Cornus Virginicus
Special Wine Project Celebrating Virginia Agriculture
Cornus Virginicus is a limited-release wine that celebrates Virginia agriculture. The project is a collaboration between the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, and a rotating Virginia winemaker. Each edition of the project celebrates Virginia’s flourishing agriculture— especially its farmers, growers and winemakers. The blends are chosen by a tasting panel that includes the First Lady, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr, and the producing winemaker. Each year, a donation is made to support an agricultural organization chosen by the First Lady.
Cornus Virginicus is Latin for “Flowering tree of Virginia” and pays tribute to the Commonwealth’s official state flower and tree— the Dogwood— and the First Lady of Virginia’s seal. Depicted on the front label, the Dogwood tree is symbolic of tradition, strength and beauty found throughout Virginia.
Cornus Virginicus IV
Cornus Virginicus IV was crafted in partnership with the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin and King Family Vineyards. As part of the limited-release wine project, a donation will be made to Wheatland Farm’s Faith and Family Foundation therapeutic equestrian programs.
A blend of 53% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, the wine was aged for 20 months, with 40% of that time in new French oak barrels. This wine was aged for 20 months, with 40% of that time in new French oak barrels. The 2023 vintage in the Monticello AVA was superb, with perfectly dry, sunny, but not overly hot conditions, resulting in robust and concentrated fruit.
Tasting Note
This deep ruby wine offers an intense and full-bodied expression, with core aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant. Maturation in French oak adds silky tannins and subtle layers of toffee, toast, and cedar, which are seamlessly integrated with the fruit. On the palate, the wine is powerful and robust with a long finish. While it is already delicious, its structure and complexity suggest a long aging potential in the bottle.
A total of 121 cases were produced.
Cornus Virginicus III
The third edition was crafted by Mountain & Vine Vineyards and Winery. As part of this year’s initiative, a donation will be made to the State Fair of Virginia Applied Youth Scholarship Program.
About the wine: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot. This wine is made from grapes grown exclusively on the 17-acre Mountain and Vine vineyard site at elevations ranging from 950 – 1100 feet. A total of 125 cases were produced.
Tasting Note: Aged 10 months in mostly seasoned barrels, this dark ruby wine shows red and black berry fruit layered with white pepper, sage, and savory tones. Hints of vanilla, clove, and mocha reveal the oak’s subtle integration. On the palate it is full-bodied yet elegant, balancing ripe fruit, soft tannins, lively acidity, and complex spice and herb notes.
Purchase from the winery or through Virginia ABC.
Cornus Virginicus II
The second edition was crafted by Melanie Natoli, winemaker at Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg. As part of the initiative, a donation will be made to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.
About the wine: 67% Petit Verdot and 33% Merlot. The blend brings together fruit from Cana’s estate vineyard in Loudoun County and Silver Creek Orchards in Nelson County; a harmonious representation of northern and central Virginia. A total of 144 cases of wine were produced.
Tasting Note: Darker fruit flavors of blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry are supported by notes of cola, tarragon, and gentle spice. Aging 17 months in French oak provides a full mouthfeel with plush tannins and a lengthy finish.
Purchase through Virginia ABC
Cornus Virginicus I
The sold-out inaugural edition was produced in collaboration between Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards and the First Lady of Virginia and supported Future Farmers of America and Virginia 4-H.
About the wine: 57% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Franc, and 14.5% Petit Verdot 14.5%. Grown and produced by Barboursville Vineyards. The Merlot and Petit Verdot are from the 2020 vintage, and the Cabernet Franc was grown in 2021. A limited bottling of 199 cases.
Tasting Note: Blueberry, pomegranate, and toasty oak make the nose very attractive. The wonderful balance of elegant dry tannins gives beautiful creaminess on the mid-palate and a long finish that’s both firm and clean. Already delicious, but it can age for at least another decade.
Sold out.
