Recently we went to Boxwood Winery with some wine friends to participate in the Trellis Vertical Tasting that was being held that weekend. It had been a few years since we’d been there so we were looking forward to seeing how the wines had developed.
The Trellis tasting consisted of the 2014, the 2015, the 2016 and the 2018. The consensus of our group decided the 2015 was our favorite. We loved the color and the cherry, raspberry, plum and pepper notes. We noted the mild tannins and smooth finish. We were not fans of the 2014. There was just something that didn’t taste right. Maybe we got a bad sample.
After the Trellis tasting we enjoyed a flight of wines with a delicious cheese and cracker tray. We enjoyed all the wines on the flight but particularly enjoyed the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2019 Rosé. The weather was perfect for enjoying these wines.
We had a really nice time at Boxwood and want to thank all the tasting associates for their help and guidance during the tastings. Before leaving we stocked up on our favorite Boxwood wines. If you haven’t been to Boxwood lately, time to get back and taste their current line up. And if you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
We began with a self directed tasting of the 2019 Estate Chardonnay, the 2018 Viognier, the 2018 Loudoun County Cuvée and the 2017 En Passant. The Chardonnay was a favorite as we worked our way through the wines. The Viognier was soft and refreshing. The 2018 Cuvée was smooth, fruity and a perfect light red sipper. The 2017 En Passant ended up being the favorite red in this tasting. We noted dark fruit, coffee and some black pepper.
After our tasting we selected the 2019 Estate Chardonnay to enjoy with our lunch items. We had lots of food items to enjoy with the chardonnay. It paired well! While enjoying our lunch and the chardonnay, Nate Walsh came by and chatted with us. It was nice to catch up with him. We were also able to see Sarah and the new baby!
We enjoyed our time at Walsh Family Wine. It’s always nice to visit and catch up and enjoy all the wonderful wines. If you haven’t been to Walsh lately, you need to plan a trip and when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
After our trip to Linden, we decided to stop at Fox Meadow Winery to see what’s happening. We did not have reservations so we weren’t sure what we would be allowed to do at Fox Meadow.
Once we arrived, masked up and went to the tasting bar, we were informed that we wouldn’t be able to do a tasting since we didn’t have a reservation. We would however, be allowed to enjoy a bottle on the deck or on the lawn. So we decided to check out the 2019 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay on the deck. The weather was beautiful and the views were gorgeous.
The 2019 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay did not disappoint. We noted apple and pear on the nose and tropical/citrus notes on the palate. The oak finish was not overwhelming and could stand up to some creamy dishes.
Having enjoyed the 2019 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, we decided to bring home a few other wines to add to our rack. We committed to returning when we could do a full tasting and see what else we might like. If you happen to visit Fox Meadow Winery, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
What a beautiful day it was on Saturday! We went to Linden Vineyards after several months of being away and started off with some wine flights. They have both a red flight and a white flight so we decided to share one of each.
The white flight consisted of the 2018 Village Chardonnay, the 2017 Village Chardonnay, the 2017 Wabi Sabi and the newly released 2019 Boisseau Viognier. We loved them all but our favorite of the flight was the 2017 Village Chardonnay. We enjoyed the pear and apple notes as well as the round mouth feel. We’ll enjoy this one for years. The 2019 Boisseau Viiognier was also a favorite. It was floral, creamy, rounded mouth feel, tropical fruit and a lengthy finish.
The red flight consisted of the 2016 Claret, the 2016 Petit Verdot, the 2016 Avenius Red and the 2016 Hardscrabble Red. Again, all of them were very good but our favorite this time was the 2016 Avenius Red. We noted juicy cherry and dusty tannins. We expect this one to last several more years as well.
After enjoying the samples we decided to enjoy the library carafe of the 2013 Avenius Red – it’s in a good place! You can enjoy it now or later. We noted savory flavors and less fruit.
We enjoyed a bottle of the 2017 village Chardonnay with our lunch items of Mediterranean pasta salad, olives, various cheeses, crackers and flatbreads. Warren noted the 2013 Avenius red paired well with his Mediterranean pasta salad. We had a nice relaxing lunch and even had a chance to chat with Jim Law. He told us all about the new solar field they recently installed. You can’t miss it as you enter the parking lot. It’s a great addition to the vineyards.
