Our friend and wine enthusiast, Michael Tyler, joined us for wine and lunch at Winery at La Grange. It had been a while since we last visited Winery at La Grange; of course, it’s enough to visit the facility just to tour the historic home and lovely grounds. On this crisp fall afternoon, though, we were also interested in Michael’s impressions of Winery at La Grange’s wines.
The tasting menu featured six wines to sample, and our associate, dressed in her finest Halloween fashion, guided us through our tasting. Of the dry whites, the unanimous favorite was the 2006 Fletcher’s Chardonnay with its apple flavors and buttery finish. Michael tends to appreciated off-dry white wines, and the Cuvee Blanc was made just for him. In fact, Michael placed a check mark next to this one, and we knew that he would be contributing comments on this selection. Done in stainless steel, the 2006 Cuvee Blanc features three varietals that include Pinot Grigio, Viognier and Rousanne. The 1.5 residual sugar makes it slightly sweet but not cloyingly so. More on this from Michael later!
Six reds were next up for a taste, and the first three were lighter-bodied reds. The team favorite here was the 2006 Cabernet Franc. In fact, Michael placed another check mark next to this one, and we’ll let Michael do the commentaries on this one. Three bolder reds were also presented, and Warren’s own favorite was the 2005 Meritage. The 2005 Meritage blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot; it was the most complex of its “red” siblings with darker fruit aromas and flavors with an earthy undertone. Done in American and French oak, this Meritage leaves a lengthier finish and destined for a favorite beef dish. We were also treated to a sample of the Reserve Cabernet Franc; aged in American oak for 20 months, the Reserve Cabernet Franc was surprisingly smooth and sophisticated.
So on to lunch. We brought along herbed chicken, pasta salad with chopped ham and parmesan cheese, and a wedge of cranberry cheese. Our selection for lunch was Michael Tyler’s favorite, the 2006 Cabernet Franc. Michael noted woodsy/herby characteristics on the nose with bright berry flavors. He appreciated its lighter body and smoother finish and suggested that the 2006 Cabernet Franc might please those who would ordinarily drink a white wine. In fact, Michael stated that he would even sip a glass of the 2006 Cabernet Franc on the deck after work. Of course, Michael “check-marked” another wine that he sampled at the tasting bar, and he graciously jotted down his comments on the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.
Michael really enjoyed this one. He appreciated its pear and light citrus bouquet and “sparkling” color; Light and crisp, Michael commented that its melon flavors made this one a crowd-pleaser; if cerviche is on the menu, Michael would opt to pour the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.
As we finished our lunch and then toured the grounds, we enjoyed the pleasant breezes and mountain views. With fall finally in the air, it was a relief to even see some autumn colors. We know that we will return to Winery at La Grange, and we may even have Michael along with us. In the meantime, pay a visit to the Winery at La Grange and let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.