Firefly Cellars

March 18, 2022.  Kim and I continued our drive on a warm late winter afternoon by stopping at Firefly Cellars in Hamilton, Loudoun County.  Firefly is close-by the intersection of Route 7 and Route 9 at Paeonian Springs.  It was the former Hunter’s Run Winery that was purchased and renovated by Pete and Patty Pierleonardi, owners of Pest Management Services, Inc.  It re-opened in May 2021 with daughter Andrea Zaidi and her brother Zach Pierleonardi in charge. 

According to Andrea, Firefly produces between 2,000 and 3,000 cases a year.  Juice is from vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley.  Firefly uses the services of winemaker Randy Phillips with Cave Ridge Winery in Mt. Jackson, where the wine is produced and bottled.  Firefly does not bottle on at the Hamilton location.  Sounds like a custom crush business.  

Firefly has an adults-only tasting room while families and pets are welcome on the deck and in the backyard.  There are nice swings and even a tetherball to play. 

Firefly features other seating areas for larger groups and events like weddings and corporate meetings – the so-called Cellar, Jar, and Cabin.  They also offer overnight cottage accommodations through Air BnB.  You can reserve all of these spaces.  Outside food is allowed on the deck and backyard, not in the tasting room.  We had the Alotta Burrata to compliment Kim’s Chardonnay.

Here’s what we tasted during our visit:

Chardonnay.  Kim rated this Chardonnay a B+.  It is medium bodied.  Light citrus. 

Chambourcin. I found the Chambourcin medium bodied with good fruit aroma.  Not much finish.  But it did have some bitterness and was a little off-balance.  

Cabernet Franc.  The ruby red Cabernet Franc has more tannin and less fruit aroma. It is better balanced than the Chambourcin.  Not much pepper. According to the tasting notes, this is aged in both Hungarian and French oak for 14 months.  The tasting notes also say that the Cabernet Franc is a 2021 Governor’s Cup winner.  Reviewing the 2021 and 2022 list of Governor’s Cup medal winners, however, shows no awards for Firefly.  There are several medals awarded to Cave Ridge Cabernet Franc’s in both years.

Petit Verdot.  The Petit Verdot has strong fruit aromas and some sweetness.  The tannin is controlled.  There is some finish. 

Twilight.  This is Firefly’s blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. I found it pretty dry.  Maybe the fullest bodied on the tasting.

Moonlight.  This is Firefly’s Port-styled wine.  According to the tasting notes, it is aged in bourbon barrels to bring out a rich, caramel fullness. “Flavors of ripe berries, chocolate, and a slight nuttiness make this sweet wine the perfect after dinner drink or dessert pairing.”

Comments

  1. LizMarch 23, 2022 at 2:04 PM

    So...you recommend adding to our list? I don't like Chardonnay and you rate only the reds.

    ReplyDelete

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