Atlantic Seaboard Wines You Need To Know
Best of Category and Gold Medal-Winning Wines From Our Annual Competition
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Tart for the Heart by Clear Skies Meadery, MD is made with organic orange blossom honey and passion fruit puree. Aged 6 months, and with 13% alc, grapefruit and pineapple – that is to say “passion fruit” – notes ring true. Clear Skies produces a full range of dry, semisweet and sweet meads. If you are lucky enough to live in the area, many are available on tap.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: 2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Joy Red 2022 by CrossKeys Vineyards and Estate, VA was made with fruit grown in the Shenandoah AVA: 32% chambourcin, 27% petit verdot, 12% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 9% cabernet franc, and 8% tannat. Joy is exhuberant, juicy and rich, winning Best of Category for Hybrid/North American varietals. Yet another winner from Cross Keys.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Vignoles 2022 by Lakewood Vineyards, NY is a sweet white hybrid actually of unknown parentage. Lakewood has been growing this often overlooked varietal in their Finger Lakes vineyard for 40 years. The wine has a bouquet rich with honey and apricots, with flavors of apple and citrus on the palate. Lush sweetness is balanced by crisp acidity.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Pinot Gris 2022 by Harvest Ridge Winery, MD is made in a softer style than Italian pinot grigio though it is the same grape, white pulp with reddish skin. Highlighted by rich flavors of pear and honey, this steel fermented and aged wine is bone-dry but not acidic. Intriguing notes of tea and olive oil can be found on the palate.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Sauvignon Blanc 2022 by Barrel Oak Winery, VA was sourced from Maggie Malick Vineyards outside Harper’s Ferry where Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia meet. Winemaker Jeremy Ligon is a graduate of UC Fresno, bringing his expertise in enology back to Virginia where he crafted this fresh, pure 100% sauvignon blanc. Low alc at 11.75%, a great quaffing wine.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Veritas 2015 by Boordy Vineyards, MD is a dessert-style fortified chambourcin grown at their Long Green Vineyard. Similar to a madeira, years of oxidation concentrate and bring forward an orange note entwined in rich caramel flavor. Owner Rob DeFord’s ancestors have farmed at Long Green since 1725.
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2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Joy White 2022 by Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate, VA is a blend of 75% vidal blanc and 25% traminette. No oak was used in the steel fermentation and aging process, allowing the vibrant peach and pear flavors to shine through distinctly. The Bakhtiar family continues to produce some of Shenandoah Valley’s most delicious and delightful wines.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Celebration 2022 by Effingham Manor Winery is made with 37% vidal blanc, 36% traminette, 24% viognier, 2% sauvignon blanc, and 1% chardonnay, and the name says it all! A pleasant everyday wine, with creamy melon aromas seguing into bright citrus on the palate. Crisp and vibrant, with well-blalanced acidity.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Norton 2021 by Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards, VA was crafted from grapes grown at legendary Chrysalis Vineyards in Loudoun County. Winemaker Chelsey Blevins puts her personal stamp on the wine: aged 18 months in French and American oak, and bursting with notes of black plums, spice, cardamom and violets, with discreet tannin on the finish.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: ATV 2021 by Harvest Ridge Winery, MD is mainly made with the aromella grape. This grape has been commercially available for only the last ten years, and is a Cornell hybrid of traminette and ravat 34. The balance of the blend is traminette and vidal blanc – ATV! Similar to a moscato, the wine boasts tropical and floral aromas, and tastes of peaches and honeysuckle. Lightly sweet.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Lady of the Lakes Moscato nv by Heron Hill Winery, NY is a sparkling wine made of the valvin muscat variety. The Lady of the Lakes Series is named to honor Keuka Lake, known as the Lady of the Finger Lakes. A light-hearted bubbly on the sweet side, the wine shows floral aromas and ripe grape flavor with a hint of orange blossom and honey on the finish.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Bubbly Catawba 2022 by Lakewood Vineyards, NY. is delightfully light and fruity and boasts an enchanting bright pink color. You can expect the typically grape-y flavors and aromas of the grape, with a good measure of watermelon and strawberry jam chiming in. Sweet/tart, the winery suggests jalepeno poppers as an accompaniment!
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Rosé 2022 by Ospreys Dominion Vineyards is off-dry and refreshing. Osprey’s founder Bud Koehler was a pioneer in the early years of the Long Island wine movement. This rosé is mainly cabernet sauvignon with the slightest touch of cabernet franc, and should be served well-chilled. Red berry flavors shine through, making this a great wine with grilled fish, or as an aperitif.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: LaBella Rosa Sparkling 2021 by Paradise Hills Vineyard, CT gets its lovely salmon hue from a tiny amount of the red petite pearl grape, a cold-hardy variety introduced in 2010. Prominent in the blend are chardonnay, 35%, and seyval blanc, 35%. Owned by the Ruggiero family, an Italian influence is evident in this vibrant, celebratory sparkler.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Proprietor’s Red nv by Prejean Winery, NY is made with a trio of hardy eastern varieties: 42% corot noir. 38% noiret, and 20% marechal foch. Deep red in color, the wine’s red berry aromas are confirmed with cherry flavors on the palate, enhanced by a note of warm spice. One of the winery’s flagship wines, from the second generation at this well-regarded Finger Lakes estate.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: RAZZ 2022 by Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, NJ is 100% raspberry wine in a full portfolio of interesting reds, whites, roses, and of course fruit wines. The wine is made on site by owners Mark and Carrie Gerencher with friends and family volunteers. Fruit and grape juice is sourced from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. This wine is fun and quite sweet with clear, clean juicy flavor. Drink well-chilled.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Petit Verdot 2020 by The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farms, VA was sourced at Rock Mill Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Rappahannock County. A full-bodied, bold Petit Verdot, with hints of tobacco and coffee. Black fruits are forward on the palate, graced with clove, nutmeg and pepper nuances. Firm tannins on the finish.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Covert Wineworks Cuvee Blanc “Misty” 2022 by Vint Hill Craft Winery is a blend of 49% vidal, 26% viognier, 19% traminette, 6% petit manseng, all grapes that thrive in the northern Virginia microclimate. Tropical and floral, this is a silky white highlighted with melon, peach and lime flavors and aromas. The winery name stems from its previous life as a World War II “listening post.”
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Moscato 2022 by Wind Vineyards at Laurel Grove, VA is made of 100% golden muscat grapes. Sweet and juicy, the grape was fashioned by Cornell University and displays citrus, peach and pear flavors. While decidedly sweet, it should not be confused with muscadine, an entirely different grape, and is more akin to Moscato d’Asti. PS: Wind also grows Christmas trees!
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Chardonel 2022 by Woodbine Vineyards, VA comes from a farm nestled near the North Carolina border, South of Richmond and west of Norfolk. Owned by Reggie and Jennie Young, son Patrick is now the Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, having apprenticed with the Rose family of Rosemont. The wine is full-bodied, with crisp acidity and citrusy flavor.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Tannat 2021 by Arterra Wines, VA was fermented with naturally occurring yeasts found in the Delaplane vineyard. Winemaker/owner Jason Murray follows a course of clean winemaking: no additives, minimal sulfites, neutral oak, as exemplified in this rich, full-bodied tannat exhibiting lush, dark fruit flavor and a long-lasting finish.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Viognier 2022 by Ashton Creek Vineyard, VA was fermented and aged in steel to preserve freshness and the delicate flavors of peach and citrus the wine brings forward. Founded by the Thibault family in 2016, Ashton Creek consists of 9 acres, with additional grapes sourced throughout the Commonwealth.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Vermentino Reserve 2022 by Barboursville Vineyards is refreshing and aromatic, tinged with citrus and floral notes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, the wine is lively, clean and rich in minerality. Racy acidity and hints of lemon make it the perfect wine for seafood and shellfish.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Seyval Blanc 2021 by Barrel Oak Winery is from Virginia’s Piedmont region. This crisp and refreshing wine opens with citrusy notes of grapefruit, lemon and lime. An intriguing herbal note follows, enhancing the wine’s acidity. The seyval blanc grape is a hybrid created in France that ripens early and grows well along the east coast from the Carolinas up to Nova Scotia.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Landmark Sauvignon Blanc 2022 by Boordy Vineyards, MD hails from a three-quarter acre vineyard planted in 2011 at the top of Boordy’s Long Green Vineyard. The acidity is balanced by a creamy pear base, and enhanced with notes of citrus and passion fruit. Rob DeFord’s program of elevating Boordy’s historic wines (founded by pioneer Philip Wagner in 1945) has proved to be extraordinarily successful.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Patricia Marie Pinot Gris 2022 by Casanel Vineyards, VA is a fruity 100% pinot gris from estate-grown grapes at Nelson DeSouza’s farm in the Middleburg AVA. Cold soaked then fermented in steel, tropical fruits marry with melon and jasmine notes brought out by aging in 50% American, 50% French oak. Canadian-trained Adam McTaggart is the winemaker; Lucie Morton is the consulting viticulturalist.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Cabernet Franc 2022 byChaddsford Winery, PA was grown in the Equivine Vineyards and made using the carbonic maceration method. This is the process that produces the fresh and fruity wines of Beaujolais, and this wine is an outstanding example. Strawberry, cherry and chocolate burst on the palate. Great for sipping (even chilled) and perfect for casual dining: pizza, hot dogs, whatever you like!
