Believe it or not, we don’t always drink Virginia wines. From time to time other wines make it into our glasses. This past weekend we visited friends of ours and they were serving an Echelon Merlot. I got the video camera out and decided to do a little wine review.
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Time To Drink Naked
Well, we kept our clothes on, but at Naked Mountain winter season is lasagna and wine time. We look forward to the sausage lasagna with garlic bread served up at Naked Mountain, and of course, we also look forward to sampling current offerings on the wine menu.
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Paul and I both agreed that the 2005 Barrel Select Chardonnay was the gold star white wine. Pears and honey on the nose and a creamy texture makes this one a classic. We were more interested in the red wines since we already knew that lasagna was on the lunch menu. In a rare moment, we again both agreed that the 2005 Cabernet Franc was the best red wine. Dark cherries and spice on the nose gave way to similar flavors in the mouth with a smoky finish. Small portions of Merlot, Tannat, and Petit Verdot are blended into this lush Cabernet Franc.
For those who are tired of winter’s chill and promises of snow that never seems to fall, the 2008 Cabernet Franc rose may bring summer closer to home. Strawberry characteristics abound here with a nice tart finish that conjured images of summer concerts, picnics, and barbeques!
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Feeling the cabin fever this winter? Get out to Naked Mountain and enjoy lasagna and wine; of course, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Virginia Wine Showcase
https://www.clawscustomboxes.com/erct8fhf This past weekend we attended the Virginia Wine Showcase held at the Dulles Expo Center. While more established wineries were represented at the Showcase, our intent was to sample wines either from newer Virginia wineries or from more distant wineries that are difficult for us to visit. Included at the Showcase were other venders that offered food, arts and crafts. (However, our focus was wine!)
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We made a quick scan of the expo and then began to settle on wineries stations to visit. Our first visit was to newbie Rosemont Vineyard and Winery located in LaCrosse, and this was also the most promising of the newer wineries represented at the event. In fact, Rosemont’s tasting room officially opened in November. Winemaker Justin Rosemont has been bottling some excellent wines. Rosemont’s crisp Traminette with its notes of peach and spice compared favorably to a Gewurztraminer, and it earned my gold star for best white wine on the menu. Of the reds, my own favorite was the 06 Cabernet Sauvignon with its dark cherry and plum characteristics. Eighteen months on French oak provides both body and longevity. Paul was torn between the 06 Merlot (0f course) and the Cabernet Franc. When pressed for a decision, he declared the Cabernet Franc to be his winner. “Cherry” and “pepper” were characteristics that Paul noted with this one. Paul also thought that the finish was lengthier yet “silky”. For those looking for a lighter red wine, then Paul suggests the 06 Merlot as an option. Justin Rosemont did chat with us, and we learned that he was trained in California; his return to Virginia was to continue a 150-year family history of farming. We think Justin is off to a great start. We also noticed that he is not afraid to think outside of the box, and his dessert wines prove the point. Rosemont’s LaCrosse, produced from LaCrosse grape, has quickly become a signature wine. LaCrosse is a hybrid from the seyval blanc family and is slightly sweet. For those wanting to sample wine made from a real North American native, try Blackridge Red made from the Catawba grape. Packed with a grapey nose and bright berry flavors, this dessert wine should be quite popular with a favorite Southern dessert.
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Another first sample for us was White Fences. This vineyard and winery is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia; these wines tended to be lighter-bodied. The Meteor Bright White with its floral nose and pineapple flavors was slightly sweet and was best appreciated with the spicy peanuts provided by the tasting associate. A unique offering was the Meteor Midnight Red. This dessert wine is made from chambourcin grapes and presents intense blackberry flavors with a touch of sweetness.
We were pleased to pay another visit to the New Kent tasting station. Paul sampled the Merlot and declared it to be a Chianti-style, lighter bodied red wine. The Chardonnay Reserve, my own favorite from the last Showcase, was sold out; however, I did appreciate the unique and versatile White Norton with its strawberry nose. New Kent’s spacious tasting room and facility is still relatively new, and we briefly chatted with managing partner Pete Johns. Pete filled us in on New Kent’s successes with the Chardonnay Reserve, Vidal Blanc, and White Norton qualifying as the winery’s top sellers.
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Readers may recall our favorable impressions of Sugarleaf Vineyards. Needless to say, when we caught sight of Lauren Taylor at the tasting booth, we knew that we had to say hello. We also opted for a tasting of Sugarleaf’s quality wines. Be sure to try both the 07 Vidal Blanc and the excellent 07 Petit Manseng; however, my own favorite remains the 06 Cabernet Sauvignon. A full-bodied offering packed with dark fruit characteristics, this one is an age-worthy keeper.
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Fruit wine lovers should enjoy Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard. Though in operation since 2001, we had never visited the winery, and we did not neglect a chance to sample their fruit wines. The Halifax Red presents yet another true Native American grape, the Concord grape. Dry and bold, there is no doubt that this one is indeed King Concord. Paul enjoyed the Apple wine made from a blend of apples that provided an array of apple characteristics.
So what other wines made our all-star list? From Rebec Vineyard, we preferred the Riesling. Davis Valley Winery presented a blend of hybrids (chardonnel, vidal blanc, and seyval blanc) in its White that should prove to be a crowd pleaser for the summer time. We’ve reviewed Cooper Vineyards’ Norton, and the 2006 Norton is still one of my favorite Virginia Nortons. And finally, Cabernet Franc lovers may want to try the current offering by First Colony.
