Stay

/ Warren / 2 Comments

And we did just that during a recent summer getaway to the Charlottesville area. We rented a cottage on a vineyard site managed by Stay Charlottesville, and the cottage named Coop Billon was located on the property associated with Afton Mountain Vineyards. Of course, we visited several wineries during our stay!

For readers looking for a local weekend getaway or longer vacation in the historic Charlottesville area, consider booking accommodations through Stay Charlottesville. We booked a cottage located on a vineyard because we are wine geeks; however, other Stay sites include Charlottesville estates, rustic Virginia countryside, and University of Virginia. The Coop Billon is one of four cottages that offer guests views of Afton Mountain’s vineyards, a tasting in the tasting room, a gorgeous views of Virginia mountainsides. The cottage itself can be described as country quaint with a complete kitchen, spacious bathroom, and a back porch that included rocking chairs. Paul and I enjoyed simple meals each night paired with a favorite Virginia wine while dining al fresco on the porch. Each meal was partnered with lovely skies, and on one evening, music from the winery.

A stay at the cottages includes a free tasting at the winery; of course, we took advantage of the opportunity to sample the latest releases from Afton Mountain Vineyards. Owner Elizabeth Smith greeted us warmly, and it was she who conducted our tasting. I already had dinner on my mind even though it was 11 AM—-it’s never too early to think about dinner; anyway, I knew that we were going to enjoy crab cakes that evening. The first pour on the tasting list was also my choice to pair with dinner, and it was the 2018 Albarino. It presented floral notes with peach aromas and a crisp, refreshing feel in the mouth. Be on the look out for lots of rose from the 2018 vintage due to the heavy rainfall during that growing season, and the 2018 Rose from Afton Mountain Vineyards offered bright red berry notes and fruity palate that demanded to be enjoyed on a hot summer day.

Speaking of the 2018 vintage, readers may know that some winemakers have opted not to produce red wines from that growing season; however, remember that microclimates matter. While some vineyard sites got soaked, others were more fortunate to receive a break from the constant rainfall and were able to produce red wines. The 2018 Cabernet Franc from Afton Mountain Vineyards was quite enjoyable. It was lighter bodied with lots of red raspberry and cherry notes; it also presented a fruity palate that makes it an easy pairing with lighter fare now or in the fall. If in doubt about which winemaker is doing what with the 2018 vintage, ask the particular winemaker at a specific winery——don’t assume everyone has decided not to produce red wines.

Of course, summer will not last forever and fall/winter fare will grace the dinner tables. Consider Afton Mountain’s Bacco 2016 which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Tannat. This one featured a profile of ripe dark berries and currants with a chewy/tannic presence that plays well with heavier beef dishes and game meats. Look out for a white port-style wine crafted from the floral muscat grape; we were treated to a sneak preview; however, we are not sure when it will be released.

And so our day ended just as we had planned—-crab cakes with the 2018 Albarino from Afton Mountains. We dined outdoors and were entertained by the band playing at the winery; a cool breeze greeted a colorful sky made brighter by fire flies flitting above the meadow. Consider a Stay at the vineyard cottages while visiting the Charlottesville area, and enjoy the lovely wines at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

25th Anniversary

/ Paul / Leave a comment

On Saturday I attended the 25th Anniversary celebration at Gray Ghost Vineyards. Twenty five years ago on July 9th Al and Cheryl Kellert opened the doors to Gray Ghost Vineyards. They were only tasting one wine on that day, a Vidal.

The day began with an opening reception. Amy Payette, Virginia House of Delegates from the 18th district Michael Webert, Richard Leahy and Al Kellert all spoke during the reception.

Following the reception there were events that took place all day. You could enjoy a tasting of their current release of wines (even the limited release 2017 Merlot). The wine library was open tasting four vintages of library wines. The barrel room was also open for tasting of the 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (first time a reserve barrel as been opened!). There was also beautiful music in the barrel room from harpist Tess Miller. If that wasn’t enough, you could also take a vineyard tour, winery tour and enjoy live music around the grounds at Gray Ghost. And if you got hungry Talk of the Mountain Seafood was on hand to fill that hunger.

