EAST COAST PALATE

Black Ankle Vineyard... an outstanding effort already.  I look forward to very big things from this young winery.

I have to admit that I'm still a skeptic when it comes to fine wine grown and produced here in Maryland.  Yesterday, though, those little nay-saying voices were shut up by the delicious vinos at Black Ankle Vineyards and Elk Run winery.
At Black Ankle the white blend called Bedlam has a great balance of fruitiness and acidity.  I'm very excited to see them growing Gruner Veltliner, but their varietal version of this smelled a bit green (it actually has cannibus aromas...the first time I've ever smelled that in wine).  The reds have a great structure and I am a big fan of their 07 Syrah.  It's a jammy, fruit forward wine, but then has tannins to back it up.  I want to taste it blind with some other Syrahs from around the world and see how MD ranks.  Overall, the 2007 vintage is so far beyond the 06 in flavors and aromas, but that's normal cosidering the vines' first yield was in 06.  Tasting these wines gives me great hope in the Maryland terroir and really makes me want to get my hands on some land and start planting.
At Elk Run there is an enormous selection of wines.  They really do have something for every palate.  I enjoyed hearing about their beginning down in Silver Spring almost 30 years ago, clearing out their yard right by 16th street and planting some good old vitis vinifera on the outskirts of the nation's capital.  For my tastes, the best reds are the Merlot, the Cabernet Franc, and the Syrah.  I also bought a bottle of their stainless-fermented Chardonnay.
With the fall foliage bursting with color, it is a beautiful time of year to drive up to route 26 and pay a visit to both of these wineries and taste what Maryland wine has to offer.