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I love grand openings. It's the only time where you're guaranteed to meet the owner, and consequently pelt them with questions about which oaks they use.
Hiddencroft is a family owned vineyard tucked behind the Lovettsville Volunteer Squad. They're true home turf for me, so I expect to visit here often to see how they grow over the years. From Leesburg, they're a thirty minute drive, with only a short spell on gravel (if you're concerned about keeping your car clean). They produce most of their grapes, and the vines grow alongside blooming cherry trees; we happened to pick the most perfect day for a tasting with the high around 70 and the sun shining bright. You can sit on the patio and enjoy their wine slowly, overlooking the Loudoun hills- not a shabby spot.
We began with a the hybrid Traminette grape. A combination of Gewürztraminer and Seval, this wine retains the spicy character of a traditional Gewürz, while incorporating the more wet and fruity flavors of the Seval grape. Hiddencroft's wine exhibited a nose full of roses and citrus, with a hint of green apple. On the palette, the spice of the Gewürz came loud and clear, with lemon and lime notes to finish. Overall a nice summer wine; easily paired with Thai or heavy pastas.
We followed with an early release Chambourcin, aged in oak for 12 months. This wine had a blackberry nose spiked with spice. The palette was very smooth and chocolaty, with hints of tobacco and earth. Pair with creamy pastas; the acidity will balance well.
The Cabernet Franc was a blend of two vintages, '05 and '07. Exhibiting the pepper indicative of this grape, this wine had a nice fruity contrast with blackberry notes. The nose was strong with raspberry and blackberry notes.
Finally, we delighted in a Sweet Cherry Wine comprised of 100% Montmorency cherry. Frankly, it tasted like cherry, very tasty cherry. I had rushing memories of picking cherries with my cousins for grandmother's cherry pie. Sip this for desert, or pour it over cheesecake; the possibilities are endless.
Bottom Line: Quite accomplished for a young winery. For $14, a bottle of Sweet Cherry will do you very well. (Buy it!) 2 out of 5
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