Wine Reviews
RECENT ACCLAIM
Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Shenandoah Valley-16.5 Drink 2012-2015
Having been given this by its makers at my event for American Wine at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, I shared it the next day with some sceptical sommeliers in charge of particularly smart wine lists. They grudgingly admitted it was rather good. Lots of ripe fruit but quite enough structure and acidity. A suggestion of stone fruit but with the rigour of a Chassagne. Bravo!
~Jancis Robinson
2011 Chardonnay
Our 2011 Chardonnay possesses compelling aromas of intense ripe pear, Meyer lemon zest, peach nectar, white flowers, fennel pollen and beeswax, framed by subtly spicy toasty oak. An opulent yet focused entry foreshadows a mouthfilling mid-palate with broad textured supple fruit flavors, finishing with a fascinating balance of length, richness and minerality. 87 points~ Wine Enthusiast
2011 Seyval Blanc
In nose, very fine grapefruit, white flowers and citric hints combine with a perfect mineral character. It's an expressive Sauvignon Blanc, with a mineral and slightly salty mouth, with great acidity and a lovely long finish. 86 points~ Wine Enthusiast
2010 Viognier
The main attraction of Viognier is its potentially powerful, rich, and complex aroma that often seems like overripe apricots mixed with orange blossoms or acacia. With as distinctive and sweet an aroma-flavor. This barrel-fermented wine is complex and delicious, packed with Meyer lemon, pear, peach, tart green apple and spice flavors 86 points~ Wine Enthusiast
2008 Norton Estate Bottled
Ambitious and concentrated, with an inky color and a juicy, mouthwatering palate framed by mature blackberry and raspberry fruit. A pronounced char note on the nose follows through to a medium, slight tart finish. 85 points~ Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2007 Cabernet Franc
This seductive Cabernet Franc opens up with aromas of cherry, vanilla and spice leading into layers of blackberry, plum, cinnamon and cedar on the palate. Fruit and spice are balanced here, and medium tannins means the wine can age. Paired with roasted duck or beef, the wine is a sure hit. — 87 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2008 Estate Club Merlot
Rich and round, this offers plenty of concentrated blackberry notes enveloped in warm spices and supple oak. There's a hint of green tomato leaves throughout, but the lush fruit combined with sturdy grape tannins and high acidity would pair well with fatty short ribs or braised pork. — 87 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2009 Estate Club Merlot
Warm and spicy on the nose and palate, this Virginia Merlot boasts a sour cherry aroma combined with hints of gingersnap cookie and ripe bramble. Ample and rich with slightly stewed black fruit notes, the palate is bathed in waves of anise and cinnamon that linger on the finish. —86 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2009 Estate Club Ameritage Red Blend
While soft and ripe on the nose and palate with loads of soft red fruit and hints of mocha and milk chocolate, this Virginia Ameritage doesn't have a lot of structure, but its smooth, warm style is still eager to please. — 86 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2008 Estate Club Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe and rich on the nose with a harmonious black fruit and sweet vanilla bean aroma, this Virginia Cab is clean and pure with a remarkably pristine fruit profile. Bright and fresh with balanced acidity and a nicely concentrated midpalate. — 86 Points Wine Enthusiast
Bogati 2009 Collection I Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Sweet red cherry fruit melds with whiffs of graham cracker crumb and leather on this ripe, full bodied red from Bogati. There's a thin vein of green that trails throughout, but the palate is nicely structured with a dose of warm pepper notes and mouthcoating tannins on the finish. — 86 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar NV Tres Blanc
High-toned apple cider notes dominate the nose on this concentrated blend of Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Chardonnay from Virginia's Veramar. Full bodied but dry with a rich viscosity and a brisk, lemony acidity, it's straightforward, but enjoyable for a casual night's fare. — 85 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar NV Rooster Red Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Ripe red cherries and violets along with a hint of green make for a pleasant nose on this dry, medium-bodied Bordeaux blend. Fresh, nervy acidity amplifies the elegant black cherry and dried herb notes that carry through to an earthy, brambly finish. — 85 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar NV Riesling-Vidal Blanc
Bruised apple and high-toned apple cider notes on the nose. It's an appley wine with familiar hints of ginger and apple pie spice, but brisk acidity and a supple mouthfeel keeps it from being overtly homespun in style. 85 Points Wine Enthusiast
Veramar 2010 Chardonnay
While the nose on this Chardonnay is decidedly savory, with notes of cooked apples and buttery cheese rinds, the palate is surprisingly feminine, with pretty orange-blossom and apple jelly notes. Opulent and fruity, yet refreshingly-balanced in alcohol and acidity. This wine is lush and full body and has a wonderful elegance coupled with an abundant of orchard fruit flavors while the oak profile is somewhat subdued. — 85 Points Wine Enthusiast
Bogati 2010 Cabernet Franc
While a tad pulpy and overripe on the nose, there's a purity to the dark red fruit on the palate of this Virginia Cab Franc that penetrates amidst notes of fresh green leaves and herbs. Full bodied in style with just a hint of green bramble on the finish. — 85 Points Wine Enthusiast
Estate Club Cabernet Franc Free Run 2010
Cabernet Franc has stunning ripe tannins and very pure black current flavors. Also a denseness from the ripeness of the fruit. Deep ruby color with hints of garnet, attractive aroma mingles pine, orange peel with spice and licorice. . — 87 Points Wine Enthusiast
