Category: Food

Oregon Chardonnay For Chardonnay Lovers

/ Warren / Leave a comment

Today we wander off of the Virginia Wine path and consider a Chardonnay from Oregon, the Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay. The Marshall Davis Vineyard is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of the Willamette Valley, and the vineyard itself is tended by the Marshall family. The vineyard includes “eight acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines surrounding their home near Carlton.” The vineyard site boasts an elevation of 450 feet with volcanic topsoil and superior drainage.

This particular Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 15% of which are new. It presented notes of pear and tropical fruit followed by roasted pear and lush tropical fruit flavors that finished with a caramel kiss. Fruit flavors extended and then lingered through the palate. We enjoyed this Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay with crab cakes topped with a corn relish; on a warm summer night, it proved to be a perfect pairing.

I have never been a a member of the “ABC” (Anything But Chardonnay) club, and my motto is “Yay for Chardonnay!” The Marshall Davis 2017 Estate Chardonnay get two thumbs up from me. Be sure to seek this gem out at your local wine shop or purchase on line by visiting the vineyard’s website. Mention that you read about it on Virginia Wine Time!

More On Locations Tastings

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We continue to enjoy Locations Wines that are each designated by letters of the alphabet. Readers may recall that the Locations wines are produced from the best vineyard sites situated from all over the world produced by Dave Phinney. Our most recent tastings included representations from New Zealand (NZ), France (F) and Spain (E).

 

NZ: This crisp gem the product of three vineyard sites in New Zealand, and they include the Wairau Valley; Awatere Valley, and the Waihopai Valley. These sites pull in influences from the Pacific Ocean, gravel soils, and cooler ripening climates. The result is a refreshing wine that presents characteristics of grapefruit, fresh grass, and mineral. Enjoy on a warm day with goat cheeses, shellfish or poultry.

 

F: France is synonymous with winemaking, and Locations pulls in red grapes from Rhone, Roussillon and Bourdeaux to create this fruit-driven wine. The blend includes Grenache, Syrah, and various Bordeaux varities. Seed berry notes prevailed on the nose complemented by aromas of tobacco and violet. A very berry palate included velvety tannins and a pleasant fruity finish. We enjoyed F with herbed eg of lamb and roasted veggies.

 

E: The tasting notes describe this blend as offering influences from the Mediterranean and the Continent but dominated by Spanish varietals. The blend includes Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Carinena. I noted juicy plum and tobacco aromas that gave way to flavors of cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. It paired nicely with slow-cooker pot roast served aside roasted potatoes and carrots.

 

We thank Balzac Communications for sending these lovely wine for us to enjoy. We do appreciate the quality wines that a combination of grapes from various locations can produce. Plan a visit to your local wineshop and to seek out these unique wines produced from Locations. Of course, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Good Things Come In Threes

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I posted recently about our third anniversary dinner being complemented with the 2012 “3”; today, I post about another trio but this time the focus is on three wines which we received from Rosemount of Virginia. Rosemount of Virginia has always impressed us; however, we have never visited the winery—-it’s located in the very southern part of the state and therefore quite a drive for us. Our tasting of these wines occurred at events or festivals where Rosemount of Virginia wines are poured. We were therefore very excited to find this trio greeting us at our front door!

The first of the trio that we enjoyed was the 2017 Rose produced from the Chambourcin grape. This dry rose was fermented in stainless steel tanks and presented fruity notes of red berries and a refreshing fruity palate. This rose should be perfect for summer barbecues; however, I enjoyed it with spicy shrimp creole.

On a colder winter’s evening, we poured the 2015 Kilravock, a blend of Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (36%), and Petit Verdot (24%). It was aged in both new and used oak barrels; of the new oak, 75% of aging time occurred in French oak barrels with the remainder spent in Virginia oak. On the nose it presented brambleberries, dark cherry, and licorice. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and anise finished with caramel to suggest oak nuances. It paired quite well with our winter comfort meal that included roasted eye of round roast, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots flavored with tarragon. (I will add that I decanted this one before pouring.)

The 2015 Merlot was the last of the three wines, and it was also our favorite. It was aged for 18 months in barrels (some new and some used; some time in Virginia oak barrels and some time in French oak barrels.). I decanted the Merlot before serving, and this seemed to open the aromas of cherry, plum, forest floor, and cedar. The palate was greeted with cherry, blackberry, and licorice flavors; Paul caught a taste of blueberry, and we both enjoyed an oak kiss on the finish. It paired quite well with filet mignon, roasted potatoes seasoned with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and roasted asparagus.

