Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Lost Mountain is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot that aged for 22 months in French oak (80% new, the rest second use). It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This has evolved beautifully since I first saw it, and it certainly has improved—that's what you want to see from a young winery with aspirations for greatness. It is mostly ready to drink now, but still young (although I'll continue to be conservative in end-date drinking windows with this relatively young winery). Time has allowed it to come into harmony, though. It always had finesse, but now there is not a hair out of place. The herbs and hints of olives are still present, the Cabernet Franc (presumably) having its say. It is textured with velvet and remarkably elegant, but there is still grip on the fresh finish. The fruit is beautifully expressive.
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.