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.
Barrel Oak 2008 Merlot
- $26
Medium-bodied and supple in texture, this dark and brambly Virginian Merlot offers plenty of black fruit and warm, savory spices. Aged in a combination of American and Hungarian oak, there’s a slightly reedy, wooden note and high-toned acidity on the finish.
— A.I.
(12/15/2010)
Lovingston 2007 Estate Reserve Josie's Knoll Red (Monticello)
- Online Exclusive
- $19
This Merlot-Cab Franc blend is a lovely mélange of sweet sour cherries and vanilla spice combined with scents of darkly toasted oak and barnyard. On the palate as well, soft, rich, red fruit melds into earthy barnyard and black pepper spice notes, backed by gripping grape tannins. There’s a hint of sweet tomato in the mid palate, but otherwise, a strong contender…
— A.I.
(2/1/2011)
Annefield Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay
- $22
Pineapples and mangoes are tempered by notes of darkly toasted oak and roasted nuts on the nose of this Virginia Chard. Dry and full bodied in style, it boasts some nicely concentrated tropical fruit along with fresh, lemony acidity and some creamy, yogurt flavors. Lush on the tongue but ends on a woody, astringent note.
— A.I.
(7/1/2011)
Potomac Point 2009 Richland Reserve Chardonnay
- $22
Sweet and fresh on the nose with a bouquet of apple blossoms and fresh tropical fruit, the Richland Reserve is a dry, full-bodied wine with a good dose of concentrated pineapple flavor. Vibrant acidity and a woody astringency help to keep the alcohol in balance.
— A.I.
(7/1/2011)
Veramar 2008 Estate Bottled Norton (Shenandoah Valley)
- $39
Funky and intriguing on the nose, this proffers scents of narcissus and farmyard, with touches of char and dark fruit. Medium bodied, this has an open texture, with integrated acids and malleable tannins. Flavors of tart blackberry candy, leather and Dr. Pepper surface on the palate.
— A.H.
(11/1/2012)
Veramar 2010 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Shenandoah Valley)
- $21
While the nose on this Chardonnay is decidedly savory, with notes of cooked apples and buttery cheese rinds, the palate is surprisingly feminine, with pretty orange-blossom and apple jelly notes. Opulent and fruity, yet refreshingly-balanced in alcohol and acidity.
— A.I.
(7/1/2012)
Barrel Oak 2009 Reserve Chardonnay
- $28
Scents of roasted nuts and apples gain levity on the palate with flavors of lemons and delicate white flowers. Richly textured, this has a slightly-viscous but refreshingly-fruity profile.
— A.I.
(7/1/2012)
Barrel Oak 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
- $27
Rich and full bodied, this abounds with pretty flower, sweet peach and pear aromas mingled with a toasted oak. It’s decidedly oaky on the palate, with an abundance of smoke, vanilla and coconut notes. Generous in body, this has nicely extracted apple and lemon flavors. Drink now.
— A.I.
(7/1/2012)
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