Posts Tagged ‘Jefferson Vineyards’
So this past weekend my wife and I decided to take a mini-vacation to get out of the house and spend a few days in Virginia wine country. A number of vineyards and a case and a half of wine later and we returned home to return to our 9-5 jobs. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the highlights of our trip.
Our first stop was Keswick Vineyards, and while I have nothing but good things to say about all of their wines, I do have to recommend their 2008 Consensus. Each year, Keswick brings in the members of their wine club and they spend a day mixing wine that was either left over, wasn’t what Keswick was looking for, or that they didn’t get enough yield from to have a single varietal.
After spending the day mixing and breaking for food, the members all come back and taste each of the wines that has been made, voting on the best one, which Keswick then releases as their Consensus. Because of that, each year the wine is different and this years blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Chambourcin (28%), and Petite Verdot (12%) is enough to make me want to join their wine club.
Dark cherry flavors mix well with a finish that is smooth thanks to the Petite Verdot, and yet gives you the hit in the back of the mouth that you would expect from a good Cabernet Sauvignon. A great wine worth picking up. Read the rest of this entry »
Varietal: Petit Verdot
Region: Virginia – USA
Cost: $19.95
Dark red fruit flavors lead into a tempering of black currant, spices, bacon, and a hint of smoky tobacco. Tannins lend to a very dry finish to this otherwise velvety wine. Can be enjoyed now or anytime over the next five years and will pair well with even heaviest game dishes and the fattiest sauces.
Recommendation: The 2007 Jefferson Petit Verdot was only recently bottled, so there’s no reason not to sit on this bottle for a couple of years and let it age. That being said, it’s still amazing to drink right now. Enjoyable by itself or with a heavy dish, this red wine from Virginia will hold up great. The pairings of fruit and smokiness made me feel like I was drinking wine made from either silk or velvet, as it was smooth and rich. If you’re planning on serving a rich dish with fatty sauces, this is the perfect wine to pair with it. Pick this up whether you plan to enjoy it now or in a few years. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with this full-bodied wine.
I just realized that I haven’t posted any of the photos I took from the Virginia Wine Expo. Here are just a couple.
Veritas Vineyards tasting booth
I’m a big fan of this vineyard if for no other reason than because my brother-in-law got married here. Anybody looking to get married at a Virginia vineyard should really consider them.
Stone Mountain Vineyards tasting booth
You may take your life in your hand to get to the tasting room, but Stone Mountain offers one of the best places to enjoy a bottle of wine with their deck overlooking the Shenandoah mountains.
Jefferson Vineyards tasting booth
Amazing Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are reasons enough to visit this vineyard.
Potomac Point Winery tasting booth
Potomac Point is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit. With their amazing patio, great wines, and welcoming nature, whether you enjoy their wine or not (and I think you will), you’ll enjoy spending an afternoon at their tasting room.
Tarara Winery tasting booth
I’d never heard of Tarara before the Virginia Wine Expo, but they’ve quickly made their way onto my list of places to visit in the coming year.
Vino Curioso tasting booth
These guys just clearly enjoy making wine. With wines like Franc the Tank and Snake’s Den, there’s nothing pretentious or snooty about their wine, but it’s great quality wine that you’re sure to enjoy time and again.
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Region: Virginia, USA
Cost: $18.95
A blend of Cabernet Franc (80%), Petite Verdot (10%) and Merlot (10%), this wine has been aged in French oak to add toast and chocolate finish to the wine. Aromas of spice and berry combine well with the typical Cabernet Franc flavors, including a bit of a peppery finish. Soft tannins make it excellent for drinking now, or it can be aged for a few years. Will compliment lighter meats very well.
Recommendation: Very good representation of the Virginia Cabernet Franc. You won’t be disappointed by this wine and it’s a great wine to introduce yourself to Virginia’s signature grape.
