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We’re again for our third spherical with the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup Gold Medalists — a choice of the most effective wines from the state’s annual wine competitors. As has been the norm for the previous two years, it’s a well-mixed assortment of whites, reds, and dessert bottlings. Let’s dig in.
2014 Trump Glowing Brut Reserve Monticello – Sure, these Trumps. We’re not reviewing politics right here, although. This 100% chardonnay sparkler does bear a passing resemblance to the French stuff, yeasty and heavy with perfumed fruits — lemon, grapefruit, quince. Shiny inexperienced apple lingers on the end, although it stays fairly doughy. This might most likely enhance over one other decade or extra in cellar. B+ / $80
2019 Bluestone Petit Manseng Virginia – Brightly tropical and aromatic with notes of peaches and lemony citrus, the wine pours on acidity in addition to fruity sweetness, touched simply so with saline. Dried pineapple notes linger ceaselessly on the end. It’s really a bit a lot by itself, however I paired the wine with a salmon dish and located it labored delightfully effectively. B+ / $25
2018 Barboursville Vermentino Reserve Virginia – Gentle and gently natural, a robust vein of lemon peel runs by the wine, perking up its acidity. Melony on the end, with notes of lemon peel and quince lingering. Extra complicated than it appears at first blush, and value exploring. A- / $23
2016 Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo Virginia – Vigorous with brambly blackberry, cherry, and currant notes, with ample notes of cola and chocolate to again the fruit up. Whereas leathery and tannic on the palate, the extra gripping, savory parts are well-integrated into the entire, giving the wine a complexity and austerity that come throughout as a slight shock. This wine isn’t fairly as effusive and as deep as an Italian nebbiolo, but it surely makes an trustworthy, credible effort. A- / $68
2017 Veritas Petit Verdot Monticello – 85% petit verdot, 15% merlot. Fairly dry, virtually dusty at occasions with an actual sense of the earth — evoking licorice, drying wooden, and toasted spices. The fruit right here is black, considerably cooked, and decidedly powerful, although it brightens up on the end to showcase notes of raspberry and chocolate. Some charred greenery finds a purchase order within the late sport, however the wine does discover a sense of steadiness that works. B+ / $50
2015 Michael Shaps Meritage Virginia – A Bordeaux fashion mix of 38% merlot, 28% cabernet franc, 17% malbec, 11% petit verdot, and 6% cabernet sauvignon. Tender and effusive, notes of blueberry and violets mingle with chocolate and spice to create a pleasant complete which finishes issues off with notes of blackberry gelato. One of many high wines within the assortment this 12 months. A / $50
2017 King Household Vineyards Mountain Plains Monticello – A mix of 37% cabernet franc, 43% merlot, and 20% petit verdot. Surprisingly brilliant and light-weight on its toes, the predominant notes are plum, with lacings of cherry, cola, and a sultry licorice be aware that muscle mass its method in on the end. Frivolously bittersweet, with some peppery hints within the combine. A stable expertise. A- / $75
2016 Breaux Winery Meritage – 57% merlot, 19% cabernet franc, 18% petit verdot, 3% cabernet sauvignon, 1% malbec. Brambly and spicy, this wealthy Bordeaux fashion mix affords notes of chocolate and cherry, with a kick of licorice perking up within the center. A lingering floral character showcases the distinctive steadiness of an easygoing but complicated wine. A- / $45
2019 Carriage Home Petit Verdot – Aggressively beefy and dense, it is a powerful proposition from the beginning. An absolute lack of acidity is straight away evident, the tannins right here filtered by overbearing earth notes and a considerably funky licorice kick. Rustic, however feels already over the hill. C / $75
2016 Barboursville Octagon Virginia – A traditional Virginia mix of merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, named after Thomas Jefferson’s famed eating room. That is one other boldly meaty wine, although Octagon is tempered barely by a chocolate be aware that helps to tamp down among the funkier notes of beef jerky, peppered bacon, and dusty, dried spices — if solely barely. The end is especially daunting with a inexperienced, doughy character. B- / $55
2017 R.A.H. Wine Firm Collection 1 – Dessert wine comprised of 75% petit manseng, 25% malvasia bianca. Richly honeyed, that is loaded with apricots and peach jam, resulting in a buttery be aware of brown sugar that builds because the end approaches. Lingering notes of golden figs and raisins, and a delicate almond be aware, spherical out a phenomenal after-dinner sipper. A / $NA (375ml)
2015 Barboursville Paxxito Virginia – A passito-style wine comprised of moscato ottonel and vidal grapes, air-dried for as much as 4 months. Much less overtly candy than Collection 1, and extra oxidized and austere. A great deal of apricots and golden raisins make an look, spiced with an apple cider character — however they’re tinged with a be aware of bitterness that lingers on the end. B+ / $35 (375ml)
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2019 Bluestone Petit Manseng Virginia
$100
