2019 Hark Vineyards Spark

Variety: 46% Cabernet Franc; 30% Merlot; 24% Petit Verdot
Region: Monticello, Virginia (Monticello AVA)
Cost: $48 (SRP)

Tasting Notes: A dry red, the initial nose presents velvety notes of dark berries that lead to a savoury palate of black pepper and clove. With a well-developed tannic structure, this bottle should shine for years to come.

My Review: I’ll admit that I wasn’t familiar with Hark Vineyards when I got this bottle as part of the Governor’s Cup tasting back in April. While I lived in Virginia for years, so much as changed in the nearly 10 years since I left (vineyards opening, closing, changing names, etc), that sometimes I feel like a tourist when I go back to the area to see friends and drink wine.

If, however, I’m going to be a tourist, Hark Vineyards is a good place to start. The 2019 Spark is fantastic, and it’s obvious to me why they were amongst the top wines selected for this year’s Governor’s Cup.

In the glass the wine was dark, with hints of purple. On the nose I got dark berries and pepper. In the mouth the wine was dry, with the berries and pepper continuing and baking spices and graphite being added to the mix. A good tannic structure led into a finish that lingered without overstaying it’s welcome.

I didn’t pair this with any food (just a Friday viewing of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire), but I think anything with some juice to it would be a great pairing: a good ribeye, some bolognese, or some braised short ribs would all hold up well against this wine and let it shine.

I really liked this wine, and it makes me want to try more of what Hark has to offer.

Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.