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.
Barboursville Vineyards 2007 Reserve Nebbiolo
- $50
Intriguing aromas of lingonberry, dried herb, strawberry-fruit leather and sarsaparilla are layered and dark. On the palate, the wine feels refined, with a malleable core that’s framed by dry, textured tannins.
— A.H.
(3/1/2013)
Tarara 2011 Petit Manseng
- Online Exclusive
- $23
Mild scents of honey-glazed apple, kiwi, flower and apricot preserves come with a citrusy edge. The palate feels rich and voluptuous, with supporting acids, but the strength of flavors is on the shy side, making the ratio of body to flavor intensity slightly off-kilter.
— A.H.
(3/1/2013)
Granite Heights 2009 Lomax Reserve Red
- $22
This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot was aged for 15 months in American and French oak. It shows a nice balance of earth, fruit and oak flavors in the form of turmeric, red flower, tobacco and blackberry notes. It feels lithe and medium bodied, and the acids gain momentum on the cherry-skin- and graphite-flavored finish.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
Hume 2011 Cabernet Franc
- $23
A pliant, lively wine to pair with roasted chicken or grilled salmon, this bears a forward note of red cherry, plus touches of cassis, char, herb and vanilla that add dimension. It’s light to medium bodied, with fine, dusty tannins and fresh acids.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
Attimo 2011 Aviator Reserve Cabernet Franc
- $24
Notes of chocolate-covered espresso bean and toffee swirl with aromas of red cherry, red currant and Indian spice. The palate is medium bodied, concentrated and fruity, and the light tannins make this an easy-drinking selection.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
North Gate 2010 Meritage
- $20
Scents of leather and turbinado sugar surface on the nose first, which are offset by accents of blackberry, forest floor and pepper. The medium-to-full palate feels supple and expansive, until the finish where the tannic muscle kicks in. Overall, the flavors are intense and juicy but come with an edge of prune.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
Rappahannock Cellars 2009 Meritage
- $30
This offers an aromatic core of blackberry, cherry and plum notes that are offset by tobacco, leather and brown-spice accents. A touch of prune surfaces on the lush, round palate, and the acids stand out on the cherry-skin-flavored finish.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
Jefferson Vineyards NV Cabernet Franc (Monticello)
- $22
Notes of strawberry and red cherry surface on the nose, followed by touches of beeswax, dill and exotic spice. This is a medium-bodied wine with enough tannins to lend structural support. The finish bears delicate cinnamon and herbal-tea flavors that linger with some astringency.
— A.H.
(5/1/2013)
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