With so many wineries to visit in Virginia, we realized that there were many wineries outside of our usual travel zone that deserved a try. With some extra time during the summer on our hands, we planned a trek to wineries in the Shenandoah and Southwest regions. First in our sights were North Mountain Vineyard and Winery and Shenandoah Vineyards.

North Mountain Vineyard and Winery offered seven wines for tasting on the day that we visited. As we walked into the tasting room, we observed a spacious yet cozy tasting room that included a piano. Paul and I were tempted to perform our version of chopsticks on the piano, but we did not want to scare off other customers. With our self control in check, we approached the tasting bar. The Vidal Blanc began our tasting, and it was also our favorite of the white wines. Done in a dry style, North Mountain’s Vidal Blanc offers a citrus bouquet with similar flavors and a crisp finish. The Vidal Blanc presents a pairing option with shellfish and poultry, but Warren found to be fine on its own.

Warren at the tasting bar at North Mountain.

The gold star winner, however, was the 2005 Claret. This Bordeaux blend includes Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Darker berry aromas were evident here with subtle spice/herb notes. Soft tannins made the 2005 Claret an accessible wine that should be enjoyed with meats and grilled veggies. North Mountain’s 2005 Claret was a silver medal winner in the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup, and the reason was quite clear to us as we sipped through this one.

For those who prefer slightly sweeter white wines, the Oktoberfest may the right fit. Peachy aromas with apricot flavors should prove to be a versatile crowd pleaser. Enjoy on the deck, serve before dinner, or include in the picnic basket!

We ended our tasting at North Mountain and made tracks to Shenandoah Vineyards. By this time, we were also getting quite hungry, and we knew that we were now on a mission to determine which glass of wine to enjoy with lunch. (Tough mission, right?) A canopy of grapevines shaded our climb up the stairs to the tasting room; by the way, these grapes are not used to make wine. Shenandoah Vineyards is the third oldest winery in the state of Virginia, and it would be fair to say that Shenandoah is one of the pioneers in Virginia’s wine making industry. Our tasting associate skillfully guided us through our tasting of 11 wines. For those looking for a refreshing summer wine especially in the midst of our heat wave, the fruity yet crisp 2006 Johannisberg Riesling might cool things off. Warren’s own favorite was the 2004 Chardonnay with its pear characteristics that is kissed by a bit of oak. This is a nicely integrated wine with a lingering finish.

Warren at the tasting bar at Shenandoah.

Now on to the reds. Paul had two favorites here, and they were the 2004 Merlot and the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Paul appreciated the bold cherry flavors of the 2004 Merlot and noted that the 2004 could get even better with a rest on the wine rack. However, his own gold star went to the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet color was observed with dark berry and woodsy spice on the nose. Aged in American oak, the tannins seemed a bit more assertive but not unpleasantly so. Blackberry and currants prevailed in the mouth with hints of spice. (Warren detected a slight “grapiness” and wondered if something else was blended with the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc.)

Lunch? Simple summer fare—summer sausage, derby cheese, and crackers which we enjoyed with a glass of the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Paul also munched on Virginia-made peanut brittle, but this was not intended to be paired with wine—he simply had a sweet tooth!

With appetites satisfied, we resumed our trek. Next up? Cave Ridge Vineyard. For now, we’ll end things here. However, you know the routine. If you visit North Mountain Vineyard and Winery and/or Shenandoah Vineyards, let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

On another weekday outing, we visited Pearmund Cellars for a tasting. It’s remarkable how quieter things are in the tasting rooms during the weekday! For those who wish to avoid the buzz and crowds and enjoy a more intimate afternoon of wine, conversation and food, a mid-week visit to a local winery may just fit the bill.

Since our last write up about Pearmund Cellars, several new releases have been added to the tasting menu. In fact, most of the white wines were indeed new to us. Our friend and fellow blogger, Dezel, recently raved about Pearmund’s Sauvignon Blanc, and we concurred with his stellar review. In fact, it earned Paul’s gold star. Lemon and grass notes observed here with similar flavors and a nice acidity. Sublte tropical undertones might be noted as well and may be attributed to the 15% blending of Viognier with this Sauvignon Blanc. For those on the prowl for nice summer wines, the 2006 Riesling may be in order. Clear in color with citrus aromas, the 2006 Riesling is perfect for sipping with light cheeses and fresh melon.

