Congratulations are in order for WB’s own Jeff White whose 2009 Hodder Hill was named winner of the 2012 Virginia’s Govenor’s Cup. You wont find a more dedicated and talented winegrower/winemaker or a nicer guy! If you haven’t had a chance to taste any of Jeff’s lineup, make a point to visit or find a retailer willing to bring in a bottle or two. I dont think he has released the '09 vintage yet but I have 4 bottles of the '08 which are stellar. Excellent wines, comparable to any domestic blends out there! Great work Jeff.
Congrats Jeff. I should be out your way end of March (30th?). Hope to see you then.
Found this line from the article interesting.
The Governor’s Case was intended to be an annual snapshot of the best of Virginia wine, and as such, it is instructive. Some notable names — such as Barboursville and Linden — were missing.
Anyone know more. I find it hard to believe that if entered, neither Luca or Jim had one of the top 12 wines.
Very cool. Have to see if I can try some of their wines on my next trip south.
Not sure if Linden entered, but the two current best VA wines (in my opinion) sat out the competition: RdV and Thibaut-Janisson.
+1. No knock against Jeff, but the award has really lost its luster over the last few years.
Thank you to all those who have sent congratulations both publically and privately. Here is a link to the Governor’s Cup web site with information about how this year’s competition was run, the judges and a list of all wineries winning medals. http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup-2012
What made me decide to enter this year was the judging panel…I wanted to get my wine inside these judges. Also, their tasting notes/score cards would be sent to all entrants afterwards. I just received mine. I won alright but just barely. 13 wines won gold, an average score of 90 or higher required for gold. My score was 90, so all of the golds were 90 and I won because my total point score was just a little higher than the next highest.
Congratulations Jeff. I have been following your hard work on these forums for a while and am very glad to hear about the Governor’s Cup result. My buddy from last vintage just started working with you and has been saying great things. I will have to make the drive west on 66 next time i make it back to VA for a visit. Keep up the good work.