Summertime at Tarara Winery

Order Xanax Online Cod Summertime is here, and it looks like the rain has stopped for a while. Paul and I are big summer concert fans, and we find as many excuses as possible to buy lawn tickets at Wolftrap. We pack snacks and a bottle of wine, listen to music, and watch fireflies light up the sky. An alternative to such venues as Wolftrap is Tarara Winery which offers its own summer concert series. A highlight of the concert series, of course, is a sampling of Tarara’s wines.

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While we haven’t yet made our plans for summer concerts at Tarara Winery, we did get in a tasting on a recent Sunday with summer picnics in mind. At the top of the list for picnic fare would be the dry 2007 Rose with its distinct flavors of strawberry and melon. A crisp sipper, this versatile Rose could be destined for more than just a picnic and could be paired with a light entrée. A more complex pour would be the 2007 Viognier with its floral nose. Exquisite layers of tropical fruits here and with a honeyed texture make for an elegant wine.This Viognier is aged in both French oak and stainless steel barrels and blended with a very small amount of Chardonnay. This one would certainly be a splurge purchase to bring along on a picnic, but if herbed chicken and a wedge of brie are in the picnic basket then go for it!

Ordering Xanax Online Safe So what if the plan is to grill some steaks later in the day? Try the Long Bomb Edition 1 so named to remember late owner, Whitie Hubert. This red blend is quite bold with a nose of dark plums, dark cherries, and violets. Chewy tannins were noted, too. If burgers are on the grill, the Long Bomb might be too big; Paul suggests the lighter-boded 2005 Merlot with its cherry and spice characteristics. It’s also ready to drink now!

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https://merangue.com/h1mo0quz With our tasting done, we were ready to eat our own picnic lunch which included a light chicken and pasta dish, strawberries, and a baguette with soft cheese. Our pairing? The 2007 Rose. As we munched and sipped, we also grabbed a list of performances for the summer concert series for future planning. It’s also worth noting that this year is Tarara Winery’s twentieth anniversary, so cheers to them!

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Be sure to plan a trip to Tarara Winery either for a concert, a tasting, or both. Of course, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Willowcroft Farm Vineyard

https://foster2forever.com/2024/08/47w31sg.html So before our tasting at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, we did indeed sample the latest at Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. It had been well over a year since our last visit to Willowcroft Farm Vineyards; in fact, at that time, the 2003 vintages were still on the menu. We were well overdue for a tasting and at a special time for Willowcroft Farm Vineyards as it celebrates 25 years of winemaking.

https://www.clawscustomboxes.com/3s7rhlv As always, we started with the white wines. My gold star was awarded to the 2008 Cold Steel Chardonnay with its aromas and flavors of lemon. It was crisp with a refreshing minerality. Give the aromatic 2007 Traminette a try, too with its notes of pineapple and ginger complimented by characteristics of mango and spice.

https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/57tegwk On to the reds, and Paul’s gold star was given to the light-bodied 2005 Merlot which is actually a blend of Merlot (79%) and Chambourcin (21%). This is an easy, accessible sipper that can be described as fruit forward. Perfect for lighter grilled fare such as burgers or a pizza night with friends, the 2005 Merlot is also fine on its own. My own favorite of the red wines was the 2005 Cabernet Franc with its raspberry characteristics and a subtle herbaceous aroma. For those seeking a fuller-bodied red, the Petit Verdot should do the trick. The current offering is a blend of the 2006 and 2007 vintages and presents dark plums and black cherries in the mouth. “Earthy” is a descriptor that I jotted down, and I did note a tannic presence to suggest lots of backbone and aging potential.

