Although Thomas Jefferson had trouble growing grapes in the Commonwealth in the 18th century, the same is not true for Jefferson Vineyards in the 21st century. Located just outside of Charlottesville Virginia, the current Jefferson Vineyards has 20 acres of vines that include Chardonnay, Viognier, Petite Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well as other vinifera grape varietals. Committed to producing excellent wines in Virginia, Andy Reagan came on board as Jefferson’s winemaker and vineyard manager in 2005 (I am pretty sure), and brought with him quite a few years of winemaking experience from other well known wineries in Virginia.
So on to the tasting notes, which are for the 2006 Jefferson Vineyards Petite Verdot made from 100% of the small berried varietal.
Color – Magenta
Nose – Cherry, fried chicken, boysenberry (not jammy), brussel sprouts and swiss cheese
Taste – Blueberry, raw green peppers, raspberry, brussel sprouts again and oregano
Mouthfeel – Medium body, polished, tannins were evident and pulled the reigns toward the finish
Finish – Medium time course, linger flavors of brussel sprout and bright red fruit
We picked this wine up while tasting at Jefferson about this time last year. My original notes weren’t as detailed since I only had an ounce or so to work with, but in looking at them, the fruit profile was similar but I had noted more earthy, tobacco notes versus the nice green veggie notes that I got this time. I would have thought with the natural progression of the wine it would’ve been the other way around. But that is the great thing about wine, it is always changing and it can always throw a great curve ball. In my notes was also a reference to the high level of tannins that were still in the wine a year ago, and although they are still present now, they have smoothed out nicely.
If you are in the Charlottesville area I suggest making a trip to Jefferson Vineyards, they have a beautiful landscape and some great wines.
Cheers!
Anything Wine 
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