A couple of weeks ago, I was included in a group of journalists that were sent The Governor’s Cup Case, the top twelve wines from the “The Virginia Governor’s Cup, one of the most stringent competitions in the US, is hosted by the Virginia Wineries Association, in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association.” No one asked me, but I think this is a brilliant idea and wondered why more states don’t do the same. I guess that is a topic for another post. There were six whites, five reds, and one sparkling wine in the case, and here are the first six that I tried. This is my first significant foray into the wines of Virginia, and based on these stellar bottles, I certainly hope it is not my last. 2021 50 West Aldie Heights Cuvee, Loudon County, Virginia: Retail $70. Responsible Bottle (592g; 20.9oz). 47% Tannat, 44% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. OK. All cards? I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a blend. Inky dark with tons of black fruit (blackberry, plum, cassis), a slight herbal component, and tons of earth. Yowza. A hint of mocha, too? Whoa. Dark, even brooding on the palate with even darker fruit (if that is possible?), and a healthy shot of acid. Yeah, given the predominant varieties, there was no way this wouldn’t be big and boisterous, but the funny thing is? It all works, even exceedingly well. Outstanding. 95 Points. 2023 Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve, Monticello, Virginia: Retail $23. Heavy Bottle (613g; 21.6oz). Under DIAM5. Vermentino is one of my favorite white varieties (although I prefer the French name, Rolle), so I was excited to see this included in the Governor’s Case. Light in color with more of a green tint than straw/yellow with bright and captivating aromas of citrus fruit, a touch of Bosc pear, lemon blossom, and a slight saline note. The palate is both bright and tart, but also layered and round (particularly on the mid-palate), and the lengthy finish only underlines my assertion that this is a very nice Vermentino. Excellent. 92 Points. 2021 King Family Vineyards Mountain Plains, Monticello, Virginia: Retail $85. Ridiculously Heavy Bottle (811g; 28.6oz). 45% Cabernet Franc, 37% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot. I am continuing my dive into the Governor’s Case, a selection of the twelve “best” wines in Virginia, and after the initial shock over the weight of this bottle (it ways as much as many sparkling wine vessels, which actually need to be this heavy), I found a beautiful wine underneath. Inky dark in the glass with plenty of dark fruit (blackberry, plum, cassis) on the nose along with a hint of spice. The palate is fruity, even luscious, but paired with a ringing tartness that (mostly) holds all of that fruit in check. The spice comes in on the midpalate and some silky tannins follow just before the finish. A classic Bordeaux blend, but this is all about the American fruit. Well done and Bravo (but think about a lighter bottle). Outstanding. 93 Points. 2023 Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery Albariño, Albemarle County, Virginia: Retail $39. Very Responsible Bottle (410g; 14.5oz). Under screw cap. This is the second wine that I have sampled from the Governor’s Case, representing the top Virginia wines of the year. Quite pale with a slight straw hue and a green tint, the nose is bright, with mineral notes and citrus fruit (mostly lime) with a touch of pear for good measure. The palate is lively and zingy with great fruit, a bit of weight, several layers, and plenty of verve. I know next to nothing about Virginia wines, but two wines into this case? I need to learn more. Yowza. Outstanding. 94 Points. 2022 Michael Shaps Chardonnay Wild Meadow Vineyard, Monticello, Virginia: Retail $28. Heavy Bottle (619g; 21.8oz). Under cork. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white variety in the world (some claim it is Ugni Blanc, but much of that variety is used in the production of spirits, but I digress). And with this Virginia wine? I have to say that much of that production is warranted. Light straw with a green tint in the glass with plenty of tropical notes (pineapple, even mango) with a slight herbal element (sweet basil?) emanating from the glass. The palate is fruity, even quite fruity with the acidity struggling to keep up, at least through the midpalate. By the finish, however, the wine comes into near-perfect harmony, with all aspects present and playing an active (fruit), supportive (acidity), or tertiary (minerality) role. Bravo. Outstanding. 93 Points. 2018 Trump Winery Sparkling Rosé, Monticello, Virginia: Retail $45. Extremely Heavy Bottle (855g; 30.1oz). 93% Chardonnay, 7% Pinot Noir. This is part of the Governor’s Case, wines that were selected by a judging panel representing the 12 best wines in Virginia, and this was the sole sparkling wine. Cards on the table: I am no fan of the president, but I tried to keep an open mind as I have always heard that his involvement with the winery was minimal at most. Then I saw a wine on the website labeled “Presidential Reserve” for $250 and a bottle of Blanc de Blancs signed by his second son going for $1000 and I realized that, well, he must be involved more than I had heard. The thing is? This rosé is actually very good with excellent fruit, nice tartness, a fervent sparkle, and an above-average finish. Will I ever buy a bottle? Not likely. Excellent. 90 Points.