Now in the midst of our tasting, we did meet Tremain and Meredith Hatch of Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, and we all chatted about Virginia wine. As we wrapped up our tasting, Tremain and Meredith did offer to give us a sampling of their own wines, and the results of that tasting were noted in our previous post. However, that did not stop us from buying a bottle of the Cabernet Franc to bring home to enjoy at a future time. We also know that we will return to Willowcroft Farm Vineyard soon; readers will want to visit even sooner in this special year for Willowcroft Farm Vineyard, but please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Promising Start for Zephaniah Vineyard

https://mandikaye.com/blog/fse9ujg We actually did not have a visit to Zephaniah Farm Vineyard on our agenda as we knew that we needed to make an appointment for a tasting. However, luck was on our side this past Sunday. We went to Willowcroft Farm Vineyards for a tasting, and we met Tremain and Meredith Hatch, whose father, Bill Hatch manages the small operation known as Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. Bill Hatch is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Tremain and Meredith offered to give us a tasting; of course, we could not refuse their generous offer. Once we were all done with our tasting at Willowcroft Farm Vineyard, we followed Tremain and Meredith to their family house, and before long we were swirling and savoring.

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is actually part of a family farm, and the farming property and its facilities date back to the 1830s. In fact, the farm and vineyard is named after the Hatch’s great-grandfather, Zephaniah. Zephaniah Hatch had been a successful business man, and it was Tremain and Meredith’s grandfather who purchased the farm property in 1950. Vineyards were planted in 2002 with one and a half acres planted in vines. Varietals grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay. Zephaniah Farm Vineyards can also claim to be one of the smallest wineries in Virginia with 150 cases produced this year. Tremain has studied viticulture and is dedicated to quality management of the vineyards. Why the emphasis on red varietals? Also grown on the family farm is Angus beef!

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https://merangue.com/z5eps36m So on to the tasting! The tasting room is part of the 19th century family house and is furnished with period antiques. On tap for tasting were two red wines—the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 Cabernet Franc. I was quite impressed with both of them. The Cabernet Sauvignon was a fruit forward pour with dark plum and cherry characteristics, and I detected some violet on the nose, too. Of the two, I did prefer the 2007 Cabernet Franc which teemed with raspberry, spice, and some black pepper. Vibrant fruit flavors here with a nice backbone yet accessible due to aging in neutral French barrels.

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https://www.clawscustomboxes.com/44n9qbt Tremain and Meredith seemed to relish the challenges of vineyard management and winemaking, and I think that they are off to a very good start. Tastings are indeed held by appointment only, but their beef products can be purchased year round at the Loudon Farmers Market in Leesburg as well as the Cascade Farmer’s Market during the summer. So here’s a plan—make an appointment for a tasting, but stop off at the farmer’s market first to grab some steaks. With dinner already secured, show up for the tasting and purchase a favorite red. Now I’m hungry!

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Alprazolam Bula Anvisa With our tasting completed, we thanked Tremain and Meredith for the impromptu tasting, and we know that we will return to sample future releases. Be sure to visit Zephaniah Farm Vineyard and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

https://www.psicologialaboral.net/2024/08/07/ewf6fw2898 Now what about that tasting at Willowcroft Farm Vineyard? Stay tuned for our next post to find out.

Back On The Loudoun Wine Trail

Yes, we went back on the Loudoun Wine Trail.  With so many new wineries to visit in Loudoun County, we knew that we had to return to sample the wares of more newbies.  We also tossed in an oldie but goodie for good measure.  So where did we go?  In the next several posts, you will learn all about Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, and Willowcroft Farm Vineyards.

https://mandikaye.com/blog/19zrydiob Our first stop was to Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery.  Although the winery is brand new, the vineyard is twelve years old, and Chardonnay was the varietal planted.  Dry Mill sold its Chardonnay to Naked Mountain Vineyard & Winery; however owners Nancy and Dean Vanhuss along with daughter Michelle decided to give their own winery a go.  Of course, we had our heralded gold stars in hand.  It’s rare that Paul and I concur on our gold star presentations, but this time we both agreed that the strongest wines at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery were the 2008 Steel Chardonnay and the 2007 Cabernet Franc.  The 2008 Steel Chardonnay is the perfect summer picnic wine but could also grace a dinner table if poultry or shellfish are being served.  This Chardonnay is crisp with green apple and pear aromas and flavors.  A nice citrus undertone was present too.  As the name implies, there is no oak aging involved.  We also favored the 2007 Cabernet Franc with its notes of dark cherry and black pepper.  Aging in French oak gave it body with a nice finish.

