Last week I visited Jowler Creek Winery, near Platte City, Missouri (about a 40 minute drive from me)
I've been a fan of Jowler Creek for years. Like many Midwestern wineries, the majority of their wines range from semi-dry to fully sweet (with some very good dry reds as well). However, unlike almost all wineries with that kind of range, Jowler Creek's wines are very conscientiously made, with good acidity and substance to balance the sweetness. Frankly, a few of their wines are made in styles I shouldn't even like, and yet find delicious. There is a very clear commitment to quality winemaking - if I may be blunt, no winemaking "sins" are being hidden with sugar here.
They grow Norton and Vignoles on the premises, other grapes are sourced from around Missouri; they also bring in some Concord from Minnesota.
The winery is owned/operated by a couple, Jason and Colleen Gerke, who live on the estate. I had a nice chat with Jason while there, who was kind enough to jump in and pour wines for me when the tasting room staff got busy.
The real star of the show for me was their "Nort," a port-style wine made from Norton grapes. That is a fortified wine of world class quality.
Jowler Creek Winery, Chambourcin, Missouri 2014
Tart blackberry and plum, with a touch of oak. Medium bodied with a savory texture, and generous acid. 2.5 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Estate Norton, Platte County 2015
Dried blackberry, tart currant, chocolate, and a generous touch of spicy oak. Full bodied, with a nice, succulent texture. 3 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Traminette, Missouri 2016
Ripe pear and peach, orangey acidity, nice spice, and a touch of mineral. Medium-full bodied, semi-dry and supported by good acid. 2.5 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Vignoles, Missouri 2016
Exuberant apricot, pineapple, and tropical fruits (kiwi, guava, a hint of passion fruit). Very sweet, but supported by sweet-tart, slightly steely acidity. Medium-full bodied with very nice sweet but fleshy texture. 2.5 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Butterfly Blush, Missouri NV
Made from Catawba. Delightful strawberry and peach, and almost bubblegum-like notes (in a nice way). Quite sweet, but with good acid. Fun! 2 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Cock-a-Doodle-Do Red, American NV
Chambourcin and Concord. Blackberry, strawberry, and smokey spice. Sweet but support by good acid and structure. Medium-full bodied with a savory/succulent structure. Surprisingly nice. 2.5 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Muskrato de Missouri, Missouri NV
Made from Vignoles. Stone fruit and tropicals, a touch of honey, good mineral, a hint of spritz. Medium body, very sweet but not at all flabby. 2 Stars. [12/20/17]
Jowler Creek Winery, Nort, Missouri 2013
Loads of blackberry, with sweet raspberry, some heady cassis, loads of wonderful spice and mineral, and nicely integrated oak. Very full bodied, with a wonderful, dense texture. Compares very favorably with true Portuguese ports. Impressive, and the value is off the charts! 5 to 10 more years. 3.5 Stars [12/20/17]