Though many PA wineries strive to emulate other cool climate regions — such as the Loire or Mosel valleys in Europe — Armstrong Valley take the opposite approach. These wines are all about the ripe, rich fruit and high alcohol that one finds in places like Napa and Australia. To be honest, I find myself shocked to see some of the alcohol percentages on these Pennsylvania wines — upwards of 14 for the whites and 15 for the reds.

Personally, this isn’t a style I tend to get particularly excited about… but that’s the beauty of wine. Not everyone has to like the same thing, and the industry is big enough to support all types. Beyond my opinion, Armstrong Valley is clearly on to something, having racked up awards in many prestigious local competitions, including the PA Sommelier Judgement, the Pennsylvania Wine Society Pennsylvania Excellence Awards, and the Pennsylvania Wine Competition.

So, for those who gravitate towards wines described as jammy, smooth, or bold, Armstrong Valley just might be the place that proves PA wine can indeed compete with the west coast.

Note: Media samples were provided by the winery

Armstrong Valley Winery Chardonnay Estate Reserve 2019

Ripe fruit notes of grapefruit alongside hints of apple, melon. Herbal and mineral hints too — quite resinous actually. Pretty darn complex, and mouthwatering freshness. At 14% ABV, this is on the riper side for a PA white, but it never feels out of balance. Better as it warms, so let it sit out of the fridge for a good 30 mins before drinking, or pull it straight from the wine fridge.

Armstrong Valley Winery Chardonnay Estate Reserve – Oak Aged 2017

This has relatively forward oak — it is on the label after all — that comes across mainly as toasty and nutty, yet plenty of acidity keeps that in check. I’m not a lover of oak aged Chardonnay, but this is a well-made one. It’s also the lowest alcohol wine from AV I tried (13.75% ABV), helping it stay grounded.

Armstrong Valley Winery Riesling Estate Reserve 2019

Good typicity — meaning it tastes like a Riesling should — with apples, herbs and chalk. There’s the faintest whiff of petrol too. Because this is also made in a very ripe (think Alsatian) style, it also shows pineapple and apricot notes. Though it features a bit too much alcoholic heat (it’s 14% ABV), there’s decent complexity and acid, especially considering the slight sweetness.

Armstrong Valley Winery Pinot Grigio Estate Reserve 2020

Not sure why they chose to leave residual sugar in this, though there seems to be an Alsatian trend here. Pinot Grigio can bring big melon and stone-fruit flavor, but it needs acidity to balance. Without enough of that, this is just cloying, and drinks like a straight up sweet wine (as opposed to off-dry). Those who are into hybrid sweet wines in PA may want to give this one a shot as a transition to European grapes.

Armstrong Valley Winery Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve 2017

This is most definitely a new world, warm climate style. It’s absolutely hot (15.5% ABV), with a cherry cough syrup note, but somehow also features a decent amount of acidity on the back half. There’s some oak spice, vanilla and pepper, and it finishes smooth with mild tannin. Though I miss some of the savory aspects that cooler-style Cab Franc can showcase, this one’ll surely please a crowd.

Armstrong Valley Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2017

Oak forward on the nose — caramel notes — but not offensively so. Though listed at 15.5% ABV, it comes across slightly under ripe, with some of that east coast twang. That said, there’s a lovely dark berry-tartness on the finish, alongside some dusty tannins.