Red Wines
The Susan Constant Red has a dominant red fruit quality characterized by raspberries, strawberries, cherry and cranberry…there is even a hint of red apple. Behind the red fruit are some soft earthy characteristics that compliment the fruit well. There is also a bit of spiciness which adds to the overall structure of the wine. The tannins and oak are soft and inviting which adds to the balance of the wine. There is a clean finish and overall nice pallet which will enhance many different foods.
There is a predominant red fruit character to this wine of Raspberry, Strawberry, Cranberry and Cherries. Making the fruit tones stand out is the hint of Eucalyptus/minty character. There are also some nice earth tones of leather, and spice with just a bit of hazelnut and cocoa. The oak character of the wine is subtle and brings in a little bit of vanilla. Overall the wine is very well balanced and finishes with a pleasing fruit and smooth creaminess. The well integrated soft tannins also add to the complexities/balance and lingering finish.
The Arundell represents Cabernet Sauvignon very well. It has all the multi dimensional layers one would expect in a cabernet sauvignon. Starting with the upfront fruit characters of raspberries, cherries, cranberries, and then folding into the darker fruits like figs an dates. After the fruit there are hints of cocoa and vanilla which accentuate the fruit nuances, this is also where the hints of chocolate covered cherries come from. There is also the nice spice and earthy characters you would expect in a cabernet sauvignon, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of mushroom and straw. There is also the nice creamy richness to the wine that adds body and structure. The finish is full and lingering with the fruit tones expressing very nicely. The tannins are well structured and add length and body to the wine helping to create a wine with lots of overall balance and layers.
This is a very rich concentrated wine with similarities to a wine from Southern France, particularly the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of the Rhone Valley. There is a nice balance between the dark, mature fruits such as raisins, dates, prunes and figs and the red jammy fruits with raspberry and strawberry predominating. Blended in with the fruit nuances are some cocoa and vanilla tones which enhance the creaminess of the wine. The oak and tannins are nicely integrated into the wine, ultimately enhancing the fruit attributes. The wine has a solid midpallet and a long finish. This is a fantastic bistro wine…comfort food, comfort wine.
A rich wine, with a tremendous upfront jammy character of black cherry, strawberry, blueberry, and a smattering of chocolate covered cherries. Making the berry tones really jump out is a wonderful black pepper note, reminiscent of the old classic Zinfandels from California. There is also an additional spice character of cinnamon and cloves which adds to the overall complexity. The creamy vanilla characters come through nicely in the mouth feel and add a lovely dimension to the fruit and spice. The tannins are full, without being rough and compliment the oak tones very well. Overall the wine is well balanced with lots of dimensions and layers.
The Hening’s is a very upfront fruit forward style wine offering an abundance of berry, (raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry) notes, with some dark cherry thrown into the symphony. There are also some figs, dates and plums which lends a nice maturity to the wine. Behind the fruit are some hints of leather, tobacco, nuts and black tea which give it a delicate earthiness character. The oak is very subtly integrated into the wine so that it compliments the other characters easily. The tannins are smooth and polished and give the wine an approachable style. Overall the wine is well balanced with a smooth fruit forward mouth feel.
A very bright jammy fruit forward wine with notes of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, and apple. There is a strong chocolate presence which matches with fruit characters very nicely. Additionally there are some pleasant herbal/floral notes along with a creamy vanilla aspect making for a very well rounded wine. The tannins are very well balanced with the structure of the wine and the oak pairs well with the jammy fruit and chocolate nuances. Ultimately the wine finishes with a nice creamy rich feel in the mouth, which lingers for awhile.
Virginia Trianon- $32.00
There is a wonderful display of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and a bit of cranberry which compliment the spicy/earthy, nutty, leather character of the Cabernet franc. Additionally there are some nice creamy vanilla and cocoa attributes, along with a bit of menthol and mineral touch. The oak is sublimely integrated into the wine which enhances all the above flavors and aromas. The tannins are silky smooth which allows for a long distinguished finish to the wine. Overall this wine shows a fantastic balance and may be the best Trianon to date.
Gabriel Archer Reserve - $32.00
Awarded a Bronze medal in the 2010 Decanter magazine World Wine Awards! This is a premium red wine, skillfully styled to reflect the art of blending in the Bordeaux tradition. Gabriel Archer Reserve represents the best efforts of the winemaking team to produce the finest, most complex red wine possible. This vintage is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, combining only what the winemakers deem to be the best barrels from the vintage. Gabriel Archer is only bottled in those vintages of suitable quality. This unique and distinctive wine is named in honor of the co-captain of the "Godspeed," arriving in the New World in April, 1607. Captain Gabriel Archer led the first exploration party up the James River, choosing as his preferred landing site a point later to be known as "Archer's Hope," now part of the farm where The Williamsburg Winery stands
Adagio - $65.00
