2019 Jump Mountain Borderland Red Blend ($27)

From the Shenandoah Valley AVA, Jump Mountain Borderland red blend is an award-winning wine having received 1st place in the Shenandoah Cup Awards!

Approved in 1982 as Virginia’s first American Viticultural Area, the Shenandoah Valley AVA is located in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States covering the land along the western edge of Virginia and spilling into the easternmost portion of West Virginia.

Bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west, these two ranges create a specific mesoclimate for the valley between them, which itself ranges from 500 to 1,800 feet above sea level, protecting it from storms from the west and rain-bearing winds blowing in from the Atlantic coast, 100 miles east.

Protected by the sandstone knob of Jump Mountain, the micro-climate and soils found at Jump Mountain Vineyards create conditions conducive to growing vinifera grape varieties.

This Jump Mountain Borderland red blend is produced from 50% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc. It is deep ruby in color with big aromas of rich dark fruit. On the palate, this blend has wonderful flavors of cherry and raspberry with medium tannin and a balanced soft finish. The three ‘big’ red grapes used in this blend might typically need a good hour or more in the decanter but the 2019 Borderland was great right after pulling the cork.

Being a 1st place wine, and only having produced 50 cases, this Jump Mountain Borderland red blend may be tough to find. But if you are able to find it, pick up a couple - it’s super! And, at the price, it’s definitely a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Jump Mountain Vineyards via the Shenandoah Valley Wine Growers Association and Donna White Communications