Scott Hendley is co-founder of NationalWineReview.com (NWR), an online wine publication based in Alexandria.
Nathaniel Hendley
With upwards of 300 wineries and over 3,500 acres of planted wine grape varieties, Virginia is a significant and internationally-recognized winemaking region.
Thomas Jefferson’s dream of making fine wine in Virginia, a personal failure for him, has in large part been fulfilled. We in Northern Virginia now have an abundance of wineries and “wine trails” at our fingertips for weekend wine getaways, many within an easy drive from the Beltway. For something a little less familiar, venture west — just beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains — to the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s great emerging wine country.
The Valley is rich in history, lush with mountain scenery, dotted with quaint old towns and home to two dozen wineries. Soils are de-composed mountainside, rocky and fertile; and the growing season is dryer than other Virginia winegrowing areas (a good thing for viticulture).
Muse Vineyards is a flagship winery in the Shenandoah Valley and a best bet for discovering Shenandoah Valley wine.
Muse is tucked behind the town of Woodstock, just off I-81, about 90 minutes off the Beltway. The property is stunning; visitors drive along a gravel road at the edge of a steep rise overlooking a bend in the serpentine Shenandoah River; descend the grade and cross a single-lane bridge perched just above the water; then drive through vineyards to the Tasting Room.
Proprietors Robert Muse and Sally Cowal established Muse Vineyards in 2006, in-spired by the traditional Domaine wineries of France and Italy. Today Muse comprises 32 acres planted with more than 20 wine grape varieties and Tim Rausse at the helm of winemaking.
Muse was quick to be recognized for the quality of their wines; the 2009 “Clio” Bordeaux blend — the winery’s first vintage release — was awarded the Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2015 and Muse wines have received national awards and high ratings from wine critics — including the National Wine Review.
We offer our tasting notes, below, on several current Muse Vineyards releases. These and all Muse wines are grown, produced and bottled on the estate.
MUSE VINEYARDS 2015 Clio | 93 Points – Outstanding
Traditional Bordeaux blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot and 5% Malbec. Aromas and flavors suggest berry tart, cedar and violet, with notions of roasted red pepper and dried thyme over a tangy finish. Elegant and balanced on the palate, with a decidedly Right Bank disposition. Aged three years in 30% new, 50% one-vintage used and 20% neutral French oak barrels. 13.5% ABV | $35.
MUSE VINEYARDS 2015 Petit Verdot | 93 Points – Outstanding
Robust and savory, with suggestions of black-and-blueberry preserve, toasted walnut and violet. Finishes long and layered over notions of black tea leaf and clove. Aged two years in 25% new, 25% once-filled and 50% neutral French oak barrels. Among the finest Petit Verdot wines produced in Virginia. 13.7% ABV | $32
MUSE VINEYARDS 2015 Blanc de Blanc | 92 Points – Outstanding
Expresses aromas and flavors of fresh-picked apple and pear, kumquat, lime peel and toasted biscuit over a creamy palate and zesty finish. 100% Chardonnay crafted by the traditional method — Méthode Champenoise — and aged two years sur lie. Muse Vineyards’ first sparkling wine. 12% ABV | $32
MUSE VINEYARDS 2017 Thalia | 92 Points – Outstanding
Saturated golden color with impressions of peach tart, hazelnut and crème brûlée, finishing with florals and citrus zest over a crisp finish. Blend of 68% Roussanne, 28% Marsanne and 4% Viognier aged 12 months in 10% new and 90% one year-old French oak barrels. 13.9% ABV | $24
MUSE VINEYARDS 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon | 91 Points – Outstanding
Chock-full of macerated black currant, roasted pepper and cured tobacco notes with chewy tannins and terrific purity. Blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petit Verdot aged three years in 25% new, 50% once-filled and 25% neutral French oak barrels. Exhibits all the classic hall-marks of Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5% ABV | $34
MUSE VINEYARDS 2015 Cabernet Franc | 90 Points – Outstanding
Savory, with notions of mulled black cherry, grilled poblano pepper, mission fig and bay leaf over a spicy finish. Has notable concentration and complexity for this variety in Virginia. Blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Petit Verdot aged 40 months in used French oak barrels. 14.1% ABV | $32
AVAILABILITY: Muse Vineyards wines are available at the Tasting Room, located at 16 Serendipity Lane, Woodstock, VA 22664. Muse also ships to 33 states and the District of Columbia. For hours and other details, visit them virtually at musevineyards.com.
NationalWineReview.com (NWR) is an online wine publication based in Alexandria. It is dedicated to exploring, evaluating, and reviewing unique wines from around the world. Hendley founded NWR in 2012 with fellow Alexandrian Richard Stone. scott@nationalwinereview.com
