Author: Warren

Loudoun Valley Vineyards

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This past weekend we hit the Loudoun Valley wine trail to sample current releases, and we will be devoting the next several entries to post our impressions. One winery on the Loudoun trail that made quite an impression was Loudoun Valley Vineyards under the new direction of wine maker and owner, Bree Ann Moore.

Buy Xanax Uk We intend to interview Bree in the near future, so I’ll keep this entry short but very sweet. We had not been to Loudoun Valley Vineyards in quite a long while and certainly not since Bree purchased the facility and vineyards. My impressions of most wines at Loudoun Valley were not very favorable way back then. Therefore, it was with relief and pleasure to taste Loudoun’s current offerings now posted on the Winter 2009 wine list. The rich 2006 Chardonnay Vintner Select could grace any dinner party that featured poultry, pork or seafood. Add a rich cream sauce to any of the above, and the 2006 Chardonnay would feel right at home. For an appertif, seafood entrée or casual sipper, do try the well-balanced 2006 Vinifera White.

https://eloquentgushing.com/87sv5lkdjeo The biggest improvements were evident in the red wines. Gone were brownish colors and oxidized characteristics that seemed destined for the dump bucket! Paul likes pizza from time to time, and for him, the 2007 Chambourcin conjured images of a young chianti served with a pepperoni pizza. My own favorite was the 2005 Dynasty Reserve that is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Touriga Nacional. A bolder red made softer by the Touriga, the Dynasty presents a well-rounded red that should be perfect with a winter’s menu of roasted meats and game.

We did indeed get to meet Bree Ann Moore briefly during our visit, and we look forward to a lengthier conversation with Bree as well as another tasting of Loudoun Valley Vineyards’ rapidly improving wines. Until we post our next article about Loudoun Valley, do pay Bree a visit and tell her that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Rappahannock Cellars

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While in the Rappahannock area, we realized that we had not been to Rappahannock Cellars in quite a while. In fact, the last time we were there for a tasting, two tasting options were available—the oakier, fuller-bodied menu and the less/no oak, lighter-bodied menu. With fond memories of our last experience at Rappahannock Cellars in mind, we decided to follow the grape sign markers along Hwy 211 to see what the winery currently has to offer.

https://aiohealthpro.com/2ys31wgygvj On a cold winter’s day, the tasting room was not too busy, and we noticed that the two-menu option was also not available. That was fine with us as it gave us the opportunity to focus on fewer wines. Seven wines were available to sample, and of course the white wines were poured first. My own gold star was awarded to the 2007 Viognier with its honeysuckle nose and stone fruit flavors and a nice acidity to boot. Paul tended to favor the 2007 Noblesse Blanc which I thought was a dead-ringer for a Riesling. This blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay is packed with fruity aromas and flavors. A versatile pour, the Noblesse Blanc could grace a dinner table that featured veal, pork or fish; however, it would also be a perfect patio or picnic sipper (in warmer weather, of course).

The red wines were next on the menu, and my double gold award of the day was presented to the 2006 Cabernet Franc. Tart raspberry and spicy flavors best describe this medium-bodied wine. A deep garnet color coupled with a seductive berry and herby nose confirmed that the 2006 Cabernet Franc was my winner. It should be noted that the 2006 Cabernet Franc is indeed a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a splash of Petit Verdot. Paul’s gold star was placed next to the 2007 Headwaters Norton. Paul noted a jammy nose with hints of toast with a mouthful of black cherry and black berry flavors. He described the color as “inky”. Some blending of this Norton with 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon smooths out the Norton characteristics while adding some complexity.

With our tasting done, we decided to share a glass of the outstanding 2006 Cabernet Franc. We also made note that a Claret will soon be released, and we will certainly return to give it a try. If you get to sample the Claret before we do, let us know about it; be sure to mention to the tasting associate that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

New Beginnings at Piedmont Vineyards

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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.

https://inteligencialimite.org/2024/08/07/52k8fdj39 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.

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https://polyploid.net/blog/?p=t5ez63frf 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!)

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Buying Xanax Online Reviews 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.

Order Xanax Bars Online Overnight 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!)

