Keswick Vineyards

July 7, 2022.  A short drive south from Honah Lee on Route 231 is Keswick Vineyards near the town of Keswick.  Before Al and Cindy Schornberg purchased it in 2000, this property was an old horse farm, and you know that you are in horse country with the white fences and rolling estates.  You sense that old money surrounding the vineyard as you approach.  Keswick had to deal with these tony neighbors and the local zoning commission, eventually coming to an agreement on noise and event restrictions before they could open.  

We arrived just before a torrential rain but were able to take seats in the lounge area reserved for the wine club.  (It was a lazy Thursday afternoon).  There are no inside tables, giving the tasting room an unfinished vacant look.  I think this was COVID-related.  Outside under a tent, the rain was turning the vision of the green hillsides grey with falling water.  We had to keep drinking – the umbrellas were in the car.

The vineyard has 32 acres under vine. First vintage was in 2002.  Keswick supposedly made its good reputation first with Viognier and then Cabernet Franc.  Unfortunately, there was no Cab Franc on the tasting menu.  Otherwise, here are our impressions:

2021 Chardonnay.  Kim rated this a C-.  Weak and not worth the cost.

2021 Keswick Viognier.  Kim also found this still light.  But it has lots of flower aroma and some sweetness.  Low alcohol.  We bought a bottle.

2020 LVA Rives Red.  I found this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon light bodied with cherry fruit aromas.  Moderate tannin and a little finish.  A good selection.  The “LVA” stands for "Les Vents d’Anges" (angel’s wings) is a tribute to Al Schornberg’s sister, Geneviève de Beaubien, M.D., who died far too young in 2004.

2020 Trevillian Red.  This is a Petit Verdot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.  Medium bodied with less tannin and more noticeable alcohol.

2020 Petit Verdot Reserve.  This is 100% PV with darker fruit and smoother on the tannin front.

2020 LVA Syrah.  This baby is full-bodied, high alcohol – a real Syrah.  Dark fruit with some sweetness.

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