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Cabernet Franc Rosé 2022 by Chateau LaFayette Reneau, NY is an estate grown rosé from the 140 acres of vineyards owned by Dick and Betty Reno. Made with 100% cabernet franc, the wine is clean and pure, with discreet strawberry and watermelon flavors balanced with the slightest touch of sweetness. Just five miles north of Watkins Glen, the vineyards benefit from the southeastern exposure off Seneca Lake.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: “Founded 1734” 2021 by Chateau MerrillAnne, VA is a Bordeaux-style blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot. Touched with spice, the wine displays rich black berry flavor and is lush and silky. First planted in 2010, Kenny and Emily White keep it pure and simple at their modest Orange County winery.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Admiral’s Blend n/v by Corteau Vineyards, MD comes from this long-time grower, but new winery. The vineyards have been producing since 2004, but as of 2022, vinted on site. Winemaker Brianna Lopez has a masters degree summa cum laude from UC Davis. This Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of 60% merlot, 30% petit verdot, and 10% mourvedre, named for co-founder Admiral Peter Corteau Conrad. Soft and fruit forward, with pretty notes of baking spice.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Petit Verdot 2021 by Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate, VA comes from the original vineyard planting of petit verdot in 2001. The Bakhtiar family now has 34 acres under vine in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Opaque, inky purple in color, the wine exhudes violet and dried fig notes married with an intense smokiness and a touch of leather. Long, lingering finish.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Black Cherry Cider by Deep Roots Hard Cider, PA is a very lovely ruby color and is a wine-style hard cider (as opposed to beer-style, see their website for more details.). Made with sweet black cherry juice and two locally grown apple varieties – Northern Spy and Ida Red – the cider has 5% rs and is low in alcohol, just 9.6%.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Conesus White n/v by Deer Run Winery, NY was made at the north end of the westernmost Finger Lake, Conesus. A blend of 65% diamond and 35% vidal blanc, the wine is semi-dry at 2% residual sugar, and very likeable, revealing pure grape and lemon flavors. The Kuyon family suggests pairing this with spicy Thai or Mexican dishes. A pioneer on this lake, the winery reaches its 20th anniversary in 2023.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Petit Verdot 2020 by Doukenie Winery, VA was vinted by esteemed Virginia winemaker Michael Shaps who was trained in France. The wine is a lovely example of all a Virginia petit verdot aspires to be: dark in color, black fruits touched with cedar on the nose; clove, vanilla and blackberry on the palate, achieved by 21 months in French oak. Not overly tannic, but full-bodied, with a subtle spicy finish.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Blanc de Noirs 2018 by Dr. Konstantin Frank , NY is made with the classic Champagne grapes, pinot noir (95%) and pinot meunier for the balance. The estate’s shale-based soils and steep slopes are ideal for these varieties, with some of the vines dating back to 1980. Aged in an underground cellar for 3-4 years, and riddled by hand, this sparkler is layered and complex with a nice brioche touch.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Petit Manseng 2022 by Effingham Manor Winery, VA is made in a dry style, with 0% residual sugar. The petit manseng grape thrives in VA due to its high acidity and loose bunches that serve to defeat the ubiquitous humidity. Effingham is sister winery to Chris Pearmund’s Vint Hill and Pearmund Cellars. The estate dates to 1767 and was held by the Alexander family, namesake of the city of Alexandria.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Cabernet Franc Reserve 2021 by Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards, VA is made with grapes sourced in the Monticello AVA. Chelsey Blevins, winemaker at 53rd for the past 5 years, draws on her experience at Horton and Barboursville to craft this flavorful cab, showing wonderful notes of raspberry and vanilla, with just a hint of violet and black pepper. Subtle tannin is highlighted in this medium-bodied wine.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Semi-Dry Riesling 2021 by Fox Run Vineyards, NY shows an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Apple notes dominate, with lingering hints of peach on the finish. With 50 acres of east-facing vines, Fox Run on Seneca Lake is a firm supporter of sustainable farming. Vineyards were planted beginning in 1984, and owner Scott Osborn acquired the property in 1994.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Reserve Riesling, Bunch Select 2022 by Fulkerson Winery is one of several rieslings on offer from this Seneca Lake family farm. The Fulkersons have been on this property since 1805 and in addition to their own line, they sell juice to home winemakers. This bone-dry riesling is clean, crisp and refreshing, showing apricot and lemon zest flavors highlighted with a subtle mineral note. Current winemaker Steven Fulkerson is the 7th generation and has a degree from Cornell in viticulture and oenology.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Crescent White 2022 by Glendale Ridge Vineyard, MA is an estate grown blend of 91.5% vidal blanc, 6% aromella, and 2.5% traminette. Owner Edward Hamel credits the 2022 growing season, which he called “one of the best grape-growing years ever in the northeast.” The wine shows excellent grapefruit and lime flavors – fruity and dry, crisp and clean. Glendale Ridge is the only award winner from Massachusetts in 2023.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Adieu 2022 by Gray Ghost Vineyards, VA is a perpetual winner by Al and Cheryl Kellert, who received ASWA’s Grape Productivity award in 2022 for their long service in promoting and improving viticulture in Virginia. The wine is a botrysized late harvest vidal blanc. The honey and apricot bouquet is matched by rich peach flavor in this unctuous dessert wine. RS is 3.5%.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Hive 47 Mead by Harvest Ridge Winery, DE, is made with honey sourced in Pennsylvania, where they have a second tasting room. Aged in acacia barrels, the rich liquid had been fermented for 40 days, then topped off with a “dosage” of additional local honey. Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2023, the Nunan family produces a full portfolio of grape and berry wines, cider, and sangria as well as this honey wine.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Reserve Riesling 2020 by Heron Hill Winery, NY was sourced from Heron Hill’s Keuka vineyard and is a pure, clean, dry wine with intense grapefruit and citrus flavors and that elusive hint of flint. Canadian-trained winemaker Jordan Harris believes in minimal intervention in the cellar and fulfills owners John and Josephine Ingles’ philosophy in maintaining sustainable vineyards. One in a portfolio of seven rieslings from this outstanding Finger Lakes winery.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Albarino Private Reserve 2019 by Horton Cellars Winery, VA is an excellent example of what can come of experimentation with a wide range of grape varieties. Horton pioneered plantings of Bordeaux, Portuguese, South African, Georgian and Spanish varietals in Virginia and is one of the only producers of Albarino, tho the grape is known to withstand heat and humidity. Light and refreshing, crisp and clean, a great food wine. Caitlin Horton, founder Dennis’ granddaughter, is now lead winemaker.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: String of Pearls Sparkling Riesling 2022 by Idol Ridge Winery, NY is a dry sparkling riesling that is frothy, fun and fruity. The winery is located on the east side of Seneca Lake and is part of the Martin Family portfolio which includes three wineries and two distilleries in the Finger Lakes. Idol Ridge is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2023.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Chardonnay Reserve 2021 by James River Cellars, VA is an oak-aged chardonnay with lush, buttery notes and a nice touch of lemon. Bone dry, yet showing butterscotch, vanilla and hazelnut nuances, this estate-grown wine is a firmly structured with an endless finish. Mitzi and Ray Batterson carry on the traditions established by Mitzi’s father Ray Lazarchic who opened the winery in 2001.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Family Red 2022 by Jolene Family Winery, VA is the winery’s flagship wine, and a marvelous example it is. A nuanced blend of 54% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, 11% chambourcin, 8% cabernet franc, and 6% malbec, with a touch of nebbiolo and petit verdot, the wine is rich with black fruit and tinged with licorice and spice. Grapes were sourced at northern Virginia’s esteemed Breaux Vineyards, neighbors to the Mikelaites family who named their winery for father and mother Joseph and Helene.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Long Stem White 2022 by Lakewood Vineyards, NY has fruity and floral flavors balanced with good acidity and a dash of spice. The wine is a blend of estate-grown 65% cayuga and 35% vidal blanc. Chris and David Stamp, grandsons of the founder, take care of the 80 acres under vine with David tending the vineyard and Chris making the wine. Formerly an apple and peach orchard, the Stamp family purchased the farm in 1951 and began planting grapes the following year.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Rosé 2021 by Milea Estate Vineyard is bursting with ripe strawberry flavors with hints of watermelon and white flower. Made from 100% chambourcin, the wine has good body, acidity and structure. Proprietors Barry and Sang Milea are dedicated to sustainable farming in the Hudson Valley, just north of Hyde Park, and also grow a dozen apple varieties, as well as plums, peaches, and pears.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Riesling 2021 by Mount Nittany, PA is made with Lake Erie, NY-grown grapes brought into this central PA winery. Owned and managed by founders Joe and Betty’s daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Weaver, the winery has grown over the decades and produces 16,000+ gallons of wine. This riesling shows beautiful floral aromas with floral and citrus on the palate. Long, silky finish.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Persephone 2022 by Mountain Rose Vineyards, VA is a sweet sparkling wine made with 100% concord grapes. Owner David Lawson was the first to plant vines in Wise County, which was renowned for both coal and apples when he transformed the family farm. Fans of prosecco and moscato will love the fruity grape and berry flavors in this sparkler, meant to be served chilled.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Erato NV by Muse Vineyards, VA is made from what looks like a pastiche of random grapes – 53% vidal blanc, 18% marsanne, 13% muscat petit prains, 9% roussanne, 4% chardonnay, 3% muscat ottonel – but the effect is captivating. Or perhaps we should say “lovely”, the meaning of the Greek name Erato. All estate-grown at this multi-award winning Shenandoah Valley property, formerly a 200 year old Mennonite farm.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Gulabi 2022 by Narmada Winery, VA is a full-bodied rosé with a hint of sweetness composed of 63.2% chambourcin, 31.6% traminette, and 5.2% petit verdot. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is clean, crisp and refreshing. Winemaker Sudha Patil’s skills are touched by an abiding love of complex flavors paired with a background in chemistry obtained in her first career as a dentist.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Reserve Merlot 2015 by Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards, NY is from one of Long Island’s original vineyards, dating to 1983. Osprey’s Dominion opened as a winery in the early 90’s, and is named for the birds that soar over the 90 acres of vineyards now planted. Osprey’s Dominion only bottles reserve wines in outstanding years, and this Merlot is fine evidence of that. Silky and ripe, plum and black cherry merge with smoky notes highlighted by a subtle mineral edge.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Temptation by Paradise Hills Vineyard, CT was awarded Best in the Pome category, a class which can include wines made from apples, pears, loquats, and quinces. This wine is made from fresh, locally grown Connecticut apples, showing light-hearted styling and finesse. Founded in 1997, the Ruggiero family draws on its Italian roots where wine is an everyday part of life. “Perfect in your picnic basket!”
