New Adventures in Wine Tasting - Arizona!

 When you think of Arizona, wine is not the first thing that comes to mind; in fact, it may not surface to your thoughts at all.  Well, it's now time reorient your thinking and expand your wine knowledge and palate!  Those in the know have already likely sampled bubbly from the neighboring state of New Mexico, namely the Gruet which I featured some years ago in my class on sparkling wines (and continues to be widely available in Pennsylvania wine stores).  So it's not surprising that higher altitude regions of Arizona are also prime real estate for  developing vineyards and producing wines of note.

On a recent trip to the Phoenix area, I had the opportunity to stroll around Old Town Scottsdale with a friend, and we happened upon a number of wine tasting rooms clustered around the North Marshall Way Arts District.  One of the establishments had been mentioned to me by some friends staying in the area, but we ended at a different one that caught me eye on our way to the Scottsdale  Contemporary Art Museum.  The Wine Collective features exclusively wines from Arizona in a cozy setting that provides high-backed chairs at the wine bar as well as lounge seats and tables inside and out. Since it was still quite scorching hot outside, there was no question that we would opt to stay inside, plus we benefited from the very personal and personable service and attention from wine steward extraordinaire Mark, who regaled us with a delightful selections of local state-estate grown wines from a variety of producers in the three Arizona AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).

We started off with the whites, including an Orange Wine produced from the Malvasia Bianco varietal, and a Picpoul Blanc, a French varietal which is hard enough to find in US stores from France, let alone from domestic sources.

The Orange Malavasia, dubbed "The Proper" by the Vino Stache Winery, is sourced from the Wilcox AVA in Southeast Arizona at an elevation of 4,000 feet or more, and is fermented with the skins to impart more tannic structure and body, and then is pressed and aged in a French 187- gallon concrete egg.  The result is an exquisitely fresh and lively dark golden elixir, exuding notes of gardenia, honeysuckle on the nose with crisp acidity and light tannins on the palate supporting layers of  complex flavors and a full, satisfying mouthfeel.  I had recently sampled a super delicious Orange Wine from Sicily (Modus Bibendi Bianco Macerato) just prior to my trip to Phoenix, and I would place this standout from Arizona very much on par with the Old World blend.  The Proper would be a very good food wine, and the proprietor recommends salmon and salad, goat cheese and honey, as well as fruit tart or pie.

The Seventeen Sixty-Four Picpoul Blanc is another delightfully crisp and refreshing white from the Wilcox AVA in Cochise County.  The Picpoul varietal originates in the Languedoc region of Southeastern France and can be regarded as their answer to the Muscadet of the Western Loire Valley.  As such, it is a great accompaniment to seafood, especially shell fish.

Next up were the Rosés, one of which, in particular, inspired our local wine savant to completely change his opinion of Arizona wines and led him to become an unabashed proponent of these little known producers and their products.  I have to say that his revelation was shared by your truly after this eye-opening taste session.  The Los Millics ITA'S 2021 Rosé was truly exceptional.

This 2021 blend is largely composed of Grenache, around 69%, with a healthy portion of Tempranillo (29%) and a touch of  Malvasia Bianco.  The result is a well-balanced, lively and refreshing rosé that succeeds on all levels - bouquet, palate and finish. A delightful aroma with notes of strawberry, white cherry and pink rose gives way to mouth-watering acidity and light, red fruit flavors dancing on the tongue followed by a lingering, satisfying finish to round out the sensory experience.  Although rosés are typically associated with summertime and outdoor picnics, there's no reason not enjoy such a bracing, vibrant wine such as this one year round.

The other rosé we sampled was the Page Springs Cellars' 2021 La Flor Rosa, a blend of 45% Counoise, 30% Grenache, 19% Pinot Gris and 6% Mourvedre.

Counoise is a black-skinned grape that is typically blended with other red  grapes from Southern France such as Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah for either red or rosé wines.  As the predominant grape in this particular rosé, it affords the wine peppery, spicy notes as well as hints of anise or licorice that are often associated with this varietal.

I was especially interested in tasting the Zinfandel that was available at the Wine Collective as my next tasting class will be featuring all Zinfandels, and I wanted to see how an Arizona version compared with the  California product that dominates the market place.  The Golden Rule Zinfandel hails from the Wilcox AVA in Southern Arizona.  The difference from the typical California style was immediately noticeable in the aroma and on the first sip.  As opposed to the jammy, fruit-driven, cinnamony character often associated with the West Coast style, this Arizona version struck me as earthy, rustic, and more in line with a "natural-wine", although there's no indication that the winery follows such guidelines per se.  I also detected raisiny notes reminiscent of an Amarone or Ripasso. The wine was very full-bodied and relatively high in alcohol content ($14.9%) which is in line with most California Zins.

