Greenhill Winery & Vineyards Review
Address: 23595 Winery Lane Middleburg,Virginia 20117.
Phone Number: 540-687-6968
Tasting Hours: 12:00-Sunset
Region: Middleburg Virginia AVA, Virginia
Reviewer: Anthony Marocco
Review Date: 11/9/2014
Reviewer: Anthony Marocco
Rating: 4
The Review
Every fall, my wife and I enjoy heading out to Middleburg to take in the beauty of the historic town, enjoy the country cuisine, view the rolling hillsides of horse country and stop by local wineries. This particular late fall visit brought us upon Greenhill Winery. To those not familiar with this particular area of the state, Greenhill was known as Swedenburg Winery until the death of their owner, Juanita Swedenburg, in 2007 and subsequent sale of the property and facilities. In May of 2013, entrepreneur David Greenhill jumped on the opportunity and allure of owning the 128-acre property.
As visitors travel westward on Route 50, the trees seem to part, and the enormous property, which resembles many of the horse farms in the area, really jumps out at you. The property itself is very open with minimal tree cover, and as you enter the property through the iron gates, the long driveway brings you through the vineyards to the newly renovated tasting room and parking lot. The property itself bears around 11 acres of vine, 5 newly planted acres in 2014 and another 5 expected in 2015.
One of the big things a visitor will never be able to question is Greenhill’s commitment to 100% Virginia made wines. Consultant winemaker Sébastien Marquet, known for his work in Virginia wine country, has the reigns on Greenhill’s production. The lawn and outdoor seating area, though vacant due to the winter season’s grip, is a big attraction during the summer months. We stepped through the front door and glanced around the L shape tasting bar that was packed with many people waiting two deep. To our right, a couple of dining tables were also populated with a few couples enjoying cheese and meat platters with a bottle of Greenhill Wine. We waited patiently while gazing at the new outdoor patio overlooking the rolling hills of the property and vacant Adirondack chairs overlooking the scenery.
We noticed a spot opening up for us to taste so we headed to the bottom of the L position where we peaked below the dangling glasses to see our pourer, Brian, greeting us. Laminated tasting sheets sat on the tiled tasting bar along with a couple of glasses. The tasting fee at Greenhill is $8 for a taste of six wines – a Blanc de Blanc, three whites, and two reds. All of the wines were pleasing, though I was thrown with the attempt to make a Virginia Mourvedre as it just seems like a stretch to grow Mourvedre in Virginia. That aside, there were a couple of wines that really stood out – starting with the 2009 Blanc de Blanc. Crisp pear aromas with a smooth, creamy structure and a zing of citrus fruit that bursts on the back palate, this sparkler finishes light and crisp. This sparkler easily stole the show and started our tasting off right. The 2013 Chardonnay also proved to be a great white wine. Eleven months in French oak results in a nutty character with subtle toast aromatics. The palate is very creamy with apple flavors wrapped in a veil of vanilla and caramel. It’s gorgeous, rich texture finishes extremely smooth. The last standout was the 2010 Philosophy red blend, from a vintage that was almost bullet proof for many Virginia vintners. This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc is nothing short of bold and age worthy. Deep ruby color with intense aromas of dark fruit and spice, the Philosophy is intense and bone dry with bold tannins, a firm structure and plenty of depth. The finish is as intense as the nose with a lengthy conclusion, earthy undertones, and a coating of cola left behind. An excellent red blend and easily one of the top wines Greenhill produces.
Brian, our tasting pourer, was very knowledgeable and answered our questions as thoroughly as possible. If you are in the area and are looking to visit a couple Virginia wineries that really standout, Greenhill should be on your list, and don’t forget to stop in town at the Red Fox Inn for a bowl of legendary Virginia Peanut Soup!