The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association introduces the first ever Premium Pour, to take place Saturday June 7, 2008. This unique event features a special tasting of 1-2 rare, library and estate wines from each of the nine Leelanau Peninsula wineries listed below. A high touch, more intimate tasting designed for the wine taster looking to learn more about the superior, award winning wines that are the hallmark of wines produced in the Leelanau Appellation.

Longview Winery Winemaker Alan Eaker will be featuring a comparison of 2005 and 2007 Pinot Gris and Rustic Red to specifically highlight what time in the bottle will do. The Pinot Gris is a wonderfully aromatic wine with a rich, full-bodied character that creates an intense taste. The Rustic Red features a rich fruit flavor with deep Bordeaux character.

Larry Mawby of L. Mawby Winery entices tasters with a study in contrast created by age and bottle size with a pouring of Talismøn in two formats. He will feature cuvee 91 Talismon in magnum size, and cuvee 94 Talismon in 750's. The 91 was disgorged in 2006 and the cuvee 94 was disgorged in 2007. "It should make for a very interesting contrast", Larry says. L. Mawby sparkling wines are made using the methode champenoise, and are aged in the bottle before disgorging, with many cuvees being given 3 or more years of tirage aging.

Bob Sutherland of Cherry Republic Winery is offering a light hearted approach to the day and will be introducing and pouring his new Hard Cherry Cider paired with some wonderful food. The Winery, is about to embark on its 6th summer, is a completely different tasting experience with many new changes to unveil.

Shady Lane Cellars will be featuring their award winning 2004 Semi-Dry Riesling. Loaded with bright and clean flavors of apples, peaches and limes with a hint of honey and wildflowers, this wine received best of Class 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. And enjoy 2002 Pinot Noir their flagship red wine, modeled on the great red wines of the Cotes de Beaune of Burgundy. This wine has all the wonderfully exotic and ethereal qualities that cool climate Pinot Noir is known for.

Chateau Fontaine will feature a full flight of their Chardonnays to allow tasters the unique opportunity to fully identify the ability of the wine to age well in the region. Pours will include Chardonnays from 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Bel lago's award winning premium Cabernet Franc blend, 2005 Tempesta, will be offered. Barrel Aged 18 months in American and French Oak, this is a big, complex red wine, rich and flavorful with a great lingering finish. Made from a selective harvest of Cabernet Franc and carefully blended with other select red varieties. An excellent vintage. Also enjoy Gold Medal Winner 2006 Late Harvest Pinot Grigio. This sweet White Dessert Style Wine is 100% Pinot Grigio, with exquisite poached pear, guava, apricot and nectarine with dried pineapple and honey notes.. Winemaker Charlie Edson calls this wine – "rich and elegant...The essence of Pinot Grigio".

Chateau de Leelanau offers their 2005 Cabernet Franc Merlot. Rich dark ruby in color with a hint of garnet. With predominant flavors of black raspberry and Damsen plum, this well balanced wine has medium tannins and a touch of cedar showing through.

Black Star Farms welcomes you to taste the 1998 Pinot Noir and the not yet released 2006 Pinot Noir. Compare and contrast the quality, agreeability and house syles over the past 8 years. Medium bodied this wine has bright berry fruits (raspberry and cherry) and warm, toasty, French oak that entice the nose and palate. Layers of earthy, peppery aroma ssurround a core of ripefruit, spice and dark scented flowers.

"We are in pursuit of perfect Pinot Noir," says winemaker Lee Lutes. "Although a difficult one, we have made great strides in quality both in vineyard and winery and believe we can now stand with many of the European wines".

Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery will pour two remarkable award wining wines. The 2007 Riesling which was awarded a double gold medal and best overall white wine at the prestigious Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. Loaded with bright clean flavors of peach, apple, pear and a touch of honey this is a well balanced wine with a clean finish. And the 2007 Late Harvest Vignoles - awarded a double gold medal at the Riverside International Wine Competition. This wine is very rich and lush with flavors. Aromas of apricot, mango, pineapple, caramel and vanilla. Forty-Five North Late Harvest Vignoles comes across with tremendous balance and delicacy.

Visit lpwines.com for more information and to purchase tickets!