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Ethereal by Prejean Winery, NY, overlooking Seneca Lake, is a sparkling wine made with 80% cayuga and 20% riesling. Early harvesting of the cayuga grape ensures the acidity needed for a dry sparkler. Aromas and flavors of crisp apple are found on the palate, marrying elegantly with the fine mousse. Founder Jim Prejean’s son and daughter-in-law Tom and Amy carry on his dream of creating exemplary Finger Lakes wines.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Legacy 2022 by Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, MA is a dry style estate-grown vidal blanc named to honor founders Shirley & Russell Watson. Today, four generations of the Watson family live on the farm which was established in 1955. The winery itself is located in their renovated tobacco barn that dates back to 1957. Tropical yet crisp, the wine shows notes of pineapple, mango and honeysuckle.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Kitty Catkins 2022 by Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, PA is a delightful rosé made with 100% Isabella grapes sourced in New York state. The winery, you guessed it, was named for owners Mark and Carrie Gerencher’s kitties, which now number five. These two Allentown natives founded their urban* winery in the Theater District in 2016. *Urban: juice is purchased, then made into wine in downtown Allentown. 30+ varieties!
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Chardonnay 2020 by The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farms, VA was made on a 20 acre farm on Lake Manassas. Fruit was sourced from Rock Mill Vineyard in beautiful Rappahannock County. A portion of the wine was aged in French oak, lending a delicate yet creamy mouthfeel. Rich fruit on the palate marries with notes of coconut touched with a subtle nutty overtone.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Diamond 2022 by Thirsty Owl Wine Company, NY is a sweet Finger Lakes white wine made 100% of the Diamond grape. From the west shore of Cayuga Lake, the wine shows tropical notes of pineapple and is well-balanced, clean and fruity. Diamond grows mainly in upstate New York but is not as cold hardy as Concord. Winemaker Sean Kime has worked with winery president Jon Cupp for its 20+ year history.
2023 ASWA BEST OF CATEGORY/Gold Medal Winner: Honey Harbor Mead by Thousand Islands Winery, NY is one selection in a full portfolio of grape wines, fruit wines and mead produced at New York’s northern border. This delightful honey wine shows notes of honeyed lemon touched with an aroma of clove. With 11% alcohol and 9 g/l residual sugar, this offering was awarded Best of CATEGORY in ASWA’s Mead category. Retired Army Major Steve Conaway founded the winery in 2023 and now produces 22,000+ cases.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Bubbly Brindar 2020 by Toast Winery, NY is a Finger Lakes 80% Cayuga / 20% Riesling blend with high sugar (4.50%) and low alc (11.5%) that is nicely structured with the acidity needed to balance the sweetness. Reminiscent of prosecco, green apple flavors dominate, with citrus and tropical notes. Mike and Jane Gibbs took their winemaking dream from amateur to pro when they founded Toast on the west side of Seneca Lake.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Covert Wineworks Petit Manseng “Madison” 2022 by Vint Hill Craft Winery, VA is a dry style petit manseng that highlights the fruit’s tropical and honey notes. Nestled in an old barn complex that served as a WWII spy station, Covert Wineworks’ attention-grabbing labels feature pinup babes from that era in the style of the renowned artist Vargas.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Dry Riesling 2022 byWhitecliff Vineyard & Winery, NY is a 100% riesling with 0.66% residual sugar, crisp and elegant and extremely food friendly. With plantings dating back to 1979, owner Michael Migliore and winemaker Brad Martz work closely with Cornell Extension testing grape varieties at one of Hudson Valley’s largest vineyards. This research continues through today, with Michael serving as president of the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Rose of Sharon 2022 by Willowcroft Farm Winery, VA is a dry style rosé produced at Loudoun County’s oldest winery. Celebrating 40 years, founder Lew Parker took a chance when he planted some of the earliest vinifera vines in the commonwealth in 1984, including cabernet sauvignon, riesling, chardonnay, and seyval. His carefully tended 12 ½ acres today comprise 12 different varieties as he learned by trial and error through the years.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Tidewater 2021 by Wind Vineyards, VA was originally conceived as a tradtional Bordeaux blend. However, owner Tyler Wind, who planted 25,000 vines – a full 25 varieties – on his family’s 700 acre farm, made a most unusual decision. The result: 30% Sangiovese, 30% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot, fermented on the skins and with full malo, aged in oak 24 months, produced this singular award-winning wine.
2023 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: Rosé 2022 by Woodbine Vineyards, VA: Father and son team Reggie and Patrick Young work together at their Buffalo Junction farm in central-south Virginia near the North Carolina line to produce this fresh and food-friendly wine. The chambourcin plot was planted in 2019, and this is their first rosé release (100% chambourcin).The winery was founded in 2015.
2023 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: MK Reserve 2019 by Woody Lodge Winery, PA is 100% chambourcin aged three years in French oak with 20% alc, making this a port-style dessert wine. Grown at Zimmermen vineyard in the Allegheny Mountains, the rs on this rich wine is 9 g/l. Notes of cream and tobacco dominate, and toffee and black cherry flavors round out the palate.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon by Ashton Creek Vineyard, VA – Notoriously hard to ripen in Virginia’s climate, Alan Thibault of Ashton Creek Winery wisely sourced this 100% cabernet sauvignon from select vineyards around the Commonwealth. Aged in French oak for 14 months, the resulting wine shows flavorful black currant and cherry on the palate, enhanced by a mineral note. Interestingly, the RS is 0.6% for a little more richness.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2021 Estate Chardonnay by Black Birch Vineyard, MA – East of Amherst and north of Northampton, Ian Modestow and Michelle Kersbergen carefully tend 12 acres of vines to produce hand-crafted, small batch lots of outstanding quality. With two Best of Category winners in ASWA’s 2022 competition, this barely 10 year old winery is one to take note of and seek out. This is a chardonnay of surprising depth and nuance.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2021 Estate Grüner Veltliner by Black Birch Vineyard, MA – Black Birch owners Ian Modestow and Michelle Kersbergen focus on small lot, estate grown wines and this strategy has worked exceedingly well for them, earning two Best of Category in ASWA’s 2022 competition. This rare grüner veltliner positively sings with lemon lime flavors.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Cabernet Franc Dry Bench Reserve by Boordy Vineyards, MD – Boordy is one of the original wineries in the eastern United States. Philip and Jocelyn Wagner licensed Boordy in 1945 and grew on the strength of their popular, off dry wines. Rob Deford acquired the property in 1980 and has devoted a wealth of resources to craft the world class offerings from Boordy today. South Mountain Vineyards in the Catoctin AVA is the source for this 100% cabernet franc.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2021 Sugah by Burntshirt Vineyards, NC – This 10 year old winery is privileged to have vineyards that straddle the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of 3400 ft. Sugah 2021 is lushly sweet, with RS of over 4%, a beautiful 100% vidal blanc replete with tropical fruit flavors such as lychee, pineapple and a hint of rose.