Jim informed us the wines on the tasting menu will be changing soon. We look forward to returning to taste the new offerings. We left with our favorites to add to the wine rack. We always enjoy visiting Linden! If you visit them soon, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Recently we had a wonderful dinner of filet mignon topped with port reduction sauce served with sautéed potatoes sprinkled with tarragon. Of course it was delicious but we needed a wine that could stand up to such a dish. Warren selected the 2014 Meritage from King Family Vineyards.
We noted Blackberries, currants, a whiff of cedar on the nose. It was well balanced and elegant. Warren noted it had the acidity characteristic of the 2014 vintage. It paired nicely with our meal. It’s always fun to find a gem from years ago. We are finding that we are really enjoyed the 2014 reds right now.
If you travel to King Family Vineyards we’re sure you’ll enjoy all their wines. While there, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Ralph S. Northam
Virginia’s Barboursville Vineyards Takes Home 2021 Governor’s Cup® with 2015 Paxxito
~ Dessert wine from storied Virginia winery joins 11 other gold medal-winning wines in 2021 Governor’s Cup Case® ~
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam awarded the Virginia Wineries Association’s 2021 Governor’s Cup® to Barboursville Vineyards for their 2015 Paxxito. The winning wine was revealed tonight during the annual Governor’s Cup Celebration, which was held virtually this year. Eleven other wines received top honors, comprising the Governor’s Cup Case®.
The Virginia Governor’s Cup, hosted by the Virginia Wineries Association in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association, is one of the most stringent wine competitions in the United States. A panel of 22 judges, directed by Jay Youmans, one of only 53 Masters of Wine (MW) in the United States, reviewed the record-setting 544 wines entered into the competition this year, conducting a blind sampling and scoring the wines in multiple rounds over a four-week period to confirm the winner. Last week, gold medals were awarded to the 96 wines that scored 90 points or higher. All wines in the Governor’s Cup competition must be made from 100 percent Virginia fruit.
“Virginia’s history as a wine region has close ties with Barboursville Vineyards, and I am pleased to recognize Luca Paschina and his team with the Governor’s Cup for their continued innovation in winemaking,” said Governor Northam. “The wines in this year’s Governor’s Cup Case are a testament to the passion and pioneering spirit from which Virginia’s wine industry thrives. As we celebrate these high-quality and distinctive Virginia wines, we also honor the resilience of the farmers and winemakers who grow and craft them across our Commonwealth.”
Underscoring its Governor’s Cup win, two additional Barboursville wines received honors in the competition, giving the vineyard a total of three wines in the Governor’s Cup Case® this year. Under the leadership of winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina, Barboursville wines have now earned five Governor’s Cup awards including their 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 1997 Cabernet Franc, 1998 Cabernet Franc Reserve and 2009 Octagon. Located in Virginia’s Piedmont region, industry leader Gianni Zonin founded Barboursville Vineyards in 1976 as a wine estate and was an early pioneer of the Virginia wine industry, eventually helping to set the standard for a region that is now home to more than 300 wineries.
Virginia ciders also are eligible to enter the Governor’s Cup competition, and this year a new “Best in Show Cider” award was introduced to recognize achievements in the category. Lost Boy Cider’s “Comeback Kid” was recognized with the 2021 award with three other ciders receiving gold medals in the competition.
“Wine and cider are an important agricultural product and economic driver in our Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. “In light of all the challenges the industry faced this year, the Governor’s Cup is a welcomed opportunity to celebrate the fantastic wines produced in our region.”
Alongside the Barboursville Paxxito, the 11 wines included in the 2021 Governor’s Cup Case are:
Barboursville Vineyards Octagon (2016)
Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve (2019)
Bluestone Vineyard Petit Manseng (2019)
Breaux Vineyards Meritage (2016)
Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo (2016)
Carriage House Wineworks Petit Verdot (2019)
R.A.H. Wine Company Series 1 (2017)
King Family Vineyards Mountain Plains (2017)
Michael Shaps Wineworks Meritage (2015)
Trump Winery Brut Reserve (2014)
Veritas Winery Petit Verdot (2017)
Within the Governor’s Cup Case, there is wide representation from Central Virginia as well as the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia—areas that are putting Virginia on the map as a globally recognized wine region. The broad geographical diversity of wineries and wines in the 2021 competition highlights Virginia winemakers’ ability to listen to their land and navigate the Commonwealth’s varied landscape and conditions.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, more than 2.2 million tourists visited Virginia wineries in 2015. Today, the Virginia wine industry generates $1.37 billion in economic impact and 8,218 jobs for the Commonwealth. Nationwide, Virginia is in the top six states in number of wineries and wine grape production.
