by Richard Leahy | Apr 13, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine
The 2010 vintage was very good overall, especially for late-ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. A rare varietal label in the Monticello AVA, Keswick Vineyards has consistently made some of the best varietal Cab. Sauvs in Virginia. When you have an estate...
by Richard Leahy | Feb 23, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Wine of the Week
The small Bozzo Family Vineyards on Rt. 9 in northern Loudoun County made an impressive debut on the Virginia wine scene when their 2016 “Second Act” (Meritage-style blend) won a gold medal with their first release. Since then, I’ve kept my eye on...
by Richard Leahy | Feb 6, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Winery Review
Twice in 2021 I wrote with enthusiasm about the new Virginia red wines of what has emerged to be a great 2019 vintage, for me the best since 2001. Recently I had the opportunity to view the 2019 vintage through the lens of the dry red wines of DuCard Vineyards,...
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, Virginia Wine, 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...