Barboursville Vineyards named winner of the 2013 Governor’s Cup

A dash of Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Franc (and a few others) and you’ve got Virginia’s best wine.

February 22, 2013; 10:32 AM • by RVANews staff

Last night at the Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup Gala, Barboursville Vineyards was awarded the 2013 Governor’s Cup for their 2009 Octagon 12th Edition, a blend of the vineyard’s Bordeaux varietals. Founded in 1976, Barboursville becomes the first winery to win the Governor’s Cup four times.¹

“It has been a pleasure and a reward to follow the evolution of the 2009 vintage of Octagon,” said Luca Paschina, Barboursville’s General Manager and Winemaker. “Since harvest, I took notice of its promising characters, and I was not shy to share with many that it was destined to be among the best wines I will ever produce in my life.”

A blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the tasting notes describe the wine as having:

… a deep garnet color, with aromas of chocolate, red berries, cranberries, gaining further depth with tar, spice and a touch of forest floor. Dry yet somewhat fruity, medium to full body with a long finish of tannins. A wonderfully structured old world style red blend.

Conducted over two weeks of tasting, Governor’s Cup judges awarded Barboursville the top honor during the final round of tasting at the Jefferson Hotel. The Octagon 12th Edition will join 11 other wines to comprise the Governor’s Cup Case, to be used by the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office for marketing purposes.

The Governor’s Case includes:

Barboursville Vineyard – 2009 Octagon 12th Edition
Cooper Vineyards – 2010 Petite Verdot Reserve
King Family Vineyards – 2010 Meritage
Lovingston Winery – 2009 Josie’s Knoll Estate Reserve (Meritage)
Philip Carter Winery – 2010 Cleve (Petite Verdot, Tannat)
Pollak Vineyards – 2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve
Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery – 2010 Richland Reserve Heritage (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petite Verdot
Rappahannock Cellars – 2010 Meritage
RdV Vineyards – 2010 Rendevous (Meritage)
RdV Vineyards – 2010 Lost Mountain (Meritage)
Sunset Hills Vineyard – 2010 Mosaic (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot)
Trump Winery – 2008 Sparkling Rose (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir)

Speaking at last night’s event, Governor Bob McDonnell said, “As Virginia’s wine industry grows in standing and collect accolades from around the world, it means more tourism and more jobs here in the Commonwealth.”

“I congratulate Luca Paschina, the Zonin family, and the entire Barboursville team for winning this year’s Governor’s Cup for their 2009 Octagon, one of Virginia’s most iconic red wines.”

The recent award adds to the Octagon 12th Edition’s existing accolades: it won 90 points at Wine Enthusiast, the Gold Medal of the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, and the Winemaker’s Challenge and Critics Challenge, along with the Platinum Medal of the Sommelier Challenge, in California.

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