We went to Charlottesville this past weekend and one of the stops we made was at Pollak Vineyards. Here’s a short video of our lunch and wine at Pollak.
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Wine of The Weekend
Alprazolam Buy Online India The wine of the weekend is the Breaux Vineyards 2008 Muscat. This wine is only available to the Cellar Club members. Since I’m a member I received it in a recent shipment. We had it with some St. Andre’s cheese and fresh baguette. The muscat is a dry, fruity wine with a hint of lemon zest. It’s a blend of the Muscat Canelli and the Muscat Giallo grapes. It paired well with the St. Andre’s cheese and baguette.
Of course we had several other Virginia wines this weekend but this one stood out as one that needed a mention.
Gray Ghost Harvest
Alprazolam Tablets Online Purchase On Sunday Warren, his parents (flew in from New Orleans), and I went to Gray Ghost to help harvest the chardonnay grapes. We’ve harvested several years in a row now and always have a good time. I was so distracted by the harvesting that I forgot to take some video of the actual harvesting. However, I did shoot some video of the process after picking the grapes. Here’s a short video of what happens to the grapes after they are harvested.
Pardon The Interruption
Xanax For Sale Paypal Pardon the interruption of our Monticello Wine Trail series. It will resume after this brief break.
Alprazolam Buy Cheap Despite the nasty, rainy day, we decided to visit a few Loudoun County wineries to get a few more stamps in our passport for the Loudoun Wine Trail. We decided to visit a few that we hadn’t been to in a while. This won’t be a full on report of all the wines; Warren is the expert there. I’ll be sharing my impressions of our visits. We went to Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Sunset Hills, and Doukenie.
https://merangue.com/d3xdcu8zgr4 Great things have been happening at Loudoun Valley. When we visited in the Winter we could see things were beginning to change. This time we saw lots of changes. The tasting room has a new air about it…fresh paint, new tables and chairs, and there was even live music! Of course we tasted all the wines and enjoyed them all but I’ll say the 2008 Pinot Grigio was awarded my gold star. It was crisp, floral, with citrus flavors. We also noted the new labels. Very nice! When you visit Loudoun Valley, and I’m sure you will, be sure to taste the 2008 Pinot Grigio.
Our next stop was Sunset Hills. We last visited Sunset Hills in February. At that time they had only been open a few months. Since then things have only gotten better at Sunset Hills. The tasting room was a buzz with tastings going on. They were setting up for a wedding reception as well. As busy as the tasting room was, there was someone available to help us with our tasting. She led us through the tasting and Warren put his stars next to the viognier and the cabernet franc. We were lucky to taste some of these reds in the barrels during our last visit. The big change to Sunset Hills that I noticed this time over our last visit was the addition of food. You can now order cheese and bread baskets with meats and other delicious items. They even have fudge! I had to have some of the peanut butter fudge. It was delicious! Keep in mind though that you can only bring your own food to the lawn for a picnic. The two large decks and the tasting room are reserved for food purchased at Sunset Hills.
https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/hdjzean Our last stop was at Doukenie. We’ve been there many times in the past and always enjoy their wines. The same was true this time, we enjoyed the wines, especially the 2008 Mandolin. What was different about our visit this time was the change in the tasting room. They have moved the old bar out and now have a huge rectangular bar pretty much in the middle of the room. You just about run into it when you walk in the door. Of course the new big bar does allow for more people to cluster around for tastings. I was just a little disappointed because so many times in the past we had made a connection with our tasting associate in a smaller, more personal way and that seems to be lost with this new arrangement. However, the new bar set up doesn’t effect the wines at all! The wines are what keeps us coming back!
The next time you find yourself in Loudoun County be sure to stop off at Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Sunset Hills, and Doukenie and be sure to tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you! Also, be sure to check our next post as we finish up our tasting notes from our visits on the Monticello Trail.
A Day In Pictures
Alprazolam Uk Buy Today we arrived in Charlottesville ready to talk and taste wine. We began with a conversation with Michael Shaps about viognier. We then had lunch at Kluge followed by a great impromptu conversation with Kirsty Harmon at Blenheim. Big things happening there! We continued on to Sugarleaf for a tasting and ended our day at Keswick just before they closed. Here are a few pictures from the day. A full report will be forth coming.
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Wine and History at Aspen Dale
So in the spirit of Wimbledon, I’ve been playing lots of tennis; however, I ended up injuring my left wrist while on the courts last week. As a consequence, I could not write a post about our incredible experience at Aspen Dale Winery last Sunday afternoon. Several ice packs and a few days later, though, the wrist is okay, and now I’m ready to type away.
https://merangue.com/m51q7yj Paul and I had heard through the “grapevine” that Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn was a “must do” experience. With some research under our belts, we learned that Shay McNeal was the owner and winemaker, and Shay’s winemaking style reflected Old World customs. We also learned that the barn is a 200 year-old facility and that Shay is only the seventh owner of the property in its history! Needless to say, we wanted to experience the wines and the barn for ourselves. Armed with notebooks and gold stars, we proceeded to Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn.
