Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery July 5, 2021

 

If wineries can be judged like other real estate – by location, location, location - then Prince Michel may be the best situated winery in the State.  It is directly on State Route 29 South in Leon, Madison County, at the top of a hill to catch the breezes and turn the wind-wine sculptures in front of the tasting room.  Prince Michel has been in operation since 1982 and claims to be the oldest continuous operating Virginia winery, a claim that Barboursville, Chateau Morrisette, and a few others would dispute. (Prince Michele is under new ownership since 2005 when Kristen Holzman acquired the property from Jean and Silvian LeDucq.)  But there is no denying it is easy to get go.  Just turn right into their driveway from Route 29.  Period.   The view from the winery is of Route 29, which is not great.  The vineyard stretches out behind a spacious winery building.  Since our last visit, Prince Michel has added a brewery – Tap 29 – and also serves cider.  They sponsor a cash trivia night and a host of other events.  Prince Michel has a small wine museum/exhibit.  They also offer lodging on site, although I wager there are more picturesque places to bed down than here.  For stopping in on our way to Charlottesville, Kim and I had our own crackers and cheese, so outside food is allowed.  Seating is available inside and out.  Prince Michel has several shaded platforms nicely appointed for relaxing outside although we elected to be inside because of the heat.  I don’t know if the fireplace in the seating area is a working one. 

As for the wine, I did a tasting where you can select the wines you want from their collection. I reviewed the bottles and elected only Virginia wines.  Only Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are grown on the Leon property.  The rest of grapes are purchased from other wineries including out of state.  A number of the wines for sale are labeled “American” and are not Virginia wines.

2016 Crown Orchard Cabernet Sauvignon.  Not too impressive to me.  Had a little residual sugar in the finish.  Some tannin.

2015 Symbius. This is Prince Michel’s Bordeaux blend. The currant taste was good.  Not too earthy.  A longer finish than the Cabernet Sauvignon and less tannin. 

2017 Silver Creek Petit Verdot.  I found this very earthy.  Blackberry, smokey although lighter than the Cabernet Sauvignon or the Symbius. I also found it had a richer finish.  This was a good wine.

Kim tried the 2015 Barrel Select Chardonnay.  She rated it a “B.”  Nice color. 


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