We do appreciate the trio of lovely wines sent to us by Rosemount of Virginia, and we know that we will visit Rosemount of Virginia to sample these and their other well-crafted wines. In the meantime, readers may want to visit the winery sooner rather than later. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Return To The Club

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I was a member of the Casanel Vineyards and Winery wine club for a year and then a few more months went by and I was out. You need to buy a case within the year to be in the club. Well I had forgotten. So we went back to Casanel to get back in the club.

We began at the tasting bar. Our very knowledgable tasting associate Erik, guided us through our tasting. Between the two Pinot Gris’ they have, we both preferred the Ellianna. We noted a full palate with notes of pear, apricot and some lime zest. It was lean and ended with some mineral notes. It’s perfect for a late spring day or summer time. But we’ll enjoy it year round.

We really enjoyed the 2016 Chardonnay. It’s a blend of stainless and oak aging. We noted pineapple, pear and lemon with a lingering finish and a kiss of oak at the end. As I tasted this one, I knew I’d be adding several bottles to my case.

Onto the reds. We tasted the 2015 K2 Red Blend, the 2013 Bergerac Red, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 Petit Verdot. While all the reds were wonderful, my favorite was the 2015 Petit Verdot. I noted plum, blackberry, cedar and a whiff of violet. I could see this one as both a sipper and pairing well with beef. We were also treated to a taste of the 2014 Carménère. Warren wrote down fleshy red fruit, plum, black pepper and thought it would pair well with a flank steak.

After our tasting we shared a bottle of the 2016 Chardonnay with cheese and a baguette. While enjoying out wine and snacks, Nelson joined us and told us his life story and shared his words of wisdom. It was great talking with him and hearing his stories.

Before leaving we made our decisions for the case. We liked the wines so much we’ll probably be back sooner than later to get another case! I’m back in the club now! Be sure to visit Casanel soon and when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Breaux Vineyards

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On Sunday we went to pick up club wines and do a tasting at Breaux Vineyards. We went straight to the club room and Bruce was there just waiting to conduct out tasting. It’s always nice to see a familiar face at Breaux.

We started with the club wines. We tasted 2016 Vidal Barrique, the 2015 Cellar Club Chardonnay, the 2016 Six Degrees and a new, sweeter white called 2016 Orleans. Of these I really enjoyed the 2015 Cellar Club Chardonnay. We noted apple and pear on the nose and on the palate. We also enjoyed the 2016 Six Degrees. Here is another one that tastes like it smells. We noted strawberry and cherry on the nose and on the palate.

After our tasting with Bruce we moved back upstairs for a regular tasting. And who was at the bar? Bruce’s wife, Sylvia! We always enjoy talking wine with Sylvia. We tasted through the wines on the regular tasting menu. From the whites on the list I really enjoyed the 2016 Madeleine’s Chardonnay and Warren enjoyed the 2016 Viognier. I noted tropical fruit and some citrus notes on the Chardonnay. Warren noted melon, floral notes and a full mouth feel.

We then moved onto the reds. Sylvia was able to do a mini-vertical tasting of two vintages of the Meritage. We tasted the 2013 and the 2014. I preferred the 2013 and Warren put a star next to the 2014. I underlined black cherry, plum, and candied fruit on the 2013. Warren jotted down raspberry, blackberry and pepper on the tasting sheet for the 2014. Both can be enjoyed for years to come.

After our tasting with Sylvia we grabbed some bread and cheese and sat out on the patio while enjoying a glass of the 2016 Madeleine’s Chardonnay and the 2016 Viognier. It was a great way to enjoy our Sunday afternoon.

Before leaving we purchased a half a case and said our goodbyes. We always enjoy our time at Breaux Vineyards! A big Thank You to Jen Breaux for letting us purchase two bottles of the 2015 Jennifer’s Jambalaya! If you haven’t been to Breaux Vineyards lately, stop by and check out the latest releases and tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard

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A few weeks ago we visited Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. We visited them in the fall but decided to return to see how the wines were developing and what might be new on the tasting menu. It was a chilly day so we enjoyed sitting by the fire and having Bonnie conduct our tasting. It’s always fun to catch up with Bonnie. Since we are both teachers and Bonnie is a former teacher, we always have lots to chat about. While we always enjoy all the wines at Zephaniah, we did find our favorites.