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Fans of sweeter Roses should give the 2007 Rose a whirl.  A composite of juices from all grapes crushed at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery, this Rose has a residual sugar content of 2%—just sweet enough to be enjoyed on its own, with a summer salad, or even barbeque.  If steaks are on the grill, then opt for the Cabernet Franc or the intense 2007 Norton with its smoky edge and distinctive Norton nose.  Opulent flavors of plums and cherries were on display with this one!

So tasting was done but lunch was waiting in the car.  Grilled chicken filets with light cheeses and almonds were on order, and our wine selection was the 2008 Steel Chardonnay.  We enjoyed our lunch and wine outdoors but beneath the covered walkway where picnic tables and chairs were conveniently placed.  As we wined and dined, we observed several varieties of birds including starlings that swirled about as we ate.  We also met Dean Vanhuss who gave us an update on upcoming events and happenings at Dry Mill Vineyard and Winery.  The biggest event will be the grand opening of the winery which will occur next weekend!  Food and music will be on tap for the big event, and a sneak tasting of the Barrel Chardonnay will be offered, too.  The barrel-aged Chardonnay will then rest for a while longer and will be released in the fall.  Other upcoming releases include the Viognier and a Cabernet Sauvignon.  Dean also shared with us his own wine making preferences which will be reflected in the Dry Mill releases.  Dean favors low oak presence with a tendency to use French oak where oak is needed.  Fruit-focused wines are what he prefers, and this was certainly evident in the wines currently offered for tasting.  Dean also hopes to expand case production from the current 1000 cases to 2500 cases in the future.

https://blog.extraface.com/2024/08/07/a688ug9 With lunch consumed and wine appreciated, we bid our farewells to Dean Vanhuss.  We’ll return, but readers may want to visit soon.  In fact, the grand opening may be the perfect weekend outing.  Be sure, though, to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

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Casanel Has Arrived

https://transculturalexchange.org/c0w4ccrvkb So our final stop on the Loudon Wine Trail was at the newly opened Casanel Vineyards. We had heard great things about this new winery and were anxious to pay a visit. It turned out to be a perfect way to end our weekend of wine tasting on the Loudon Wine Trail!

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A renovated 1800s barn now functions as a cozy tasting room, and the tasting room and a nearby farm house are surrounded by the lovely Catoctin Mountains. After a pause to take in the view from the parking lot, we entered the tasting room. Four wines were available for tasting including one white wine, the 2007 Viognier and three red wines. I was impressed by all four offerings, and my favorite was the 2007 Viognier with its floral aromas and tropical fruit flavors; eight months in oak gave it body and structure but the oak did not dominate the fruit characteristics. Paul’s palate, however, favored the 2007 Merlot with its layers of cherry and blackberry flavors. A well-rounded wine, this Merlot should pair well with anything that moos or oinks but is also just fine for sipping.

Of course, summer is all about lighter-bodied wines, and the 2007 Norton should do just fine with grilled fare slathered in a favorite barbeque sauce. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was by far the bolder of the red wines that we tasted and presented darker cherry and plum characteristics with undertones of dried herbs. I do think this one could sit on the wine rack for a bit longer and should be ready for prime time in the fall—game meats would be a perfect partner, too.

https://solomedicalsupply.com/2024/08/07/qjkmjwh As we sipped and savored, we got to learn quite a bit about Casanel. Casey and Nelson DeSouza are the owners of Casanel; in fact, the name is an amalgamation of their two first names. Nelson DeSouza was born in Brazil and came to America to pursue the “American Dream”, and in time he became a successful contractor and businessman. Over the years, he and his wife Casey also developed an enjoyment of wines, and faced with a decision to retire or find yet another venture to pursue they opted for the latter. Nelson found the abandoned property with its 19th century structures and with his contractor’s mindset firmly in place imagined a diamond in the rough. The facility now includes the renovated tasting room, the renovated farm house, and vineyards, of course. Added to all of this is a manmade lake with a gazebo.

