Our authentically crafted Reserve wines represent the finest expression of each individual growing season, using the best grapes from our vineyards and those from our partner growers from around the commonwealth.
These pinnacle wines are the signature varietals of select a Virginia vintage, exceptional in flavor, clarity and taste. Our highly anticipated releases tend to be our most complex — barrel-aged for more than a year and further conditioned in bottle prior to their limited release.
The boldest representation of each vintage year.
Created in the Virginia style, Adagio showcases the charm and elegance of the Old World in perfect harmony with the adventurous spirit and freedom of the New. It’s the melody that drives the Wessex Hundred experience.
2019 Adagio
69% Tannat, 23% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2019 is a luscious well balanced wine offering loads of ripe berries, black cherry and plums. Along with the fruits are some lovely earthy characters of forest floor, suede and some herbal/spicey notes. Additionally, there is some dark chocolate, and cola which goes well with the fresh vanilla. The oak is well integrated with the fruit and body of the wine. The palette is fruit forward, with a touch of the earthy characters. The tannins are firm yet approachable. I like the overall balance and structure of this Adagio very much and believe it will be one that can age for many years.
2019 Gabriel Archer Reserve
58% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tannat
This wine reminds me of the elegance of the old world. Initially there are some bold fruit notes of raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, which then flow towards figs and plums. Next to the fruit is a black truffle note with just a touch of spice that complements some forest floor earthiness. The oak is very nicely integrated with the wine and offers some vanilla, cocoa, and graphite nuances. The mouthfeel is expressive with firm tannins and a fruit forward finish. Overall, the wine is well balanced with many nuances complementing each other.
2019 Virginia Trianon
78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Petit Verdot
The Trianon offers a kaleidoscope of fresh fruits such as raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, cherry and red apples. The fruits are paired with a pleasant earthiness of forest floor with a touch of chalky limestone minerals. Behind the fruits and earth nuances there is a touch of black olives, worn leather and bit of mocha. The weight of the oak is well matched with the bright fruits along with silky tannins. The finish is long, fruit forward and well balanced. This wine should age very nicely of the next 10 years.
2021 Petit Verdot Reserve
100% Petit Verdot
A bold fruit forward wine offering blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, plums and a touch of strawberry. The fruit nuances are well balanced with some dark chocolate, cola, limestone and just a bit of the classic forest floor. The mouthfeel carries all these fruits with well-structured tannins that are still soft and approachable. The French Oak carries through with some lovely vanillas and graphite that enhances the long fruit forward finish of the wine. Overall, an explosive wine with many layers and nuances that still preserves a wonderful balance.
2019 Merlot Reserve
100% Merlot
A luscious Merlot filled with concentrated fruits of raspberry, strawberry, black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate. The fruits give way to a lovely floral and mineral nuance along with a touch of graphite, vanilla and cocoa. The oak is very well integrated with the fruit and allows for a full long mouth feel. The tannins are smooth and inviting; ultimately adding to the overall balance of the wine, which is wonderfully fruit forward. I believe this to be the best Merlot produced at the Williamsburg Winery to date.