We moved on to the red wines, and the 2005 Malbec was a new experience for us. A garnet colored gem, the 2005 Malbec presented a bright red berry bouquet with softer hints of spice. Here was a more fruit-forward wine with a softer finish that can certainly be enjoyed with grilled chops yet can also be enjoyed on its own. However, the other red wines were just as satisfying. Paul’s personal favorite is always Lisa’s Merlot with its deep cherry profile. However, Warren still had a gold star to issue, and his was presented to the 2004 Ameritage. This Bourdeaux blend is a classic with more complexity and nuances. It presented a longer finish and is destined to age well on the wine rack.

Winery outings for us usually means lunch and a decision to make about which wine to enjoy with our meal. We brought along herbed chicken, Manchego cheese, fresh berries and crusty bread; the cheese drove our decision. Manchego benefits from pairing with fruit-driven red wines, and we decided that Pearmund’s 2005 Malbec would do quite nicely. Once out on the front patio, we lingered over lunch and wine while watching butterflies flutter to and fro.

Alas, time seemed to fly by as quickly as our brightly winged friends, and it was time to depart. However, we did relieve Pearmund Cellars of at least one bottle of 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. Of course, we will return to sample Pearmund’s futures releases; however, readers will want to visit Pearmund even sooner. Remember to let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

August, 2007 is an important month for a pioneer winery in Virginia. Oasis Winery turns 30! We recently visited Oasis Winery and caught up with Michaele Salahi; of course, we tasted the wines there and brought along some lunch–no surprises there, right?

As many readers may know, Oasis Winery is usually mobbed on the weekends; so, we decided to visit on a week day when things were more sedate. This was a great decision—we arrived in the early afternoon and got to chat with Michaele and then received a very informative tasting from Lori, our tasting associate. On top of that, we were able to enjoy the breath-taking mountain view that Oasis offers from its outdoor patio all to ourselves!

Now on to the wines. With gold stars in hand, we sipped and savored. Of the whites, we both agreed that the favorite was the Barrel Select Chardonnay. With its enticing pale straw color, this oak-aged Chardonnay presented scents and flavors of apple and pear with a nice vanilla/buttery accent on the finish. Friendly with poultry or shellfish, the Barrel Select Chardonnay is done in the classic French style (which in American means not overly oaked). Though this was the favorite, don’t rule out the Dogwood Flower Chardonnay, a non-oaked option that is semi-dry yet refreshing on a warm day. In fact, Paul checked this one as a bottle to bring home!

So what about the reds? The unanimous choice was the limited-production American Tribute. Though not part of the regular tasting, this one can be sample for a $10.00 fee; it’s worth the splurge. The American Tribute was produced to commemorate Virginia’s 400th anniversary and was poured for Queen Elizabeth II when she recently visited the former colony now premier wine-producing state in America. American Tribute represents a cooperative project between Oasis Winery and Hewitson Wines of Barossa Valley in Australia. It is a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier, and the result is described in the tasting notes—intense. Very bold and full-bodied, the American Tribute presented dry fruit, leather and spice in the mouth. The ultimate cigar wine but must be enjoyed on a special occasion with leg of lamb, the American Tribute can be enjoyed now but will benefit from some aging. (Paul favored this one with grilled veggies!) For those who prefer a less assertive yet elegant red wine, try the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Aged in French oak, this Bourdeaux-style red wine is softer and easy to enjoy even in the midst of summer either on its own or with a favorite grilled beef dish.