Additional details about the Governor’s Cup competition, a complete list of previous winners, and information about the Virginia wine industry can be found at virginiawine.org/governors-cup.
Virginia Wineries Association Announces 2021 Governor’s Cup® Gold Medalists
Nearly 100 Wines Awarded Gold Medal Distinction, New Cider Category Introduced in Acclaimed Wine Competition
Richmond, Va. (March 2, 2021) – The Virginia Wineries Association is honored to announce that 96 Virginia wines from 47 different wineries have been awarded gold medals in the 2021 Governor’s Cup® Wine Competition. Originating in 1982, the Virginia Governor’s Cup® is one of the most stringent wine competitions in the U.S.
Over the past four weeks, a panel of world-class judges have blind sampled and scored a record 544 wines that were submitted in this year’s competition. Wines awarded gold medals received a score of 90 or higher on a 100-point score range and are deemed “Outstanding” by the judges.
A testament to Virginia’s diverse terroirs and grape varieties grown in the Commonwealth, the gold medal winners include wines made from over 20 varietals produced across Virginia’s distinct winegrowing regions. With an increase in gold medal winners from last year’s competition, statistics from the 2021 Governor’s Cup® gold medal winners include:
59 Golds – Central VA
2 Golds – Chesapeake Bay
9 Golds – Hampton Roads
17 Golds – Northern VA
9 Golds – Shenandoah Valley
In recent years, Virginia wineries have cultivated more unexpected varietals in the region, such as Tannat and Petit Verdot. These grapes are well-represented among gold medal winners, indicating that experimentation in Virginia’s vineyards has proven fruitful. Bordeaux-style blends and hearty reds are stalwarts in the Virginia wine landscape and received the most gold medals in this year’s competition. A number of white wine varieties such as Chardonnay, Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc rounded out the gold medal winners, for a diverse list taking center stage in Virginia’s booming wine industry.
Of the gold medal winning wines, the 12 wines that receive the highest scores will comprise the Governor’s Cup Case®, showcasing the best wines in the Commonwealth. The wine scored highest will be awarded the grand prize of the Governor’s Cup, which will be announced in a virtual celebration on March 9, 2021.
Virginia cider, a fast-growing segment of the Virginia agricultural industry, now has its own category in the Governor’s Cup Competition. Judges for the new “Best in Show Cider” award were selected based on their passion, experience and understanding of the category, and will award their favorite of 27 ciders that were entered.
The esteemed panel of judges was directed by Jay Youmans – one of only 53 Masters of Wine (MW) in the U.S. – who has overseen the competition for ten years. “The decade I’ve spent working with the Governor’s Cup Competition is evidence of the great evolution we’ve seen in Virginia’s wine industry – this year’s gold medal winners are nothing short of impressive. Awarding such a diverse range of wines and introducing a cider category showcases the transformation of the industry, and I’m proud to see the hard work of these winemakers pay off,” said Youmans.
Virginia’s vibrant wine industry – a 400-year-old “experiment” – has made it a significant agricultural sector in the state. Today, over 300 wineries in Virginia cultivate over 4,200 acres of grapes, making it the sixth-largest wine region in the U.S. The Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup® Competition is done in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association. Both the Governor’s Cup Competition and the resulting Governor’s Cup Case boost the visibility of the Virginia wine region through various marketing programs and exposure to top wine critics and tastemakers.
About the Governor’s Cup Competition
The judging panel ranks each wine based on a unified scoring system. Any wine made from 100% Virginia fruit is eligible for the Governor’s Cup® Competition (ciders, fruit wines and meads have their own categories). Entries must include an affidavit with a certification of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard particulars, including grower names and location, as well as information on alcohol, acidity or basicity (pH) and residual sugar. The Governor’s Cup competition is a partnership among the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board (VWB), the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA), and the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA), which owns and manages the competition.
The Virginia Governor’s Cup® award winners will be announced during a live premiere on Virginia Wine’s Facebook on March 9 at 7 p.m.
For interviews and photo requests, please contact Annette Boyd at 804.402.1896 or Annette.Boyd@Virginiawine.org.
For more information about the Governor’s Cup or events, tours and tastings, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at http://www.virginiawine.org/ or email information@virginiawine.org.
