Sugar Creek is a Sweet Experience

Ken and Becky Miller are kind and thoughtful people.  Becky's son Chris Lorch is their vintner.  A person need only to get Chris into a discussion of his vines and wines to get a taste of his passion for wine-making.  His dedication translates to quality in Sugar Creek wines. 


Sugar Creek, located on Hwy 94 in Defiance, MO, has a red blend named after their grandfather. In 1912 Michael Belmoynte from Italy inspired the tradition of wine-making. Michael's Signature Red is a medium bodied dry red that has fruit forward berry tones to a touch of smoke and a slight spiciness, ending with a flavorful finish.

If you head out toward Augusta, make time for a visit to Sugar Creek.  Offering both good wines and a nice view, you will not be able to resist lingering on the patio with a bottle of Cynthiana and enjoying the live music and the Miller's hospitality.

Recently I went to a wonderful wedding in Carrollton, Illinois. At the reception, I was able to try a red wine blend called Dawg House Red from Alto Pass Winery. It was listed as a semi-dry and exhibited nice plum flavors with a touch of tobacco.  The finish was smooth and dry.

When I contacted the winery, I received a quick, friendly email reply.  I learned they had been producing Dawg House Red for a little over 3 years. The vintage I tried was a "blend of Chambourcin and Croix Noir grapes from Southern Illinois." However, they are currently working on a new vintage that will include several varieties of grapes including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a nice red wine from Southern Illinois.

It'a that Augusta Norton again!

On March 8th I made an entry about the berry rich Augusta 2007 Norton, vowing to open the other bottle in the future.  This week I had reason to uncork the second bottle. It did not disappoint! Those rich berry tones came through and the Norton exhibited a richness that was reminiscent of creaminess.

Interestingly, I asked a wine expert about grabbing the 2007 rather than the 2008. He said I should have gone with the 2008.  Apparently 2008 was a better year for the August Norton.  However, I have to say the 2007 got better with each hour it was open and finished impressively on the third day. 

This just underscores my sentiment that this winery has consistently good wines.  I know I can rely on Augusta Winery to produce quality wines every year, even when conditions are less than optimal. I have a 2008 on my wine rack, as well as an amazing 2006.  Can't wait for a good occasion to open these!

Balducci Table Wine

Balducci Winery sits gently near the crest of a grassy slope overlooking the sleepy hills of Augusta. Of the wines Balducci produces is a nice white table wine called Sonata. It is a semi-dry white with flavors of pears and apples, and a touch of citrus. Sonata is a blend of white varietals: "Vidal, Seyval, Rayon, and Chardonel. Aged in stainless steel, it has a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness." For wine enthusiasts that prefer dry wines, it has minimal sweetness, nice flavors, and a smooth finish.