Favorites From 2008

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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:

Ordering Xanax From Canada 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:

Cheap Alprazolam Pills 2005 Limerick Lane Pinot Noir

1998 La Mandria Chianti Classico

https://eloquentgushing.com/tl4962aq White Wines:

https://blog.extraface.com/2024/08/07/hwd1bj3 2007 Chrysalis Albarino

https://transculturalexchange.org/oprkwsjj6 2006 Scott Chardonnay

https://solomedicalsupply.com/2024/08/07/cswu9hc8 NV Frank Family Blanc de Noirs

https://mandikaye.com/blog/6uypnvavxk Anyone care to share their favorite pours of 2008? Please let us know!

More Thanksgiving Pours

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https://foster2forever.com/2024/08/55ww02d.html So what will you serve with Thanksgiving dinner? Here are my picks but do feel free to share your own!

https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/8ijd0towkhc (First Course) Butternut Squash Soup: Gray Ghost 2007 Gerwurztraminer (a real gem from Virginia but not available at the winery as it is sold out. Alternative? Try the Renee Mure Gerwurztraminer)

https://www.psicologialaboral.net/2024/08/07/1h3lyqd (Second Course) Harvest Salad (includes apples, pears, and fennel with roasted almonds): Vine Haven Chardonnay—California Chardonnay that is fruity and crisp with minimal oak aging

https://aiohealthpro.com/zmhf6tcyunw (Main Event) Herbed Turkey with Corn Bread Dressing and Cranberry Relish: 2006 Clos Pegas Pinot Noir done in the Burgundian style. Hard to find? Can’t beat the 2008 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau. For white wine drinkers who will not drink red wine, continue with the Gerwurztraminer or Chardonnay and consider the Chrysalis 2007 Sarah’s Patio Red or a dry Rose from France. (For larger gatherings, offer a mix of red wines and white wines and let guests choose!)

https://udaan.org/dpw7e9buqg.php Dessert: Pumpkin Pie paired with the 2007 Gray Ghost Adieu. Finish with Community Coffee and Chicory (found only in New Orleans but the Luzianne and French Market brands are found at area supermarkets)

Fall Favorites at Pollak Vineyards

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A recent trip to the Charlottesville area included a visit to Pollak Vineyards in Greenwood. We noted a nice, airy tasting room with ample space and enclosed by numerous windows that offered a panoramic view of fading fall colors. Pollak Vineyards opened its tasting room to the public in the spring of 2008, and it began with a vision by owners Margo and David Pollak. Their goal was to build upon the quality already established by pioneers in the Virginia wine industry, and they consult with renowned winemaker Michael Shaps and viticulturist Chris Hill to produce excellent wines.


Of course, we like to think that it’s our own reviews that matter most (not really), and we approached the tasting bar armed with our herald and much sought-after gold stars. Paul’s favorite white wine and a double gold award went to the 2007 Pinot Gris. He noted citrus flavors with a flinty character and suggested that a stainless-steel aging made this one a refreshing, versatile pour. Sippers who favor a stainless steel treatment should also try the 2007 Virginia Chardonnay. Nice fruity wine with a lovely citrusy nose, this one is fermented in oak but finished in stainless steel.


I reserved my own gold star for the 2006 Cabernet Franc. A dense garnet color suggested a more complex wine, and the aromatic experience included heady notes of mixed berries, cedar, and pepper. Ripe dark berries in the mouth finished with some mocha and nice tannins. (Steak was in order, but that was not available on the tasting menu!) Paul’s preference amongst the red wines was the 2005 Meritage. This blend includes Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and Paul jotted down, “fruity nose, pencil shavings, too”, and then “lots of cherry” after a careful sip.


After our tasting, we shared a glass of the 2006 Cabernet Franc and enjoyed the view on a chilly fall afternoon. Pollak Vineyards currently has 25 acres planted in grape vines and produces 5000 cases of wine, and we envisioned a positive future for Pollak Vineyards. Of course, we will return to Pollak to sample upcoming releases, but in the meantime be sure to visit Pollak Vineyards. Mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Weekend Happenings: Spooky and Elegant

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https://polyploid.net/blog/?p=zpdij5i With a historic week coming to a close, I can finally reflect back on the past weekend in which Paul did the Time Warp, and we were treated to a special release of a special wine.

