While Donald Trump does in fact own wineries in Virginia, don’t let that put you off to the state.  From 1607, it became one of the first places that settlers to the new world tried to plant grapes.  Unfortunately, Virginia is a pain, and requires an incredibly skilled vintner.  Cold winters, spring freezes, hot summers, and torrential rain are all regular threats to the vineyards.  That said, Virginia has been make a solid go of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, so how does Williamsburg Winery John Adlum Chardonnay show off the goods?

Sight:  A moderate gold, with firm hay like edges

Smell:  Ripe pears and lemons work as a lead in for white peaches with hints of hazelnuts and butters.  The brightness is also quite good, giving an impression of starfruit.  The nose has a slightly oily effect to it, giving an impression of richness or fat.

Sip:  Bright from the start, but well weighted as well.  The body is slightly creamy, and pulls in huge elements of starfruit, lemon, tangerines, and unripe peaches.  With elements like that, sweetness is minimal, but the bitterness is controlled.  Hints of nuts come into play.

Savor:  The ending is short, pulls in bit of minerals and nuts, with citrus zest.

Williamsburg Winery John Adlum Chardonnay delivers on some great chardonnay elements from a cooler climate.  The wine does well at carrying it’s weight, despite the lack of oak.  That said, this isn’t a tropical fruit example of a Chard, but a more restrained food friendly sort.   As Williamsburg Winery John Adlum Chardonnay demonstrates, Virginia’s got some great potential locked up in their wine scene, and is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Verdict:  Starfruit, Lemon, Stonefruit, Rich
Rating: 80
Price: $13
Williamsburg, Virginia