2022 ASWA Best in Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2020 Petit Verdot by Carriage House Wineworks, VA – With grapes from the Windhorn Vineyard in Loudoun County, owner/winemaker Mike Fritze chose to bin ferment his 2020 petit verdot, then aged it in new and used American oak for a full 18 months. The resulting wine features an aroma of violets and full flavors of black fruits and an appropriate note of tar that linger on the finish.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Merlot by Chaddsford Winery, PA – Historic Hopewell Vineyards, a 20-year-old site in Chester County, grew the merlot in this Best of Category wine from Chaddsford, one of Pennsylvania’s oldest wineries. Aged in French and Hungarian oak, the wine bears a strong resemblance to the wines of Bordeaux. Hints of graphite and leather unfold in the blackberry jam flavors of this medium-bodied wine. Very food friendly.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Chardonnay Reserve by Chateau MerrillAnne, VA – Returning Gold Medalists Kenny and Emily White founded their winery on property that has been farmed by the White family for more than 50 years. The vineyard was planted in 2010, and has produced outstanding wines since. This Chardonnay Reserve is rich and creamy, was barrel fermented, aged in French oak, and underwent full malolactic fermentation.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: 2020 Petit Verdot by Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate, VA – One hundred percent petit verdot from the Shenandoah AVA, Cross Keys scores once again. A frequent medal winner in ASWA competitions, Cross Keys brings forth this full-bodied wine scented with violet. Dried fig and leather flavor enhanced with notes of hazelnut and smoke show deep purple color and a velvety mouthfeel.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner: NV Runway Red by Deer Run Winery, NY – This year celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Deer Run Winery, in concert with Cornell University, was among the first to plant the new hybrids noiret and corot noir, which comprise the majority of this blend. Drier in style, the wine teases with notes reminiscent of syrah provided by the noiret, balanced with the light berry flavor of corot noir. 10% chambourcin and 10% marechel foch complete the blend. Raspberry notes dominate on the nose, with peppery, jammy flavors on the palate.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Norton by DuCard Vineyards, VA – DuCard wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in the estate’s three vineyards in Madison County, VA. The owners strive to maintain a sense of “place” or terroir, in their offerings. This norton is deep in color owing to its high anthocyanin content, with matching flavors of blueberry, cherry and raspberry on the palate. Interestingly, Norton and Cynthiana were recently declared the same grape, based on genetic research of the vine.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Meritage by Effingham Manor Winery, VA – Predominently merlot and cabernet franc, with a touch of petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon sourced from around the Commonwealth, the wine was aged in Virginia oak. Cherry, plum and pepper aromas combine with spice notes, plum and pepper on the palate. The estate dates to 1767, originally held by the Alexander family of England, and was worked as a plantation growing tobacco, apples, corn and raising cattle til Emancipation.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Gewurztraminer: 2021 Gewurztraminer by Elk Run Vineyards, MD – To the best of our knowledge, Elk Run is the only winery in Maryland growing gewurztraminer. Though sensitive to both drought and mildew, the grape prefers clay soils. This wine was sourced at Elk Run’s Cold Friday vineyard, and shows an enchanting bouquet of tropical fruits and roses, confirmed on the palate. Alsatian in style, delicate and complex with a hint of sweetness backed by exhuberant spice.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: 2019 Rock Ridge by Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards, VA – Full-bodied and smooth, this wine is a blend of 66% petit verdot, 18.5% cabernet franc, and 15.5% merlot grown in Virginia’s Monticello AVA. As is well-known, petit verdot, normally a blending grape, does really well in this climate, producing deeply colored, intensely flavored wine with firm tannin and intriguing notes of leather and violet.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Viognier: 2021 Viognier by Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards, VA – From the Monticello AVA, this outstanding wine is a blend of 85% viognier and 15% chardonel. Winemaker Chelsey Blevins’ goal is to “artistically craft the essence of my home, Virginia, in the form of wine. I want to capture Virginia’s rolling hills covered in clover, the mineral driven granite mountain sides, the soft summer rain and transform them into a tangible form for everyone to enjoy.”
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: 2021 Pinot Grigio by Fox Meadow Winery, VA – Estate grown pinot grigio from Linden in northern Virginia. The wine is crisp and lush with white flower aromas and ripe peach flavor. Combining hints of grapefruit and star fruit overlaid with slate and a stoney minerality, the wine is quite complex and not to be underestimated. The founders’ son Bob Mortland continues as vineyard manager, and consultant Tom Payette continues as winemaker, under new owners Amanda and Whiticar Darvill.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Other White Hybrid: 2021 Diamond by Grace Tyler Estate Winery, NY – The Diamond grape is a New York specialty. Harvested at a low brix, this wine shows a fine balance of sweetness and acidity, with a strong grape flavor on the finish. Grace Tyler Estate aims to be a leader in production of marquette, diamond and brianna wines, and going by this example, they are well positioned to succeed.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Port-Styled Wines: NV Port by Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, NY – Rich with a mouthfeel of molasses, flavors of plum, dark cherry and chocolate, and a hint of vanilla on the nose, Hazlitt 1852 crafts this wine as is traditionally done in Portugal. Tawny port style, aged five years in American and French oak, fermented to 18.2% alcohol, all Finger Lakes grapes (an undisclosed proprietary secret!).
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner: NV Red Cat Dark by Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, NY – From the winery: “Partially fill a glass with ice. Add equal parts of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Red Cat Dark and Ginger Ale. Add 2-3 generous dashes of bitters and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with an orange slice.” This is called the Red Cat Dark MOON DANCE. Concord grape, sweetest of the sweets! Let’s go howl at the moon!
2022 Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Sparkling Hybrid: 2021 Bubbly Candeo by Lakewood Vineyards, Watkins Glen, NY – Those of us of a certain time and place will tell you Watkins Glen was BETTER than Woodstock. If only we could have imbibed this fun and frothy sparkler from Lakewood Vineyards but, in 1973, the winery was yet to be founded. Made of 100% Cayuga grapes (a hybrid first released commercially in 1973 – quelle coincidence!) this bubbly is crisp and lightly sweet. As the Stamp family advises, “When champagne is too much & beer not enough, like today.”
