Riesling and Gewurztraminer, in my opinion, were true to the style. Both were nicely balanced and clean and neither rely excessively on sweetness to make a profound palate impression.
La Belle Vie “The Beautiful Life” is made from Vidal Blanc grown in New York. This wine, and the style in which it is made, is similar to an off-dry Pinot Grigio. Very pleasing to the palate, supple and round with a fruit forward style.
The Cranberry Blush wine, made from New York Seyval grapes, was amazing. The wine is taken a step further by adding pure, fresh Cranberry juice (unfermented) to the fermented Seyval to give it a fresh, light cranberry taste. The same process is done with the Strawberry Blush but with fresh strawberry juice. I really enjoyed the freshness and balance that these wines offered. Both wines are semi-sweet.
I also tried a couple Cedar Creek wines made from locally grown fruits and grapes. The Rose is a Port Style wine. Made with a blend of Marechal Foch and Edelweiss grapes, it is sure to please and amaze even the true Port wine drinker. It is fortified with grape brandy and is 18.5% alcohol. What is truly amazing is the ripeness of fruit character that is presents on the nose and palate. It would be very satisfying and warm on those cold Wisconsin nights or even days. (Smile) Enjoy it after dinner with dessert or skip dessert or enjoy it by itself by the fire in the parlor.
Bon Vivant “Lover of Life” is made from 100% Marechal Foch in a bone dry style. I enjoyed the wine’s light and easy style and youthful character. However, this is a wine made for food such as dishes with a light flavor or a simple cheese and meat plate. Cedar Creek Winery ships to the following states: WI, IA, IL, MN, CO, DC, MO, CA, FL and wines can be ordered online.