Rounding out our tasting experience were a couple of red blends, plus a bonus wine not yet on the tasting menu, courtesy of our host.

Callaghen's Buena Suerte Red Blend is Cabernet-based with about a third of Graciano and 10% Merlot.  Graciano is a dark-skinned, moderately tannic varietal grown predominantly in Northern Spain in the Rioja and Navarro regions and is known for its intense aromas of mulberry, violets and chocolate, and thus gives this Arizona blend  additional heft in hue, body and flavor.

Callaghen Vineyards is based in Elgin, which is part of the Sonoita AVA, the southern most wine region in Arizona, southeast of Tucson.  It has received numerous accolades in its relatively short history and has been served on several occasions at the White House, no doubt with a little nudge from a certain US Senator from the state.

Mark, our wine steward, treated us to a few encore tastings, including a sample of the Sand-Reckoner Red from Wilcox.

This blend is principally Tempranillo (86%) with equal, smaller amounts each of Petite Sirah and Grenache (7%).  Another issue from the Wilcox AVA, the wine exudes red fruit and tobacco with a meaty, round mouthfeel.

Lastly, we were regaled with an off-list, newly acquired red from Los Milics, labeled Renato's 2019, a Tempranillo-based (70%) blend with supporting varietals in the form of Monastrell (18%) and Graciano (12%).  

Fermented mostly in stainless steel for 15 months to accentuate the fruit character of the Tempranillo, with just a touch of new oak aging, aromas of dark cherry, bay leaf and black pepper emanate from this delightful, food-friendly wine with mouth-watering acidity and velvety texture.  Los Milics also issues a number of hearty red blends of the darker variety (Graciano, Syrah, Monastrell, Petit Verdot) which would merit further investigation on a follow-up trip.

All in all, the tasting was a revelation in the ever-expanding world of New World wines, that have taken classic European vinifera varietals and added their own twist on the wine-making process, blending and terroir-driven yields.

Although these wines have little accessibility outside the state of Arizona, the main purpose of this review and post is to encourage readers to always delve into the local and regional products wherever you may travel.  You might be surprised and delighted at what you discover!  I certainly was.
 

                                    

Spotlight on Pennsylvania Wine in Philadelphia Magazine

 As a wine connoisseur, educator and all-around aficionado, I take pride in being ahead of the curve, so to speak, as best I can, when it comes to discovering and getting the word out on regions or trends in wine that are worthy of further exploration.  Case in point - Pennsylvania wines.  Three years ago, I featured local PA wines in my class as the quality from certain select wineries had progressed to the point that they merited a full review on their own.  Now Philadelphia Magazine has seen fit to grace the most recent issue (October 2022) with a cover story on Pennsylvania wines and wineries.  

https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/pennsylvania-wine/?utm_campaign=PHI%20EDIT%3A%20Sunday&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=227936863&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_jXIUCIlGrdH_5_OJ64pUbEREq9WHeq3BvmnEB3siT4plMA82kdFiL8MIwxTGt8m2LlJ-zmw1bCyYuIoEZOQIyIYWSUg&utm_content=227936863&utm_source=hs_email

Excerpt:

The Philadelphian’s Guide to Pennsylvania Wine

When you think of Pennsylvania, wine likely doesn’t come to mind. Farmland, sure. But wine? And good wine, at that? Yet the beverage has been part of our landscape since at least the late 1600s, when William Penn planted what’s thought to be the first vineyard in Philadelphia, in Fairmount Park. In the centuries that followed, the state became known for sweet wines and those made with fruits other than grapes. Native grape varieties, some of which are sweeter, prevailed because they’re easier to grow here. Prohibition plus a lack of funding contributed to Pennsylvania’s stagnated standing on the national and international wine stages.

While the state hasn’t entirely left that sweet status behind — in fact, many wineries thrive off well-made dessert wines today — there’s been a change in our reputation in the past two decades. That’s due in large part to the groundwork laid by the late industry pioneer Doug Moorhead, whose Presque Isle Wine Cellars was one of the first two licensed wineries in the state. He was instrumental in the passage in the late 1960s of the Limited Winery Act, which allowed the creation of wineries to produce and sell the beverage, and he was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Winery Association, a trade group representing the industry.

