Wine #5 1986 Chambourcin
Wine #5 1986 Chambourcin
by Shenandoah Vineyards
One could always tell those wines Mr. Naylor wanted to preserve. Often times he’d write in big bold black lettering, NOT FOR RESALE either on the bottle or case box. This ’86 Chambourcin by Shenandoah Vineyards was of those wines and for good reason. Shenandoah Vineyards is the 2nd oldest active winery in Virginia, founded in 1976 by Jim and Emma Randel.
The winery is housed in a red barn dating back to the Civil War era, and sits atop an old stone foundation which is used as the aging cellar. The Randels were two visionaries who recognized the viticultural potential of their site, planting 5,00 vines in 1976. After 4 decades of growth and success, the vineyard was purchased by Michael Shaps in 2018 after working alongside Emma for several years.
“Shenandoah is the driest county in Virginia and one of the driest east of the Mississippi River with ideal soil composition and optimal elevation” – Michael Shaps
Looking forward to trying this wine alongside some other VA Chambourcins from the 80’s.
