New Beginnings at Piedmont Vineyards
New happenings in a new year at Piedmont Vineyards as owner Gerhard von Finck presents latest releases at Piedmont. However, these wines were produced by Gerhard himself as he has taken the reigns as wine maker. We were curious to sample these new releases and to catch up with owner and now winemaker, Gerhard von Finck.
Piedmont Vineyards is known for its Chardonnay, and it was no surprise that one new release was the Special Reserve Chardonnay made from the 2007 vintage. Aged for nine months in oak, this Chardonnay presented apple and pear characteristics; however, Gerhard advised keeping this one on the rack for a month or two due to its recent bottling. I concurred with this advice, and Paul and I both agreed that it was a drinkable pour made to serve with a favorite poultry dish. My own favorite was the Little River White, a slightly sweet blend of Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay. The Little River White was fermented in stainless steel tanks and exhibited fresh, fruity aromas with a refreshing taste of citrus and melon. My special “MT” designation was placed next to the Little River White as I know that my friend and guest critic, Michael Tyler, will favor this one.
Less recent releases were still available for tasting, and the 2006 Hunt Country Red was Paul’s favorite of the day. Paul has been in a Beaujolais mood since November, and it was little wonder that he trended toward this soft, fruity red. Other Piedmont favorite such as the Little River Peach and the dessert wine Felicita were also still available for tasting and purchase. Also on the tasting menu, though, were wines from Del Fosse and Three Fox.
As we swirled and sipped, we did also catch up with Gerhard. The transition to winemaker has been made easier for Gerhard with the help of renowned winemaker, Doug Fabbioli, and Gerhard seemed to relish his new role at Piedmont Vineyards. He plans to bottle new releases of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in March with a Little River Raspberry to follow afterward. Also in the pipeline is a 2008 Cabernet Franc now aging in oak barrels. In fact, Gerhard allowed us a sneak preview of the Cabernet Franc, and the trademark tart raspberry and spicy profile associated with the varietal was on full display. Destined to be popular with Virginia wine drinkers, the 2008 Cabernet Franc will be a limited production wine. (We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a Rose to follow the successful Little River Rose, too!)
So of course, lunch was in the trunk, and on a cool winter’s day we enjoyed breaded chicken filets with an assortment of cheeses. Our pour for the afternoon? The Hunt Country Red! The frozen pond and barren trees made for a romantic winter landscape which, of course, we viewed from the cozy comfort of the tasting room.
Be sure to visit Piedmont Vineyards to sample Gerhard von Finck'’s handiwork in the vineyards and in the barrel room. We’ve already decided to return with Michael Tyler in tow! (Please remember to tell Gerhard that Virginia Wine Time sent you!)
Piedmont Vineyards is known for its Chardonnay, and it was no surprise that one new release was the Special Reserve Chardonnay made from the 2007 vintage. Aged for nine months in oak, this Chardonnay presented apple and pear characteristics; however, Gerhard advised keeping this one on the rack for a month or two due to its recent bottling. I concurred with this advice, and Paul and I both agreed that it was a drinkable pour made to serve with a favorite poultry dish. My own favorite was the Little River White, a slightly sweet blend of Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay. The Little River White was fermented in stainless steel tanks and exhibited fresh, fruity aromas with a refreshing taste of citrus and melon. My special “MT” designation was placed next to the Little River White as I know that my friend and guest critic, Michael Tyler, will favor this one.
Less recent releases were still available for tasting, and the 2006 Hunt Country Red was Paul’s favorite of the day. Paul has been in a Beaujolais mood since November, and it was little wonder that he trended toward this soft, fruity red. Other Piedmont favorite such as the Little River Peach and the dessert wine Felicita were also still available for tasting and purchase. Also on the tasting menu, though, were wines from Del Fosse and Three Fox.