Other initiatives led by the government, the industry and universities have helped promote the state’s wine production and quality, while the types of grapes grown and the styles produced have expanded — including drier, more classic iterations. The Pennsylvania Wine Marketing & Research Program Board, an initiative of the Department of Agriculture that’s made up of industry and non-industry members, was established in the early aughts. Since 2011, Penn State’s wine and grape team has been researching and experimenting with new approaches to everything from vineyard management to ways to meet consumer demand.

I've tasted wines from most of the wineries featured in the magazine spread on visits throughout the last several years, and can vouch for the overall quality of the wines and the pleasant ambiance and service at the sites.  Of special note are Galen Glen, Wayvine, Penns Woods, Stargazer and Waltz.  A glaring omission in the magazine feature was Karamoor, right outside Philadelphia near Ambler.  In any event, be sure to pick up a copy as soon as you can for a handy guide to some of the better juice now being produced in the Keystone State.

 

A Wine Dinner of Classics and Other Notables

 Recently, I was invited to the curate the wine selection for a friend's dinner party.  The original idea was to feature wines a bit off the beaten path, which we did indeed do, supplemented by a few French classics as well as other readily available favorites.

I have often touted the excellent value of crémants, French sparkling wines produced in regions outside of Champagne.  For this occasion, I offered a crémant de Bourgogne from my own cellar which I was anxious to share with other wine lovers, and indeed, it was a great success.  The Savoie blanc de blanc was one of the off-the-beaten- path selections as it is vinified from a blend of several different varietals, including a few regional ones that are particular to this Alpine region.

The South African Chenin Blanc is another crowd pleaser and a delightful alternative for the Pinot Grigio sector. For those Pinot Noir aficionados, do not overlook those Spatburgunder from Southern Germany; they may be harder to find, but worth the trouble, and usually a very good value.

There is nothing quite like a top Beaujolais cru from Morgon as a great food wine, also a very affordable pleasure.  And is there any other way to finish off a delicious meal than a Sauternes paired with a freshly prepared dessert?

A tip of the tocque to our host Robin for organizing and preparing the menu, as well as the guests who whipped up the creamy corn soup and delicious fruit crumble. (My bad for forgetting to snap a picture of this luscious dessert!) 

All wines were purchased at the Pennsylvania wine and spirits stores, although some may have limited stocks.

JCB No. 21 Brut Crémant de Bourgogne NV (Non Vintage)

Origin: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Bourgogne, France

Varietals: Pinot Noir; Chardonnay

Production/Tasting Notes: From the house of Jean-Charles Boisset, who grew up the village of Vougeot, Burgundy; his portfolio features over 40 wines, including vineyards in Burgundy, Napa and Sonoma; this sparkling wine exudes a fresh, fruity nose (green apple, pear) with almond and white flower aromas; laced with crisp acidity, citrus; brioche; full, generous mouth feel. (90 points, Wine Enthusiast)

Alcohol: 12%

Food Pairing: Shrimp salad on toasts; stuffed cucumber barrels; olives

        

    

Varichon & Clerc Privilège Blanc de Blanc Brut NV

Origin: Savoie, France

Varietals: Altesse; Molette; Chardonnay; Chenin Blanc; Maccabeu

Production/Tasting Notes: Méthode champenoise; smooth, creamy; flavors of pear, apple, vanilla, toast.  Altesse is a white grape varietal prominent in the eastern France noted for its full-bodied, concentrated wines, featuring floral, nutty notes with good acidity. Molette is also primarily planted in the Savoie region and typically used as a blending grape.

Alcohol:  12%

Food pairing: Shrimp salad on toasts; stuffed cucumber barrels; olives

            

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2021

Origin : Western Cape, South Africa

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc

Production/Tasting Notes:  Hand-harvested; fermented cool; duplex soil with decomposed granite and fine sandy loam on a clay base; fresh, youthful wine with pear, quince flavors intertwined with green apple, grapefruit notes; tangy finish.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Food Pairing: Fresh corn soup

             

Weinhof Scheu Spatburgunder Pfalz Trocken 2017

Origin: Schweigen, Pfalz, Germany

Varietal: 100% Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir)

Production/Tasting Notes: 22 year old vines; clay soils; hand-harvested; 14 day maceration followed by 10 day fermentation; aged in 2500 liter oak barrels for one year before filtered and bottled; complex aromas of black cherry, cassis, wild berry with underlying notes of oak wood.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Food  Pairing: Stuffed chicken breast; vegetable tian; salad

