Ledge Vineyard Tasting at The Vineyard
Too bad India was out of town for this tasting, she missed out on some killer wines from Paso Robles. This was only my second time going into The Vineyard of McLean, Va. Honestly did not know what to expect but still excited to try out Mark Adams' wines. Here are just some short notes on the Ledge wines I tried.
2014 Ledge Grenache Blanc G2 Vineyard Color: Pale yellow and clear. Nose: Lots of tropical fruit like guava. Body and Acidity: Light to moderate acidity, and smooth body. Mouth feel: Very smooth and refreshing. Not sharp at all. Finish: Moderate to light, very smooth, a little silky. Not thin or thick. Decant: Open for 45 minutes prior to tasting. Opinion: For being in 100% stainless steel I was expecting a little more metal or minerality. Basically like licking a steel pole. But none of that here and for me that means no migraine! I could see this as a great summer wine out by the pool. Selling for $21.99. (88/100)
2013 Ledge Syrah Adams Ranch Vineyard Color: Light crimson and clear. Nose: Let's start by saying I love the nose! First wave is black peppercorn, absolutely lovely. Had a few earthy notes but still very tight. Body and Tannins: Moderate tannins (6/10) and body. Mouth feel: A little tight. Quite furry. Finish: Moderate with a slight mineral finish. Decant: Open for 45 minutes prior to tasting. Opinion: Very interesting vineyard with sandy soil and is owned by Mark Adams. This wine had its ups and downs. Definite up? The nose, I love the pepper, earthy notes it had going on. Downside? The minerality in the finish. All in all a great wine that needs at least a few years to fully develop and could easily cellar for ten. Selling for $53.99. (91/100)
2013 Ledge Zinfandel Dante Dusi Ranch Vineyard Color: Light ruby red, lighter than I expected for a young zinfandel. Nose: Who doesn't love flowers? This wine loves flowers! Complete onslaught of violets and lavender. Body and Tannins: Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. Mouth feel: Slow attack as it starts in the palate. Then very thick at the end as it reaches the finish. Slightly meaty too. Finish: Long lingering finish. Decant: Open for 45 minutes prior to tasting. Opinion: Honestly would have never guessed that this was a zinfandel. My favorite of the night and definitely interested in trying this again one day. Delicious zinfandel and I honestly have not had much luck with them in the past. Very enjoyable wine out of Paso Robles. Again here is another a great wine that needs at a couple years to fully integrate and could cellar for close to six or so. Selling for $43.99. (92/100)
2013 Ledge Vineyard Drive Color: Light crimson. Nose: Starts off with some dark berries, such as blackberries. and a slight note of violets. Body and Tannins: Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body. Mouth feel: A lot more dark fruits than the previous wines. Lots of blackberries and blueberries. More together than the Adams Ranch or James Berry. Finish: Moderate lingering finish. Decant: Open for 45 minutes prior to tasting. Opinion: 45% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre and 25% Grenache. Second favorite of the wines today. This is mainly based off approach ability. Time would still help this wine to fully integrate and could cellar for up to ten years. Selling for $43.99. (92/100)
2013 Ledge Syrah James Berry Vineyard Color: Deep and opaque ruby red with purplish hues. Nose: A little bit of heat and petroleum in the nose to start. As it aired a little bit it got some floral notes added in the mix. Body and Tannins: High tannins (7.5/10) and moderate body. Needs a number of years to integrate. Mouth feel: Lots of texture, definitely furry but almost like sandpaper. Finish: Long finish that is a little rough. Decant: Open for 45 minutes prior to tasting. Opinion: Some of the same fruit used in the the Saxum James Berry Vineyard, powerful stuff! I honestly would not touch this wine for another two years. Very powerful and it needs time. Easily cellar for ten years. Lots of potential with this wine. Selling for $64.99. (91+/100)
Great tasting hosted by The Vineyard of McLean. Make sure to stop by there website and buy these before they are all gone!