Spice and bright red cherry fruit up front, followed by a smooth black pepper finish that is characteristic of this varietal in Virginia.  Hints of chocolate and coffee complement the oak from American and French barrels.  Look for these flavors to continue to intensify with age.  Enjoy this with a slow simmered beef stew or any tomato-based dishes, such as Italian cuisine. We're also finding it's our default wine to pair with an evening in front of the fireplace.

Vineyards: North Gate Vineyard, Weatherlea Farm (Pamela and Malcolm Baldwin), Benevino Vineyards (Jim and Nancy Benefiel)
Bottling Date: September 1, 2010
Release Date: December 1, 2010
Alcohol Content: 13%
Case Count: 261

Retail Price: $18

Awards:
Silver - VA Governor's Cup Wine Competition (2011)

Past Awards
(2008 vintage)
Silver - VA Governor's Cup Wine Competition (2010)
Silver - Indy International Wine Competition (2010)
Silver - Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine Grand Harvest Awards (2010)
Silver - Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (2010)
Bronze - Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition (2010)

(2007 vintage):
Gold - VWGA Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition (2009)
Gold - International Eastern Wine Competition (2009)
Gold - Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (2009)
Gold - American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition (2008)
Silver - VA Wine Lover's Magazine Classic Wine Competition (2009)
Silver - VA Governor's Cup Wine Competition (2009)
Silver - Indy International Wine Competition (2009)