Alprazolam Uk Online And so ended our trip to the winter edition of the Virginia Wine Showcase. For the record, we do pick and choose what to taste and how much to taste. For those who wish to navigate these events without getting inebriated, remember that you do not have to taste everything on the tasting menus. For example, I do not like sweet wines and do not taste them. Paul avoids most Chardonnays, and we both say “no thanks” to so-called hot tub wines. Also, do not be afraid to dump into the buckets even if you enjoy the wines you are tasting. Tasting portions do tend to be quite minimal, but if an associate is pouring too much into your glass then speak up! Finally, drink lots of water and be sure to eat. (Your palate will tell you when you’ve sampled too much wine—when Merlot tastes like Chardonnay, it’s time to call it quits.)
Alprazolam India Online Be sure to visit any or all of the wineries featured here, but be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Bright Horizons at Sunset Hills
While on our recent Loudoun County winery tour, we decided to visit Sunset Hills Vineyard. Though owners Diane and Mike Canney established their first Chardonnay vineyard in 1997, the winery is very new and opened for business two months ago; in fact, the facility is a restored 130-year old Amish farm. Of course, we were eager to taste current offerings, and in the process we got a sneak barrel tasting from Mike Canney.
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Xanax Online Store Three white wines were available for tasting, and all three were very good. My own favorite was the Viognier with its pineapple and honey characteristics. I noted a longer finish, too. This Viognier is finished in neutral French oak and therefore has more body and structure without an overwhelming oak feel. Paul preferred the stainless steel Chardonnay and appreciated its flavors of apples and pears. Not to be missed is the Reserve Chardonnay. Aged in French oak barrels, the Reserve Chardonnay exhibits hazelnuts on the nose and roasted pineapple in the mouth; a nice buttery finish is the product of partial malolactic fermentation.
https://aiohealthpro.com/wqgrllm Of the red wines, we both placed a star next to the 2006 Cabernet Franc with its notes and flavors of rich red berries, dried herbs and spice. Aged 18 months in oak, this one is built for longevity. A pairing with any favorite beef or game dish would do just fine. Of its 20 acres of planted vines, the largest planting is Cabernet Franc. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was likewise quite good and another age-worthy pour. This one offered darker fruit characteristics with smooth tannins. Seventeen months in French oak will allow this Cabernet to age very well.
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https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/p3kcoi9a4p0 We did get to meet owner Mike Canney who offered us a barrel tasting of developing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. We saw great potential with these evolving wines, and we noted Mike’s passion for making quality wines. His dedication was reflected in the immaculate barrel room located beneath the tasting facility. Mike was also mindful of soils and environment when he selected his property for use as a vineyard. The results are the quality wines that are available in the tasting room. We also discovered that Mike is a race car driver, so perhaps he also knows how to keep a competitive edge!
https://homeupgradespecialist.com/zh7sisswsl At the end of our tasting and tour, we shared a glass of the Viognier and watched a spectacular sunset as we sipped and savored. Before we left Sunset Hill Vineyard, I was sure to purchase a bottle of the Viognier with a shellfish dinner in mind. We do intend to return to Sunset Hills, but we do recommend a visit to readers; of course, be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Breaux Vineyards
https://oevenezolano.org/2024/08/ap82jqft What better way to warm the body than with a bowl of chicken gumbo and a glass of wine! While on our Loudoun County trek, we made certain to take the chill off by stopping in at Breaux Vineyards for gumbo and wine (of course).
Before lunch, the wine tasting—how else to decide what to pair with the food? Hospitality Associate Sylvia Miller guided us through a tasting of current offerings; as always, white wines were featured first. Paul’s personal favorite was the 2007 Viognier, and he observed a floral nose with vibrant fruit in the mouth. My own pick of the white wines was the 2006 Barrel Select Chardonnay, and for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied Chardonnay, this one is for you. Nine months of barrel aging in American and French oak and malolactic fermentation gives this one a creamy texture with a butterscotch finish.
Generic Xanax Buy Online Of the red wines, Paul placed a star next to the medium-bodied 2004 Lafayette with its peppery characteristics. He jotted down, “dark berry” and “caramel toward the end” as descriptors. Sylvia explained that the secret to the Lafayette’s complexity was the weather during the 2004 summer—cool, dry nights, and hot, dry days. My own gold star was placed next to the 2002 Merlot Reserve. Dried fruit characteristics prevailed here with nice, silky tannins. Aging in both American and French oak gave this Merlot Reserve a toastier edge toward the end with a lengthy finish.
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https://nedediciones.com/uncategorized/n1wmwp1s8 By this point, we were hungry and thinking of lunch. I was very keen on the gumbo; since, I am from New Orleans I never miss a chance to try gumbo wherever it is offered on the menu. Pairing gumbo with wine can be tricky given the numerous and complex flavors. However, I met my match with the 2007 Jen’s Jambalaya. A blend of Viognier, Vidal, and Muscat provided a floral nose with peachy flavors. The half-percent residual sugar was barely noticeable but just enough to combine with the fruit characteristics to balance the spiciness of a dish like gumbo. With my decision made, I was ready to wine and dine. Paul was in a patriotic mood given the recent inaugural events and opted instead to have the all-American hotdog with a glass of his favorite 2004 Lafayette.
Online Xanax Prescriptions With appetites satisfied and excellent wines sampled, we were ready to bid “adieu” to Breaux Vineyards. We were very grateful for the time that Sylvia Miller gave us, and we know that we will return to Breaux Vineyards very soon. Be sure to visit Breaux Vineyards, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Loudoun Valley Vineyards
https://udaan.org/8yqfqc8ds0r.php 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.
Xanax Prices Online 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.
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.
Buying Xanax Bars 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
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.
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
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!)
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.