Pennsylvania - Adams County - Reid's Orchard and Winery

Reids Orchard and Winery - Nov 2018 - I took the long way home from my sensory class and stopped at the Cider House in town. The Chardonnay, a low yellow hue, had a light toast with butter aroma, light-bodied with a slight butter finish. They were light on their reds, but I was able to taste the Pinot Noir, dark grape-red hue with jammy aroma, cherry (pie) flavor, which lingered on the palette, the Merlot, more jam on the aroma with a hint of smoke, with plum flavor and a smooth finish, with pipe tobacco hidden in the tannins. Reid's Red, their blend, was bold on fruit and medium-bodied, while Troika, another blend, was still as bold as before, with cigar tobacco notes in the smooth finish.

Oct 2017 - In town for another vineyard class, I tasted the Seyve Villard because it was different. I tried some of the reds from before to see how they have aged. The Sangiovese had a spicy start with mild fruit flavor and mild oak and tannin finish while the Nebbiolo was milder than the Sangiovese, it ended spicy. The blends - Reid's Red had bold fruit flavor and a spicy ending while Troika was fruity and not as spicy.

March 2017 - I returned to the area for a vineyard class and stopped by the Cider House to see what was new on the list (and to stock up). The Pinot Grigio with tangerine notes had a crisp finish while the Muskets of Maine, their Moscato, had nice grape aroma and was not overly sweet. The Pinot Noir was light-bodied with a short finish, the Merlot was medium bodied with plum flavor, and the Seminary Ridge Red, a blend of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, was fruity, yet bolder on the palette. I was able to try the Nebbiolo separately, which has a deep red color and a spicy finish.

March 2016 - While visiting the Gettysburg area, we stopped at the winery and tasted two whites: 2013 Chardonnay, with light buttery notes, Jennie's House White, a blend of Vidal and Cayuga, with the Vidal cutting the grape sweetness of the Cayuga, a refreshing wine which would pair well with sushi. The reds were a surprising story. Tillie Pierce House Red, a semi-sweet Pinot Noir blend was fruity, but not too sweet, the Merlot, with plum flavor had a soft tannic finish, Reid's Red, their blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, was bold on fruit and medium-bodied, while Troika, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, was bold enough to captivate the palette and have a lingering finish.

It was the Petit Verdot which stole the show. Usually used in a blend, they had enough to make a batch to let it stand on its own. Dark color and dark fruit flavors with tannins to match a bold wine created a pleasing ending to the tasting.