Six Wicket Vineyards is located in Myersville, in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland. It is a 100% estate winery. They worked with the highly accomplished geologist, Ernest (Bubba) Beasley (of whom I am a BIG fan). Their first planting in spring 2017 included more than 6,000 vines (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay). By 2021 they added another 14,000 vines (including Albariño, and Teroldego). They reached their goal of 22,000 vines in 2022 by planting an additional 4,500 vines (mostly Cabernet Franc and a small planting of Pinot Noir).
I met the owners Edward and Kathy O’Laughlin (he a former doctor, she a former nurse) at the Maryland Wine Festival last fall. Lovely people. And was instantly impressed by the wines. Ed traded in his stethoscope for a tractor, and is the farmer.
Six Wicket Albarino 2023 was a bright, crisp white. It had all the varietal characteristics of a classic Albarino. Notes of apricot, big kisses of lemon and lime, and a fantastic grapefruit finish. Really lovely.
The Six Wickets Rose' of Cabernet Franc 2023 was a delight. Big notes of strawberry, a hint of fresh young Bing cherry, and a big dollop of citrus at the finish. Lovely creamy middle and a nice pucker at the end. Refreshing.
Six Wicket Cabernet Franc 2021 was also impressive. Started off with notes of dark red raspberry, blackcurrant and red plum. It also had some lovely touches of spice and vanilla, as well as a decent grip at the finish of black pepper and black tea. A very nice Cabernet Franc.
My absolute favorite wine of the tasting was the Six Wickets Teroldego 2022. This started off with a big dose of dark stewed plums, boysenberry, blackberry, and black currant. It also had a lovely balance of fruit and acidity and tannins, which gave it a lovely grip on the finish. Lovely notes of black pepper and other spices. A big, opulent wine, with richness, complexity and balance. The flavor of this wine just danced around for a full 60 seconds on palate after sipping. A truly impressive wine.
Six Wicket Vineyards is a winery on the rise. And you need to be on the look out for it.