Apr 21 2008
Jasper Winery “Lucy Lane”
On a recent trip to Northwest Iowa I stopped in a truckstop/convenience store that had a selection of Iowa wines. Not being one to pass up a chance to try a new wine I selected a couple different bottles. The first one I tried was “Lucy Lane” from Jasper Wineries. Their website describes this wine as:
Named after our dog Lucy, this red wine is delectably sweet and rich in flavor. A blend of several grapes, although classic Concord aromas and flavor are easily discerned. A delicious accompaniment to any light meal or dessert, or very drinkable on its own. The favorite for those who enjoy sweeter wines. Try with cheesecake.
Sweet is certainly a good description. The initial aroma of this wine reminds me of the communion wine that I remember from our german heritage Luthern church in my hometown. When I took my first taste of Lucy Lane there were definitley familiar flavors of that concord wine as well. There is something more going on here though, a distinct apple flavor and just tiniest hint of a tannic “sizzle” on the tongue for a finish.
Those of you who typically drink Cabernet and Merlot certainly won’t think this wine is tannic. I’m certainly not suggesting that it is. However, if you are in a household like mine where I drink wine and my wife just doesn’t like wine this may be worth a try. A “sweet” wine with some redeeming value. 
My wife thought this wine was drinkable. The only other drink she has been willing to regularly consume out of a wine bottle is a French Sparkling Rose.
As someone who really enjoys a decadent cabernet I found that I could drink this wine as well. Yes it is quite a departure from the normal selection but variety is the spice of life! I can imagine that Japser Winery’s suggestion of pairing this with cheesecake would work put quite well.
Our choice of food pairing was cheeseburgers fresh off the grill and baked beans. It was a perfect t-shirt weather for grilled burgers on the deck. This juicy, sweet wine really hit the spot.
I’m going to rate this one as a “Buy It” wine. I’m certainly going to pick up a couple more bottles at $10.99 on my next trip past that convenience store. Maybe Mike and I will have to make a roadtrip to Newton to check out the winery in person as well.
Cheers!
