Cab Franc From Virginia's Shenandoah Valley

Virginia is one of my favorite wine states. There is such a wide spread of varieties being grown there. I've sampled Virginia grapes that represent Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, the Rhône, Spain, and Italy. Not to forget, of course, the all-American Norton grape. The good grapes in Virginia are abetted by good winemaking practices, as well.

I was blessed with samples of the winners from the 2025 Governor's Cup event, which started in 1982. A Zoom call featured the makers of the 12 wines which made this year's Governor's case, the top dozen bottles from the event. Here is one of the award-winning reds.

The 2023 Paradise Springs Winery Cabernet Franc is a varietal wine that was grown in Brown Bear Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley. The north-south mountain range provides shelter from the weather, and the county is said to be the driest in Virginia. Winemaker Rob Cox says aging took place in new and neutral French oak barrels over only eight months. Alcohol sits at 14% abv and the price tag reads $42.

This wine is a medium garnet in color. The somewhat muted nose offers aromas of jammy blackberries, a bit of earth, some black pepper and anise. The palate is loaded with dark fruit and cherry, with very fine tannins. It's a smooth sip. It's also a fresh sip, as the light touch of oak lets the grapes speak for themselves.

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