There are those who snub their noses at Chambourcin on the east coast like there are those who turn their noses up at Zinfandel on the west coast. But of course, there are good, and even excellent varietal wines, made of each of these grapes. One of the best versions of a really exceptional Chambourcin is Port of Leonardtown Chambourcin Reserve.
Port of Leonardtown Winery winemaker Laureen Y. Zimmerman produces this small lot wine. Zimmerman has 20 years experience managing all areas of the wine business from vineyard, winemaking, marketing, and sales. She started working in vineyards while in high school in Prince Edward County, Ontario, then moved to Niagara Falls, Canada, to study and graduate with a degree in Enology and Viticulture in 2006.
“I was 23 years old when I accepted my first role of winemaker and I still remember the shocked expressions of patrons waiting to meet the winemaker,” Lauren Zimmerman told Lancaster Farming News. “They usually expect a 60-year-old male to greet them. It’s true that traditionally the winemaking industry has been male dominated, but that has very much changed as some of the top U.S. winemakers are female.” That was years ago. Today Lauren is a mom and an award-winning winemaker who has since won a Governor's Cup. She is one of the most notable women winemakers on the east coast.
The wine is a deep dark garnet color. Flavors of black sherry, black berry and a hint of cranberry lead this gorgeous red wine. Spices come across as well as a slight hint of tobacco and earth. Charmingly complex and beautifully balanced, this red wine stands up to roasted and grilled meats, as well as the biggest pasta dishes one can imagine. A big, bold, beautiful wine. Something really fine and special.
Outstanding wine!
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