by Richard Leahy | Jan 21, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine
This is probably the most elegant, Meritage-style varietal Tannat from anywhere that I’ve had. It won a gold medal in the 2018 Governor’s Cup and a silver in the 2017 event. Post-fermentation, the wine underwent extended maceration (on the skins) for 17...
by Richard Leahy | Dec 19, 2021 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine
Last year, reflecting on widespread frost damage which left some vineyards with no crop, as well as a very hot summer sapping the acidity from the grapes followed by autumn rains, I thought that the best that could be said of the 2020 vintage was that at least it...
by Richard Leahy | Nov 21, 2021 | Tastings/Evaluations, Uncategorized, Virginia Wine
This estate blend won the Governor’s Cup in 2012. It is a Left Bank-style blend dominated by 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and six percent each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Proprietor and vigneron Jeff White apprenticed under Jim Law of Linden...
by Richard Leahy | Nov 20, 2021 | News/Announcements, Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations, Uncategorized
It’s time for my annual Thanksgiving wine recommendations. As a locavore and also as a historian, I promote drinking locally, especially since Thanksgiving is an East Coast tradition (first celebrated at Berkley Hundred on the James River in Virginia, on Dec. 4,...
by Richard Leahy | Nov 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Barboursville Vineyards Wins Best White Wine, Best American Winery in 2021 Sommelier Challenge Competition Barboursville Vineyards achieved two impressive distinctions in the 2021 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. The first was for...
by Richard Leahy | Nov 15, 2021 | Conferences & Meetings, Events, Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations
For the last two weeks, I’ve been busy going to ceremonies and conferences to celebrate and promote Virginia wine. This blog entry will have many more pics that usual and fewer words to give you a feel for this busy period. First, I attended a celebration for...
