![]() A check-in on one of our personal favorites in Virginia winemaking. The Puckett family founded the winery in 2003, and for nearly 20 years the partnership between them and one of Virginia's most talented winemakers produced some of the most elegant and thoughtful wines in the state. One of their most unique wines has been their work with Pinotage, a grape originating in South Africa as a hybrid of Pinot Noir an Cinsault, and a favorite of their South African-born winemaker. In it's home, Pinotage takes on more of the Cinsault character, with a rugged Rhone-like heartiness and and a dark savoriness that can sometimes move into the funky/paint fumes/rubbery world. In Virginia, it takes on more of the Pinot Noir personality, with a silky texture and very fine tannins, yet does not have as much of the fragility issues Pinot has in our hot and humid climate. It also proved to be exceptionally age-worthy as proven in many vertical tastings over the years and getting better each year as the vines matured. This vintage is in a terrific spot right now, opening up very quickly on the nose with smoky black cherry, herbs and light coffee notes on a dark color that is just starting to show some hints of color change at the edges. The palate is surprisingly silky while still keeping its dark savory fruit flavors, earthy and Old World in character with an almost citrusy tartness to the finish. Over the hours the aromas grow and change and the fruit builds, still showing great life and plenty of years in its future.
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The Best of the Best.We offering free tastings on these wines in the store every Thursday and Friday, and a 10% discount off the retail price through the duration of the day. Come on by and give them a try! Archives
October 2024
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