This is one of those times, when I am very happy I am involved in the wine industry. In 2018 I went to the Eastern Wienries Expo and I was luck enough to taste this Rosemont of Virginia Cabernet Franc 2013. A special vintage. This was from the wine library of that lovely estate. I was super thrilled!
The 450 acre Rosemont Estate has been in the Rose Family since 1858. Over the generations, farming operations have included vegetable farming, a peach orchard, beef cattle, dairy farming and commodity crops such as hay, tobacco, corn and soybeans. In 2003 Stephen and Chandra Rose planted more than 32,000 grape vines across 22 acres. Construction of the Winery began in November of 2006.
Stephen Rose had a successful 30 year career with Dow Chemical.He retired in 2003.He and Chardra decided to come home to the family farm, reuniting with his mother and three brothers.
Justine Rose is the winemaker. Justin started his journey into the wine industry after receiving his Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Virginia in 2004. Upon graduation he returned to the family farm to help establish Rosemont Vineyards, and subsequently enrolled at Napa Valley College to study viticulture and oenology, while interning at O’Shaughnessy Winery and Capiaux Cellars. Justin returned to home to help oversee the final construction of the Winery and in the Fall of 2007, led the first harvest and production of Rosemont of Virginia wines. He is currently responsible for our 4,500 annual case production and during his tenure, his wines have won numerous awards, including ‘Best in Show’ at the 2010 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition.
Dark and bright cherry explode out of the glass, but also a hint of prune and plum. Healthy dollops of graphite and vanilla also accompany the wine. Lots of spice too. Floral notes, mocha and dark chocolate also seem to round through before the tannins settle in and then nothing but dark cherry seems to settle in the mouth. This was a luxurious wine, with layers of flavors and wonderful complexity. An incredible Cabernet Franc!