I spent most of February and March tasting wines and spirits up and down the east coast, from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. I have experienced some exceptional products. But this one here was not part of any tasting. Some one brought it to dinner! It showed up on my table at the Eastern Winery Exposition dinner Wednesday night.
King Family has been among my favorite Virginia producers since I first tried then back in 2003 or 2004. King Family Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet, Virginia, not far from Charlottesville. The winery specializes in the high quality wines from estate grown grapes in the Monticello AVA. Matthieu Finot is the winemaker.
The King Family Sauvignon Blanc 2023 was superb! This Loire Valley inspired white wine was an aromatic bombshell. The nose exploded with tropical fruits, granny smith apple, and lemon and lime zest. Notes of honeysuckle, and a perfume-iness that was unlike any other wine I had tasted so far this year. The Granny Smith carried over on the palate, as well as the lemon zest and lime zest. The wine finished with a lovely, almost pink grapefruit finish. Great acidity, and super fresh and quenching, yet elegant and sophisticated at the same time. Easily one of the best wines I have tasted so far this year. Will definitely make my Top 10 of 2026!
King Family Sauvignon Blanc shines with the sweet smell of success! Congratulations King Family!