Main Street Station
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Small grapes, big wines... that's the big story the Virginia Wine Dogs took away from the 2023 Virginia Governor's Cup Competition. And as a member of one of the smallest breeds in the dog world, Yorkshire Terrier and blogger-in-chief Ecco is thrilled the wine world has discovered small is beautiful.
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| Governor Glenn Youngkin introduces the winemakers in the Governor's Cup Case, noting: "We only serve Virginia wines" at the Executive Mansion. |
Before introducing Virginia's top 12 wines for 2023, a few observations.
Big Future for Petits
Half of the wines in this year's outstanding Governor's Cup Case come from the small berries of Petit Verdot (four wines) or Petit Manseng (two wines). And Petit Verdot is the dominant grape in the Delfosse Screaming Hawk, the Governor's Cup winner. Historically, Petit Verdot was a blending grape, and Petit Manseng is traditionally crafted as a sweet desert wine. Now these grapes are shining in Virginia as single dry varietals. Once thought to be Virginia's signature red and white grapes, it appears Cabernet Franc and Viognier are being eclipsed by the Petits (neither made the case).
Red Blends Finish Strong and Long
Rounding out the reds in this year's case are four strong Bordeaux-style blends, among them the Governor's Cup winner from Delfosse.
Virginia Wines Coming of Age
The 2023 competition saw a record 142 gold medals awarded by the distinguished judging panel. Consider that only 13 golds were awarded in 2012 when the competition first took on its current format. That speaks volumes for the high quality wine being produced in Virginia today.
2021 Shaping Up to Be a Strong Year
Last year's competition saw 2019 vintages shine; this year, they're sharing the stage with their younger siblings from the class of 2021, which earned five spots in the case.
Monticello Reigns Supreme
Not only is the Governor's Cup returning to the Monticello AVA, but six more wines from the region where Mr. Jefferson first dreamed of growing wine in Virginia made the case. Northern Virginia, Shenandoah, and Eastern Virginia also are represented.
Best of the Best
After an evening of tasting the Governor's Cup Case wines (and a few others), the Wine Dogs had some favorites of our own. We'll lead with our top four, in no particular order, followed by the rest of the case.
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| Kim and Mark Kramer showcase the Mountain and View Screaming Hawk from Delfosse; York checks out the cup with winemaker Andrew Bilenkij |
Wine Dogs agree the 2021 Screaming Hawk Meritage from Delfosse Vineyards and Winery is a winner. With Petit Verdot in the lead (50%), the blend is rounded out with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Malbac for a long and pleasant finish. Delfosse also won golds for their 2020 Petit Verdot Reserve and 2021 Go-Go Girl.
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| Cellar Rat Cory presents the case wines from Trump Winery |
A second red blend that delighted the Wine Dogs' palate is the 2019 New World Reserve from Trump Winery, with 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 10% Malbec. As per usual, a Trump sparkling found its way into the case - this time the 2016 Blanc de Noir. Three additional Trump wines earned gold.
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| Paradise Springs Tasting Room Manager Molly Hoke pours the wine while Founder and Yorkie lover Jane Kincheloe raises a glass to the Wine Dogs |
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| Eric Paddock does a little bit of everything at Barboursville, while Luca Paschina consistently makes some of the most outstanding in Virginia |
Refreshing was the word the Wine Dogs chose to describe Barboursville Vineyards 2021 Vermentino Reserve. The 2020 Vermentino claimed a place in Virginia's prestigious case last year, leaving the Wine Dogs to wonder why more Virginia wineries aren't trying this grape. Barboursville also earned gold for the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and 2021 Sauvignon Blanc.
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| Director of Operations Aubry Fisher shows off the 50 West Vineyards 2020 Petit Manseng |
The first of the Petit Mansengs in this year's case was produced by winemaker Jason Burrus for 50 West Vineyards, recently purchased by Katie and Chris Key, along with Sunset Hills Vineyard, which earned gold for their 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc.
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| Linda, JJ and Mark were having a great time serving Barren Ridge's Petit Verdot |
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| Celebrating with Jefferson Vineyards Winemaking duo David Woodside and Chris Ritzcovan; Chris remembered the Wine Dogs from their 2012 visit |
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| Owner David Foster and Winemaker Eric Schenkel assure us Mountain Run Winery is very dog friendly |
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| Pollak's Wine Club Manager Sarah has a winning smile to go with a winning Petit Verdot |
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| Henry is crazy about Williamsburg wines and Yorkies (Wine Dog shout-out to Bailey and Peanut) |
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