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The vines are still young, so Casanel has yet to provide a vine to bottle product; however, their current wines are ones produced from existing, unfinished stock purchased from other vineyards. The winemaker is Kerem Baki of Hillborough Vineyards. Under Baki’s direction, Casanel Vineyards’ wines have already earned awards and accolades including a “Best of Virginia” designation for its 2007 Viognier. Casanel Vineyards’ current lineup of wines is known as the Chegada Collection which means “arrival” in Portuguese, and Casanel Vineyards has certainly arrived!

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So with our tasting completed, we decided to enjoy the mountain views from the gazebo which juts into the lake as we sipped a glass of the 2007 Merlot. We do see bright things for Casanel Vineyards, and we will return to monitor the progress. Be certain to visit Casanel Vineyards and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

The Loudoun Trail Continues

https://eloquentgushing.com/aasufb7 So after our tasting and lunch at Corcoran Vineyards, we headed off to nearby Village Winery. We’ve been following the progress of Village Winery and its winemaker, Kent Marrs since the winery opened. Kent is always a gracious host and spent lots of time educating us about elderberry products that now include an elderberry wine, syrup, and sparkling beverage. (You can read all about it in our article which was published last fall in Edible Chesapeake.) On this day, we were interested in latest releases; of course, Kent was more than happy to oblige us!

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https://merangue.com/rdm2c4rxym2 With summer now upon us, Kent has released his Viognier. We actually had a sneak sample of this one out of the barrel last summer, and we noted its potential then. This is a barrel-fermented Viognier that exhibits stone fruit qualities with a floral aroma. I found it nice to quaff on its own but can be enjoyed with a poultry or shellfish dish. Paul likes crispy-fried tilapia, and I think this one might be a nice partner with such a dish. Another summer favorite will be the current Cabernet Franc Rose with its bright berry aromas and flavors; I noted a spicy edge to this one, too. Another nice sipper yet can be served with spicy barbeque dishes.

https://transculturalexchange.org/akcne6otq Of the reds, Paul and I had split decisions. Paul favored the Merlot (of course) with its rich dark cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors; however, I preferred the raspberry-inflected Cabernet Franc that ended with a peppery flourish. I found this one to be a bit heavier than the Merlot and can be enjoyed now or later—might be a keeper for a heavier meat dish most likely to be served in the fall. We finished with a sampling of elderberry wine, syrups (to include an elderberry syrup with chocolate) and sparkling beverage. The elderberry-chocolate blend will be available in the near future, and the sparkling elderberry was already sold out; however, we were able to purchase the beverage mix to create our own sparkling beverage to enjoy on a hot afternoon!

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https://nedediciones.com/uncategorized/65yvyk2onp So we shared a glass of the Viognier in Kent’s rustic tasting room and determined to purchase a bottle of the Cabernet Franc Rose and Cabernet Franc for storage on our wine racks. (The Rose should not get too comfy, though!) We said our good-bye to Kent and promised to return soon; however, readers may want to visit even sooner. Just mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

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Up next? Our first visit to Casanel Vineyards. Between posting, though, be sure to check out this past Wednesday’s wine column in the Washington Post. Wine critic Dave McIntyre reports on the success of Virginia wines at a London Expo!

