TOP HITS FROM A PREVIOUS TASTING
A few weeks ago, I hosted a tasting featuring wines from the states of Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Texas. While the attendance left something to be desired, those who did come to the event found themselves pleasantly surprised by the offerings I had from these “other states”. I would also like to give a quick thank you to those out there adventurous enough to come to the event. Trying unfamiliar things can seem scary, but that's why we taste things right? To see if something we're not used to might become our new favorite. Looking at my notes, the most popular wines from that day might have been “typical” in the kind of grape it was made from, but the wines featured on October 19th offered something different than what you find in your typical wines from California or Washington. Here are the top 5 wines from the event, still available to enjoy and explore.
Pleb Urban Winery Foundy Rose, North Carolina.
39% Jacquez, 38% Chambourcin and the other 23% is a blend of 4 other grapes. This will most likely be the last wine we’ll see from Pleb, Hurricane Helen destroyed the winery. Light tannins up front lead to a berry medley. Lots of raspberries, brambles and blackberries. Hints of stone fruit and soft floralness on the finish.
Old Westminster Orange, Maryland.
70% Pinot Blanc that was fermented with skins and 30% direct pressed Chardonnay, the wine was aged sur lie for 6 months. Honey dipped tropical fruit and bright minerality combine up front to create a really nice balance. Soft citrus zest works with the minerality to elongate the zippiness of the wine.
Old Westminster Pepper, Maryland.
75% Cabernet Franc, 15% Blaufrankisch and 10% Chambourcin, the wine was aged for 18 months in neutral oak. Savory black tea and rich blueberry fruit balance out each other nicely. Soft minerality keeps the wine light, could even chill it down.
2023 Soto Vino Golden Hour, Texas.
100% Chardonnay, notes of apples and pears bring a freshness to the wine. The mouthfeel gives the impression of the juice going through malolactic fermentation, it also brings out some nuttiness. Hints of marzipan create more depth, the fruit flavors comes out on the finish.
2023 Soto Vino Space Cowboy Cabernet Sauvignon, Texas High Plains.
Light hints of coco nibs lead to rich blackberry fruit that coats the palate. Soft tannins bring out an herbal characteristic to the wine, it reminds me of eucalyptus. While that dries the tastebuds out, it also allows more dark fruit to come out on the finish.