Xanax Bars Buy Online So what’s up with Paul doing the Time Warp? On Halloween, we donned our best and scariest costumes and played tricks or treats at Barrel Oak Winery. Spooky movies, Halloween treats, and nice wines were on tap, and we were just in time to view the showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We made sure to allow enough time to do a tasting, and we settled on a bottle of the 2005 Merlot to share with grilled fare and a nice Gruyere cheese. (We also munched on popcorn and smores as we watched Brad and Janet struggle through a rough night with Dr. Frankenfurter!) And yes, Paul did do the Time Warp!!

Buy Yellow Xanax Bars Online We were also made privy to upcoming releases at Barrel Oak including a divine Viognier that showcased the talents of winemaker Rick Tagg, so stay tuned for that one!

Warren as a Prince having a taste of Barrel Oak wines.

Buy Discount Xanax Online Brian Roeder shares a taste of the upcoming Viognier.

https://blog.extraface.com/2024/08/07/3ds2uno2 Saturday evening found us at the special release party for Gray Ghost Vineyards’ 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This is always an elegant night filled with music, food, and wine ( of course). Gray Ghost Vineyards only produces a reserve Cabernet in exceptional years, and the result is always an exceptional wine. This Reserve offered rich dark fruit flavors with silky tannins that made it a natural partner for the evening’s menu offerings: prime rib, grilled salmon (my favorite), and grilled chicken with mushrooms. We were joined by our friends, Mark and Shane, who tend to favor Gray Ghost’s Merlot yet found the Reserve Cabernet a wine to add to the rack. Be sure to also sample Gray Ghost Vineyard’s 2007 Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc; both were newer releases that would accompany fast-approaching holiday dinners.

Guests gather before the release of the Cabernet Reserve.

Mark, Shane, Paul and Warren.

https://homeupgradespecialist.com/cofjvp7 Owners Al and Cheryl Kellert take the dance floor.

https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/ss5prt2vm So as we settle into fall, be sure to visit Barrel Oak and Gray Ghost Vineyards; be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Veritas Vineyard and Winery

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Buy Xanax Xr 3Mg During a recent visit to wineries in the Charlottesville area, we decided to pay a visit to Veritas Vineyard and Winery. “Spacious” and “palatial” might be apt descriptors for the Veritas grounds and facility, and on a fall afternoon, the view can be described as stunning. However, we were interested in wine, and we sidled up to the tasting bar to record our critiques of current pours.

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It had been quite a while since we visited Veritas, so we were anxious to sample all of Veritas’ current releases. As always, lunch was in the car, so an appropriate wine pairing was also in the back of our minds. Fourteen wines were up for tasting—as this can be quite daunting, we decided to share tastings. Paul skillfully reviewed the white wines, and he sometimes offered me a sip from his glass. We do tend to have different tastes in white wines; I like full-bodied whites, but Paul likes fruity sippers. Therefore, I was not shocked to see him place a “star” next to the 2007 Chardonnay. Why? It was done in stainless steel (a Paul favorite), and of fered citrusy flavors with a crisp, clean finish that would win over any Chardonnay hater. However, we both concurred on the 2007 Viognier. A sniff of this one conjures images of Hawaii and other tropical destinations—floral nose with ripe tropical fruit flavors were accompanied by a lovely honeyed texture. Not surprisingly, this Viognier spends 2/3 of its rest period on French oak with the remainder in stainless steel. This one seemed to satisfy both of our preferences—a full bodied wine packed with fruit flavors. Pay attention to the 2006 Petit Manseng, too. Petit Manseng is becoming the Petit Verdot of white wines in Virginia. Petit Manseng is a little-known varietal grown in France but is fast becoming a flagship varietal in Virginia. The Veritas offering presents a coconut nose and flavors with a creamy mouth feel; this lush offering is destined to be a crowd pleaser.

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So on to the reds, and it was my turn to do the tasting. (I did offer short sips to Paul when I wanted his input!) By far, the gold star favorite was the 2006 Cabernet Franc Reserve. A seductive dark berry nose then gave way to a presentation of cherries and black currants in the mouth. I also observed some peppery characteristics with a lengthier finish. Paul’s own favorite was the 2006 Vintner’s Reserve. He appreciated its garnet color and spicy/caramel nose. He noted mixed berry flavors and silky tannins that made this one an easy wine to drink.


