Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series ~ Chardonnay 2019, Rosé 2019, Merlot 2019

In the four years that I've been reviewing wines by the Justin Bogaty / Bogati Family Winery out of Virginia, I've had some of their Chardonnays but never their Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series Chardonnay. The 2019 vintage is medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and tamed acidity. It's got a tropical classic aroma and flavor profile of pineapple and banana, and then of course vanilla. It's a good solid Chardonnay and I like it, but that Veramar Chardonnay (also made by Bogaty) is still on my mind. The 2019 Rosé continues to be juicy and fun with a melting pot of Jolly Ranchers. Sour apple, watermelon, and strawberry. Full bodied and, yeah, it's a little sweet but everybody needs to calm down with their fear of that word. I said it's fun. Have fun. The 2019 Merlot is just so amazing on the nose. Super spicy with black pepper and cinnamon, then plums and cherries. It's lighter on the midpalate than I was expecting, with also brighter acidity. Perky with tart unripe blueberries and almost like an apple skin thing going on. There's also plums, a nice minerality, and black tea. It's got such a great nose and it's so different and interesting on the palate. I'm thinking it would actually be pretty damn good with a grilled cheese.

Look for three more wines by the Bogaty Famiy Winery in the premier episode of the upcoming Grapes & Capes Podcast!