As we swirled and sipped, we did also catch up with Gerhard. The transition to winemaker has been made easier for Gerhard with the help of renowned winemaker, Doug Fabbioli, and Gerhard seemed to relish his new role at Piedmont Vineyards. He plans to bottle new releases of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in March with a Little River Raspberry to follow afterward. Also in the pipeline is a 2008 Cabernet Franc now aging in oak barrels. In fact, Gerhard allowed us a sneak preview of the Cabernet Franc, and the trademark tart raspberry and spicy profile associated with the varietal was on full display. Destined to be popular with Virginia wine drinkers, the 2008 Cabernet Franc will be a limited production wine. (We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a Rose to follow the successful Little River Rose, too!)
So of course, lunch was in the trunk, and on a cool winter’s day we enjoyed breaded chicken filets with an assortment of cheeses. Our pour for the afternoon? The Hunt Country Red! The frozen pond and barren trees made for a romantic winter landscape which, of course, we viewed from the cozy comfort of the tasting room.
Be sure to visit Piedmont Vineyards to sample Gerhard von Finck'’s handiwork in the vineyards and in the barrel room. We’ve already decided to return with Michael Tyler in tow! (Please remember to tell Gerhard that Virginia Wine Time sent you!)
VWT20 Cutter & Buck American Classic Wine Set
We received a Cutter & Buck American Classic wine set from Forte Promotions and thought we'd review the products. In the set you get a classic waiter's corkscrew, a drip ring, and a wine pourer. We chose to open a bottle of Woodland Vineyards Merlot with the set and record the opening for others to see. Other wine accessories from Forte Promotions can be found here.
All the products were of high quality steel and came in a decorative leather topped case. We started with the foil cutter part of the wine opener. The foil cutter does not have a serrated edge so be careful when cutting the foil. A serrated edge would make the foil removal easier. The corkscrew worked as expected. It opened the bottle without issue and the grip was very comfortable. The drip ring slid over the top of the bottle smoothly. The wine pourer fit snugly in the bottle but we must report that when pulling the wine pourer out, the rubber casket came off the pourer and stayed in the bottle. We had no problem getting it out of the bottle though. Overall it's a nice product and works as expected. The packaging is very attractive and would make a nice gift.
Click on the picture below to see a short video.
All the products were of high quality steel and came in a decorative leather topped case. We started with the foil cutter part of the wine opener. The foil cutter does not have a serrated edge so be careful when cutting the foil. A serrated edge would make the foil removal easier. The corkscrew worked as expected. It opened the bottle without issue and the grip was very comfortable. The drip ring slid over the top of the bottle smoothly. The wine pourer fit snugly in the bottle but we must report that when pulling the wine pourer out, the rubber casket came off the pourer and stayed in the bottle. We had no problem getting it out of the bottle though. Overall it's a nice product and works as expected. The packaging is very attractive and would make a nice gift.
Click on the picture below to see a short video.
VWT19 Winter Holiday Wines
Click on the picture below to see a short video.
Holiday Open House at Gray Ghost
Last weekend we went to the Holiday Open House at Gray Ghost. This is a yearly event so if you missed it this year, you can attend next year. We got to taste their current wines, enjoy some delicious food, and guess how many corks it took to create the rocking horse. If you guess correctly, you win a special wine package. We won't know if we won for a few weeks. Here's a few pictures from the event.
Favorites From 2008
Those who read Wine Spectator know that this month’s issue has declared the 2005 Casa Lapostolle from Colchagua Valley to be the best in 2008. I have not had the privilege of tasting this Wine Spectator winner or many others on the magazine’s Top 100, so I thought I’d declare my own winner for 2008, and here it is:The 2002 Twomey Merlot. This was my splurge purchase while visiting California wine country, and I poured it at a dinner party with an herb-crusted beef tenderloin. I posted about this one last month, so I will not repeat my notes here, but it was a real treasure to enjoy with friends!
Others on my list:
2005 Limerick Lane Pinot Noir
1998 La Mandria Chianti Classico
White Wines:
2007 Chrysalis Albarino
2006 Scott Chardonnay
NV Frank Family Blanc de Noirs
Anyone care to share their favorite pours of 2008? Please let us know!
by Warren
