by Richard Leahy | Jun 27, 2026 | Competitions, News, Regions & Terroir, Virginia Wine
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Katie Frazier announced the winner of the 2026 Monticello Cup (best of the 12 gold medals in the competition) at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville on Friday, June 27th. Hark Vineyards winemaker AJ Greely accepts the 2026...
by Richard Leahy | Feb 21, 2026 | Finger Lakes, Regions & Terroir, Varietals, Wine of the Week
I keep a library of bottle-aged Finger Lakes Riesling. I’ve found (due to a geeky phenomenon of bound vs. free terpenes), that Rieslings are best in the first two years, or, if from a classic cool climate region, at 15 years or older, if well-cellared and if the corks...
by Richard Leahy | Aug 22, 2025 | Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations, Wine of the Week
Regular readers of this blog know that I am not only a BIG fan of fine, cool-climate Riesling, but of well-cellared Riesling over 10, and ideally at least 14 years old. Twenty-four years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary tasting...
by Richard Leahy | May 22, 2025 | Regions & Terroir, Virginia Wine, XXVirginia Wine
On May 18th, I went to Fox Meadow Vineyards on (aptly-named) Freezeland Road, at over 1,800 ft. elevation near Linden, VA to attend a tasting of neighboring vineyards that grow or source fruit from high-elevation vineyards, and also share proximity to natural...
by Richard Leahy | May 14, 2025 | Events, Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine
Peak Shenandoah Wine Region, a collective of six high-elevation wineries near the town of Linden will hold their showcase event, “Discover Peak Shenandoah” this Sunday May 18, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, at Fox Meadow Vineyards & Winery 3310 Freezeland Rd,...
by Richard Leahy | Jan 3, 2025 | Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, XXVirginia Wine
**+ Stinson Vineyards Mourvedre 2023: Winemaker Rachel Stinson used a lot of whole cluster fruit (stem inclusion) in this fermentation, resulting in a lighter, fruitier varietal style, that still has a smokiness to it. Palate: fine acidity, lightly fruity, a late...