In the course of our tasting, we were able to catch up with Michaele Salahi. She was very excited to see us, and she readily shared with us that Oasis plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special event on August 25. This will include a winemaker’s dinner and a blessing of the vines, an ancient tradition. Michaele also shared a very interesting story. In the mid-1970s, Oasis founders Corinne and Dirgham Salahi had a vision of owning a winery in Virginia, a region thought to be unsuitable for wine-making. At the same time, the founders of the renowned Inn at Little Washington held a similar vision of opening a world-class restaurant in rural Virginia despite objections from well-meaning family and friends that such a thing was impossible. The outcome for all concerned? Both Oasis Winery and the Inn at Little Washington are long-running success stories and have earned international accolades as a result.

Our tasting completed, we only had to decide on our lunch partner. Grilled chicken with herbs, almonds, and a block of Emmental cheese waited patiently in the trunk of the car, and we went with our gold-starred favorite, the Barrel Select Chardonnay. We settled on a perfect outdoor location so as to enjoy the mountain landscape and vineyards, and Lori brought out our Chardonnay perfectly chilled and resting in an ice bucket. As we dined and sipped, Paul and I noted colorful butterflies hovering atop fragrant flowers and various species of birds that ranged from long-winged hawks to brightly hued cardinals.

Lunch came to an end, and we bid our farewells to Michaele and Lori. We do plan to return and hope to do so with our friend, Michael Tyler. Oasis Winery is his favorite, and we marked wines that we know he will enjoy. Before then, do visit Oasis Winery and let the friendly staff know that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

We recently visited Rappahannock Cellars to taste their latest offerings. It had been several months since our last outing to Rappahannock, and some changes awaited us. This time around, we were able to choose between two flights for tasting. Flight #1 featured mostly non-oaked white wines and lighter-bodied reds. Flight #2 offered fuller-bodied white wines and bolder reds. We decided to each tackle a flight; Paul opted to sample Flight #1, and Warren agreed to try Flight #2. (Of course, we knew that we would be sneaking a taste from each others’ flights.)

Of the whites, gold stars were awarded to the 2006 Meriwether Vineyard Chardonnay from Flight #1 and the 2006 Viognier from Flight #2. The 2006 Meriwether Vineyard Chardonnay offered citrus aromas and flavors with a satisfying crispness that qualified this wine for the ultimate appertif or picnic wine. The 2006 Viognier was likewise crisp with citrus characteristics. Here was yet another option for those looking either for an appertif or a pleasant wine to pack along with the picnic.

The 2006 Rose was offered on both flights, and we both enjoyed this Rose crafted from a blend of several red grapes to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Bright strawberry flavors were noted here with other hints of melon and raspberry. We both noted a dry finish. We’ve stated in previous posts that Virginia is producing some lovely Roses, and the 2006 Rose from Rappahannock is no exception. It’s a versatile wine destined to please any palate.

Now on to the reds. Paul’s gold star was presented to the 2005 Claret. Rustic yet smooth were words that he used to describe this lush blend of Cabernet Franc, Norton, and Petit Verdot. Paul is partial to Norton, and that may explain his descriptors. Barbeque ribs (or any barbequed item, for that matter) would partner well with the 2005 Claret. Warren placed his gold star next to the 2005 Cabernet Franc. He noted the presence of darker fruit with shades of spice and smoke. Nice acidity and a lengthier finish rounded out the experience with the 2005 Cabernet Franc. A consistent gold medal winner for Rappahannock Cellar, the 2005 Cabernet Franc is yet another food friendly wine to be enjoyed with beef, lamb, or spicy holiday fare.

We should also mention that now we are in the midst of summer’s abundant harvests of fresh fruit that the 2006 Vidal Blanc would marry quite well with any fruit-driven dessert such as cobblers. However, consider an experiment with bolder cheeses and this dessert wine.

Call it a small world, but as we made our way to the tasting bar at Rappahannock, we ran into our friends, Robin and Jason. We compared some of our notes, and they seemed to enjoy several wines on the tasting menu including the Meriwether Vineyard Chardonnay, the 2006 Rose, and the 2005 Cabernet Franc. We all made our purchases and bid our farewells to the helpful tasting staff at Rappahannock Cellars. Of course, we will return, but readers will want to visit sooner. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Here we will list some great Virginia wines that we have enjoyed with favorite meals. Can you add to the list? Please let us know!