Back On The Loudoun Trail

https://udaan.org/ptfydggnfvd.php On a warm spring afternoon, we decided to catch up on some wine tasting on the Loudoun County Wine Trail. Along the way we stopped at Corcoran Vineyards, Village Winery and Casanel Vineyards.

https://homeupgradespecialist.com/zjduxids Our first stop was at Corcoran Vineyards, and we were warmly greeted by Lori Corcoran. Of course, we were eager to sample the latest releases, and Lori started our tasting. Corcoran Vineyards is currently pouring two white wines, the 2007 Chardonnay and the 2008 Seyval Blanc, and both are fairly new releases. The 2007 Chardonnay is done first in stainless steel and then in oak barrels; the result is a crisp Chardonnay that presents lots of green apple aromas and flavors. For those who prefer sweeter white wines, the 2008 Seyval Blanc is sure to please with its higher sugar levels and refreshing citrus flavors.

https://www.psicologialaboral.net/2024/08/07/ud4j7od Of the reds, four reds were poured, and my favorite was the 2006 Cabernet Franc with its raspberry and spicy flavors; I also noted some smoke on the nose. A close second for me was the 2007 Chambourcin. A lighter-bodied red wine, this Chambourcin with its cranberry notes and flavors was easy to sip and should proved to be versatile with food from burgers to pizza to grilled meats. For our tasting, Lori created an interesting blend—a mix of the Seyval Blanc (1 part) with the Chambourcin (2 parts). We actually liked the result; though Lori suggested as a Sangria mix, I liked it as it was and compared to a light Italian wine suited for pizza.

Once we were done with our tasting, we decided to enjoy lunch with the 2007 Chardonnay. Though it was a warm day, it was breezy enough so that we could enjoy the outdoors with food and wine. What was for lunch? Simple deli-sliced ham with provolone cheese, a baguette, and almonds. As we sipped and nibbles, we met Holly and Dan who were also doing some wine tasting on the Loudoun Trail. With them was their adorable and well-mannered dog, Portia. Holly’s favorite sipper was the 2008 Seyval Blanc, and Dan enjoyed the 2007 Chambourcin. Of course, our topic of conversation was Virginia wine!

With lunch consumed and wine enjoyed, we bid our farewells to Lori and made our way to Village Winery. We’ll provide the details on our next post. Be sure to visit Lori Corcoran at Corcoran Vineyards and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Philip Carter Winery Tasting Part Two

So our barrel tasting at Philip Carter Winery gave us something to look forward to in the summer and fall; however, what about the current pours? After our barrel tasting concluded, Philip Carter Strother led us through a tasting of wines now offered in the tasting room. Along the way, he shared with us his future plans for Philip Carter Winery.


Of the wine currently offered, by far the best was the 2006 Chardonnay with its apple flavors and spicy finish. A classic Old World Chardonnay with a lengthier finish, this one is just fine on its own, with light cheeses or a simple poultry dish. Of interest to Paul the Artiste was the 2006 Falconwood. The label was designed by a local artist and reflects the landscape of the area; in fact, Strother will continue this practice so as to present a unique opportunity for local artists to show their work. Falconwood is a white blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay, and at 2% sugar is sweeter than the Chardonnay. It presented a floral nose and a mix of tropical fruit flavors and would be perfect for a warm summer day. Guest blogger Michael Tyler would be certain to add this one to his wine rack!

Of the reds, the 2007Chambourcin may appeal to those who are looking for a young, lighter-bodied red to pair with burgers on the grill. I preferred the more complex 2006 Meritage which is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lush cherry and raspberry flavors were complemented by a spicy edge at the end to make this one a natural partner with steaks.


Paul’s own favorite was the 2006 Late Harvest made from late harvest Vidal Blanc grapes. Paul noted enticing aromas of honeysuckle and apricots and enjoyed its opulent stone fruit flavors. Sweet enough for dessert, consider the 2006 Late Harvest with a hunk of blue cheese. The 2006 Late Harvest is a source of pride for Philip Carter Strother as it will soon be poured in London as part of an international presentation of Virginia wines. Not to be missed is the 2007 Sweet Danielle, a port-style dessert wine made from a secret ingredient (my guess is Chambourcin). Sweet Danielle was named after Strother’s wife, Danielle, and was served to her as an anniversary surprise at a local restaurant!

