Number 4 requires a minor (but notable) disclaimer: I found nothing overly unique about the decorum, service, or the views… The wine however, assures a place on this list.
I recently recommended Cardinal Point to a friend of mine. She has wine industry knowledge and a fairly developed pallet, so I expected her to enjoy a visit. Unfortunately, afterwards (and to my surprise) she had no real comments regarding the wine, instead stating it was “like tasting wine in a trailer park” (her opinion, not mine!). A bit disappointing for sure, but this made me consider that there are likely many wine “enthusiasts” out there who really don’t care about wine tasting for its own sake, but are perhaps searching for something more of an overall sensory experience: great views of picturesque mountain valleys, strolling through idllic vineyards, exploring a hundred-year-old wine cave, etc. Frankly these sorts of things are probably what a lot of people picture when they hear a friend say, “let’s go wine tasting!”
I will admit that my first time at Cardinal Point did feel a bit like hanging out in a converted shipping container. There were no amazing views to report. But should this really affect how wine tastes, or ruin your visit? For my friend it certainly did, but for me it did the opposite.
Speaking of the wine, let’s dive in!
During my first visit I enjoyed a hops-infused chardonnay (while not incredibly rare to find these days, theirs was fantastic), and two different rosés representing vastly different sides of the tasting spectrum (one was whole cluster pressed, and when my eyes were closed I thought I was drinking a full-bodied red… how cool is that!?). They even make a fine carbonic maceration wine; Cardinal Point clearly isn’t afraid to take risk in the wine making process. I’ve been so delighted with past visits, I’m really hoping to meet their winemaker someday so I can share a glass and pick his brain.
Cardinal Point offers such a rich diversity of flavors to explore, I consider this a one-stop-shop (and a must-visit for VA wine lovers!).
After all, do you really want the same old conventional flavors tasting room after tasting room? Throughout each flight I enjoyed new flavors like freshly-blown-up-balloon, strawberry banana, green apple Jolly Rancher, rhubarb, and roasted pepper. Each and every wine had a abundance of flavor and a special uniqueness. Their wines are also pleasantly affordable, and almost without exception are well worth the money.
1) Wine = 4.2
2) Price Point = 4.7
3) Service = 4.0
4) Decorum / Scenery = 2.5
5) X factor = 2.7
Overall: 3.93
(0-5 scale, anything above 2.5 you will have a good time)
Cardinal Point captured my attention (and rightfully deserves yours) because of all the pleasant and joyful surprises my pallet was rewarded with. It felt like the wine doctor took a defibrillator to my taste buds!
To my friend I mentioned earlier and all other “wine enthusiasts” out there who demand more than simply fantastic wine: I say keep your views and expensive decor. I’ll take my vibrant wine anywhere it’s served.