2021 Governor’s Cup® Gold Medalists Winery Wine Vintage
Afton Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2017
Albemarle CiderWorks Harrison 2018
Albemarle CiderWorks Pomme Mary 2019
Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2017
Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2016
Barboursville Vineyards Paxxito 2017
Barboursville Vineyards Paxxito 2015
Barboursville Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2019
Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve 2019
Barren Ridge Vineyards Meritage 2015
Blue Bee Cider Firecracker 2019
Bluestone Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
Bluestone Vineyard Merlot 2014
Bluestone Vineyard Petit Manseng 2019
Breaux Vineyards Meritage 2016
Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo 2016
Breaux Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Carriage House Wineworks Petit Verdot 2019
Cave Ridge Vineyard Red Silk Barrel Select Cabernet Franc 2017
Chestnut Oak Vineyard Petit Manseng 2017
Chisholm Vineyards Chambourcin 2019
CrossKeys Vineyards Petit Verdot 2017
Cunningham Creek Winery Estate Petit Verdot 2017
Cunningham Creek Winery Meritage 2017
Delaplane Cellars Tannat 2017
Delfosse Vineyards and Winery Petit Verdot Reserve 2017
Delfosse Vineyards and Winery Screaming Hawk Meritage 2017
DuCard Vineyards Triskele 2017
Early Mountain Cabernet Franc 2019
Early Mountain Capstone Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
Early Mountain Eluvium 2017
Early Mountain Five Forks 2019
Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard Vidal Blanc 2019
Gadino Cellars Petit Verdot 2017
Greenhill Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve 2019
Honah Lee Vineyard Petit Verdot 2017
Horton Vineyards Petit Verdot Private Reserve 2016
Horton Vineyards Tannat 2015
Ingleside Vineyards Albariño 2019
Ingleside Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve 2018
Jefferson Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2019
Jefferson Vineyards Jefferson’s Own Estate Reserve 2016
Jefferson Vineyards Viognier 2019
Keswick Vineyards Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc 2019
Keswick Vineyards Heritage Estate Reserve 2017
King Family Vineyards Loreley 2017
King Family Vineyards Mountain Plains 2017
Lake Anna Winery Petit Verdot 2017
Lost Boy Cider Comeback Kid 2020
Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc 2017
Michael Shaps Chardonnay 2018
Michael Shaps Chardonnay 2017
Michael Shaps Chardonnay 2016
Michael Shaps Meritage 2017
Michael Shaps Meritage 2015
Michael Shaps Petit Manseng 2019
Michael Shaps Raisin d’Etre White 2015
Michael Shaps Roussanne 2019
Michael Shaps Tannat 2016
Muse Vineyards Clio 2017
Narmada Winery Melange 2017
Narmada Winery Yash-Vir 2016
October One Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
Paradise Springs Winery Apres Rosé 2018
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Easton Blue 2017
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Easton Blue 2015
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Zero White 2019
Pollak Vineyards Meritage 2015
Pollak Vineyards Meritage 2017
Pollak Vineyards Mille Fleurs 2017
R.A.H Wine Co. Series 1 2017
Rockbridge Vineyard DeChiel Chardonnay 2018
Shenandoah Vineyards Reserve Red 2017
Silver Hand Meadery All Blues 2020
Silver Hand Meadery Black Velvet 2020
Silver Hand Meadery Dream By The Fire 2020
Silver Hand Meadery Raspberry Passion 2020
Silver Hand Meadery Soak up the Sun 2020
Silver Hand Meadery Strawberry Swing 2020
Stinson Vineyards Tannat 2017
Thatch Winery Block 8 Tannat 2017
Thatch Winery Merlot – Mount Juliet Farm Vineyard 2019
The Williamsburg Winery Petit Verdot Reserve 2017
The Winery at Bull Run Barrel Select Viognier 2019
The Winery at Bull Run Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019
The Winery at Bull Run Petit Manseng 2019
The Winery at Bull Run Reconciliation 2019
Trump Winery Brut Reserve 2014
Upper Shirley Vineyards Tannat 2016
Upper Shirley Vineyards Zachariah 2016
Veritas Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017
Veritas Winery Petit Verdot 2017
Veritas Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Veritas Winery Scintilla 2015
Veritas Winery The Momentarius Collection Monticello White Blend 2019
Walsh Family Wine Dutchman’s Creek Cabernet Franc 2019
About Virginia Wine
You can learn a lot about our wine just by looking at a map: Virginia sits halfway between Europe and California and our wines embody this unique position in the world. They are lush but structured; aromatic, expressive and beautifully balanced – blending the subtlety of the Old World with the boldness of the new. Like perfect French spoken with a slight southern drawl. Home to 312 wineries across ten wine regions and seven American Viticultural areas (AVAs), most Virginia wineries are family owned; the average size of a winery is 12.8 acres. This means Virginia wines aren’t massproduced – they are local, artisanal and tell a story shaped by Virginia’s diverse landscape and unpredictable conditions.