         

   

Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte de Py 2020

Origin: Morgon AOC

Varietal: 100% Gamay

Production/Tasting Notes:  Intense bouquet of black cherry, forest berry, black olive, saline notes; medium-bodied with silky-smooth tannins; notes of bitter chocolate; lively acidity; long, persistent finish melding black cherry, blueberry, blood orange, citrus fruit. (95 points, James Suckling)

Alcohol:  13.5 %

Food Pairing: Stuffed chicken breast; vegetable tian; salad

            

Château Laribotte Sauternes 2018

Origin: Sauternes AOC

Varietals: 95% Semillon; 4% Sauvignon Blanc; 1% Muscadelle

Production/Tasting Notes: Complex notes of acacia, white flower, lemon, honey; rich, fruity mouth feel with flavors of candied fruit, orange peel and apricot. (90 points, Wine Enthusiast)

Alcohol: 13%

Food pairing: Cherry fruit crumble à la mode

 

Adventures in New Jersey Wineries

You don't have to go to all the way to California, Oregon or even upstate New York to spend a pleasant afternoon sipping wines and nibbling on small plates of cheese and charcuterie, and perhaps enjoy some live music to boot.  Granted, you can't expect to always find top quality quaffs in the Garden State, but chances are you'll come across at least a few wines that appeal to your tastes.  So far, I haven't discovered a particular winery across the Delaware River whose products have blown me away.  Still, each of the three establishments that I visited recently offer at least a few wines and/or amenities that make the trip worthwhile, especially if the weather cooperates.

The White Horse Winery in Hammonton is located just a few miles off the Atlantic City Expressway (and so, is easily accessible if you're spending some time down the shore near the gambling mecca), and features estate grown wines as well as wines sourced from outside the state - indeed, all three wineries reviewed in this post include a mix of estate and non-estate grown wines, which is quite common in most Jersey wineries.  

Although the wines that my companion and I sampled - from both sources -  were very respectable and generally well-made, the real selling points are the lovely, and mostly shaded, grounds, relaxed ambience and generous, friendly service.  There was also live music in the form of a singer on acoustic guitar.

Food options included small plates provided by the winery as well as an independent food truck situated near the outside seating area.

My friend and I decided to order both the white flight and the red flight to get the widest sampling of White Horse's offerings.  The white sampler featured two estate wines - Albarino and Vidal Blanc, whereas the red sampler included just one estate wine - Chambourcin.  (There is also a sampler of sweet wines that includes an estate Traminette.)  Albarino, largely associated with Spain (and Portugal as Alvarinho), is becoming more visible in Pennsylvania and New Jersey vineyards. The White Horse version was even more full-bodied and lush than I would have expected, exuding notes of white stone fruit, white flowers, and almond, laced with undertones of minerality and bright acidity.

Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of Chambourcin as I find that it's a difficult grape to vinify well, often producing thin, angular wines that are not well-balanced and not integrating well its herbaceous and fruit characteristics.  That said, White Horse does a reasonably good job in bringing these various elements together in a pleasant, enjoyable wine featuring spicy, herbal notes along with black cherry and plum flavors on the palate.

Lastly, the food boards were attractively presented and more than ample to satisfy a couple of imbibers.  We were lucky to visit on a rare, comfortably warm, low-humidity summer day, of which there  have been precious few this season.

 

Cape May County has quite a few wineries, both within the town limits as well as in the surrounding area, so you have a choice as to how far afield you want to go in case you're staying there for a few days or more.  On my trip down there, my companions and I visited a few wineries within a mile or two of each other off the same road so we didn't have to worry about losing our way,

The Natali (pronounced nah-TAL-ee) Vineyards, situated down a long gravel stone one-way lane off Route 47, offers an oasis of seclusion and rural respite from the beach crowds and hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and town centers with plenty of outdoor seating (although the heat our day of visit precluded imbibing en plein air).  The inside tasting room has plenty of room to stretch in an air-conditioned environment with small plates available to accompany your tasting.

As evident in the above photo, the charcuterie plate is quite abundant (and tasty!) and can easily serve 3-4 people.  There is also a food truck on weekends or for live music evenings during the week.  As for the wines, we sampled an array of whites and reds that are served in small plastic cups which you can then pour into a stemmed wine glass to fully appreciate the wine.  Most of the wines are estate grown or sourced from New Jersey, although some are vinified from out-of-state grapes.

