A Denver Post Review of Palisade Wines

Writer Kathleen Norman recently penned a special to the Denver Post, reviewing several local wines. Under the headline, "Palisade vineyards uncork discovery," Norman wrote:

"After years of a predictable approach to wine — latching onto a favorite and sticking with it — I finally widened my horizons by touring Palisade's vineyards.

"Winemaking, I learned, is not new to Colorado. One hundred years ago, vineyards fueled a thriving industry in the Grand Valley.

"Prohibition put a cork in that until the Four Corners Project assessed the Grand Valley's grape-friendly microclimates, spurring a revival in the 1980s. Today, the "Grand Valley has more than 60 licensed wineries. I visited four of them.

"The first stop was DeBeque Canyon Winery (3943 U.S. 6, Palisade; 970-464-0550, debequecanyonwinery.com). I found the unoaked 2006 chardonnay ($12) a bit too sharp, but enjoyed the hearty zing of the 2003 Red Fox Merlot ($11).

"Next, I went to Carlson Vineyards (461 35 Road, Palisade; 970-464-5554), which won the 2003 World Riesling Cup at the 28th International Eastern Wine Competition. In the vineyard's rustic tasting room, I joined some middle-aged newlyweds from Nebraska and a Colorado Springs couple touring East Orchard Mesa by bicycle. We tasted Carlson's 2007 Laughing Cat gewürztraminer ($14.99), which made the newlyweds swoon, though the cyclists and I found it too sweet. I did like the 2005 Cougar Run merlot ($12.49), a frisky red redolent of mulberry.

You can read the rest of the article here.