I first tasted this wine at Eastern Winery Exposition 2026 in Richmond, Virginia with Richard Leahy and Frank Morgan. 7 Lady Vineyards is owned by longtime friends and business partners Chad Hornik and Jeff Ottaviano. The vineyard is located on the 55-acre Dover Hall estate in Goochland County, Virginia. The name is an homage to seven special women in the owners' lives: Hornik’s wife and three daughters, alongside Ottaviano’s wife and two daughters. This is a relatively new winery, who's wines first started arriving on the scene in 2021.
This 2023 vintage won a Gold Medal and was selected for the prestigious Governor's Cup Case (representing the top 12 wines in the state) at the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup.
Seven Lady Vineyards Meritage 2023 a classic Bordeaux-styled blend, featuring a dominant dose of Merlot, with Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The nose and palate both exhibit big dark stewed, red and black fruits, a compote of dark, cherry and blackberry, prune, plum, with a hint of minerality and sweet cured tobacco. There's a big black tea note towards the end, along with well balanced acidity.
A big, dark, super impressive wine.