The Other 46

I’m often forced to make difficult decisions when it comes to planning my Virginia itinerary.  With 200 plus wineries throughout the state, and that number growing each month, it’s a painful selection process. That said I always include the “classics” and make an effort to visit a new and upcoming winery. Since their opening in July 2010, Hume Vineyards has been high on my list.  Located on a historic 50-acre farm dating back to the 1880′s in Hume, Virginia, the tasting room is housed in a rustic, minimalist building, overlooking the vineyard.  Owner Stephane Baldi has created the perfect atmosphere to waste away an afternoon over a glass of wine.

Visitors get to taste 5 wines for a $5 tasting fee.  All of the wines I sampled were produced from fruit grown by Breaux Vineyards.  The first pour featured the 2010 Seyval Blanc.  Big floral nose followed by honeysuckle, green apple and plenty of minerality.  At $19, a bit pricey for my taste. The second pour included the 2010 Vidal Blanc.  Another hybrid that performs well in Virginia.  A fruit-forward, crisp, semi-sweet wine.  Before moving onto the reds, we sampled the 2010 Rosé. Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, red fruit, especially strawberry shine on the nose and palate.  A pleasing pour.

The recently released 2010 Chambourcin was the next wine.  I’m a big fan of Breaux Vineyards and was interested to see Stephane’s take on the fruit. Disclaimer, I’m not a big fan of Chambourcin and even less a fan of high ABV wines.  Plum, dark cherries and spice dominate.  At 15.1% alcohol, this is a hefty wine that needs food.  The new-world 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon comes in at $26 and has a splash of Cabernet Franc (5%).  An earthy, delicious wine that is drinking very well.  Consistent notes of bright red fruit on the nose and smoky, earthy flavors with a touch of bacon and vanilla (I had written “classic Virginia” on my tasting sheet).

I look forward to returning to Hume Vineyards and especially to sample their estate wines and the newly planted Sauvignon Blanc.  In the meantime, I recommend you visit and be sure to tell them TheOther46.com sent you.  Cheers!

I made an exception last year and published my first review on a wine from outside the other 46 states.  Since that inaugural post, I’ve managed to feature wines from not only New York, but Canada as well.  Highlighting emerging wine regions, or better yet, wine regions often neglected by the mainstream media has and will always be my primary goal.  That said I do enjoy wines from all over and enjoy a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from time to time.  I thought what better time to include my first California post while sitting on a plane headed home from San Francisco. And honestly, what better way to burn 5 hours.

I recently opened and enjoyed two wines from Napa Valley legend, Robert Mondavi, a true pioneer and innovator in California winemaking.  His winery remains an architectural masterpiece, and continues to be a popular tourist attraction for visitors.  His earlier wines were built to last, and are usually my wines of choice when I celebrate special occasions. It’s always a treat to drink vintage wine, especially with friends and family, but its even more exciting to pour wines from years that have special meaning (both vintages marked birth years).

After much wrangling, I removed the cork on the 1975 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and decanted to remove any cork residue.  Brownish in color, the wine displayed an earthy and musty nose. Surprising fruit on the palate with short-lived notes of eucalyptus and leather.  Definitely past it’s prime, but still drinkable for a 36 year-old wine.

Up next was the 1979 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.  The reserve wines feature fruit selected from the finest vineyard blocks and often showcase the most complexity and elegance.  This was definitely the case with the ’79.  Dark red in color, the 32 year-old wine would have fooled many.  The wine opened with bright red fruit on the nose. Plums, cassis, cedar, tobacco and leather notes on the palate.  Surprisingly complex and “alive”.  Well made and still has a few years left.

1979 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve

A fun evening was had by all, and more importantly, great memories.

Whatever you do, pour yourself into it. -Robert Mondavi

Tomorrow we return to our normally scheduled program, local wine from the other 46 states. Cheers!

One of the few remaining states to restrict direct-to-consumer shipments, New Jersey wineries have been mired in a battle to legalize direct shipping.  Several bills are in play and I encourage my New Jersey readers to write your legislators today.  Already the seventh-largest wine-producing state, New Jersey winemaking is the fastest-growing segment of state agriculture, according to the Garden State Wine Growers Association.  With 40 plus wineries in the state, it was due time I feature a New Jersey wine.

Established in 2001, Heritage Vineyards is located in the elevated western edge of southern New Jersey’s coastal plain in Mullica Hill.  Bill & Penni Heritage, proprietors, represent the fifth generation of farmers who have tended this land.  There are currently 22 acres of vineyards planted on the Heritage estate.  The award-winning winery took home the New Jersey Governor’s Cup for their Chambourcin, rumored to be one of the best examples on the East Coast.  Tonight I feature their popular Jersey Red and White wines.

The Jersey Red is a semi-sweet red wine blend of 50% Concord and 50% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  Made with 100% Jersey fruit, the fruit-forward wine displayed plums and cherries on the nose and palate.  Reminded me of a classic Dornfelder, fresh and fruity.

The Jersey White is a blend of 30% Chenin Blanc, 30% Traminette, 30% Cayuga and 10% Chardonnay.  Floral and tropical notes with a hint of honeysuckle on the nose.  Apple, peach and citrus peel on the palate.  A refreshing, crisp wine perfect for picnics and warm summer days.

Both wines retail for $10.99 and represent great value for a local wine.  Kudos to Heritage Vineyards for crafting two eclectic wines for today’s modern drinker.  Cheers!

Heritage Vineyards Jersey Red and White

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