Chateau MerrillAnne Winery and Vineyards

April 14, 2022.  We drove some 23 miles off of the beaten path from Culpeper to reach Chateau MerrillAnne Vineyard in Orange.  The trip was worth the drive.  And we appreciate Kenny White, the owner, being such a great host opening for us and being flexible as we did get lost a couple of times on our way.  This small winery opened in 2012 with Kenny and his wife, Emily, in charge.  They renovated an old corn crib into the tasting room which is a cozy space.  Most wineries have dog mascots; this one has cats.  If you like cats, this is your winery.  The White’s are in the process of building a new outdoor space to better accommodate visitors who want the country air.  Outside food is allowed, and there is plenty of space for picnics.  They accept the Virginia Wine Pass for discounts on tastings and bottle purchases.

Chateau MerrillAnne has five acres under vine at the Orange location but sources most of its fruit from leases or purchases from other vintners in the Commonwealth.  Most of the wine is produced by Michael Shaps’ operation to Kenny’s specifications.  The White’s also have affiliations with Jake Bodinger at Chrysalis for MerrillAnne’s  Marquis Rouge.  (The Virginia State Corporation Commission shows Chateau MerrillAnne Cellars (Albermarle) and Chateau MerrillAnne Middleburg as fictitious names belonging to Virginia Wine Works (Michael Shaps) and Chrysalis Vineyards, respectively). Kenny said that he makes fortified wines on site.  I believe that is the Vinocello.  Chateau MerrillAnne does not distribute beyond the tasting room except to a couple of restaurants.

Chateau MerrillAnne has chosen not to compete in the Virginia Governor’s Cup because it is difficult for them as a small winery to keep 50 cases on reserve if they should medal.  The schedule for having wines available is a also disadvantage for his bottling, especially for reds.  We take these criticisms to heart as rules that might be changed in the future to promote wider participation.  Chateau MerrillAnne does compete in other competitions along the eastern seaboard.

Kenny’s stated simple philosophy for whites is to manage acid and for reds to manage tanins.  As noted, Chateau MerrillAnne is basically a custom crush business serviced by Michael Shaps using the Chateau’s specifications.

Kim and I had tasting flights: 

Palace White 2019.  This is a very light white that Kim rated a “B.”  This is 100% Vidal with citrus dominating.  Pairs well with fish and poultry.

Viognier 2021.  This is also a light white that Kim rated “B-.”  It is crisp with some honeysuckle hints.  Pairs well with rich and/or spicy foods.

Chardonnay Reserve 2019.  Kim rated this a “B+.”  It is medium bodied having undergone full malolactic fermentation and oak aging.  Pairs well with fish and poultry.

Vin Gris 2021.  This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon blush.  Kim rated this an “A-“, and bought a bottle.  It has lots of fruit including strawberries.  It has 2.5% residual sugar, but it does not flatten out the crisp acidity.

Founded 1734.  This is a good sipping red blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot.  It is smooth with some sweetness detected.  Pairs with a wide range of foods from grilled meats to pastas.   We bought a bottle.

Governor Spotswood 2019.  This is Chateau MerrillAnne’s Bordeaux blend using Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.  It was aged 16 months on French oak.  The tannin is well managed and the wine is balanced.

Marquis Rouge 2019.  This is an unusual red blend of roughly 50% Norton, 25% Petit Verdot, and 25% Tannat.  You might think that combination would produce a tannic mess, but the wine is very well balanced.  The Tannat cuts Norton’s usual jaminess while the Norton controls the tannin.  I liked this combination better than Norton on its own, and we bought a bottle.  This is a wine produced in collaboration with Chrysalis Vineyards, the head cheerleader for Norton in Virginia. 

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.  Like the Governor Spotswood, this Cabernet is aged 16 months in French oak.  It is medium bodied and well balanced across acid and dryness.

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