Hype?

I’m going to switch gears tonight and talk about two recent wineries who have won their respective states Governor’s Cup for best overall wine. The 2008 award went to Black Ankle Vineyards for their 2006 Bordeaux blend, Crumbling Rock. Black Ankle Vineyards is a new, up and coming winery located in Mt. Airy, Maryland. The second, Keswick Vineyards, is the 2009 Virginia Governor’s Cup winner for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Keswick is located on the Monticello Wine Trail, outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Interestingly, these wines have something more in common than just the Governor’s Cup. The Crumbling Rock comes in at $40, while the Keswick Cab topples that at $60! Yes, that’s SIXTY DOLLARS! Don’t get me wrong, I love the other 46 states and do my best in spreading the word, but these latest prices are out of control. I have a hard time believing these wines can stand alongside some great Napa Valley Cabernets, for example Sequoia Grove, Honig, and Whitehall Lane. All of these wines retail in the $30 price range and offer great value each vintage.

Before I get inundated with emails, I must disclose I have not tried either wines and this is solely my opinion. Both wines are out of my price range, although I would welcome the opportunity to sample each. I continually read complaints about the high price tags on wines from the other 46 states, and unfortunately, these wines definitely don’t help matters. But then again, these two wines could be outstanding, and ultimately compete for their spot in the global wine marketplace.

Or, this could all be hype…

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