SOMMELIER RETREAT

Written by Max Kast North Carolina has come a long way since the pre-prohibition days of Virginia Dare and its ubiquitous association with Muscadine. As folks start to forget about Vitis Rotundafolia and look to the Tarheel state for world class red wine the name on the tip of their tongues should be Jones Von Drehle. The winery is located in the Yadkin Valley by a geological formation called the Roaring Gap that brings winds that reduce the effects of North Carolina’s humid climate. This wine is dominated by Petit Verdot complimented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, a blend which is having much success in both Virginia and North Carolina. On the nose the wine shows ripe dark blackberry, dark cherry, and dark plum notes, with licorice, bay leaf, cinnamon and clove. On the palate the wine is well-structured and full-bodied. Though delicious upon release, this wine is certainly capable of aging for a number of years. Jones von Drehle is leading North Carolina to new heights.