So continuing with our introductions of newer wineries, up next is Sugarleaf Vineyards. Winemaking began as a hobby for Jerry and Lauren Bias, and it was really due the insistence of a close friend, Mike Taylor. A wine enthusiast and collector, Mike was confident that Jerry and Lauren could create their own high-quality wines; tragically, Mike died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, the horrific event and Mike’s memory inspired Jerry and Lauren to fulfill a dream that their friend thought could be reality. In 2006, Jerry and Lauren opened the Sugarleaf Vineyards‘ winery. Our visit to Sugarleaf Vineyards confirmed Mike’s confident assessment—Jerry and Lauren Bias do indeed produce well-crafted wines. In fact, Sugarleaf Vineyards has scored several medals in national competitions, and they are certainly destined to earn many more.

Paul and I approached the small tasting bar with gold stars in hand. Of the whites, my own gold star was awarded to the 2006 Viognier which is blended with some Vidal Blanc. Lovely tropical fruit nose and palate with a nice crisp finish, this Viognier spends some time in French oak and in stainless steel. Paul opted for the 2006 Chardonnay. He noted a lemony nose with ripe pear in the mouth. Paul is not one for oaked Chardonnays, but he did seem to appreciate the toasty finish. Perhaps Paul found the oak to be less dominate, and for good reason, because the 2006 Chardonnay spent 45% of its time in stainless steel. I found this one easy to drink and accessible. This Chardonnay is also produced from 100% estate chardonnay grapes.

On to the reds, and these were also well done. In fact, in our post-tasting conversation with Lauren, we concluded that the Bias’ focus really is to produce quality red wines from Virginia grapes. I presented my own gold star to the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon which was also the gold medal winner at the Town Point Wine Competition. Dense garnet color with a seductive aroma of dark fruits and smoke, this Cabernet offers bold cherry flavors with some tobacco on the finish. This is certainly a bolder, full bodied wine that should age well. Paul’s award went to the 2006 Cabernet Franc. Yet another medal winner, Paul noted a bright berry and herby nose with similar flavors in the mouth. Some blending with Petit Verdot provides a denser color and complexity.

With our tasting done, we were able to chat with Lauren Bias. The Bias’ learned about vineyard management mainly though trial and error, but good soils allowed for many successes. Their first year of operation as a winery yielded 680 cases of wine in 2006, but their 2007 production will yield 1100 cases! Upcoming releases include a Petit Manseng, a Cuvee, and a dessert wine to be known as Nubia Nector.

We are eager to return to Sugarleaf Vineyards, but we know that readers will want to visit there soon. When you do, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.