Paul and I continue to slowly travel the wine trails of Virginia, and our last trek took us to Cana Vineyards. We had not been to Cana in quite a few years, and we learned that the winery is now owned by Lisa and Bryce Petty. They purchased the vineyard and winery from the Bell family in 2018. Co-owners Michelle and Tom Grant are now also part of the Cana team. The Cana facility now includes the expansive Sunset Pavilion which provided for adequate spacing of customers on a very cold afternoon.
Another noted change from our last visit, though, was the improved quality of the wines. I am an unashamed Chardonnay lover, and Cana’s 2019 Chardonnay hit all the right notes for me. It was elegant and well balanced with lovely pear and apple aromas, while the palate was treated to pear and citrus flavors accented with fall spice and a touch of oak. The 2019 Petit Manseng was another success and an example of what this variety can do in Virginia when in the right hands. Fresh tropical notes with a nice, refreshing acidity ended with a dry finish and destined to pair well with any seafood dish. The 2018 Le Mariage, a blend of Bordeaux varieties with Merlot taking the lead, presented a juicy berry entry on the palate followed by a spicy edge on the finish. Remember, 2018 was a very tricky vintage due to lots of rain and not a lot of sunshine in most parts of Virginia; however, a newcomer to Virginia wine would not have been the wiser after sampling this well-crafted blend. Paul’s favorite was the Cabernet Franc produced from the stellar 2017 harvest. Raspberry and tobacco notes melded with cherry flavors to present a rich wine made more complex by barrel-aging for 15 months. If leg of lamb is on the menu, it might be a good idea to have a bottle of this one on the wine rack as a pairing option.
Our tasting experience was enhanced by the expert knowledge of Don, a familiar face to us from previous visits to Cana (and Chrysalis before that!). Don got us up to speed on the various changes at the winery since our last visit which prompted me to inquire about the winemaker responsible for the improvements noted in the wines. He informed us Melanie Natoli assumed the duties of winemaker and vineyard manager in 2015; we then recalled that Melanie studied winemaking at Fabbioli Cellars. We decided it was time to learn more about Melanie, and she agreed to participate in an interview. (Ordinarily, we would arrange to do this in person, but—-covid.) Continue reading to learn more about the very talented Melanie Natoli.
Photo borrowed from the Cana Vineyards website.
1. Why did you decide to switch careers from being in physical therapy to becoming a wine makers?
I followed my heart. When I make big decisions, I go with my gut. Growing up, no one in my family drank, so I found wine later. Hence, it wasn’t my first career choice, but when I found it, I knew it was my path.
2. Have you found any comparisons between being a physical therapist and a winemaker? Any similar challenges? Rewards?
Good question. They both come from the heart. I’ve always loved science and I chose physical therapy so I could be of service to others. Compassion is rooted in the heart, and so is creative passion for art, winemaking. As a winemaker I still get to connect with people, just in a different way.
3. Why did you decide to become a winemaker in Virginia with its various challenges? Why not someplace like California, for example?
Virginia is where life put me. Virginia is where my love and interest in wine grew. I was close to moving to California and going back to school for a degree in winemaking, but I found/made my own path here and I’m so glad I did. The challenges we face here may cause me to lose a lot of sleep at times, but they’re also what keeps it exciting. There’s always going to be more to learn and I love that.
4. You were awarded Woman Winemaker of the Year at the Women’s International Wine Competition in 2017. Winemaking is still dominated by men, though. Do you think it is still more difficult for women to break into the field and then earn recognition for their achievements?
Sometimes. Starting in this industry as a woman and someone coming in with no experience or connections, I do feel I had to work harder to prove myself, so I have. I’ve had a few interactions that weren’t fair, but I kept my head down, worked harder, and poured myself into my wine. Now I’m proud of what I put in the bottle and I have confidence in my abilities, so that kind of stuff can roll off my back. I’ve only made wine in Virginia, but I have a suspicion the challenge would be greater in other regions. Our industry is young enough that a long history of a good ol boys club wasn’t built. Although there may still be more men working in our industry, the women are here and making their mark. The supportive community of Virginia winemakers is one of the things that makes our region so amazing.