The "Goshen" is a blend of  Albarino and Viognier which complement each other very nicely balancing the floral notes and acidity of the Spanish grape with the more viscous, apricot flavor of the French varietal.  The real stand-out, however, as expressed unanimously, was the Cabernet Franc with its smoky nose and cherry aromas, supported by smooth, elegant tannins and food-craving acidity.  At $24 a bottle, this is worthy of some of the best Jersey Cab Francs fetching much higher prices.  I also enjoyed the Tempranillo which features jammy notes of fig and dried plum and would pair well with spicy red-sauced pasta or grilled lamb.

The winery also produces its own mead as well as several fruit wines sourced from the Garden State.  Look for locally made jams as well, especially the Black Aronia jam from Jalma Farms sold in the tasting room.

Two connoisseurs inspecting the grapes at Natali

Just a mile or so down the road from Natali is Jessie Creek Winery which also features estate bottled wines as well as others produced from grapes sourced from outside the New Jersey.  The tasting room is a rather large space with a hodgepodge of comfortable sofas and couches along with up-right chairs and tables.  There is an outdoor area reserved for tasting, but on a such a hot day, there was no question that we opted for a cool, inside refuge from the afternoon sun.  

After ordering a wine sampler in the reception area, you can pick up the wines in the lounge to relax and sip. (On the other side of the reception area is a gallery space featuring works by local artists.)  Sample wines are presented in wine spirals which makes it easy to track the wines as you taste from top to bottom.

There are several options for sampler : red, white, off-dry, port/ice, anniversary, as well as build-your-own.  You can also choose to pair wines with chocolates.

We chose the Anniversary sampler which included 2 whites, a rosé, and 2 reds.  Only the Pinot Gris in this selection was estate grown, and it was hands down the top of the pick - a lush, powerful, medium to full-bodied wine with complex flavors of white flowers and stone fruit, and a lingering finish.  Of the reds, the reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was disappointing in that the typical characteristics of the varietal were not well integrated or balanced, especially in consort with the high alcohol content.  

To sum up, Jersey wineries can offer a pleasant experience as a get- away from the day-to-day routine, especially when the weather cooperates, and among the run-of-the-mill wines available, you just may find a real gem.  There are many more wineries to explore in the Garden State, so this report is by no means a definitive assessment.  It does, however, point to its potential, and as quality improves, there is all the more reason to seek out locally produced fruit of the vine.

Virginia - In Vino Veritas

 Earlier this month, I took a week-long trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, and as many of you know, wherever I travel, I'm always on the look out for local wineries that are worth visiting.  This is especially true for the state of Virginia which is fast becoming one of the nation's top destinations for wine connoisseurs.  The majority of the state's wineries are located in the northern and northwestern region, but there is a smattering of vineyards and wine-makers in the Historic Triangle region of eastern Virginia.

The first of the three wineries I visited in the Williamsburg area is right next to the historic Shirley Plantation, about 30 minutes from the town center off the John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5).  (The plantation itself is worth a visit as National Historic Landmark and one of the nation's oldest active family farms, going back eleven generations.  https://historicshirley.com/ )  The neighboring winery shares the landmark's name as the Upper Shirley Vineyard  https://www.uppershirley.com/ )

My visit was well-timed as the winery had just opened for business that day after I'd completed my tour of the Shirley Plantation, and since the heat had already begun to move into the oppressive stage, a nice, cool, air-conditioned tasting room and dining area was a welcome respite. (When the weather is more amenable to outside imbibing, the winery boasts a very spacious veranda and garden area where drinks and food can be enjoyed.)

Although it wasn't even noon yet, patrons had already arrived for an early lunch and wine-tasting, which was a good sign.  Furthermore, the inside tasting room/dinning area and banquet hall were tastefully decorated, clean and bright.

Wines are available by glass, bottle and in a multi-wine tasting kit which comprises up to ten samples in pre-packaged plastic cups, along with a wine glass that you can take with you as a souvenir.  Also included is a detailed description of each of the wine samples.  My kit featured Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, White Blend, Rosé, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Divertido (Mourvèdre), and Zachariah (Bordeaux style blend).  I found all the wines well-made and well-balanced, exhibiting characteristics typically associated with the particular varietal or blend, but the standouts for me were the Petit Verdot, Tannat and Zachariah which were exceptional in their expression of the grapes' distinctive flavor profile.  I ended up purchasing a bottle of the Petit Verdot ($32) which is becoming a kind of signature varietal of Virginia as a full-bodied, age-worthy stand-alone red.

