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Virginia Wines

While Virginia may not be the center of US wine production, the state is certainly no stranger to the vine. In fact, it was been documented that wine has been produced in Virginia since as early as the 17th century. Currently, Virginia is home to six American Viticultural Areas: AVA North Fork of Roanoke AVA , Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Rocky Knob AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA and the Eastern Shore AVA. Chardonnay is the state’s most planted grape variety, creating rich and full-bodied wines, a testament of the state’s hot climate. However, with Virginia’s high humidity during the growing season, mold and mildew can be problematic, thus thicker-skinned varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are often more dependable. To learn more about Virginia’s wine culture and history, be sure and check out our Virginia Wine Guide.

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Lovingston 2008 Josie's Knoll Estate Reserve Red (Monticello)

Price $19

Lush, ripe blueberries and plums meld into hints of dark chocolate and lavender on Lovingston Estate’s lovely Josie’s Knoll Estate Reserve. It seems a bit soft on entry, yet bright acidity and smooth, furry tannins give the black fruit palate substance and style. — A.I. (12/1/2011)

Linden 2003 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc (Virginia)

Price $23

Starts with restrained aromas of fresh pear, clove and honey, then develops candied pineapple and citrus flavors along with a hint of corn on the cob. Focused, not overly sticky or concentrated, finshing clean and fresh. — J.C. (9/1/2005)

Kluge Estate 2008 Brut Blanc de Blanc Sparkling (Monticello)

Price $28

Deliciously biscuity on the nose with hints of candied orange peel, this structured blanc de blanc balances a soft biscotti sweetness with delightfully high acidity and a creamy, gentle froth. Brisk, lemony finish. — A.I. (2/1/2012)

Linden 2000 Vidal Blanc (Virginia)

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Price $22

A lush, sweet blend of honey, apricot, citrus, kumquat, spice and vanilla notes. Viscous and rich on the palate, the wine makes a very satisfying dessert or dessert accompaniment. -J.M. — J.M. (1/1/2003)

The Williamsburg Winery 2006 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc (Virginia)

Price $24

An appealing nose of honey, apricot and spice is followed by an unctuous wave of honey, vanilla and orange peel flavors here. Sweet but intriguing, with balanced complexity. — S.K. (4/1/2009)

Annefield Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc (Virginia)

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Price $29

This Virginia Cab Franc starts soft and ripe with loads of juicy black currant and berry flavors flecked with sweet, warm baking spices and cedar notes. A zesty kick of acidity on the midpalate and a flash of fresh, green herbs on the finish add elegance and balance. — A.I. (12/31/2011)

Barrel Oak 2009 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Virginia)

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Price $32

Violets, smoke and fall foliage perfume this deeply concentrated Virginia Cab Franc. It’s full bodied with sultry, black cherry flavors and there’s a noticeable build in complexity on the midpalate amidst layers of crushed black pepper, charred wood and dark floral notes that linger to the finish. — A.I. (12/31/2011)

The Williamsburg Winery 2005 Gabriel Archer Reserve Red (Virginia)

Price $32

Poised and poetic, this wine starts with a lovely floral nose of violet and unfolds in the mouth with smooth but structured elegance. Overall spiced wood and pepper flavors are meaty but soft. — S.K. (4/1/2008)

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Albemarle County Monticello Northern Neck Shenandoah Valley

2009 Native 9 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards

A lovely Pinot, dry, crisp and silky, with ripe raspberry, strawberry…

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