1. Grilled chicken with citrus marinade and seasoned rice

Paired with: 2005 Albarino from Chrysalis Vineyards

2. Summer tomato salad with fresh basil and mozzarella drizzled with olive oil

Paired with: 2005 Rose from Barboursville Vineyards

3. Chunky chicken salad with lemon dressing and fresh cilantro

Paired with: 2005 Pinot Grigio from Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery

4. Crispy fried spicy fish with jasmine rice

Paired with: 2005 Viognier from Horton Cellars

So back on the Loudon County Trail, Tarara Winery offers much to please the palate. We recently found ourselves back on the Loudon County Trail, and Tarara was on our list of wineries to visit. Of course, we were in pursuit of summer wines, and we concluded that Tarara had several releases to fit the bill.

On a very warm summer afternoon, we visited Tarara Winery with lunch relaxing in the cooler. We opted for the full tasting which included the reserve wines (Remember, it’s okay to dump in the bucket when being aggressive at the tasting bar!) Double gold stars went to the 2006 Viognier, a star varietal in Virginia and one that does quite well at Tarara. Aged in stainless steel, the 2006 Viognier presented a floral nose with pear, citrus, and melon flavors in the mouth. Exotic and seductive might describe the 2006 Viognier at Tarara. For those who prefer a zestier wine, the 2006 Pinot Gris would be an option. We tend to remember certain friends on our winery visits, and readers may recall our guest reviewer, Michael Tyler. Warren marked “MT” next to the 2006 Charval, a slightly sweeter offering that is also aged in stainless steel. Michael often trends toward the semi-sweet wines, and the Charval has his name all over it! The ultimate patio sipper, the Charval is a blend of Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc.

Did we ignore the reds? Of course not! Paul’s favorite was the 2004 Merlot, and for the price, it was the bargain of the day. Nice cherry flavors and satiny tanning drive this easy-to-drink wine. Close behind was the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon; slightly bolder, this Cab can be enjoyed with a grilled steak and roasted veggies. However, don’t be afraid to sip a glass of this one while dinner is one the grill. Double stars, however, went to the 2003 Meritage. Dark fruit and tobacco were the notes that we scribbled on the tasting sheet. Very dry with a lengthy finish, drink the 2003 Meritage now but think about the aging potential first.

So what was for lunch? Herbed turkey filets with a honey-mustard sauce, jasmine rice, and a fruit salad. What wine did we select? The 2006 Viognier was our choice, and enjoyed our lunch and wine on Tarara’s deck that overlooks it wooded landscape. We found the shadiest table on the deck to enjoy food, wine and scenery.

So you all know the routine—tasting, then food/wine, then purchases and farewells until next time. We know that we will attend at least one of Tarara’s summer concerts. However, we know that readers will want to visit Tarara soon; so, tell them that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Our focus continues to be refreshing Virginia wines that can soothe in the midst of summer’s warmth. At the end of our visit to Monticello Trail wineries, we visited Horton Cellars and Barboursville Vineyards.

First stop was Horton Cellars. With our agenda in mind, we checked off the wines on Horton’s extensive tasting sheet hat we wanted to try, and away we tasted. Double stars went next to the 2006 Viognier. Paul already knew this one was a winner; he recently poured a bottle with a seafood dinner and raved about this one before we walked into the tasting room. Citrusy aromas and flavors dominate with a texture that is slightly honeyed. Don’t think twice about sipping this one on its own.. Perfect for watching spectacular sunsets with sliced tropical fruit! For those who appreciate a semi-dry white wine, the Stonecastle White may fit the bill. Viognier and Marsanne provide fruit and spice characteristics typical of Rhone varietals. The Stonecastle White offers yet another picnic/summer concert wine option but can be appreciated on its own.