Our favorite white wine from the menu was the 2015 Adeline. It’s a blend of 53% Muscat Ottonel, 25% Vidal, and 22% Petite Manseng. The wine is aged in stainless steel. We noted floral, fruity, and sweet notes. We thought this would make a nice wine to enjoy on a warm spring day. The natural sweet notes come from the muscat and vidal. We could see almost anyone enjoying this wine.

Our favorite red from the tasting was the 2013 Three Captains Red. This is a blend of 46% Cabernet Franc, 45% Chambourcin, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. I am not normally a chabourcin fan but the blend here ended up being a very favorable wine. We noted tobacco, black currents, blueberries, cranberry, and some mild tannins that grip the tongue in just the right places. Something beef with roasted potatoes and crunchy French green beans comes to mind when thinking of pairings for this wine.

After our tasting we enjoyed a glass of the 2015 Adeline by the fire. And of course before leaving we picked up a few bottles to add to our wine rack. We always enjoy our time at Zephaniah. You can definitely count on a relaxed, enjoyable tasting in the old farm house. And chatting with Bonnie is a plus! Plan a trip to Zephaniah soon and when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

America Eats Tavern and Virginia Wine

/ Warren / 3 Comments

Jose Andres is well known in the area for his fine restaurants that include Jaleo and Zaytinya. His latest culinary venture is America Eats Tavern located in the Ritz Carleton Tysons. America Eats manager David Strong invited us to the restaurant for a food and wine dinner. In the course of eating and sipping, we learned more about Andres’ concept behind America Eats and the critical role that Virginia wine plays in putting that concept into practice.
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America Eats presents itself as a no pretense establishment. Patrons at the bar sported business casual attire with sleeves rolled up; others were dressed in more comfy but appropriate summer attire. David Strong explained to us that Andres’ goal for America Eats was to attract a no-nonsense clientele who was more interested in experiencing the possibilities of classic American cuisine prepared with interesting culinary twists. Only seasonal foods are served at America Eats, so don’t expect to find asparagus on the menu in February. However, do expect to find local wines to pair with a dinner selection that may also feature fresh local ingredients. America Eats boasts a selection of excellent Virginia wines that include such labels as Michael Shaps, Barboursville, Linden, Early Mountain, Ankida Ridge, Glen Manor, and RdV. Other American wines include those from New York, Texas, New Mexico as well as selections from better known wine producing states such as California, Oregon, and Washington.

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AmericaEats0 - 1Our niche, of course, is Virginia wine, and David Strong did not disappoint us. Awaiting us was a plate of raw oysters from both the Rappahanock and Washington coasts, and these were paired with a very nice 2013 Riesling from Rockbridge Vineyards. This was followed by a lovely crab cake created from Chesapeake crab; the cake was topped with a lemon foam and partnered with a fuller-bodied 2012 Chardonnay from Early Mountain. Next up was a dish after my own heart——a pork jambalaya prepared with suckling pig and topped with fried pork skins. I’m from Louisiana and couldn’t wait to dig into this. I must admit, I’ve never eaten suckling pig jambalaya; Cajuns usually make pork jambalaya with pork chops and andouille sausage, so this was a first for me. I can report that this rendition was absolutely delicious, and it was served beside the complex 2010 Hodder Hill from Glen Manor. The final entree was braised mutton served with the Jose Cuvee. The Jose Cuvee is a Merlot-based blend prepared for Andres by RdV. This cuvee also happens to be the house wine and bottled in huge bottles that make magnums look small by comparison. For dessert we enjoyed the Martha Washington chocolate cake, and it was a decadent treat that ended our dining experience.
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Our evening came to a close, but not before we received a tour of the restaurant to reveal its private dining area that can be used to host wine and dinner events as well as its state of the art wine cellar where the full selection of Virginia wines are stored.
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Looking for a full culinary experience that features American cuisine, fresh seasonal ingredients, and excellent Virginia wines served in a no-attitude-required environment? Consider Jose Andres’ America Eats Tavern located in the Ritz Carleton Tysons. Mention to the maitre-de, table server, bartender, and sommerlier that Virginia Wine Time sent you!