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Riesling: 2020 Riesling by Lakewood Vineyards Inc., NY – From growing grapes for Welch’s 70 years ago to producing award-winning wines today, the Stamp family’s commitment to their vineyards is unquestionable. Their first vintage was in 1988. On the west side of Seneca lake, the vineyards slope down facing the morning sun. Crisp and fruity, this riesling hits the right note between sweet and dry. Fruity and floral notes are balanced by minerality and spice.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Cabernet Franc: 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve by Narmada Winery, VA – Eighteen months in French and American oak lend a spiciness to this full-bodied, deeply textured wine. Dark fruit combines with earthy notes in Narmada’s cabernet franc which benefits from a judicious addition of petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. As the winery approaches its 15th anniversary, it has become known for an array of award-winning wines.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Bordeaux-Style Red Blends: 2019 Yash-Vir by Narmada Winery, VA Making use of all five major Bordeaux grapes – 35.16% Merlot, 26.4% Petit Verdot, 23.6% Cabernet Franc, 11.79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.05% Malbec – owner/winemaker Sudha Patil once again creates an award-winning blend. Smooth and rich, this wine (named for her two grandsons, Yash and Vir) is full-bodied and flavorful. All Virginia-grown, reconfirming that the wines of Virginia can compete with any and all international bottlings.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Blush/Rose Hybrid 2020 Cape Rose’ by Nassau Valley Vineyards, DE – An intriguing blend of cayuga and chambourcin, this light and fruity rose is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish, apropos to this Delaware winery’s proximity to the sea. Nassau Valley is actually Delaware’s first farm winery, based in large part to owner Peggy Raley-Ward’s efforts to change the state’s winemaking regulations. Farm wineries became legal here only in 1991.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Celebration by Paradise Hills Vineyard, CT On rolling hills and former hay fields, the Ruggieros planted their first vineyard in 1997 and sold their harvest to other Connecticut wineries until 2011. Paradise Hills was built on the brothers’ lifelong dream to recreate their Italian family’s love of wine. Celebration is a sparkling blend of 50/50 chardonnay and traminette, dry in style and, as its name denotes, is the perfect choice to celebrate with.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Norton 2020 Norton by Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery, VA Potomac Point, less than an hour outside Washington, DC, prides itself on its Tuscan feel. Yet this European-style estate has dipped into that American classic, the Norton grape. This superlative example shows a dark plum color, is rich and fruity with striking notes of cherry. Spice notes appear in the full-bodied finish.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Peaches & Mango by Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, PA Owners Carrie and Mark Gerescher produce a full portfolio of red, white, and fruit wines and continue to experiment with many more grapes and fruits. Starting out as home winemakers, they opened their winery in 2016 and have received gold medals for this, as well as their 2021 Razz at the ASWA Wine Competition. 50/50 blend of peaches and mangoes.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Razz by Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, PA – Did You Know? Razz is a variation of the poker card game 7 Card Stud. Sleepy Cat Winery owner Mark Gerescher has been known to play a hand or two. Razz is also Mark’s Gold Medal-winning wine. 2021 Razz is a 100% raspberry wine, very sweet, very juicy, very delicious! Fruit was “imported” from New Jersey, for those who need to know.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2019 Reserve Meritage by Thanksgiving Farm, MD – Twenty miles east of Washington, DC, Thanksgiving Farm Winery was the first commercial winery in Anne Arundel County, licensed in 2006. This Bordeaux-blend was crafted with estate grapes: 47% merlot, 27% petit verdot, 26% cabernet franc. Aged in French oak, the wine is rich yet mellow, and finely balanced with a long, lingering finish.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Delaney by The Winery at Bull Run, VA – Named for owner Jon Hickox’ daughter, this vidal blanc/traminette/seyval blanc blend is a perfect expression of a crisp, lightly sweet wine. White flower aromas lead into stone fruit and citrus flavors completed by a lemony, creamy finish. The winery, outside Manassas, also owns vineyards in further-west Rappahannock County, from which these grapes were sourced.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Pinot Gris by Thirsty Owl Wine Co., NY – Pinot gris thrives in cool climates and does well in the Finger Lakes region of New York. This 100% pinot gris from Thirsty Owl Winery – located between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes – is light and dry, showing pineapple, pear, and melon notes, enhanced by a floral bouquet. The winery is celebrating its 20th anniversary with founder Ted Cupp’s son Jon at the helm.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Sweet Blush NV Alexandria Bay Rose’ by Thousand Islands Winery, NY – Located along the St. Lawrence River where New York State and Canada meet, this juicy, fruit-forward rose has a nose redolent of strawberry and peach with perfectly ripe strawberry flavors on the palate. The sweetness comes from the Delaware grape, with just a hint of Isabella, both US hybrids. The winery produces a full portfolio of wines, ranging from dry to dessert wines, as well as a mead and a port-styled offering.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner White Interspecific Blends
2021 Covert Wineworks Cuvee Blanc by Vint Hill Craft Winery, VA – Sweetly floral, Covert Wineworks Cuvee Blanc blends Traminette, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Petit Manseng with a touch of Vidal Blanc and Muscat. The Covert line features WWII Vargas Girls on the labels for a touch of whimsy from this Fauquier County winery in Virginia that served as a “listening post” during the War.
2022 ASWA Gold Medal Winner 2021 Walking Tall by Wind Vineyards, VA – It’s not every day you run into a wine named after a Monster Truck. (see https://www.facebook.com/WalkingTallMonsterTruck/ ). The wine in question is a semi-sweet blend with the Brianna grape in the forefront. The flavor highlights bright tropical fruit with apple-y overtones. From a 700-acre farm in Tappahannock, VA, the Wind family’s playful sense of humor shines here.
2022 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Sweet White Vinifera & I/S 2021 Honeysuckle by Woodbine Winery, VA – Owners Reggie and Jenny Young planted their first vines in southern Virginia in 2018, after having owned the farm for over two decades. As the children grew up and moved on, the Youngs determined the time was right for Reggie’s longstanding dream of making wine. 2021 Honeysuckle is a blend of 60% Chardonel and 40% Petit Manseng, giving the perfect amount of fruit and sweetness for quaffing on a warm afternoon.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Sauvignon Blanc 2020 by Newport Vineyards, RI – The microclimate at Newport Vineyards is influenced by both the Gulf Stream and Narragansett Bay which provide thermal heat and protect against frost. The long, cool growing season is especially apparent in this crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc. Herbal and citrus notes make this wine a perfect companion to oysters, scallops, shrimp, ham, veal and cheeses.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Seyval Blanc 2019 by Romano Winery & Vineyard, MD – In Maryland, 2019 was particularly dry and sunny, beneficial to the seyval blanc hybrid. With a flavor profile generally considered to lie somewhere between sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, Romano has chosen to vinify this wine in a semi-dry style, highlighting dried apricot and honey with notes of melon. A nice companion to light, spicier dishes of chicken or shrimp and very good with Havarti, Edam, or Swiss cheeses.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Notte Di Amore 2019 by Paradise Hills Vineyard, CT – The Ruggiero family grew grapes for 15 years before opening their own winery. Notte di Amore is their interpretation of Italian Prosecco. Light, bubbly, slightly sweet with apple and fresh pear notes, the wine can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitivo, and is especially good with crispy calamari.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Brut 2017 by Dr. Konstantin Frank, NY – Konstantin Frank medals once again! Widely acknowledged as the man who changed the course of New York’s wine industry, Dr. Frank’s winery produced this 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier blend from estate vineyards. Cellar aged for three years, a creamy mouthfeel from the fine mousse leads into baked apple flavors that mingle with lemon curd and biscuit notes.
2021 BEST OF SHOW/GOLD MEDAL WINNER
Riesling 2019 by Fox Run Reserve, NY – Formerly a dairy farm, in 1984 the first vines at Fox Run were planted on glacial soils off Seneca Lake, NY. Winemaker Peter Bell and Vineyard Manager John Kasier agreed that the 2019 vintage was so outstanding that a Reserve Riesling was bottled, the first Reserve since 2011. Produced from a single lot, this wine is lush and creamy, with intense varietal flavor. A tight, energetic Riesling with exceptional length.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Cassis by Clinton Vineyards, NY – The 100-acre Clinton Vineyards, located in the mid-Hudson Valley, was founded in 1976. Cassis, a black current dessert wine, is traditionally used to create a kir, or kir royale, cocktail and this remarkable version would make a marvelous one. The winery also features an intriguing recipe for Duck au Cassis on their website: https://clintonvineyards.com/blogs/wine-pairings-recipes/duck-au-cassis
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Dry Rosé by Newport Vineyards, RI – A rosé made from Cabernet Franc, showing red fruit, melon and a hint of rose petal. George Chelf finds the cool climate to the north of Newport brings out the best in this varietal. Co-owner Paul Nunes credits a combination of good soil, favorable climate and well-managed vines. The estate boasts over 50 acres of vineyards on its 100 acres of preserved farmland. Pix: Maizy, the 5th generation on the farm, trellising new vines using her great grandfather’s air compressor.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Ameritage 2019 by Pearmund Cellars, VA – As the 47th farm winery established in Virginia in 2002, Pearmund Cellars is credited with being one of the first Virginia wineries to craft a Bordeaux blend using the five French authorized grapes. A consistent winner, Pearmund Ameritage 2019 is the latest release. Full-bodied, with a black fruit nose, smooth and supple with notes of cocoa and vanilla.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Cabernet Franc 2017 by Jefferson Vineyards, VA – Jefferson Cabernet Franc is grown in raybun clay and raybun clay loam soil with the resulting wine aged in oak 9 months. Medium tannin with a bouquet of cedar and cherry, showing raspberry, blackberry and hints of vanilla and pepper on the palate. Winemaker Christopher Ritzcaven assists in harvest.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Fox Meadow Winery VA – Hand-crafted small lots of wine have characterized Fox Meadow since its founding almost 20 years ago. Lush and mouth-filling, this 84% cab/16% merlot wine was aged 15 months in French and American Oak. Dark fruit flavor – think plum, blueberry, blackberry – is touched with anise and violet. Nicely structured, with a long, lingering finish.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Chambourcin by Bordeleau Winery, VA – Located off the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Chambourcin was one of the original three varieties planted at Bordeleau in 1999. A consistent medal winner, the wine shows an outstanding melding of both fruit and earthy flavors. Supple, with a lingering chocolate finish.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
M-32 2019 by Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards, MD – No, not Mad Dog, not even Mogen David. The MD here stands for Maryland. This family-owned farm dates back to 1955 and has evolved with the times, becoming a winery in 2017. The 4th generation currently helps run the place and has crafted this delicious dry chardonnel highlighted by notes of citrus, lemon, pear and white flower.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Reserve Chardonnay 2019 by Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, NY – Owner Yancey Migliore-Stanforth generally spends her time in the tasting room while Michael Migliore and Brad Martz craft the wine. This Reserve Chardonnay was barrel fermented from estate grown grapes in the Hudson Valley, then aged in Hungarian oak for approximately 9 months. Rich, creamy, delicious.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Northern Spy 2019 by Putney Mountain Winery and Spirits, VT – Putney Mountain Winery was locavore before the term was coined. Dating to 1998, owners Charles and Kate Dodge determined to produce wines from Vermont’s best fruit. The Northern Spy apple is winter-hardy and naturally vigorous, and this resulting sparkling wine is semi-dry, bright, and lively. Pix: Northern Spy christens the USS Vermont!
