by Richard Leahy | May 30, 2025 | Tastings/Evaluations, Wine of the Week, XXVirginia Wine
May 30th, 2025 I’m pleased to say that the winemaking talent of the new winemaker Boela Gerber at Southwest Mountain Vineyards stands up to his reputation as one of the top winemakers from South Africa. I’ve only tasted three of his white wines so far, but...
by Richard Leahy | Dec 18, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Wine of the Week
***→**Ankida Ridge Pinot Noir 2021 VA Released after only six weeks in the bottle, tasted when a year old. Color: translucent medium ruby. Nose: racy, with bright red cherry, raspberries, a hint of white pepper and spice, flinty minerality. Aside from the red fruit...
by Richard Leahy | Dec 9, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Wine of the Week
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard has gradually expanded their product line, and now offer five wines over $50; two varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot), and three blends: Bundoran Blue $60, Wild Common, $55 (both red Meritage blends with someTannat), and...
by Richard Leahy | May 6, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Wine of the Week
This week, Ankida Ridge Vineyards, the vinuous “jewel of Amherst County”, released two new wines, jointly included here as Wines of the Week; a Vinho Verde-style Chardonnay (called “Verday”), and a five-year-old solera-aged white port...
by Richard Leahy | Apr 13, 2022 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Wine of the Week
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...
