Rainy days can be a drag, but not when there’s the promise of exceptional Virginia wine waiting. My recent visit to Walsh Family Wine for their wine club pickup party was the perfect antidote to a dreary day, transforming it into a cozy and delightful experience. The warm fireplace in the tasting room and the sight of magnum bottles of rosé immediately signaled a mood elevation, setting the stage for a fantastic tasting.
Arriving a bit early, as is my introverted nature, allowed me to secure my preferred spot – a quiet corner ideal for jotting down tasting notes, savoring the wines, and simply enjoying a moment of peaceful contemplation. I was directed to the Garden Room, ready to explore the latest offerings from Walsh Family Wine.
Kent, the knowledgeable winemaker, guided today’s tasting. It’s impressive to see Walsh Family Wine operating at such a high level, producing their own wines while also supporting other Virginia producers through custom crush services. They even foster emerging brands in their tasting room, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the Virginia wine industry. This supportive ecosystem, where established wineries like Walsh Family Wine assist newer brands, is a testament to the camaraderie within the Virginia wine scene. With experienced winemakers like Kent at the helm since 2017, Walsh Family Wine is clearly committed to quality and community.
Tasting room at Walsh Family Wine with fireplace
The tasting commenced with the 2022 Hickory Ridge Albariño, Walsh Family Wine’s second vintage of this varietal. While I’ve been somewhat reserved about Virginia Albariño in general, this one was a pleasant surprise. Albariño is gaining traction in Virginia, becoming a popular choice among winemakers. Opinions vary on its suitability for the region, with some seeing it as a fleeting trend, while others champion it as a better fit than Viognier. However, this 2022 Albariño stood out with its vibrant “zing and pizzazz.” While some tasters found it similar to the 2021 vintage, I perceived a brighter profile, with more pronounced tropical fruit notes, making it significantly more enjoyable for my palate. Perhaps my own preferences are evolving, but this Albariño certainly made a strong impression.
Kent elaborated on the Hickory Ridge vineyard site, noting its cooler climate which leads to later ripening and potentially higher acidity in the grapes. This characteristic likely contributes to the wine’s refreshing zest. He described an almost effervescent quality, not from bubbles, but from the lively sensation on the tongue.
Looking ahead, Walsh Family Wine has exciting plans for Albariño from both the Hickory Ridge and Bethany Ridge vineyards (where they have an acre planted). They are envisioning an age-worthy white blend from these sites, incorporating Albariño, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Petit Manseng. Intriguingly, I recall a delightful blend that successfully paired Viognier with Chenin Blanc, where the Chenin’s brightness balanced Viognier’s less appealing traits. This site-specific blend concept is something to eagerly anticipate. The 2022 Albariño, a club exclusive with only 100 cases produced, is expected to sell out quickly, and I made sure to secure my full allocation.
Kent, winemaker at Walsh Family Wine, presenting wine
Next, we sampled the 2022 Plateau Rosé, a bubbly and fun wine. It seemed slightly sweeter than the previous year’s vintage. This rosé is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from the Twin Notch Vineyard. Fermented to 95% completion, it’s then bottled to finish the final fermentation, resulting in a young, lightly effervescent wine. Plateau Rosé is consistently popular and a club exclusive. While I traded back two of my bottles for their regular Twin Notch Rosé, anticipating summer patio gatherings, the Plateau Rosé remains a delightful and refreshing option.
Finally, the tasting culminated in the powerhouse I always look forward to – the 2020 Bethany Ridge Cabernet Franc. This vintage includes approximately 20% Petit Verdot from the same vineyard. Planted in 2018, the vines are already yielding grapes with remarkable flavor development. I savored the aromas as the wine opened up beautifully in the glass. Decanting this Cabernet Franc is definitely on my to-do list, as it evolved intriguingly throughout the tasting. Initially soft with a light-to-medium body, it gradually revealed more complexity and a lingering sensory experience, a unique evolution I haven’t encountered with Cabernet Franc before. The “lingering finish” described in the tasting notes is indeed prominent and welcome.
Kent shared that this Cabernet Franc originates from the “Castillo Block” in the Bethany Ridge Vineyard, characterized by excellent drainage and shallow soils. They are optimistic about the potential of this block, which also includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, envisioning a future Castillo Block blend – a prospect that generates considerable excitement. Notably, this Cabernet Franc earned a silver medal at the Governor’s Cup competition, missing gold by a single point. While I have my own views on wine scores and ratings, this accolade is a testament to its quality and perhaps keeps it slightly under the radar for wider demand. All four bottles of this Cabernet Franc were definite keepers.
Wine glasses and bottles at Walsh Family Wine tasting
Walsh Family Wine continues to impress with their exceptional wines and thoughtfully curated tasting experiences. Despite the 2+ hour drive, it remains a worthwhile destination. With many of their vines still young and maturing, the future vintages from Walsh Family Wine promise even greater depth and complexity. On a rainy day, Walsh Family Wine truly is a ray of sunshine.
