RdV Vineyards Rendezvous 2009
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Rendezvous, the second vintage, is mostly a 35/32 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with about a third combined of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. RdV continues to prove that its young-vines Bordeaux-like wines were amazing from the get-go. This is showing maturity now, some cigar box, lead pencil and all those things you want from classic Bordeaux. It is not, of course, really all that old in the grand scheme of things, so it is aging fast. It still has fine structure, but this is further along than the Lost Mountain 2009. Dive into this one first (and probably soon). I don't think, nor does Rutger, that this will improve more, but it should certainly hold well for several more years, especially if you like them more complex than fruity.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Diversity of landscape, terrain and climate make Virginia one of the most exciting American wine producing states today. Its viticultural history reaches as far back as 1607 when early settlers made the first wine from indigenous American grapes.
Thomas Jefferson imported the first French varieties to Virginia and grew the Vitis vinifera species (the European species), though not with great success.
Today, however, increased knowledge and optimal vineyard management techniques bring prosperity with a great number of diverse varieties. Virginia’s varied landscape has created seven distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).
Encouraged by an enthusiastic state government, fine wine production in Virginia continues to flourish. The state achieves success with a variety of wine types and styles including sparkling wines, Bordeaux Blends, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Viognier and less common whites like Petit Manseng and Vermentino.