Fruit
100% Virginia Hewe’s Crab

Orchard Sites
50% - Silver Creek Orchard - Nelson County, Virginia 1060’
25% - Countryside Farm & Nursery - Augusta County, 1260’
25% - Hidden Valley - Warm Springs, Virginia, 1800’

Vinification
Fruit from both Silver Creek and Countryside was harvested in the third week of August and pressed shortly after to a neutral 228L and 500L French oak barrels. Fruit from Hidden Valley was harvested the first week of September and pressed directly to a neutral French oak barrel. After uninoculated, native primary fermentations the barrels sat undisturbed for seven months until it was racked off its gross/fine lees. The cider was bottled still/perlant in late March of 2022 and rested for an additional nine months before its release. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of the cider. 

Notes
Leading up to the 2021 harvest, we experienced a long, five week drought with fairly intense heat. In the Shenandoah Valley, Raul Godinez harvested his fruit just before late summer rains finally arrived. The resulting barrel was one of the most powerful VHC ciders was have experience to date; expressive sugar levels, profuse, and rich. Over the Blue Ridge, Silvercreek elected to harvest just after rain, flushing the trees with a surge of moisture. The resulting barrel lended more restraint and finesse, showing more desirable aromatics, and balanced out the intensity of other barrels. And for the first time ever, we were able to harvest enough VHC locally for a barrel purely from Bath County. Showing its elevation, this fruit was harvested nearly two weeks later than the rest, yielding concentration and heightened acidity. Given the immense body of this particular vintage, we elected to forgo any bâtonnage and focused on preserving its fruit. Our fourth vintage of Petite showcases a decadent bouquet of brown butter and citrus, complimented by a more pronounced tannic structure and pithy orange finish. 

102 Cases Produced, Alc. 8.49% by Volume, 750ml

Label artwork by Edward Beyer. In 1858, his Album of Virginia illustrated our valley’s famed spring resorts and natural landscapes.

*Available for shipments in Virginia & Washington DC OR pick-up at Oakley Farm. Ship to other states here. Shipments may be delayed based on temperatures.