So I had to ask these questions of Philip Carter Strother: If you were interested in making wine, why Virginia? Why buy Stillhouse, and winery and vineyard much in need of improvement? For Strother, it was a family matter. He is the direct descendant of King Carter, a wine collector who settled in Virginia in the 18th century; his son Charles made wines in Virginia that earned international recognition—and this was before Jefferson’s attempts at wine making! Furthermore, Strother’s family also maintains a farm in Delaplane, and so for him this continues a long-established family involvement in agriculture and winemaking. And why Stillhouse? Though in need of some TLC, the vines were mature and still rather vigorous, and the winery presented to him an existing operation that needed some re-organizing. The property includes 22 acres of which 11 acres are in vines, and the winery now produces 2300 cases of wine. New plantings of Viognier and Petit Verdot should eventually add to the future lineup of wines.


So with our tastings completed, we were ready for a snack and a glass of wine. We opted to sip a glass of the 2006 Chardonnay with some Swiss cheese and French bread; we were able to enjoy wine and cheese outdoors on a pleasant (and probably the last) sunny day. We compared notes and again marveled at the changes under way at Philip Carter Winery. We’ll return soon, of course; however, you all get out there before we do, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

New Beginnings At Philip Carter

We recently posted about the rebirth taking place at Loudoun Valley Vineyards, and yet another renaissance is occurring at Philip Carter Winery of Virginia. Philip Carter Winery was once known as Stillhouse Winery, but Philip Carter Strother bought Stillhouse Winery last year. Stillhouse Winery’s vineyards and wines had been in decline for quite some time, but Strother was determined to improve both the condition of the vineyards and the quality of the wines. He invited us out to his barrel tasting held on April 18, and we eagerly accepted the invitation.

The first thing we noticed when we drove up to the winery was the renewed condition of the vineyards. Tall weeds were gone, vines were pruned and healthy, and we sensed that a positive change had occurred since the change of ownership. We were greeted by Philip Carter Strother who proudly declared that all wines now in the barrel were the first true Philip Carter wines— from the vineyards to the barrels. We were then led down to the barrel room, and our tasting was conducted by current winemaker, Seth Chambers. Seth started us with two barrel samples of 2008 Chardonnay; the first sample was from neutral oak barrels and the second from new oak barrels. The first sample seemed riper and fruitier than the second sample which presented the classic buttery texture of a Burgundy-style white wine. Seth informed us that he intended to blend the two to produce a Chardonnay that is indeed similar to a white Burgundy. I must say that I really enjoyed the second sample on its own; however, Paul preferred the first sample. I concluded that the blend will then appeal to both of us and that we would have to return to purchase a bottle upon its release! We also sampled a still-young and developing Vidal Blanc. Done in stainless steel, this one should settle into the fruity sipper that Virginia wine lovers enjoy in warm weather.

Up next were the red barrel sample, and up first was the 2008 Cabernet Franc. Seth provided some background about the 2008 crop of Cabernet Franc, and he explained that the crop did survive a weather scare that occurred late in the summer. Unexpected rains threatened to dilute the fruit quality including brix levels to undesirable levels; however, a decision was made to let the fruit hang for as long as possible anyway, and the fruit was not harmed by weather events. Seth was proud of the result and justifiably so, and in fact, 2008 Cabernet Franc earned my gold star of the day. I noted characteristics of dark berries and pepper with vanilla on finish; Paul admired its dark garnet color, too. Paul seemed to prefer the blended version of the Cabernet Franc which included Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and he found it to be more rounded and structured. No arguments from me—it was quite good. The 2008 Cabernet Franc will be released in the fall.

Meritage fans will want to sample the release of the 2008 Meritage blend which will include Cabernet Franc (85%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). Still evolving, this sample presented a fruity nose with lots of plums and dark cherries. I should mention that the 2008 Meritage will not be released until next year, so tasters will have to be patient. Available now, though, is the newly released 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, and this was the last of our samples offered in the barrel room. Rich cherry flavors with some spice were noted with this still young wine.

