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.
2017 Adagio
37% Tannat, 33% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 is a wonderful reflection of a great vintage. It is a richly complex wine with many layers. There is a balance between the dark fruits of figs and dates along with the red fruits of raspberry and dark cherry. There are additionally some nice hints of blueberry, rhubarb and cassis. Next to the fruit aspect is an old world earthy character along with some cocoa, black olive and black pepper. The tannins are gripping but approachable and the oak is wonderfully partnered with all the nuances. I find this to be an exceptionally well-balanced wine that will age magnificently over the next decade or more.
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.
2019 Petit Verdot Reserve
100% Petit Verdot
This is Petit Verdot at its finest. Initially there are dates, figs, and plums which give way to blueberry, dark cherry, and blackberry. The fruits are enveloped in dark chocolate and a touch of vanilla. Next to the dark chocolate covered fruits is a lovely floral and fresh herb nuance. The oak comes through just enough to balance out the bold fruits. The tannins are firm yet approachable. All these attributes create a finish that is expressive, bold, and well-integrated. This is my favorite Petit Verdot to date.
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.