We each purchased a bottle of the 2006 Viognier and then moved on to Barboursville. (Identifying summer quaffs is such a chore, but someone has to do it!) Remember to bring your Barboursville glasses to the tasting room—it waives the tasting fee, and we certainly had our glasses in hand. Paul took charge here since he had an upcoming dinner party and wanted to offer a variety of white wines. His personal faves were the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2006 Chardonnay, and the 2006 Riesling. All three choices can best be described as “clean” with vibrant flavors. Appetizers that feature summer fruits and light cheeses would pair wonderfully with the Riesling, (So would the stainless-steel fermented 2006 Chardonnay for that matter.) Crab cakes or Cuban chicken beg to be partnered with the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. Don’t forget about the 2006 Rose! Soft finish with lively fruit, this Rose is yet another versatile wine for summer.

Of course, we did not skip the reds, and we will give brief mention of them here since summer cannot last forever. Before long it will be time to think about sweaters, autumn leaves, and heavier meat dishes that require bolder reds. Meat lovers may want to sample Horton’s 2001 Tannat, a Governor’s Cup winner. Intense is the word that comes to mind. Can be appreciated with a huge steak or with a cigar but should be aged for a bit longer. Warren’s gold star went to the complex 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve at Barboursville. Another one for the wine rack, the 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve can only get better with age. In fact, a bottle of the 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve is now aging quite nicely on Warren’s own wine rack.

We hope our readers are enjoying the summer with their favorite Virginia wines. Put Horton Cellars and Barboursville Vineyards on your wineries to visit, and let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

We ended things last time with our visit to Delfosse, however, we mentioned a plan to also visit White Hall Vineyards. And indeed we did. It had been a year since our last visit to White Hall, and we raved about the 2005 Petit Verdot and 2005 Touriga. So what did we discover this time around? Let’s find out!

On this particular day, White Hall offered a vertical tasting of Chardonnays, and these included the 2004, 2005, and 2006 vintages. The tasting sheet was entitled, “Weather Changes Everything”, and indeed it does. The chance to compare Chardonnays over the years was irresistible, and we opted for the vertical tasting, Of course, we began with the earliest available vintage, the 2004 Chardonnay. A rainier 2004 increased the size of the fruit clusters and this led to an earlier ripening of the Chardonnay grapes. The result was a lighter wine with lots of apple flavors. Not a bad pour at all, but the 2004 may not be for those who prefer a fuller-bodied Chardonnay. The 2005 and 2006 Chardonnays were quite similar as both were harvested after a dry, hot summer. The grapes were therefore able to hang on the vine for a longer period of time. Both vintages proved to be crisper with lengthier finishes. Pear and apple prevailed with subtle hints of toasted nuts that suggested some oak tre atment. The obvious difference between the 2005 and 2006 vintages was age—the 2005 had been in the bottle for over a year; the 2006, for two weeks. Both were classic, elegant Chardonnays.

We were also able to sample the Reserve Chardonnays for 2004, 2005, and 2006. These were obviously oaked and fuller-bodied with the creamy, buttery texture associated with a bolder Chardonnay. Warren’s personal favorite was the Chardonnay Reserve, 2005; however, Paul wisely held his gold star for the end of the vertical tasting. He is usually more partial to the stainless steel Chardonnays, and his own favorite was the 2005 Steel Chardonnay. Lemony flavors shined brightly here with a crisp finish. Perfect for sipping while watching a long summer sunset on the deck!

Reds were also tasted, and those who like red wines even in the heat of summer may like the Breakheart Red 2005. Easy to sip or to enjoy with barbeque, we noted Breakheart Red’s bright red fruit characteristics. The deal of the day had to be the Vin Gris 2006. At $10/bottle, this dry rose cannot be beat. In fact, we grabbed a bottle to take home!

Our vertical tasting confirmed what we already knew—weather does indeed influence what happens in the vineyard, and skilled winemakers know how to produce quality wine even when weather conditions are not optimal. Such was the case at White Hall. Our tasting associate was very informative, and we found out that 85% of grapes used at White Hall Vineyards are grown on the estate. This includes 37 acres of planted vines which encompass 16 varietals. The other 15% are purchased from the renowned Mt Juliet Vineyards.

We wound up our tasting and made our purchases just as White Hall was beginning to close up for the day.

We know that we will return to White Hall Vineyards in the future; in the meantime, pay White Hall Vineyards a visit, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!