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.
Bluestone 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
- $30
Roasted-smelling, this has leading aromas of coffee bean, char and smoky wood, with background scents of boysenberries and blackberry preserves vying for attention. It’s medium to full bodied, with well-managed tannins that lend the palate some traction. The toasted-barrel influence weaves in and out during the entire tasting experience.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Keswick Vineyards 2010 Merlot (Monticello)
- $28
Aromas of sweat, plum, mocha and melted butter seem dialed back, but they offer plenty of intrigue. The midpalate feels open and accessible, while the finish tenses up a bit with lingering tannins.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Pearmund 2009 Pan d’Or Vineyard Cabernet Franc
- $23
A charred sugar note sits on top of the fruit tones of herb-influenced cherry and wild strawberry, with a dusting of white pepper adding interest. This has a more feminine physique, with flavors of Dr. Pepper and flower. The herb streak that’s apparent on the nose continues onto the palate, cutting through the fine layers of tannins and acids.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Pearmund 2010 Crown Orchard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- $25
Decidedly savory on the nose, this is stippled with hints of pepper, smoke and leather, all accenting the core of boysenberry and blackberry. The firm tannins and balanced acids create a shell for the dark fruit flavors, and the structure stays strong throughout the finish. Let this one breathe in the glass; with air, the palate fills out.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Shenandoah VA 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Shenandoah Valley)
- $19
At the start, this smells like dark fruit and toast drizzled with molten beeswax. The flavors mirror the aromas, with a hefty hint of clove that stipples the textured finish.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
North Gate 2010 Cabernet Franc
- $20
A scent of stewed legumes weaves through the aromas of tobacco, cassis, leather and caramelized sugar. It’s medium bodied, with palate-clenching tannins, but the wild strawberry note on the finish outlasts the tannic structure.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
CrossKeys 2010 Cabernet Franc
- $23
Deep and dark smelling, the nose is composed of cola, charred meat, blackberry and chocolate notes. The mouthfeel is pliant and supple, with integrated tannins and malleable acids. A smoky mocha note lingers on the finish.
— A.H.
(12/31/2012)
Trump 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Monticello)
- $16
This bottling resembles the New Zealand paradigm of Sauvignon Blanc, bearing aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit and kiwi; a sprinkling of graham cracker adds interest. The wine hits the palate like a fleshy fist, with an intense, grassy gooseberry flavor that provides plenty of punch. Pair with apricot-glazed roasted chicken.
— A.H.
(3/1/2013)
Most Reviewed Varietals
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard
The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity