Deep ruby color; Damson plum, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, cacao, dried herb, cinnamon, forest floor on the nose and palate.
Dry (0.2 g/L RS); mellow, silky tannins; integrated acidity (3.63 pH; 5.5 g/L TA). Medium-plus body. Delicious, suave complexity, elegant, smooth. Blend of 58% merlot, 17% petit verdot, 15% tannat, 10% cabernet franc. Grapes hand-selected from winery’s Quaker Run Vineyard and Russ Mountain Vineyard, both located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fermented with ambient yeast. Wine aged 20 months in French barrels, 52% new, then held in bottle 18 months. 14.8% ABV
Early Mountain proffers this as their premier wine. According to winery owner Jean Case: “RISE 2021 is not just a reflection of the best that Early Mountain has to offer, but a beacon of our promise to produce world-class wines that will age beautifully, offering enjoyment for years to come.”
Early Mountain Vineyards owner Jean Case also is chairman of the National Geographic Society and CEO of the Case Impact Network and the Case Foundation. Prior to that, she was a senior executive for 20 years at AOL. She is married to AOL co-founder Steve Chase. Jean and her husband co-founded the Case Foundation in 1997 to apply entrepreneurial approaches to philanthropy and social challenges. In 2011, the couple joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.
The website notes Jean “is a philanthropist, investor and internet and impact investing pioneer who is a passionate believer in the power of business to do good.” Early Mountain directs all profits toward strengthening Virginia communities and encouraging growth, innovation, and learning in the Virginia wine industry.
Maya Hood White is the winemaker and viticulturalist. She earned a MS in viticulture and enology from UC-Davis. Maya is an advocate of environmentally low-impact viticulture. Julia Graves is the assistant winemaker. She earned a MS in vine, wine, and terroir management from Ecole Supérieure d’Agricultures. She studied viticulture in Spain, Italy, and France before completing her thesis at Fresno State University.
Early Mountain Vineyards RISE, Virginia 2021 is a very smooth, well-behaved, merlot-led Bordeaux blend that is only produced in exceptional years. Just now entering its best drinking window, this easily can be held another decade-plus. Early Mountain is Virginia’s flagship winery. All winery profits are directed to Virginia communities and innovation in the Virginia wine industry. $135-150
Pairing—Rich beef, ribeye, filet mignon, beef short ribs. Rich, gamey meats, lamb, venison. Braised and slow-cooked meat; braised lamb shanks with rosemary and garlic; beef bourguignon; slow-cooked pork. Spicy and bold dishes, barbecue, grilled sausage, spiced duck. Mushroom dishes, mushroom Wellington, roasted mushroom medleys, grilled portobello. Cheese—Aged, firm cheeses, aged cheddar, parmigiano-reggiano, parmesan, pecorino Toscano, aged gouda, smoked cheddar.
Early Mountain Vineyards website
