We’ve heard lots of good things about Blenheim Vineyards through the grapevine (pun intended), and we were eager to visit the winery and, of course, to sample the wines. While Blenheim is new to us, they are not new. They opened their doors in 2001. Blenheim Vineyards is the project of the Matthews family that includes rocker Dave Matthews. In fact, we had been corresponding with Dave’s sister, Jane, to coordinate our visit and tasting. Our tasting was conducted by our hostess, Irene Glenn who skillfully guided us through a tasting of nine wines currently offered on the tasting menu.

Blenheim’s tasting room has been open for awhile but an appointment is still necessary. We were captivated by the vaulted ceilings and sky lights that offered optimal, natural lighting of the tasting room. Large glass doors presented breath-taking views of vineyards and mountains. With this setting, we proceeded to complete our tasting. Of course, we were armed with gold stars, and all of the white wines were solid. Paul’s fave was the 2006 Star Label Chardonnay. Paul underlined “light oak” and “mineral notes” to signify his agreement with the notes on the tasting sheet. He usually favors stainless steel Chardonnays, but Paul seemed to appreciate the nine months on French oak and enjoyed the light honeyed texture of this Chardonnay. My own gold star was awarded to the Ox-Eye Chardonnay 2005. Lovely ripe pear and a honeyed texture led to a toasty finish due to a longer time on oak. I must admit, though, that the Blenheim Farm Chardonnay 2006 and the Viognier 2005 were also well crafted. The Blenheim Farm Chardonnay presented the same characteristics as the Ox-Eye with perhaps a more buttery finish and a lengthier finish. Unlike most Chardonnay nay-sayers, I do appreciate this style of Chardonnay with its full-bodied presentation. An equally assertive white wine was the Viognier 2005. I noted a honeysuckle nose with floral and peachy flavors with a nice acidity. Paul liked this one, too; he even took a break from taking pictures to take a second sip of the 2005 Viognier.

On to the reds, and the first was a 2003 vintage Cabernet Franc. Not an easy year to make wine in Virginia, but this one was easy to sip. A vibrant raspberry nose with herbaceous notes to boot, the 2003 Cabernet Franc is blended with Merlot to give it a rounded texture. Definitely in the light-bodied category, I’d have the 2003 Cabernet Franc with pizza or any picnic fare that might include spicy meats. Shutterbug Paul was more intrigued with the Cabernet Franc, and he presented his gold star to the Blenheim Farm Cabernet Franc 2005. Paul noted darker fruit on the nose and in the mouth and jotted down “plummy” on the tasting sheet. Bigger-bodied than its older sibling, the 2005 vintage could be appreciated now or held on the wine rack for a bit longer. My own favorite was the Blenheim Farm Petit Verdot 2005. Its inky presentation suggests a bolder wine. I noted dark berry notes along with a characteristic spiciness that included a layer of earthiness. Loads of blackberry and dark cherry in the mouth! Needless to say, aging is recommended with this one and will indeed get better with age. Paul thought the tannins to be a little tight, so for those who want to pour now, it might be a good idea to decant the Blenheim Farm Petit Verdot 2005 before serving (and serve with any game meats, lamb, herbed-coated meats, meat, meat, and meat!).

With gold stars awarded, we wrapped up our tasting and thanked Irene for her skillful presentation of Blenheim Vineyards’ wines. We were quite impressed, and we must attribute this not only to the family effort but also to the expert winemaking of Brad McCarthy. Blenheim’s current wine maker is Kirsty Harmon. Kirsty began her career with noted Virginia winemaker Gabriele Rausse. Kristy was born in the Netherlands but grew up in Albemarle County. We see only good things for Blenheim Vineyards’ future, and we know that we will return for a tasting of future releases. Do visit Blenheim Vineyards and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!