Rise represents a pivotal moment for Early Mountain Vineyards. While we have always brought a high standard to our wines in order to showcase rigor and vitality, we quietly reserved a small percentage of our production for a wine that is the culmination of years of work and ambition: In Bordeaux, they call it their grand vin, we call it Rise. As Virginia’s expansion on the world stage continues to accelerate, its mountain vineyards have taken the lead. Rise takes the very best that this terroir has to offer and sets a new bar for style, character and elegance, with truly special textural and aromatic qualities. It is with great delight that we offer up this new and special wine. – Ben Jordan, Winemaker

BLEND: 57% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, 14% Tannat

TASTING NOTES: Our most beautiful wine—with a balance of power, concentration, and texture with aromatic complexity. On the nose the fruits are dark with Damson plum and wild blackberries accented by mint, cedar and wood spice. On the palate the flavors echo the aromas; structured and layered with ample and persistent tannin.

AGING / CELLARING: Aged 18 months in French barrique (50% new) and 18 months in bottle prior to release. Aeration recommended. Will develop and drink well from 2018-2030 if properly cellared.

OUR VINEYARD: Our acquisition of the Quaker Run vineyard on the southern side of Doubletop mountain changed our winemaking in a number of ways, but in the creation of this wine, Rise, we see the most profound influence. The steep, rocky slopes of the eastern Blue Ridge produce a wine of power and focus that stands with the structured and age worthy wines from leading regions of the world.

Quaker Run Merlot is the heart of Rise, selected from the top portion of the Eastern slope. From some of our oldest, lowest vigor vines, this Merlot contributes density and aromatic purity; presence and persistence with fine grain tannin. Cabernet Franc drives aromatic complexity and the Petit Verdot and Tannat contribute structure, depth, and power, building a complete picture. The grapes are a minute selection of our production, and this is our most age worthy wine.