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Tupelo Traditional 2020 by Wandering Bard Meadery, SC – Tupelo is the king of honey, and Wandering Bard’s Tupelo Traditional Mead could rightfully be called the king of meads. This rare type of honey is known for a mild, sweet and fruity taste with an aroma of flowers and cinnamon, and the mead brewed by owner Brian Daughhetee highlights these qualities to their fullest.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Merlot 2019 by Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery, VA – Northern Virginia had a great growing season in 2019, rain early in the year and hot and dry through summer. Potomac Point’s Merlot shows intense aromatics balanced with good acidity. Cherry and raspberry flavors are highlighted with herbal tones and a hint of mint. Oak aging layers in complex spice and vanilla.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Other Red Vinifera Blends
Cleve 2019 by Philip Carter Winery of Virginia, VA – Two high tannin, high acid grapes, petit verdot and tannat, are masterfully blended in this unusual Virgina bottling. Ripe black fruits show fresh and elegant flavor, tannins are firm and solid. When Mr. Carter-Strother says he is of the Founding Family of American wine, we now have proof! Doesn’t look a day over 250!…
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Petit Verdot 2017 by Well Hung Vineyard, VA – Well Hung Vineyard is a negotiant brand with relationships with wine growers across the Commonwealth. This vintage shows appealing blackberry, cherry and plum fruits with notes of leather and smoke. Pair with boneless braised short rib over garlic mashed potatoes.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Port-Styled Wines
Black Pearl 2019 by Woody Lodge Winery, PA – From chocolate wine to sweet tea ciders to wine ice cream, Woody Lodge speaks to the sweet tooth in all of us. This port-styled blackberry wine is no exception: Pour over vanilla ice cream or try with cheesecake for dessert. Pair with pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts for a more savory treat.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner Red Interspecific Blends
Vladimir by Katya Vineyards, FL – The Sokol family, of eastern European heritage, works with hybrid grapes suited to the hot Florida climate. The vineyards are rich in limestone and draw water from an underground aquifer. Vladimir was aged in premium French, Hungarian and American oak barriques which lend a vanilla-smoke quality to this full bodied red replete with dark fruits and berries. The finish is long and lingering.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Peach Hard Cider by Deep Roots Hard Cider, PA – Deep Roots produces high quality apple cider from locally grown apples. For this refreshing quaff, peaches are combined with Northern Spy and Idared apple varieties for a winning mix of tart and sweet flavors. Try with a crisp garden salad, baked or grilled salmon or simply on its own.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Moscato 2020 by Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, PA – A fragrant moscato, bursting with white flower aromas and juicy peach, apricot and pear flavors, comes from the Lake Erie area in Pennsylvania. Linda and Steve Weaver, daughter and son-in-law of founders Betty and Joe Carroll, manage the 65 acre estate, and have recently been joined by their son Robbie at this award winning family-run winery.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Riesling Reserve 2020 by Dr. Konstantin Frank, NY – Unoaked, but aged on the lees for 5 months, this late-harvest style riesling has 43/gL and a low alc of 11.3%. Crafted from 100% estate-grown Seneca Lake fruit, where the climate is a few degrees warmer than other upstate areas, the wine is medium-sweet and bursting with rich papaya, cantaloupe and honey notes. It is a perfect enhancement to flavorful cheeses and spicy pan Asian cuisine.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Paxxito 2017 by Barboursville Vineyards, VA – Slow-fermented with native yeast, this blend of Moscato Ottonel and Vidal is a delightful dessert wine made in traditional passito style. After harvest, the grapes are left to dry naturally and to raisinate, causing the flavors and sugars to concentrate to a multi-layered richness. You’ll find tropical notes as well as pear, honey and almond in this lush quaff. Paired with Panna Cotta al Profumo di Lavanda.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Viognier 2020 by Two Twisted Posts Winery, VA – Two Twisted Posts hit the ground running with their first vintage winning the coveted Virginia Governor’s Cup. This viognier, enhanced with a bit of chardonnay, is done in a rich, creamy style having spent considerable time in barrel. Delicate peach and apricot aromas lead in to white fruit and floral notes. Husband and wife team Brad and Theresa Robertson, he in the vineyard, she in the cellar, stamp their appealing style onto this outstanding wine.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Nittany Mountain White 2020 by Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, PA – This family-owned winery profits from higher elevation vineyards in the Pennsylvania mountains with good air flow, and a southern exposure that contributes to ideal ripening of the fruit. This estate grown wine, a blend of French-American hybrid grapes, is smooth and fruity, very food friendly and easily quaffable on its own.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Fusion 2020 by Waltz Vineyards, PA – From the Lancaster AVA in Pennsylvania, Waltz Vineyards blends estate-grown semillon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc in this semi-dry white wine. With a climate similar to northern Italy and central France, these white varietals enjoy a long growing season resulting in optimum phenolic development. Crisp and fruity, with a hint of minerality on the finish.
2021 ASWA Best of Category/Gold Medal Winner
Cherry Supershtious 2020 by Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, PA – Those of us of a certain age remember a song, fondly: “Sweet cherry wine, so very fine.” Well, here it is! 100% cherry fruit from New York state, with an rs of 9.5%, this low alcohol quaff can be the start of a quite enjoyable evening. (No, it’s not by Stevie Wonder. Comment if you know!)
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Blush/Rose Hybrid/NA
Fiore 2018 by Cross Keys Vineyards, VA -The latest vintage of last’s years Best of Show winner. Heavier on the chambourcin this year (at 60% Chambourcin, 40% Cabernet Franc) the wine shows clean, crisp flavors and a nice balance of fruit and acidity.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Blush/Rose Vinifera
Stiegel Rose’ 2018 by Waltz Vineyards, PA – This 75% Cab Sauv/25% Cab Franc blend from Lancaster County, PA, was whole-cluster pressed and shows notes of watermelon highlighted by hints of strawberry and hibiscus. Off dry and with nice acidity on the palate.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Bordeaux-Style Red Blends
Sky Island Red Wine 2015 by Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, NY – Owner Michael Migliore holds a master’s degree in organic chemistry at SUNY, New Paltz and works closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension testing new grape varieties. This nicely-aging classic bordeaux blend consists of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc 2016 by New Kent Winery, VA – Since 2014, the winery has been operated by Joe and Jo Anna Dombroski and their family. This Cabernet Franc was aged over 24 months in American oak and shows notes of plum and black cherry with hints toasted oak and caramel.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 by 21 Brix Winery, NY – From 21 Brix Winery’s Olde Chautaugua Farms at Lake Erie, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and smooth, aged in French and American oak for 14 months giving distinct notes of cocoa, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla. Under vine since the 1950’s, the 250 acre farm is helmed by the family’s 3rd generation.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Chambourcin
Chambourcin 2017 by William Heritage Winery, NJ – Formerly a site of peach and apple orchards, owners Bill and Penni Heritage began cultivating grapes in 1999 in the heart of New Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain AVA. Heritage Chambourcin, according to the winery, can be thought of as the “East Coast Red Zinfandel.” Winemaker Sean Comninos practices saignee as well as extended maceration to extract full color and flavor.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Chardonnay
Chardonnay 2017 by Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate, VA – Vinified using stainless steel, neutral oak and judicious use of new oak, this wine exhibits clean apple flavor with undertones of peach and flint. 100% estate-grown, 100% Chardonnay from the Shenandoah Valley.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Fortified Wines
Genesis 2017 by Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards, VA – Genesis is a fortified wine made with 100% norton grapes from the winery’s White Walnut Vineyard. Fifty-Third Winery has 103 acres with 22 acres planted to different varietals. The original “green” tasting room officially opened in 2011 and holds a LEED Platinum certification.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Sweet White Hybrid/NA (RS > 4 % )
Moscato 2018 by Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, PA – Founded by Joe Carroll in 1990, the winery is now under the direction of the second generation, daughter and son-in-law Linda and Steve Weaver. Produced from AVA Finger Lakes grapes their 2018 Moscato is a lush, sweet wine with aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom, and flavors of apricots, peaches, and pears.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Viognier
Viognier 2018 by Jefferson Vineyards, VA – Adjacent to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Jefferson Vineyards heritage goes back to our country’s founding. This Viognier exhibits aromas of honeysuckle, lychee, and orange zest with rich apricot and peach flavors.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner White Vinifera Blends
Cool White 2017 by Cool Ridge Vineyard, MD – Gerhard Glocker’s 15 acre vineyard lies on a steep, south-facing slope that terraces down to Cool Hollow and Antietam Creek in the Cumberland Valley. The fertile, well-drained limestone soils yield nine different vinifera varietals. This winner is composed of equal amounts of pinot gris, viognier, riesling, and traminette, vinified dry for fresh fruit flavor and hints of white flower.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Gewurztraminer
Dry Gewurztraminer 2017 by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, NY – Dry Gewurztraminer by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, NY. From the Finger Lakes AVA, this estate-bottled 100% gewurztraminer was fermented in stainless steel to maintain lush aromas of blossom, lychee and spice.
