Here at Legacy in a Glass, we are always looking for something new, different, and exciting. My wife recently reached out to a number of EAST coast wineries for the opportunity to be part of this article. We got a very good response and I am happy to report that the wineries I reviewed offer a wide selection of really great wines. These were all small, family owned wineries that are driven by passion, with skilled winemakers working through the many challenges of growing premium grapes in a much more inconsistent environment from vintage to vintage than almost any other place in the world. I will say, whether or not man made, the climate is changing. I tasted many of the red wines provided and they were riper and more robust than expected, giving the impression of a longer, warmer growing season.
– Steve Pollack, National Sales Director
Abingdon winery should definitely be a destination if you are traveling to Virginia. Their story is unique in the sense that typically, families that up-root to follow their passion for winemaking tend to move WEST to the golden state of California. This family moved EAST to Virginia? In my opinion, if you have the passion to do something and have the knowledge to achieve it, no location can stop you. The end result speaks for itself.
Abingdon White Oak Chardonel 2018
A hybrid of the grape chardonnay, known for its high quality and cold hardiness. This wine is filled with cream tart and vanilla aromas. In the mouth this wine shines, showing mango, peach, apple and nectarine flavors. Finishes with crushed flowers and crisp acidity. Excellent!
Suggested Retail: $20
Score: 93 Points
Abingdon Riesling 2018
Aromas of fresh fruit cocktails give way to a palate ripe with tropical fruits, peach and white plum drop. Finishes ripe and round.
Suggested Retail: $25
Score: 90 Points
Abingdon Riverside Rose 2018
With aromas of candied apple coating, the palate boasts flavors of strawberry, watermelon and rainier cherry. A crisp and refreshing wine.
Suggested Retail: $40
Score: 90 Points
Abingdon Game Changer 2015
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and Norton. This wine offers a very unique tasting experience. Toasty aromas of cedar chest and lavender. The palate is filled with herbs, teaberry and tobacco leaf, along with plum and dark cherry fruit flavors. Finishes polished and velvety, changing in complexities as it sits in the glass. Memorable!
Suggested Retail: $20
Score: 93+ Points
Abingdon Pioneer Port NV
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton and Chambourcin fortified with house brandy. The palate boasts sweet craisin, roasted caramel, cherry liqueur and bitter chocolate. A pure and balanced expression of a tawny port with just the right touch of drying acidity to complete this well-made dessert wine. Lovely packaging as well.
Suggested Retail: $45
Score: 93 Points
Bella Terra Sparkling Diamond Wine NV
Fresh white grape aromas. The palate shows white peach and lemon tart with hints of toast. Finishes with dry apple and frothy bubbles.
Score: 90 Points
Buttonwood Grove Fume Blanc 2018
White flowers and stone fruit open to a clean palate filled with minerals, lemon, lime and citrus flavors. Finishes with wet stone and crisp acidity.
Score: 91 Points
Buttonwood Grove Chardonnay 2017
Aromas of vanilla bean and creamed peach, offering a creamy palate that is full of citrus, orange zest and mango. Finishes with the right dose of crisp acidity.
Score: 92 Points
Buttonwood Grove Dry Riesling 2017
Slate, mineral, lemon oil, with hints of petrol emerge from the glass. The palate is crisp and bright showing refreshing lime zest, mango and white peach flavors. Finishes clean and pure.
Score: 92 Points
Buttonwood Grove Riesling 2018
Wet slate, petrol, peach and orange aromas lead to a palate filled with tropical fruits, ripe peach, Asian pear, and baked apple- all surrounding a core of crisp acidity.
Score: 93 Points
Cross Key Chardonnay 2017
Aromas of baked apple tart. The palate is ripe and quite rich, showing peach marmalade and orange zest. Finishes with toasty, sweet oak flavors and acid balance.
Score: 90 Points
Cross Keys Merlot 2016
Lavender and plum aromas. The palate is filled with herbs and violets, with additional flavors of plum and tart Rainier cherries.
Score: 87 Points
Cross Keys Petite Verdot 2016
Hints of violet and dark blue fruit aromas. The palate is dense, with leathery black fruits, licorice, and crushed blueberries. Finishes with dusty, full tannin.
Score: 88 Points
Cross Keys Meritage 2016
With aromas of waxy cherry and plum, this wine offers a palate full of cassis, cherry liqueur, anise, licorice and plum.
Score: 90 Points
Cross Keys Joy Red NV
Candied raspberry and sweet cherry dominate this easy drinking red blend. Finishes fruity with soft tannin.
Score: 88 Points
Cross Keys Joy White NV
The palate boasts white grape flavors with a note of sweet tart and lemon zest. A light, fruity, easy drinking white wine to enjoy anytime.
Score: 88 Points
Cross Keys Fiore Rose 2018
This wine offers sweet strawberry and rhubarb flavors with bright acidity. A fun wine for someone who doesn’t like dry rose.
Score: 87 Points
Lenz Pinot Gris 2015
This Pinot Gris begins with aromas of white pepper and peach. The palate offers pineapple and early ripening kiwi fruit, before finishing with lemon tart and crisp acidity.
Score: 90 Points
Nimble Hill Mysteria White Blend
Aromas of stone fruit and minerals. The palate is fresh and crisp, with green apple, lemon, lime and citrus. Finishes with hints of pear and frizzante style.
Score: 87 Points
Nimble Hill Gruner Veltliner 2016
Flavors of mango, crushed flowers, and grapefruit, that give way to a fresh and crisp finish with notes of pineapple and white spice.
Score: 88 Points
Nimble Hill Pinot Grigio Toczko Vineyard 2018
A fruity styled Pinot Grigio, showing lemon tart, peach, green apple and sweet limes. Crisp and refreshing acidity.
Score: 89 Points
Nimble Hill Late Harvest Frontenac Gris 2017
This wine is an attractive orange pink color, with aromas of cotton candy, honeyed peach, and melted brown sugar. The palate is deliciously sweet, showing ripe nectarine, peach nectar, and honey- all pulled together with a perfect acid balance and hints of dryness on the finish. Excellent!
Score: 93 Points
Whitebarrel Infusion – Hops
Aromas of strawberry with hints of yeast and potpourri. The palate offers creamy strawberry and ripe cherry flavors, with a fresh and clean finish. Very unique!
Score: 90 Points
Colonel Ricketts Empire Estate Apple Wine
This wine boasts aromas of baked green apple and hints of sawdust. Finishes with apple skin and crisp acidity.
Score: 90 Points
Colonel Ricketts Fugi Fanatic Apple Wine
Initial aromas of buttered apple and vanilla give way to a palate that offers sweet Fuji apple and candied sweet tart with a crisp clean finish.
Score: 92 Points
Colonel Ricketts Beautiful Blend Apple Wine
Aromas of caramel buttered popcorn lead to a palate coated with dried apple and buttery nuances. Finishing with freshly cut green apple and crisp acidity.
Score: 88 Points