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Tag Archives: virginia

Chrysalis Vineyards winery visit

08 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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Norton, petit verdot, Tannat, virginia


I took a drive out to Northern Virginia’s wine country and visited the Chrysalis winery in Middleburg.  They specialize in the native Norton grape which is medium to high in acidity, full bodied but with very soft tannins.  High levels of anthocyanin help to deliver a beautifully rich dark purple color to the young wine.  I tasted several different versions of this varietal including a blend.  The flight consisted of 3 dry reds and a sweet blush plus I got a bonus- the Papillon which is a blend of Tannat and Petit Verdot.

My favorite from the flight was the Bull Run Mountain Cuvee, which uses some Carbonic Maceration as well as traditional fermentation.  This gives the wine very soft tannins and bright fruit flavors.  The Barrel Select and Locksley Reserve were not my favorites- the Carbonically macerated Barrel Select was a touch too spicy for my taste.  The Locksley has some Tannat added to it which beefs up the tannins yet I still did not care for the flavor profile as much.  Don’t get me wrong, I could sit on their beautiful patio and sip these all day.  Speaking of the patio, the Sarah’s Patio Red was definitely not my cup of tea.  I love dessert wines, I love Port, I love sparkling/spritzy wines, I like Blush wines, but I really did not care for the cloying nature of this one.  It might be right up your alley so don’t let my opinion sway you from trying it.  The last wine I drank was the Papillon- a blend of more traditional varietals….Tannat and Petit Verdot.  I like the balance of this wine, the flavors were layered and far more complex.  This is a serious wine to sit and ponder.  It runs $40 at the winery and is well suited to pair with hearty dishes as the Fall and Winter approach.  I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon trip out to this beautiful venue where you can order pizzas and light fare to pair with the very large selection of varietals that are interesting and not mainstream…. The staff were great and very informative.  I’ll be back to try the rest of their offerings.  Salut….

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Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc 2010, Virginia, USA

20 Monday Jul 2020

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$60, 5 stars, 91 points, Cabernet franc, virginia


The third Magnum of my Barboursville vertical was well worth the wait.  After breaking the wet cork the bottom half fell into the bottle, that was the only negative.  In the glass this 10 year old showed bits of floating cork, semi opaque red to dark red color.  On the nose- tobacco, leather, ripe plum, licorice and a whiff of alcohol.  On the palate it gives off a mature palate of secondary flavors already mentioned, some well integrated tannins, cassis and dark blueberry compote.  Delicious, aged correctly and offering a mix of fruit and tertiary flavors.  There is a nice acidity, not overbearing but just ever so present on the long finish.  Nice mouthfeel, good structure and juicy fruitiness makes this a 91 point wine. Available at the winery for $180 in large format, it has paid dividends.  5 stars for yet another example of great Virginian Cabernet Franc.  Drink till 2025.  Salut….

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Barboursville Vineyards Phileo NV, Monticello, USA

23 Tuesday Jun 2020

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$15, 5 stars, 89 points, moscato, virginia


Very pale yellow in the glass.  The nose is very floral with strong peach and apricot notes. I also get walnut shells.  On the palate this wine is very sweet- but not unctuous like a Sauternes.  It’s got a silky mouthfeel but is quite refreshing as a chilled wine.  Mango, passion fruit and peach all hit my tastebuds.  There’s a very small trace of acidity which lends body to the mid palate.  It’s a unique wine for sure- a cross between Riesling, a big Napa Chard, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Grigio.  Each of which give either to the flavors or the unique mouthfeel.  Lychees and tropical fruits are the finish, which is decent in length on this Moscato blend.  They say to pair this with dessert- without a doubt.  It’s working as an aperitif for me though.  Unique style, interesting flavors and the ability to start or finish an evening make this a special wine.  I love this winery and think this is a bottle you should look for.  89 points and 5 stars for this $15 treat.  Salut….

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Barboursville Vineyards Malvaxia 2007, Virginia, USA

26 Tuesday May 2020

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$35, 5 stars, 91 points, dessert wine, Vidal, virginia


Golden brown in the glass, appropriate for a 13 year old.  On the nose it has hazelnut, honey, orange peel, quince and Marmalade.  The palate is quite tart with orange reduction, more honey, nuts, nutmeg and Cointreau.  It’s nicely balanced with acidity, fruit, unctuous mouthfeel and loads of orange Marmalade.  The thickness of the wine is really delicious, it gives warmth and body to the elixir.  The mid palate concentrates on the oranges, with the sweetness of honey and apricots.  The finish is medium in length but full on with more oranges, sweet syrup and some tart acidity that balances out the sugars.  91 points. Drink now till 2030.  Delicious, a real treat after all these years in the cellar.  Newer vintages can be had for $35 per half bottle.  5 stars.  Salut….

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Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc 2009, Virginia, USA

24 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$60, 4 stars, 91 points, Cabernet franc, virginia


In Magnum, I was hoping for a repeat of last years tasting of the 2008 Cab Franc.  Dark purple, medium opacity.  Nose is exquisite- plum reduction, oaky warmth, tobacco and leather.  On the palate it shows purple framboise, some cassis, more tobacco and that delicious tertiary note of leather.  The midpalate has a touch of tart cranberry compote alongside the flavors already noted.  The finish is medium length, fresh and a touch tannic.  This wine is at peak now.  Drink till 2023.  91 points and 4 stars.  Available from the winery as part of their library collection for $180, or $60 for a regular 750 mill- wow.  Salut….

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Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Viognier 2017, Virginia, USA

07 Sunday Jul 2019

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$22, 5 stars, 91 points, viognier, virginia


Very pale yellow in the glass, I was expecting a more honeyed glint.  On the nose it’s very refreshing with a peach hint, some beeswax and papaya.  I’m excited!  On the palate it is super delicious- crisp, clean with just a hint of acidity let the flavors of peach stone, nectarine and pink grapefruit really shine.  The mid palate allows the gentle acidity some room to refresh the palate.  The finish is medium in length with a great mouthfeel that balances freshness with a touch of flab that just tastes and feels right.  This is a rather nice bottle- Virginia really does great Viognier and Barboursville perfects it.  91 points and 5 stars for this $22 charmer.  Drink till 2027 with grilled fish, chicken kebabs or raw clams.  Salut…. 

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