A hint of ginger and spice on the palate make this the perfect accompaniment to Asian and Mexican cuisine or even your holiday turkey.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Other Red Vinifera
2017 Calliope by Muse Vineyards, VA. The owners of Muse Vineyards find their “inspiration and our devotion to time-honored farming and wine production techniques…[in the] the legendary domaine vineyards of France and Italy.”
This Rhone-style blend of 65% grenache and 35% mourvedre from the Shenandoah Valley AVA is rich and deep with notes of black fruit and spice.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng 2018 by Wisdom Oak Winery, VA – Petit Manseng is all the rage in Virginia. This example from Jason and Laura Lavallee’s Wisdom Oak Winery shows why. 100% petit manseng from their Monticello Orchard House Vineyard, the wine aged for 7 months in stainless steel, and shows aromas of pear, honeysuckle and light florals. Delicate, delicious and thirst-quenching.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Port-Styled Wines
Black Pearl 2018 by Woody Lodge Winery, PA – Produced by Woody Lodge in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains using New York fruit. 100% blackberry juice fortified to port strength. Rich and flavorful, the winery’s first port-style wine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Seyval / Chardonel
Chardonel Reserve 2017 by Narmada Winery, VA – Winemaker/owner Sudha Patil is a specialist in the chardonel grape. This estate-grown 100% chardonel shows creamy white fruits and citrus flavors and a richness achieved through aging on lees. The winery recommends pairing with soft-shell crabs, chicken curry, or foie gras.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Other Red Vinifera Varietals
Sister winery to Pearmund Cellars and Vint Hill Craft Winery, Tannat 2017 by Effingham Manor Winery, VA is 100% tannat from select vineyards in Virginia. Spice notes marry with black raspberry, plum and currant flavors in this enticingly full-flavored wine.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Other White Vinifera Varietals
Vermentino Reserve 2018 by Barboursville Vineyards, VA – Barboursville’s extraordinary love of Virginia terroir combines with their Italian heritage in this 100% vermentino bottling. A classic with seafood, the wine is luscious and minerally at the same time brought about by extended contact with the lees and stainless steel aging.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Cider
Ladies’ Man nv by Fabbioli Cellars, VA – Fruity and subtly sweet with enticing light pink highlights, Ladies’ Man Cider is made with 87% Honeycrisp Apples and 13% Fabbioli’s signature red raspberry wine. Chaptalized to 3% residual sugar, the alcohol content remains a low 7% appropriate to the cider category.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Other Red Hybrid/NA Varietals
Holiday Heaven 2017 by Holemans LLC, VA – Steven Holemans grew up on the farm in Durham County, NC, that is now his vineyard. “There was a uniqueness of the muscadine grapes as the skin of the grape was thicker and appeared to be non-edible. However, the juice of the muscadine was much sweeter than a normal grape. Once you bite into the muscadine grape, there is a burst of sweet juice that makes you long for more.”
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot 2016 by Casanel Vineyards, VA – Winemaker Katie DeSouza aged this 100% petit verdot for 18 month in French oak. Flavors of black plum, blueberry, cassis, violets, and dark chocolate shine in this estate-grown bottling from the Middleburg AVA.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Riesling
Riesling 2018 by Woody Lodge Winery, PA – This six-year-old winery nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania highlights the quality that can be brought forth from this area. Their 100% Riesling is semi-sweet with hints of pear, peach, and apricot.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Sparkling Hybrid/NA Wines
Estate Petillant Naturel 2018 by Glendale Ridge Vineyard, MA – A fascinating blend of 80% vidal blanc, 10% aromella, and 10% traminette was estate-grown at Glendale Ridge;s Nonotuck and West Block vineyards. Vinified dry and allowed to sparkle naturally, the wine is light and floral with peach and pear notes. This marks the very first time a Massachusetts wine has taken Best of Category in the Atlantic Seaboard competition.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Syrah/Shiraz
Leaf Stone 2016 by Black Ankle Vineyards, MD – The self-identified “control freaks” at Black Ankle produced this 100% syrah from a sloping vineyard that faces predominately west and south. Aged 18 months in French oak, earthy, smoky aromas lead to dark fruits, chocolate and tobacco on the palate with a finish that exquisitely balances tannin and acidity.
2019 ASWA Best of Category Winner Vidal Blanc
Legacy 2017 by Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, MD – A dry version of vidal blanc, with crisp tropical notes of honeysuckle, pineapple and mango. Crafted from estate-grown grapes on this family farm that dates back to 1955. New to winemaking, the family transitioned to vineyards in 2012 and opened their winery doors in 2014.
2018 Best of Show
CrossKeys Vineyard Fiore 2017, Virginia
This rosé wine is composed of 70% cabernet franc and 30% chambourcin, and was made with estate-grown Shenandoah Valley AVA fruit. It shows a rich fruitiness balanced with savory herbal notes. Grapes for the wine were whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel.
The cabernet franc was harvested early specifically for use in this rosé, and contributes to the more complex herbal and citrus flavors, according to the winery. Suggested retail price is $19.50. The winery recommends pairing it with soft cheeses, rich seafood dishes, or herb-rubbed poultry to show off the complexity of the wine.
CrossKeys Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located on 125 acres in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Its first vines were planted in 2001 and now include 32 acres of vines with twelve grape varieties.
“Over the years, we’ve brought home a lot of gold and double gold medals, but this is the big one we have been waiting for,” said Babak Bakhtiar, CrossKeys’ director of marketing. “This has been a great year for our wines at awards competitions and this Best of Show is proof that Head Winemaker Stephan Heyns and Assistant Winemaker Steve Monson are undoubtedly crafting the finest wines in Virginia.”
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Other Red Hybrid/Native American Varietals
Shelburne Vineyard Marquette 2016, Vermont
One of the most successful cold-climate grapes, Marquette was developed in Minnesota and thrives in Vermont. Owner Ken Albert became inspired to grow grapes after visiting vineyards even further to the north in Canada.
