John’s January Pick of the Month
By
Prince Michel
Symbius
2005 Virginia
Like the vintners of Bordeaux, Prince Michel’s winemaker Brad Hansen believes that often a wine’s sum is greater than its individual parts. Thus, he has taken four Virginia grown grapes and produced a French-like, full bodied red dinner wine consisting of 48% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot.
The aromas begin with a veil of licorice, mocha and jam that blossom on the palate with blackcurrant and chocolate and finishing with a touch of soft spice. The wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 22 months, adding depth and concentration to the overall effort. Symbius would be well matched with a medium rare prime rib or a petit filet mignon with Béarnaise sauce.
Prince Michel Winery is located at 154 Winery Lane, Leon, Virginia, which is about ten miles south of Culpeper directly on Route 29. They are opened seven days a week. Winter hours are 10AM to 5PM and 10AM to 6 PM the rest of the year.
