General's Ridge Vineyard

June 21, 2024.  General’s Ridge Vineyard in Hague, Westmoreland County, was a welcome stop in the first real heatwave of 2024.  We were able to park the car in some forgiving shade even though the light breeze only moved the warmth around.  We quickly made our way into the “Somewhere in Time” tasting room which was blessed with air conditioning.  It was dead silent in there except for some construction going on intermittently.  I suppose conversations rose to be swallowed in the unfinished ceiling.  Also, you may have problems getting reliable cell service out here. 

We met servers Laura and Glenn who provided us some details on the operation.  Rick Phillips, the owner, is a retired Marine Corps general and wife Linda was a music teacher.  They met when Rick was in training at Dahlgren and eventually moved to the Northern Neck from Alexandria in Northern Virginia.  They purchased almost 100 acres that included a rundown farmhouse from the mid-1800’s, then set about renovating board-by-board.  General’s Ridge also features overnight accommodations in a Manor House and more modest trailer/villas. 

They incorporated in 2007 and now have five acres of grapes under vine, growing 15 varieties of grapes.  General’s Ridge Vineyard does not make the wine from these grapes, however.  That job is contracted to Michael Shaps in Charlottesville.  All of General’s Ridge wine is estate-grown.

 

Outside food is welcome.  They also bring in food trucks.  A food truck was pitching its tent as we were leaving.  Our hearts went out to the lads working on the truck serving hot food on a sweltering sunny day.  You may want to contact General’s Ridge about their pet policy.  General’s Ridge is a full service wedding and special event venue, using the Carriage House and other spaces on the property.

We sampled several of General’s Ridge’s offerings from a “pick-em” menu.  Besides the tasting menu, GRV has a large variety of other choices. 

2022 Pinot Grigio.  Kim rated the Pinot Grigio a C+ as too light.  That might be the mild citric acidity.

2022 Viognier.  I thought the Viognier was quite floral and nicely turned-out.  Good balance.  Rated B+ and bought a bottle.

2023 Flying Leatherneck Sparking Rosé.  This is a newly released rose employing the Touriga grape.  It was the color of Jolly Rancher® watermelon candy.  Very light fizz; very light astringency.  Has some strawberry sweetness.  I rate it a B.

2019 Westmoreland Red.  Nice tannin that builds on the palate.  Touted as a Bourdeaux blend.  Flavor of stone fruit but not too complex.  Good lounge wine.  B.

2022 Petit Verdot.  The regular Petit Verdot highlights dark fruit and noticeable tannin.  I got a touch of sweetness as well.  B.

2019 Petit Verdot Reserve.  The Reserve is, as you would expect, more complex with an actual finish.  Mellower than the 2022.  Flavor of pepper and plums.  Classed as reserve due to aging.  Good with portobello mushrooms.  I rated it a B+ and bought a bottle.

2019 General’s Reserve.  The tasting notes say that this was a Gold medal winner at the Virginia Governor’s Cup.  It actually won a Silver medal in 2020.  Full-bodied blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Tannat.  Strong fruit with less mouthfeel.  I rate it B considering the price.

Thanks to Laura and Glenn for being there on a Hinges of Hades kind of day.

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