2014 Governor's Cup Case Blends New and Familiar Virginia Wines

Recognizing the top dogs in Virginia Wine for 2014  

Governor's Cup Gala
Richmond, VA

The 2014 Governor's Cup Case will include some familiar names in Virginia wine and some newcomers. This year, 410 wines from 96 wineries competed, with 20 wines earning the coveted Gold. Once again, red dominated the top 12 (predominantly blends, but also two Tannats), joined by a lone white (Chardonnay) as well as a desert wine.

The 2014 Governor's Cup was awarded to Williamsburg Winery for the 2010 Adagio. The graceful blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot already has the wine world taking note - earning 94 points in the Beverage Testing Institute's International Wine Competition.

It was produced by Matthew Meyer, who has been Williamsburg's winemaker since 2002.

The Adagio, along with the next 11 highest ranking wines in the competition, will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case.  These award-winning wines will be used to showcase the best of Virginia's vines and vintners.

Paws up from the Wine Dogs to Williamsburg and the other case members:

Chief Sommelier Jason Tesauro and the team at Barboursville Vineyard were kept busy pouring with an unprecedented three wines in the top 12 - the 2008 Malvaxia Passito, a dessert wine; the 2010 Nebbiolo Reserve; and the 2010 Octagon (the 2009 Octagon was last year's Governor's Cup awardee).

Barboursville Winemaker Luca Paschina  received national recognition this past year as one of the top 20 winermakers by the James Beard Foundation and Vineyard & Winery Management.

Barren Ridge Vineyards Owner and Winemaker John Higgs with his award winning 2009 Meritage, one of the older wines in the case. "Our wines you have to age," he explained.

The Wine Dogs are  hearing a lot of buzz about Tannat as an emerging red wine grape in Virginia, and it appears the time is ripe. Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars will be showcasing his 2011 Tannat in the 2014 Governor's Cup Case

alongside the 2010 Tannat from Horton Vineyards, produced by winemaker Mike Heny. 

For the third consecutive year, the King Family Vineyards has a place in the Governor's Cup Case, with winemaker Matthieu Finot's 2011 Meritage.

Vicki and Mark Fedor of North Gate Vineyard produced an award-winning Meritage at their Leed-Gold certified winery, finished with estate-grown Petit Verdot.

Rockbridge Vineyard owner/winermaker Shep Rouse produced a classic. His 2008 DeChiel Meritage is a mature wine that is aging with grace.  

Sunset Hills Vineyard's Scott Spelbring pours the 2010 Mosiac. The Meritage blend is making a return appearance in the Governor's Cup Case.

The only white to appear in the Governor's Cup case in two years is the 2012 Chardonnay produced by newcomers Brad and Theresa Robertson of Two Twisted Posts Winery, which will be opening on March 15. Talk about starting off with a bang!