It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to experience Virginia wines, which I first got to try at the Wine Bloggers Conference in 2011 (#wbc11).  I was recently asked to join the 30th episode of Virginia Wine Chat #VaWineChat, which was facilitated by one of my favorite bloggers, Frank Morgan.  This episode featured Early Mountain Vineyard’s new Winemaker Ben Jordan and Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, Jonathan Hollerith, for a discussion about Early Mountain, which is located in Charlottesville, VA, and has a storied history.  

The winery sent three wines – a Pinot Gris, a rosé and a red blend.  We started with the 2014 Early Mountain rosé, which made my stock in rosés immediately rise.  It was delicious – full of mouthwatering fruits like apple, pear and strawberry.  It was dry and evolved in the glass over the night.  I loved it.

The 2014 Early Mountain Pinot Gris was also delicious.  It had great notes of pear, crisp golden apple, spice and a great minerality that made it go down way too easy.

The 2013 Early Mountain Foothills was a solid red blend.  I think if I had paired other food besides sushi with it, it would have showed a little better.  It had deep berry flavors, herbs and was earthy.

These wines all had Old World style with a New World charm.  If you have an opportunity to try Virginia wines – especially those from Charlottesville, VA, I’d definitely seek them out.