Shelburne’s Marquette is rich, robust and spicy, benefitting from lees contact, and is produced using sustainable practices at this LEED-designed winery.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Chambourcin
Port of Leonardtown Winery Chambourcin Reserve 2014, Maryland
This chambourcin is made of fruit from the 12-vineyard Port of Leonardtown Winery co-op in southern Maryland. Winemaker Lauren Zimmerman highlights the herbal and spice notes of the grape, achieved by aging in French and American oak for 18 months. 15% cabernet franc lends a peppery, cassis touch.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Blush/Rose Vinifera
Shelton Vineyards 259 Dry Rose 2017, North Carolina
From the Yadkin Valley AVA in North Carolina, winemaker Ethan Brown makes use of a gravity flow system to ensure gentle handling of the juice. Vinified bone dry and made with equal parts petit verdot, tannat and merlot, this rose is medium-bodied and crisp with cherry, strawberry and juicy watermelon flavors. Note: owners Charlie and Ed Shelton were instrumental in creating the Yadkin Valley AVA, North Carolina’s first, in 2003.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Other White Hybrid/Native American Varietal
Shelburne Vineyard LaCrescent 2017, Vermont
Notably cold hardy – to -36F – the LaCrescent grape comes into its own in Vermont. With flavors that may remind you of a moscato, it’s a relatively new grape (2002) created by the University of Minnesota. Shelburne’s expression is semi-dry and delicious, with a floral bouquet, juicy peach/apricot flavors and crisp acidity.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sauvignon Blanc
Stinson Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Virginia
From the Monticello AVA, a combination of estate fruit and fruit from Mt. Juliet Vineyards which is across the road from the winery, this flinty, mineral-laden Sauvignon Blanc is balanced with melon and opulent white flower flavors. Fermented sur lie in concrete (see the “egg”!) and stainless steel. Clean, crisp and lingering.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER: Other Red Vinifera Blend
Philip Carter Winery of Virginia Cleve 2015, Virginia
Cleve Hall was an historic estate owned by the Carter family, and this tribute wine comprises all the history and fine quality the Carter family has embraced since their first wine award in London in 1762. Cleve 2015 is a 50/50 blend of petit verdot and tannat. Rustic yet velvety, with subtle oak married with jammy notes. The winery recommends decanting.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Fortified Wine
Deer Run Winery Dockside NV, New York
On Conesus Lake in NY’s Finger Lakes AVA, Deer Run produces this yummy dessert wine, aged on bourbon barrel staves. It’s made with 60% frontenac and 40% noiret grapes. Frontenac gives a cherry/chocolate note and noiret contributes light spice. Smoky with dark cherry notes and a warm woody essence, the wine was fortified to 15.5%.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sweet White Interspecific Blend
Rockbridge Vineyard V d’Or 2016, Virginia
The technology of refrigeration becomes art as practiced by Rockbridge Vineyards in the production of this “ice wine.” From Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this blend of vidal blanc, riesling, and vignoles with a touch of traminette yields a lush wine redolent of honey and oranges.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Port-Styled Wine
Port of Leonardtown Winery Port 2014, Maryland
Yes, Port of Leonardtown Port has captured the Best of Category for port-style wine. Made with chambourcin grapes grown in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties by this winemaking co-op located just off the Chesapeake Bay in Southern MD. The wine is robust, and rich with dark fruit flavor, fortified to 20% alcohol. Pair with dark chocolate or spice cake.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sweet Fruit Wine
Tomasello Winery Cranberry NV, New Jersey
Tomasello Winery in Hammonton, NJ, dates back to the repeal of Prohibition and in fact holds winery license #68 in the whole country. In the 1970’s they were among the first to experiment with French American hybrid grapes. Justifiably proud of their portfolio of fruit wines, Charles Tomasello Jr, 3rd generation owner, says, “We select fruit from specific growers whose passion in fruit growing matches our passion in wine making.” With cranberries from Massachusetts, Tomasello Cranberry Wine is a 100% natural wine showing intense color, lightly sweet and balanced with characteristic tart acidity.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Vidal Blanc
Sharrott Winery Vidal Blanc 2017, New Jersey
Midway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, Sharrott produced this 100% Vidal Blanc in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA of New Jersey. Founded a decade ago by Larry Sharrott, the property was formerly an apple orchard and now is a completely solar-powered winery. This wine highlights the familiar citrus/pineapple fruitiness of the vidal grape with lovely aromas and a light body.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Fox Meadow Winery Pinot Grigio 2017, Virginia
From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in VA, estate-grown fruit is steel fermented and aged to highlight a balance of acidity with minerality and citrus notes. Owner Dan Mortland says, “In two words, elegant and savory,” and is particularly proud to have won the Best of Category in both 2018 and in 2017, for Fox Meadow Pinot Gris.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Cabernet Franc
Pearmund Cellars Cabernet Franc 2016, Virginia
From Toll Gate Vineyard in Rappahannock County, (unfortunately for sale…) this Cab Franc is Pearmund’s second Best of Category winner this year. Excellent with gouda cheese or olive tapenade, with a characteristic hint of bell pepper combining with cocoa, cherry and black raspberry flavors. Sweet tannins round out this lush wine.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Gewurztraminer
Newport Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2017, Rhode Island
Classic rose petal, ginger and orange zest overflow in this delightful wine. Soil, climate and well-managed vines fuse to perfection in this Rhode Island offering. Winemaker George Chelf’s philosophy is minimal intervention and to preserve the grape’s natural character: the long, cool growing season off the Narragansett Bay yields outstanding fruit.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Red Hybrid/Native American Blend
Deer Run Winery Runway Red NV, New York
From the Finger Lakes AVA in NY, this blend features corot noir and noiret with a touch of Marechal Foch and chambourcin. Corot noir typically shows deep red color and attractive berry and cherry fruit aromas while noiret contributes notes of green and black pepper, with raspberry and mint aromas, and a fine tannin structure. Semi-dry and smooth.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Petit Verdot
Narmada Winery Petit Verdot 2016, Virginia
Narmada Winery produced last year’s Best of Show, and this Petit Verdot continues that winning tradition. Rich with coffee aromas, full-bodied and showing an intriguing blend of chocolate and savory bacon flavors underscored with bright orange zest, this is a blend of 78% petit verdot, 10% merlot, 7% tannat and 5% cab franc. From Rappahannock County, VA.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Chardonnay
Gray Ghost Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2016, Virginia
From Rappahannock County, VA, fermented in new French oak and softened by malo, the resulting mouthfeel of this chardonnay is rich and elegant with notes of pear and fig and a hint of vanilla. Winemaking team/owners Al and Cheryl Kellert love the buttery, toasty oak finish.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sweet Red Hybrid/Native American
21 Brix Winery Ella’s Red, NV, New York
From Lake Erie, NY. Seven-year-old 21 Brix Winery had two Best of Category winners this year. Unabashedly sweet and jammy, Ella’s Red is 100% concord, and the perfect pairing for Cherry Chocolate Cookies.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Albarino
Boordy Vineyards Landmark Albarino 2017, Maryland
From South Mountain Vineyard in Maryland, the Spanish grape Albarino is still a rarity here, but enjoying great success. At this vineyard, rocky, well-drained soils and an extended growing season combine with great airflow that minimizes frost. The wine is cool fermented and bottled early to capture fresh peach and flower aromas and crisp acidity.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Petit Manseng
Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards Petit Manseng 2016, Virginia
Cooper Vineyards, purchased in 2015 by David and Susan Drillock, is transitioning to the name Fifty-Third Winery. Fitting, as it was the 53rd farm winery licensed in VA. Graham Bell is the winemaker, and this expression of the current darling of VA grapes is medium-bodied with notes of pineapple, pear and honey.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sweet Blush Wine
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery Mountain Blush 2017, Pennsylvania
The white zin craze may be over, but this blend of steuben touched with 5% seyval blanc will bring memories of the best of that popular rose style. From the heart of central Pennsylvania in the Lake Erie ava (which covers parts of Ohio and New York as well as PA), strawberry and raspberry flavors enhance fruit, mild cheeses and rich desserts.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Riesling
Chateau LaFayette Reneau Semi-Dry Riesling 2017, New York
The owners of Glenora and Knapp purchased LaFayette Reneau a few years back but maintain the separate character of each. LaFayette Reneau is in the Finger Lakes ava off Seneca Lake in New York which was formed by glaciers and rarely freezes. Shale soil and rolling slopes make this perfect riesling territory. Mineral notes combine with honeysuckle and apple in this low-alc, 2.8 rs wine.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Red Interspecific Blends
Knob Hall Winery N39 2015, Maryland
“Latitude without attitude” defines this wine, named for the 39th degree north of the equator, and “Smooth jazz,” according to winemaker/co-owner Mary Beth Seibert. 70% chambourcin, 30% cab franc made with estate-grown grapes in Cumberland Valley, Maryland. Aged 18-24 months in American and French oak, blackberry and plum tones are touched with a spicy wood note.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Merlot
Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery Merlot 2014, North Carolina
Thirty acres in the Yadkin Valley in North Carolina, purchased a decade ago by the Jones and von Drehle families, produced this Best of Category winner. Five clones of merlot are planted in the coolest section of the vineyard ensuring a long growing season to maximize flavor. The winery recommends a classic boeuf bourguignon with this plummy, spicy wine.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Bordeaux Style Red Blend
Pearmund Cellars Ameritage Reserve 2016, Virginia
This wine is a blend of equal amounts cab sauv, petit verdot and malbec. Three days of cold-soaking the grapes followed by 2 weeks maceration lend the wine its rich dark fruit, spice, vanilla, and cocoa notes. Aged 10 months separately, then married and aged an additional 4 months, all American oak.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER White Hybrid/Native American Blend
Rockbridge Vineyard Tuscarora White 2016, Virginia
Winemaker Shep Rouse discovered his love of wine in Germany back in the 1970’s and built his winery in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1988. Using traditional small batch methods with minimal processing has earned this vidal blanc/traminette blend accolades. Semi-dry and stainless fermented.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Cabernet Sauvignon
Gray Ghost Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Virginia
Approaching its 25th anniversary, Gray Ghost was a pioneer of the modern Virginia wine trade. Their Reserve Cab, 100% estate grown varietal, and is only produced in exceptional years. New French oak, 3 yrs aging, and malo contribute to vibrant plum, blackberry and mocha notes, lush tannins, and lingering finish. Ageworthy, 20+ years according to the winery!
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Sparkling Vinifera Wine
21 Brix Winery Brutella 2016, New York
Alright wine snobs! Get over yourselves! 21 Brix Winery’s Brutella 2016 from Lake Erie, NY, is named for their pink elephant mascot Ella. It is delicious! 100% chardonnay, finished dry, by winemaker Kris Kane.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER White Vinifera Blend
The Barns at Hamilton Station Cascina 2017, Virginia
The Barns at Hamilton Station is a family-owned winery on a former dairy farm. Virginia luminary Michael Shaps is the winemaker. Cascina is a versatile blend of equal parts sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier and petit manseng, with grassy, herbal notes and a tropical finish.
2018 ASWA CATEGORY WINNER Viognier
Barboursville Vineyards Viognier Reserve 2017, Virginia
For the third year in a row, legendary Barboursville Vineyard of Virginia captured the Best of Category award for its Viognier. Contributing to its perpetual success, the wine is 100% varietal, 100% stainless fermented and aged, stays on the lees for 9-12 months, and receives additional bottle aging before being released.