Buy Alprazolam From India We were warmly greeted by Shay McNeal who informed us that we were her first customers on Day 11 since Aspen Dale opened its doors to the public. As Shay greeted us and prepared for our tasting, we noted the quaint tasting room which is indeed the renovated barn from the 18th century. Maybe it was my history teacher’s sixth sense, but I could not help but feel as though I had entered another time. Shay’s ancestors can be traced back to the colonial period including one, Thomas Parris, who was described as a vintner. Of course, we’re all about the wine, and there were five up for sampling, and I can say Shay’s current lineup is quite impressive. For us, it was really all about personal preference as none were weak. We started with the Rose and the whites, and my own gold star here went to the 2008 Mary Madeleine’s Rose. A lovely pink color was observed with refreshing characteristics of strawberry and melon; it was quite crisp to boot. Paul’s award went to the 2008 Hildersham Sauvignon Blanc with its grassy notes and citrus flavors. Another crisp wine is offered here with a nice acidity which would also suggest a natural pairing with goat cheese and baguette or a shellfish dinner.
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https://nedediciones.com/uncategorized/la09292729 The red wines were up next, and Paul and I also reached different conclusions. Paul fancies himself to be a Merlot specialist, and he does indeed have an impressive collection of Merlots on his wine rack. Therefore, his gold-star designation for the 2008 Parris Country Blend, which is predominately Merlot , should not be taken lightly. Paul noted black cherry aromas and flavors with a hint of spice on the nose; he also jotted down “accessible” to suggest that it was easy to drink and ready to pour. I do think it could also rest a while on the wine rack. My own award went to the Cabernet Sauvignon known as the 2007 Rockawalkin’. A more complex blend, the 2007 Rockawalkin’ features Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. I noted dark fruits and spice on the nose and in the mouth with a longer finish and a definite tannic presence. Enjoy now with a steak but don’t be bashful about aging the 2007 Rockawalkin’ for a few years.
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https://homeupgradespecialist.com/knvnk9ap Throughout our tasting, Shay chatted with us about wine, food, and history. Our wine tasting came with a plate of cheeses and meats that accompanied each wine sample; the venison sausage is a must try as is the elderberry cheese. Also, Shay revealed that she is also a historian; I immediately engaged Shay in history talk and was fascinated to learn that Shay is the author of The Secret Plot to Save the Tsar. Quite honestly, I could have chatted with Shay for the entire afternoon about Russian history with or without the wine. Her next project will focus on a Tory’s perspective about the American Revolution. In fact, a July 4 event at Aspen Dale Winery will feature a colonial re-enactor and musician, Herb Watson, who will play colonial tunes on the flute.
https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/1vlaetkwuus I do think that Shay brings her sense of history to her wine making. Her style is certainly Old World, and the tasting room also captures an 18th century aesthetic. Shay is also dedicated to quality, and she is committed to producing quality wines from small lots. Currently, 1400 vines are planted for wine making, and these include such varietals as Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Another commitment is to “green”. Call it Old World or 21st-century correctness, Shay maintains her vineyard and winemaking with a minimum of chemical intrusions.
https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/8lmrl58 With our tasting and conversation done, Paul and I made our purchases. What did we buy? Between the two of us, we bought a bottle of everything. When we got out to the car, we glanced at our watches and noticed that we spent over 90 minutes tasting and chatting with Shay. We know that we will return soon to Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn, and we urge readers to visit soon. Be sure to tell Shay McNeal that Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Summertime at Tarara Winery
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.
Order Cheap Xanax Online 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!
https://udaan.org/dh06i9c.php 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://inteligencialimite.org/2024/08/07/w0xyev4 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!
https://aiohealthpro.com/b3h8u8pl8yb 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
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.
Alprazolam For Sale Online 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.
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https://solomedicalsupply.com/2024/08/07/okcjistum 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.
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Congratulations Gray Ghost!
https://polyploid.net/blog/?p=penp5zdyuv0 Gray Ghost’s Adieu won gold at the 16th Annual Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition held in Cromwell, Connecticut the end of May! Gray Ghost’s Adieu was the only Virginia wine awarded Gold!
Buy Cheapest Xanax Online Gray Ghost’s 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won gold at the Virginia State Fair Wine Competition held Monday, June 8 in Richmond! Produced from 100% Estate Grown grapes and aged three in years in French oak, Gray Ghost only produces a Reserve Cabernet in exceptional years. This is only the ninth Reserve Cabernet to be produced in fifteen vintage years.
https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/k2syhbmo8 15th Anniversary Celebration at Gray Ghost Vineyards
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12, 2009
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Enjoy wine tastings, winery tours, vineyard tours and live music by the Seth Kibel Jazz Trio! Experience a Civil War campsite and the firing of an operational Civil War cannon! 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. $10 per person includes tasting, Gray Ghost logo glass and all festivities. Barbecue lunch is $10 with 100% of lunch money benefiting the Culpeper Food Closet. Please call for lunch reservations or bring a picnic. Gray Ghost is located at 14706 Lee Highway in Amissville and can be contacted at 540-937-4869.
https://sugandhmalhotra.com/2024/08/07/gsd42sti Information from Amy Payette, Director of Marketing at Gray Ghost and photos courtesy of T. J. Cabrera.