So what did we pair with lunch? With honeyed ham and fruit salad in the cooler, we went with the 2007 Viognier. Adirondack chairs offered comfortable seating to enjoy fall colors and a comfortable breeze. Shutterbug Paul captured many photographs of the scenery, and the wine and food provided a perfect accompaniment to a natural fall symphony of sight and sound.

https://sugandhmalhotra.com/2024/08/07/6c43woq On the wine trail in October? Remember, October is Virginia Wine Month. Visit Veritas Vineyard and Winery and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Farewell To Oakencroft

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This past weekend we took advantage of a long weekend to visit Oakencroft Winery. As readers may know, Oakencroft Winery will close its doors on December 31, and the Virginia wine community will lose yet another pioneer in the Virginia wine making industry. For us, Oakencroft was always on the “must visit” list while visiting the Charlottesville area. In fact, Oakencroft was our “eat lunch” winery, and we looked forward to sharing a bottle of award-wining wine and relaxing beside the pond filled with ducks and geese. We repeated this ritual one last time.


With gold stars in hand, we entered the busy tasting room to sample the current releases. Of the whites, Paul favored the 2006 Seyval Blanc with its citrusy nose and flavors. I detected a subtle flinty characteristic too. Crisp with a bright acidity, the 2006 Seyval Blanc is always an Oakencroft favorite and wines numerous awards. My own gold-star favorite was the 2007 Viognier with its floral and peach notes; I noted some toasted nuts on the nose as well. Fuller bodied, this one offered rewards of tropical fruit flavors with some mineral on the finish. Not to be outdone was the 2007 Chardonnay—aged mostly in stainless steel, this crisp wine delivers a vibrant acidity that would pair quite well with cheese, picnic fare, a simple chicken dinner but can also be appreciated on its own.

Of the reds, the 2006 Petit Verdot still earns gold for me. Dark fruit and violets on the nose with plum and spice in the mouth make this one a natural with a favorite meat dish but be sure to add a side of roasted veggies! Paul’s own favorite was the 2006 Merlot Reserve. Dense color suggested a full-bodied wine. Paul, ever the Merlot fan, noted that the 2006 Merlot Reserve favored plum and raspberry characteristics.


So for lunch we decided to share a bottle of the 2007 Viognier with honey ham and soft cheeses. We lingered over the pond teeming with friendly ducks and geese, and we toasted Felicia Rogan who, as Virginia first female winery owner, produced memorable wines and moments at Oakencroft.

We will fondly remember Oakencroft Winery, and we made sure to purchase several age-worthy wines so that we can enjoy Oakencroft’s wines long after their doors close. Be sure to visit Oakencroft Winery before the end of the year, and do mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

The Washington Post Celebrates Local Vintners

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The Food section of Wednesday’s edition of the Washington Post featured an article by expert Dave McIntyre entitled, “Local Vintners Are Trying to Grow Respect”. I’ll just briefly summarize here—according to McIntyre, local winemakers are making high-quality wines that can now compete with the likes of Napa. The downside? According to McIntyre, it’s availability. He does mention price but notes that even there, quality Virginia wines are priced on par with counterparts produced from California. His suggestion? Ask for locally produced wines at restaurants and wine shops. Perfect advise to follow during October which is Virginia Wine Month.

I should also mention that Dave McIntyre reviewed three Virginia wines, all of which earned a rating of “excellent”. These include the Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble Chardonnay 2005, the Michael Shaps Petit Verdot 2005, and the Kluge Estate SP Rose 2004.

So how have you celebrated Virginia Wine Month? I dined at a local restaurant, Chef Geoff’s, and ordered a glass of Barboursville’s Rosado, a nice rose that paired nicely with a salad. Chef Geoff’s also offers Barboursville’s heralded Viognier; though not sold by the glass, a bottle of this one could be shared with friends over crab cakes. Of course, wine bars are the craze now, and a newer one, Enology, on Wisconsin Avenue offers a menu dedicated to domestic wines including Virginia wines. I recently sipped on a glass of White Hall’s Petit Manseng while there with friends.

So celebrate Virginia Wine Month! (This is Virginia Wine Time, and we approve of this message!)