Stone Tower Winery Hogback Mountain 2013 was an impressive wine from a 306-acre family farm in Loudon County, Virginia. They are a quality producer. Its been the family farm for forty years, on Hogback Mountain, just south of Leesburg, VA. It is owned by Mike and Kristi Huber.
They currently have 75 acres of vineyards planted, with plans to expand, They currently have large plantings of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and small plantings of Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Nebbiolo.
They have two lines of wine: The Wild Boar collection, which features grapes from around the world, and Stone Tower Estate which features estate grown wines.
In March of this year, I tasted the Stone Tower Hogback Mountain Estate 2013. Now, before I give my review, I'll tell you that the wine recieved a score of 91 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2014. Carry Dykes wrote, "Woody notes of cedar and cigar box blend harmoniously with bright red currant and blackberry on the nose. Cigar box tones continue on to the palate, alongside flavors of black cherry, blackberry and Chinese five spice. The grippy tannins are well matched with crisp acidity and lush body, while the finish is long, dry and spicy."
How's that for a review! So I was doubly thrilled when I got the opportunity to taste this wine! And boy was I ever thrilled to get my hands on it.
Firstly, the wine is is a Bordeaux-styled blend, driven by estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and then backed with Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. The wine is aged in 80% new French oak. The attack on the nose and the tongue is led off by a parade of black fruits - dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, and prune. Wisps of lavender, blueberry and and licorice are instantly evoked. Mocha too. Dark cocoa and luxardo cherries are on the middle palate, with hints of spice and cedar. This was an absolutely amazing wine.
I had heard about Stone Tower but I hadn't tasted any. But let me tell you - this wine was the real deal. Stone Tower is an amazing quality wine producer that must be tasted and revered! A big serious producer! Wow!