Whether Cabernet Franc will become Virginia’s primary wine remains to be seen. But this balanced mid-weight one from Paradise Springs Winery shows why it could. It delivers paradoxically ripe yet restrained black fruit flavors accented by subtle herbal ones. A delightful hint of bitterness in the finish adds to its stature and prevents it from its being overly fruity.… Read more

A seamless blend of Merlot (62%), Cabernet Franc (31%) and Petit Verdot, Barboursville’s 2017 mid-weight Octagon continues their run of outstanding wines and in the process, shows the potential of Virginia wines. This elegant Bordeaux blend provides plenty of enjoyment without being overblown.… Read more

($37):  Petit Manseng is not a well-known grape.  Although frequently used for making sweet wines in the southwest of France, it is capable, as this wine shows brilliantly, of making stellar dry wines.  Jancis Robinson, the noted British wine authority, notes its high acidity makes it well-suited for the heat of Virginia, where it has been planted since 2010. … Read more

($40):  Barboursville, the first established modern winery in Virginia, remains a — perhaps THE — leading producer in that state.  This wine shows why!  It is a glorious, sweet wine, integrating apricot skin flavors with depth, a rich honey-like body, and most importantly, riveting acidity that holds it all together. … Read more

($72):  The wine is appropriately named The Fog since nebbia, from which Nebbiolo takes its name, is Italian for fog.  This fabulous expression of Nebbiolo speaks for itself so the heavy bottle with the cumbersome wax/rubber overlay to the cork is unnecessary. … Read more

($65):  This mid-weight Cabernet Franc-dominant blend displays fabulous herbal/leafy character intertwined with dried and fresh red fruit notes.  It packs plenty of punch without being heavy.  Supple tannins lend support and balance, while allowing for pleasant current drinking.  In a word, yum! … Read more

($29):  Wow!  Who knew Albariño could do so well in Virginia?  Initial aromatics captivate and predict pleasure.  A crisp cutting edginess balances its surprising depth.  Zesty spiciness just enhances its appeal.  The barest hint of an attractive bitterness, characteristic of the grape, appears in the finish. … Read more

($30):  Full disclosure: Petit Verdot ranks near the bottom of my list of varietal wines because they are too often too heavy, too dense, too much of everything.  Not this one!  Weighing in at a modest 13.5% stated alcohol, it is a delight. … Read more

($58):  Shaps’ unusual blend (Tannat 50%, Merlot 33%, and Malbec) shows the wonderful diversity of grapes and high-quality wine coming from that state.  Tannat, a grape native to southwestern France, is known for producing big tannic red wines.  Presumably, the inclusion of Merlot and even Malbec is meant to soften Tannat’s edges. … Read more

($48):  This Cabernet Franc-dominate Bordeaux blend confirms what Thomas Jefferson knew centuries ago: Virginia’s Monticello AVA, located in the middle of state, is good place to grow grapes and make wine.  Hark’s mid-weight Spark does actually light up the palate.  A “just right” amount of structure provides a backbone to this plummy red without being intrusive. … Read more

($39):  Here is more evidence that the diversity of the Virginia landscape allows that state to produce a wide range of wines, in this case a stylish Chardonnay.  Mountain & Vine Vineyards and Winery Chardonnay, one of the top twelve wines from the recently concluded Virginia Governor’s Cup competition, impresses with it finesse. … Read more

($75):  Here is another winning wine from Virginia’s Monticello AVA.  Surprisingly, Virginia actually ranks among the top ten states in terms of wine production and likely higher in terms of quality.  This Merlot-dominate Bordeaux delivers a seamless combination of dark fruitiness and herbal, not-just-fruit elements. … Read more

($55):  This Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend was one of the top 12 wines in the recently completed Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition.  Firm, yet mild and unobtrusive tannins, presumably from the Cabernet Sauvignon, provide needed structure for the plummy fruit notes.  The suave texture speaks to talented winemaking and what must have come from selecting only the best fruit. … Read more

($20): Viognier is a tough grape to turn into wine.  It needs to be ripe to capture its characteristic aromas and flavors”, but even a little extra ripeness imparts an alcoholic burn to the wine.  Horton walks the line beautifully with this one. … Read more

($38): I know what you are thinking because I had the same thoughts before tasting this wine: ‘$38 for a sparkling wine from Virginia?  You’re kiddin’ me.’  Well, not only am I not kidding you, I am suggesting you buy it.… Read more