5. What grape varieties do you grow at Cana? Which do you consider to be the flagships at Cana? Do you have plans to expand your portfolio beyond what is currently planted?
Reds: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Norton
Whites: Petit Maseng, Viognier
We have 2 wines that I produce from our estate fruit. The Unite’ Reserve is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The blend will vary depending on what shines in the vineyard each year. The other estate wine is our Petit Manseng which often has some of the estate Viognier blended in.
We only have 7 acres on the estate, so we also source from some fantastic partner growers. The 2 estate wines have a special place in my heart because I work the vineyard all season, so those wines I craft every step of the way from budbreak to bottle, but I have some other favorites. I’ve been working with Albarino since 2015, my first vintage at Cana, and I’ve had so much fun developing it. And did you think you’d talk to me without hearing about rose’? That is my number one love. If I’m going to be remembered as a winemaker for one thing, I want it to be dry rose’. Right now, we have 2 in our portfolio, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
As far as new wines for the portfolio. I have two new red varietals hitting the bottle in April, so keep an eye out for them at the end of this year. I’d like to bring back Rkatsiteli, and I always want to make more rose’.
6. You have won a trip to a tropical island for a much needed vacation. You can bring three of your favorite Cana wines along on the trip. Which wines and vintages would they be?
I love this one! I also love the idea of a trip to a tropical island, much needed indeed! Since I make 2 rose’s, that’s 2 of the bottles! Because rose’. The 3rd is a tough choice, because I really love my Albarino, but Petit Manseng would be the perfect pairing for somewhere tropical. That’d be a gametime decision, when do I leave? And for vintages, 2019 or 2020. Those are my favorite white vintages so far, because each year I get to dial it in a little better. Although I may go 2017 for the Petit Maseng, I really loved the acid sweetness balance on that bottle.
We know that we will return to Cana Vineyards sooner rather than later. However, if readers get there before we do, please be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
The COVID pandemic has kept us from visiting wineries as much as we would like. We still need to pick up club wines and taste what new wines are on tasting menus though. Saturday we decided we would take a trip to Delaplane Cellars and pick up our club wines and enjoy a tasting. We planned to get their early to avoid any possible crowds. And we made a reservation ahead of time. We put on our masks and made our way to Delaplane.
We started with the current self guided tasting. We tasted four of the current vintages. We tasted the 2019 Petit Manseng, 2017 Benevino Cabernet Franc, 2017 Cinq 8 and the 2017 Williams Gap. Warren jotted down some notes for each one.
2019 Petit Manseng – apple, honeyed texture, balanced
2017 Cinq 8 – juicy nose, tobacco, anise, menthol, cherry, currant, a little chewy, acidity gives structure
2017 Williams Gap – tight on nose, swirl leather, blackberry, tobacco, surprisingly juicy, cherry palate
After our tasting Matt offered to let us try the 2019 Chardonnay Reserve. We were thinking of having it with our lunch items. He was not wrong in his suggestion! Warren made some notes for this one as well.
2019 Chardonnay Reserve – neutral oak, rich pear, chamomile, pear/apple, palate lingers for a while, elegant.
We decided to have a bottle of the 2019 Chardonnay Reserve with our lunch. It was delicious and paired well with our lunch items. The views at Delaplane are spectacular. Being inside the tent with just a few other patrons socially distanced made enjoying the views even better. We felt completely safe and comfortable during our visit. After lunch we split a glass of the 2017 Cinq 8. We enjoyed it with a few dark chocolates they provided.
Before leaving we picked up our club wines and added another three to make it an even case. We want to thank all the guys at Delaplane for making our visit a nice one. If you haven’t been to Delaplane lately, it’s time to make a reservation and visit. When you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
We have not posted in a while, but rest assured that while we have not really been on the Virginia wine trails, we have indeed been enjoying Virginia wines. We always host a NYE party for friends to ring in the new year with lots of food and wine; however, that was not the case this year for obvious reasons. Paul and I did, though, include Virginia wines in this year’s low key event. We paired Blenheim’s 2019 Gruner Veltliner with Asian slaw and mini crab cakes, and we partnered Beef Vidala (filet mignon topped with crab meat) with Glen Manor’s 2015 Hodder Hill. Our wine racks, though, lacked Virginia bubbles; however, Schramsberg bubbly helped to ring in 2021.
We are hopeful that Virginia Wine Time will be posting more often this year. In the meantime, let us know of new wineries to visit—-we are making a list and checking it twice! Do you plan to visit the wineries mentioned in this post? Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
