A Re-Cap of the Wines from the PWS PA Wine Excellence X Tasting - Part 1

I had the wonderful honor of attending the Pennsylvania Wine Society's (PWS) Pennsylvania Wine Excellence tasting in Harrisburg.  All entries are 100% Pennsylvania fruit and all entries have to be Vitis vinifera (European) varieties, with one exception: Chambourcin.  Perhaps surprisingly to some, 9 of the top 10 winners were red varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chambourcin, and Bordeaux blends.  One white variety was in the top 10: a Riesling. 

Over the next few days, I'll take some time to review the winners (they are posted in no particular order).  I hope you enjoy these entries!

For more information on the PWS Wine Tasting events, please visit their website.  I hope to see more of you there next year!

2009 Cabernet Franc by Galen Glen Vineyards 

(AVA: Lehigh Valley)

If I had to use 2 words to sum up this wine: ABSOLUTE STEAL!  This is a $15 Cabernet Franc, produced in an "average" Mid-Atlantic growing season.  This wine had ripe red cherries and deep, ripe strawberries up front with a secondary herbal characteristic.  It was soft and full on the palate with a pleasant creamy, oaky finish.  This wine was intentionally made to be chewy and ripe.  An incredible wine that has years of aging left in it to make it even better, but can definitely be drunk now.  You can read more about Galen Glen Vineyard and Winery at their website.

2008 Merlot by Crossing Vineyards

This was a fabulous rose-like, black cherry, with undertones of mushrooms and ripe earth.  There is an apparant alcohol on the palate, but the wine is incredibly smooth with noticeable tannins and a full mouthfeel.  As one taster said, "This wine just made me love Merlot!"  And check out their labels... love them!

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot by Crossing Vineyards

Apparent similarities to their 2008 Merlot.  Again, very floral with some subdued and pleasant herbaceous notes.  Medium-bodied with nice acid for freshness and oaky, toasty flavors in the finish.  This is a fantastic cheese wine!  Check out Crossing Vineyards at their website.

Come back tomorrow for more of the featured wines presented at the PWS Wine Excellence tasting!