Blenheim Vineyards

May 15, 2023.  Another winery on the eastern side of Carters Mountain near Charlottesville, is Blenheim Vineyards. 

Approaching the facility from the parking lot, there is a large open patio with views across the vineyards.  To get to the tasting room, however, you either have to go down steps and across a road, or walk down slopes on either side of the patio.  Disabled parking is also accessible by car on the lower main level.  The long tasting room is broken up by two or three batustrades affording views of the winery’s production and tank rooms on the floor below. 

The first Blenheim house is said to have hosted Thomas and Martha Jefferson during their honeymoon snow storm in 1772.  The current house on the property was built in 1846.  In 2001, owner Dave Matthews formed Blenheim Winery.  He has roots in Charlottesville where he formed the Dave Matthews Band in the 1990’s.  First vintage was in 2003.  According to assistant Tasting Room Manager, Ryan, Blenheim produces between 7,000 and 9,000 cases per year, depending on the harvest.  They distribute only in Virginia, Wegman's, and local restaurants.  Blenheim wines are 100% Virginia wine, but only around 75% are estate grown across four vineyards.  They are still recovering from the pandemic as there are two whole vintages of Sauvignon Blanc waiting for release. 

Kim and I took a seat indoors with a view of the back deck and the fields beyond.  We had a nice conversation with a Charlottesville couple and their Detriot visitors and the occasional interruption by Pickles the winery dog.  Outside food is welcome as are the kiddos.  A quiet and relaxing venue.  It would have been nice to visit with winemaker Kristy Harmon to discuss her minimalist winemaking philosophy.

Kim enjoyed a glass of white wine while I took in the Red Wine Flight.  All Blenheim wines are sealed with screw-tops rather than cork.  Their website states no wines stay in barrels longer than one year.  All-in-all the selection was average and unassuming. 

2021 Painted White.  Kim rated this a B-.  Wine is from three Virginia vineyards including Blenheim itself.  Website tasting notes mention hints of Granny Smith apples, lychee, and thyme.  White table wine.

2020 Merlot.  I rate this a B.  Light spicy aroma, almost citrusy.  It is 100% Merlot aged 8 months.  The rim is pale.  Dark fruit taste.

Collaboration Red NV.  Very cherry on the upper palate.  Some tobacco notes.  Mostly Merlot, but with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot as well.  I Rate it a B

2021 Cabernet Franc.  This is 100% Cabernet Franc.  Typical pepper notes and light tannin.  B.

2020 Painted Red.  The red side of the table wine.  It is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with contributions mostly from Petit Verdot.  More cherry tastes and low tannin.  Another B. 

 “Lovely lady, let me drink you, please
 Won’t spill a drop, no, I promise you.”
Crush
 

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