Brian Franke

9.1

Perfect time to drink a 2017. — 8 months ago

with Sara

Ron from VA

9.1

Linear yet elegant…dense, darker red fruit carries balance thru the attack into a medium+ weighted finish (think artisan cola) - highlighting fine grain tannins. Fall Herbs lend subtle accent to polished build. Oak is not intrusive The 2016 Meritage is a blend of 45% Merlot, 28% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of the fruit came from Rougemont vineyard in Keswick, VA, with the remainder coming from Adventure Farm, Wild Meadow, Carter's Mountain, and Honah Lee. The grapes are fermented with natural yeast in stainless steel tanks and then barrel aged in 54% new French oak individually and blended for a total of 21 months. We believe that the Bordeaux blends produce some of Virginia's best and most expressive wines. The 2016 Meritage blend is a reflection of what we strive for in both the grape growing and winemaking. — 3 years ago

Laura Purdy

9.0

This is the 2019 Estate Reserve Cab Franc Block 7 - 100% Cabernet Franc. Opened this up way too young but have some more coming. Notes of graphite and minerals with dark fruits. Needs 3-4 years and will be beautiful! — 4 years ago

Kate Rawlins

9.0

Keswick. A fruity not too dry sparkling. — 10 months ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Rich however it need time and air. Too much wood right now. Elegant, nonetheless — 3 years ago

Ron from VA

9.1

Fabulously strong run while staying in the “Va Cab Lane”. Nicely concentrated with Stewie dark fruit and herbal framing… Both cerebral and functional in fit & finish. Acid is enough at this point but will taper and could become a little flabby if left too long in the cellar. A nice toastiness is detected while not interfering with the single block terroir expression. — 4 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.1

100% Touriga- and a strong example of how this Portuguese grape is playing a unique role within and upon the blossoming Virginia Wine scene. A sort of stewed red fruit finds its way to the nose which is followed by a surprisingly medium-bodied palate that rhymes with what the nose has already said. It’s a juicy, surprisingly deep effort that I bet will only get better over the next year. The palate is crisp but specifically well-rounded, leading to a juicy finish that, again, is packed with that “stewed fruit” trait that first found its way to the nose. This is a wonderful effort. — 4 years ago

with Beth

Allen Perry

9.6

This 2012 aged beautifully. Wish I had bought a case — 3 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.0

The 2019 Keswick Cabernet Franc (Monticello) is a young, bold, palate-coating piece of work. I have numerous friends and associates who have themselves discovered the different expressions of Virginia Cabernet Franc- those subtle points of personality that define each of the wines made from this royal grape- and I would point them all in the direction of this delightful example of ‘how it’s done’.

After a brief decant, the 2019 Keswick Cabernet Franc not only softens but begins to express ample notes of cherry, violets, and hints of currant.

The approach on the palate is surprisingly approachable, with a mouth-coating concentration of soft tannins and a finish that reprises the expressions of nose & palate as well.

It’s a simple, beautiful example of what Virginia Cabernet Franc can be. — 3 years ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.1

2017 Keswick vineyards “Heritage” Estate Reserve

85% Cabernet Sauvignon
7.5% Merlot
7.5% Cabernet Franc

A gorgeous, true-to-place blend from the Monticello AVA. The nose is loaded with notes of clove, all-spice, raspberries, and as it breathes those flavors melt together. The attack on the palate is perhaps the Heritage’s strongest point- beautifully balanced and an integrated richness of fine tannins, expressive and powerful yet somehow delicate. Once again, as the best wines out of Monticello (or anywhere for the matter) the Heritage has something genuine to say. Just so happens it is also very well-spoken. The finish is lengthy and reflects the flavors that took to build up the structure. This is more than a delight- it’s a discovery. — 4 years ago

with Beth