Wise Wine Review:

Kluge Estate Albemarle Virginia Simply Red 2004 (click for more info)
Taste Score = 7.5/10 Points
Cost Score = 9/10 Points
Overall Score = 8.4/10 Points (Additional stats below)


There are just too many places in the world for good wine. In the US, we all know about California, Washington, and Oregon, but how many other places do we really pay attention to when it comes to the grape?

Boy was I missing out!


While at my local wine shop talking with friends and owners Sean and Jenn, I stumbled a wine that has changed my view on the world wine. I was surprised to learn that this Bordeaux style blend was from none other than Virginia. Go figure!

Do you know of a great winery in a state besides the "Big 4" (CA, WA, OR, NY) that makes great wine? Share it with me here.

Wanna know more about this Virginian winery?

Here's what they have to say about themselves:


"Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, located on the southeast slope of Carter’s Mountain in Albemarle County, is tucked into the edge of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. The 2,000-acre estate lies next to the birthplace of American viticulture, Thomas Jefferson’s famed Monticello. This region is gaining recognition for producing serious wines and Kluge Estate is at the forefront. Combining meticulous winemaking practices with a genuine love of the land and support for the Virginia wine community, Kluge Estate is driving the region to fulfill its potential of creating world-class wines from the east coast of the United States."

Let's get down to drinkin'!

(Continue browsing below for the full review and scores…)

Wine Geek Vintage Info:
"All grapes are gently hand‐picked, then sorted and cold‐soaked for several days to enhance fruit character. The wine is aged for 14 months in 100% French oak sourced from seven major cooperages, 70% of which is new oak and 30% of which is 1‐2 years old, adding to the wine’s dimension.

This Bordeaux style blend has a balanced, smooth and silky palate. With a brilliant, intense ruby red color and smooth, velvety tannins, the wine is medium‐bodied with complex mineral expression. There are nuances of blackberry and black currant with delicate licorice, vanilla, smoke, and spice notes." –Kluge Estate


Recommended Food Pairing:
"This elegant wine is the ideal companion for beef carpaccio, baked brie, salad, pizza, cheeses, and French American cuisine. It even pairs well with firm, white fish, such as cod and swordfish."


Stats:
Producer: Kluge Estate
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot
Appellation: Virginia
Residual Sugar: N/A
TA: N/A
pH: N/A
Production: 3683 Cases
Alcohol %: N/A
Aging: 14 months in 100% French oak 70% of which is new oakCost: $19/bottle Call for special Winemall Price(Get your own bottle!)

Wine Whore Score:



Let's take a closer look...


To the eye:
Brilliantly intense ruby red hue.


To the nose:
Sweet bouquet of opens up like a freshly cut rose upon breathing.


On the tongue:
Dry yet structured with a politely delayed finish.


For only $14, this wine is simply a great value!

Get yourself a bottle and experience it firsthand!

Cheers!

Interested in tasting this wine?
Click here to get your own bottle!


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)