Delaplane Cellars

April 22, 2022.  It was a picture-perfect April day as the wineries beckoned for us to make our trip to Delaplane Cellars.  Sun, a light breeze, and wine – what could be better?.  Delaplane sits on Lost Mountain overlooking Northern Virginia's rural historic Crooked Run Valley on Route 17 between Interstate 66 and Route 50 in Fauquier County.  Originally incorporated in 2007, the winery was purchased by Daniel and Kate Gomez, Nicholas Jordan, and Thomas Duckenfield in 2019, making it one of the few minority-owned wineries in Virginia.

This was our third visit to Delaplane where we have always found a very hospitable and informed staff and good selection.  I freely recommend Delaplane to folks asking my winery recommendations.  We spent some time speaking with wine master, Matt Wuertzer.  Delaplane has 12 acres of vines.  On this beautiful afternoon, after some days of freezing cold, the vines at the top of the vineyard were at bud break while the lower sections lagged a little behind.  The vines on-site supply 60% of the juice for their wines:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petit Manseng, even Riesling.  No Chardonnay is grown on site.  All juice is from Virginia-grown grapes.  They produce between 4,500 and 5,000 cases a year. 

The tasting room overlooks the vineyard rolling down to the road.  The facility can accommodate special events.  Since our first visit, they have added a deck.  There are outdoor fire pits for the cooler months.

Let’s get to the wines:

Chardonnay Reserve 2020.  Kim tried the Reserve Chardonnay which she rated as a “C.”  Very light.

Barrel-fermented Chardonnay 2019.  Kim also tried the Barrel-fermented Chardonnay and rated it a “B”.”  It was more complex with grapefruit, and some pear aromas.  We bought a bottle.

Rosé 2020.  I tried the Rosé.  It too was light with an orange tint.  Very dry and bright cherry on the palate.  No finish.  It is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Adjacency 2019.  This is a 2022 Governor’s Cup Silver medal winner.  A Bordeaux blend of 4 or 5 varietals, it is dry, has some legs, and low tannin.  Bold.  Aromas of dark fruit.  Good finish.

Piedmont Station 2019.  It is a more complex blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.  Aromas of lighter fruit. I detected more residual sugar and tannin.  Some finish.  This is another 2022 Governor’s Cup Silver medal winner.

Tannat 2019.  I felt some alcohol on the throat with this Tannat.  Lots of legs.  Earthy and bitter.  This is a 2022 Governor’s Cup Silver medal winner.

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