As an added plus, judging by the delicious and abundant roast chicken salad I thoroughly enjoyed, the kitchen does a bang-up job with the menu, so don't hesitate to pair your wine(s)  with a scrumptious dish.

About a half hour's drive north of Upper Shirley Vineyards, just off  Route 64 is the New Kent Winery at Dombroski Vineyards, https://newkentwinery.com/ which also houses the Talleysville Brewing Company so that you can sample both estate wines and craft beer at the same venue.  (After tasting several wines, I opted for a draft brew - the Southern Rail Red Ale -  to accompany a small plate which was appropriately refreshing on a super hot and muggy Tidewater afternoon.)

You can ask to sample wines at the bar in the tasting room, but there was no seating inside (at least when I was there) so to order a full glass or bottle to share, you can take it outside to the spacious veranda and garden area.

Featured wines include Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, Norton, Cabernet Franc and Meritage blend.  As you can see, there is a strong French influence on the varietals grown in this area.  I sampled most of the reds which were all good quality and well-produced, boasting fine flavor profiles associated with the particular varietal(s). You may not be familiar with Norton, which is a hybrid thought to be the oldest commercially produced American varietal. Discovered in Missouri in the early 19th century, it is now predominantly grown in Virginia. Medium to full-bodied, and exhibiting red fruit characteristics and taut tannins, this is a good red option which does not overwhelm, yet holds up well on its own and is definitely food friendly.

I was especially taken by the Cabernet Franc which is rich in plum, black cherry, and forest floor with hints of oak and caramel from 24 months of aging. (This was my choice to bring home.)  Price points are quite reasonable, given the quality and regional production, ranging from the low $20s to the low $30s.  There was also a very good deal on a 4-pack of the Meritage in 250ml cans, perfect for a solo diner.  At just $20, I couldn't pass it up!

See below for the full list of wines and beers at the time I visited:  

My third and final visit on this trip was to the Williamsburg Winery, which has a Tasting Room on the main drag down the street from the colonial district. However, I chose to visit the actual headquarters located just a few miles outside the town among the vineyards. 

 I must say that I was a little hesitant, since Williamsburg is very much a tourist destination and I thought the winery might be just capitalizing on the large influx of visitors to the area and producing wines of little distinction to an unsophisticated, less discerning clientele.  I am happy to report that I was pleasantly mistaken.  All the wines I tasted were of good quality and well made; and once I made known to the server that I knew a few things about wine, he opened up to me about his own oenological interests and experiences, and even had me taste one of their top issues that was off the tasting menu.  A tip of the hat to Carmen, if you ever read this.

There are several tasting flights that are available, as well as wines by the glass or bottle.  I chose the Red Wine Flight as I really wanted to sample the Cab Franc and Petit Verdot to compare with the other Virginia wineries I had visited.  The flight then consisted of the 2020 Virginia Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Barrel-Aged Virginia Claret, the 2019 Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2020 Virginia Petit Verdot.  All wines were oak aged for at least 12 months. To my palate, the Cabernet Franc was closer to the Loire style than that of the Upper Shirley - leaner, more herbal with hints of green pepper and rhubarb, less fruit-forward.

The real standout was the Barrel Aged Claret, a blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Tannat. (I purchased a bottle to take home with me.)  All these varietals combine harmoniously to create a wine of great approachability yet fully layered with notes of red and black cherry, vanilla, cocoa, and supported by and integrated with tannins.  This is especially remarkable given the rough year weather-wise according to the winemaker.

 As I noted above, the Petit Verdot is becoming recognized as a mainstay of Virginia wineries, and in keeping with this recognition, the Williamsburg Winery's is a worthy entry, boasting a complex flavor profile, including ripe, dark fruit; cola; leather; herbs and graphite.

The off-menu sample Carmen graciously offered me was their top-of-the line 2017 Adagio blend consisting of Tannat, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  This exceptional wine brings forth a wide array of rich, complex fruit notes, including dates, figs, red raspberry, and dark cherry as well as blueberry and cassis. Balancing out the flavor profile are hints of black pepper and black olive, well integrated with supporting tannins and oak.  At $68 a bottle, it's well worth a special splurge. (Most of the other wines are in the $20-30 range.)

Small plates are available to accompany the wines and there is also a separate restaurant/tavern just opposite the winery at the same location.

To sum up, if you happen to take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, be sure to take time to visit a winery to relax, sip and savor as a break from all that history.