Continuing our series on the VA Wine Festival, this post is about our tasting with First Colony Winery — where the pourer and/or Jason spilled red wine on me. Thanks to a little bleach the stain is now history, but my fond memories of their great wines have not been forgotten.

We visited the stand pretty late in the day, so the all-around good tasting wines were a pleasant finish to a great event. The most notable wine tasted was a classic ‘Kim’ wine — a hearty Meritage blend, very full-bodied with nice firm tannins. The First Colony Meritage 2006 ($18) is a memorable wine, the kind of wine that you hate to open because you know it cannot be replaced. The first sips are full of bright red fruits, and the back of mouth flavors are toasty, warm and nutty. The blend includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

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Other wines tasted include:
First Colony 2005, $11
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dry rosé has hints of strawberry. Balanced acidity and crispness.

First Colony Chardonnay 2004, $14
1/2 oak-aged and 1/2 stainless steel, this chardonnay balances the typical buttery flavors with nice tropical fruits. Reminded me a bit of a Sauvignon Blanc.

First Colony Sweet Shenando 2005, $15
At 4% RS, this slightly syrupy white would make a nice replacement for a Gewurztraminer or sweet Riesling. Full of tropical fruits like pineapple and guava. The wine is made from 100% Vidal Blanc.

First Colony Cabernet Franc Reserve 2004, $18
First Colony’s Cabernet Franc is a blend of 76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Touriga, and 8% Tannat. Similar in flavors to their Meritage wine, the Cabernet Franc tastes of dark cherry and toasty nuts.

First Colony 1607 Red Dessert Wine 2004, $20
Typical port-style flavors of candied figs and cherries. The blend is 80% Touriga Nacional and 20% Chambourcin (9.5% RS).
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The Verdict?
If you ever have an opportunity to taste or purchase from First Colony, my advice would be to stick to the reds. They are delicious, practical and reliable.

Learn More
First Colony Winery is open for free tours and tastings 7 days a week.

Address: 1650 Harris Creek Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-979-7105 or 877-979-7105
Website: www.firstcolonywinery.com