Elk Island Winery Review

Elk Island is a fairly new winery located in Goochland County, Va.  It is only open on certain weekends and by appointment.  Our hostess and  owner, Sue Anne, was warm and welcoming when we walked in the door!  The tasting room is inside her home in what would be a dining room...only it is...the tasting room!

Our tasting experience was wonderful.  We were not rushed.  Sue Anne took her time and explained about the wines we tasted.  There were 4 other people tasting at the same time and we introduced ourselves and had a fun time together!  We also were accompanied by one of her adorable dogs, as seen on this label:

 

Their red wines are, for the most part, very enjoyable.  There is not a really big bold wine in the mix, but quite a few nice, stand alone wines for evening sipping (which is my favorite wine time!)  One of my favorites is their Naked Norton which offers me a hint of cinnamon or spicy taste (even though there is no cinnamon in it....go figure!!!)  I also liked the Confluence Red, Merlot, Cab Sauv, and Norton! 

Here is a list of their wines and descriptions:

2011 Merlot $14.00 This is a Merlot with character but not in an overpowering way.  It is smooth and balanced but with a fruitiness that lets you know, it is definitely Merlot. 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon $14.00 Tired of weak-kneed Virginia Cabernet?  The secret of this wine’s character is “Central-Virginia” grown fruit with its longer growing season.  Firm tannins and lush fruitfulness present themselves with excellent balance. 2011 Norton $12.00 2011 was a challenging year to grow red grapes. It was a good year until a wet September forced an early harvest. Sorting was key and here we off the unmistakable flavor of Virginia’s finest grape: Norton. all fruit is grown here on our farm vineyard. 2012 Naked Norton $12.00 This wine was made in the Rose style and features the unique flavor of the Norton grape with a fraction of its deep color and tannins. Light and bright, yet complex.  All fruit is grown here on our farm vineyard. 2012 Sweet Naked Norton $12.00 This wine was made in the Rose style and features the unique flavor of the Norton grape with a fraction of its deep color and tannins. Light and bright, yet complex, with just the right amount of sweetness. All fruit grown here on our farm vineyard. Confluence Red $12.00 The best of Virginia: Petit Verdot, Merlot and Norton in an exquisite blend that showcases the best each fruit can offer, 40% Petit Verdot, 40 % Merlot and 20% Norton. Towpath Red $12.00 A blend of 5 red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Norton and Petit Verdot. Luscious and smooth. 2012 Sauvignon Blanc $12.00 Crisp, light delicate grapefruit  citrus flavors and aromas a hint of  Passion Fruit. Terroirier White $9.00 Just as the Terroir gives our wines special characteristics, our terriers give our lives special qualities too. In their honor, we offer this light, well balanced white wine with gentle acidity and just the right amount of sweetness, just like the terriers that have enriched our lives.  A blend of Vidal, Riesling, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine will be donated to Westie, Cairn and Yorkie Terrier Rescue. Terroirier Red $9.00 Brother wine to our Terroirier White for our Yorkshire and Cairn terrier. In their honor, we offer this light, well balanced red wine with gentle acidity and just the right amount of sweetness, just like the terriers that have enriched our lives.  A blend of Chambourcin and Norton. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine will be donated to Westie, Cairn and Yorkie Terrier Rescue. Cranberry Fruit Wine $9.00 Fresh, bright cranberry fruit flavor, slightly tart, yet sweet. Easy to enjoy. Also makes delicious wine sangria.

And....as you can see, their prices, for a decent wine, are exceptional.

I highly recommend Elk Island for a  nice little Sat. road trip.  Come out and support a new, local establishment.  You will be glad you did!!