Our barrel tasting was now complete, and we easily concurred that Philip Carter Winery’s upcoming releases will present an impressive lineup of wines in the tasting room. This, of course, is due to the improved management of the vineyards and winemaking by Seth Chambers who learned the art of winemaking at Pearmund Cellars. We were guided upstairs to the tasting room by Philip Carter Strothers who personally gave us a tasting of current releases. This gave us a chance to chat with Philip about his goals and aspirations for Philip Carter Winery. What did we learn? Stay tuned for next week’s post to find out. Until then, pay a visit to Philip Carter Winery of Virginia and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Excellence at King Family

Our recent visit to the Charlottesville area included a tasting at King Family Vineyards. In fact, the tasting room manager, Tracey Grimm, invited us over for a tasting, and of course, we accepted the offer. When we arrived at the tasting room, we were greeted by sounds of saws and hammers, and we quickly discovered that the tasting room was under renovation. However, King Family had created a makeshift tasting area in the barrel room complete with the current lineup of King Family wines. Tracey warmly greeted us and before we knew it we were tasting away!


We’ve always been impressed by the wines at King Family Vineyards, and the current offerings continue to prove our claim that King Family Vineyards produce some of the best wines around.The quality winemaking at King Family Vineyards is attributed to the talented and experienced winemaker, Mathieu Finot. A native of Crozet Hermitage of the Rhone Valley in France, Mathieu Finot leads the pack of Virginia winemakers who currently make some of the state’s best wines.

We travel with only a few gold stars in our pockets, so we really had to anguish over our decisions since any of the wines that we sampled could have earned the coveted awards. Of the white wines, our award went to the 2007 Viognier which is done mostly in stainless steel with some minimal time in oak barrels. A lush honeysuckle nose with notes of peaches and melon won me over, and a mouthful of citrus flavors with a nice honeyed texture confirmed my vote. However, my (close) second place favorite was the 2007 Roseland which is a perfect blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. Nice lemony and floral nose here with white stone fruit in the mouth makes for a lovely springtime and summertime pour.


Of the red wines, we did differ on opinions. Paul’s gold star was awarded to the 2006 Merlot with its dark fruit characteristics and firm tannins. “Steak wine” was Paul’s summary, and I did concur with this decision. My own favorite was the 2006 Meritage with aromas of dark cherry, black pepper and violets; I noted flavors of dark cherry and spice with mocha on the finish and a nice acidity. This Meritage is a blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (20%) and should only get better with age. Also in contention was the smoky 2007 Cabernet Franc which is yet another award winner for King Family Vineyards. We were treated to a sneak sample of this limited production, and it possesses plum and spicy characteristics with a lengthier finish. Paul gave this one his “close second” award!

On the lookout for summer wines? It’s never too early at this time of the year, so do not overlook the 2008 Crose, a Provence style rose that is very dry and produced from Merlot grapes. Strawberry and melons here and perfect for summer picnics, barbeques or by itself on the deck with friends! This one does sell quickly (as we found out last summer) so stock up now!

Tracy did give us a tour of the renovations that promise to provide a new and improved tasting room, and we also got to survey the Carriage House which is adjacent to the tasting room. This impressive space includes a fireplace that would make Henry VIII envious and can accommodate weddings, private parties and other special events. Of course, King Family wines are the main feature at all events! The featured event at King Family Vineyards continues to be polo, and details about upcoming polo matches can be found at www.roselandpolo.com.


So we enjoyed a glass of the 2006 Meritage as we gazed upon the polo/equestrian field. It was a drizzly afternoon, but we did enjoy the Meritage with a block of Gruyere cheese and baguette. Needless to say, several bottles were purchased to enjoy at a later date, and we bid our farewells to Tracey and thanked her for the tasting and tour. We’ll be back very soon, but readers should visit even sooner—please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.