It was an amazing day. The events continued again on Sunday. We have been part of the Gray Ghost family for many years. We want to congratulate them on reaching their 25th year. We know they will continue on into the future with great success. And we of course will continue to visit Gray Ghost, help in harvesting and enjoying their wines for years to come. Congratulations Gray Ghost!

Before I left, I bought a case of the limited release 2017 Merlot. If you haven’t been to Gray Ghost Vineyards, it’s one winery in Virginia that you must visit. And when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Napa Cabernet from Virginia?

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So I have been recovering from a dental procedure that required me to eat soft foods for two weeks. Poached chicken, mashed potatoes, and smoothies had been my go to menu items; so, I decided to munch on a juicy steak once I got the all clear to eat something more substantial. My wine of choice was the 2013 Home Town Red from Abingdon Vineyards.

We visited Abingdon Vineyards at least seven years ago, and we were mesmerized by the lovely mountain views and well-crafted wines while on a tour through that section of south western Virginia. In 2018, the winery was purchased by Loren and Elizabeth Gardner both of whom are native to California wine country. The 2013 Home Town Red was produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Napa, California, and it presented the hallmark characteristics of a Napa Cab—-jammy dark fruit that lingered through the palate and finished with a leathery/cedar note. It struck a perfect chord with my filet mignon topped with mushrooms and partnered with sautéed potatoes a la Julia Child.

Abingdon Vineyards sent us several wines to try. We’ve enjoyed them all. If you follow us on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram, you will have seen our impressions of the wines we’ve tried so far. A big THANK YOU to Abingdon Vineyards for sharing some of their wines with us.

Whether you are on a steak break due to dental issues or at a loss as to what to serve with a favorite beef dish, consider the 2013 Home Town Red from Abingdon Vineyards. If you are at the winery, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Oregon Chardonnay For Chardonnay Lovers

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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!

We Remember Carol Mercer Jensen

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The Virginia wine blogging community lost a cherished member on Wednesday when Carol Mercer Jensen passed away due to cancer. Readers may know that Carol and her husband, Kurt, chronicled their passion for Virginia wine on their blog, Wine About Virginia. It was Virginia wine that introduced us to Carol and Kurt over 13 years ago after we had also started our own blog, Virginia Wine Time. in fact, the four of us and other Virginia wine blogging pioneers eventually earned the nickname, the Virginia Wine Mafia. I am not sure that we were really a mafia, but we all enjoyed getting together to share our experiences with Virginia wine.

Over the years, Paul and I developed a friendship with Carol and Kurt. Carol was thoughtful and generous with an easy sense of humor. She was an adored wife and a beloved mother of two daughters, Laura and Diana. To us, Carol was a warm-hearted friend, and we will miss her terribly.

Paul and I extend our deepest sympathies to Kurt Jensen and his daughters Laura Brown and Diana Robbins.

Early Release!

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On Saturday we went to Gray Ghost Vineyards to do a tasting and pick up a few cases of wine. Of course we enjoyed all the wines on the tasting, especially the reserve chardonnay.

Winemaker Al Kellert conducted out tasting so of course we learned more about the wines than usual. Al also informed us that the 2018 Cabernet Franc would be released next weekend on Father’s Day weekend. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to return to Gray Ghost next weekend so Al let us secretly buy a bottle of the 2018 Cabernet Franc before the release next weekend!

We decided to bring the bottle of 2018 Cabernet Franc to dinner at our friends’ house. We had steaks and burgers on the grill…delicious of course. We decided to open the Cab Franc to see how it paired with the burgers. Al’s 2018 Cabernet Franc was perfect with the burgers! It’s a classic Virginia cab franc. It’s a light bodied, smooth wine with notes of cherry , vanilla, and black pepper. We thoroughly enjoyed this cab franc.

Of course we’ll return to Gray Ghost in the near future to secure some more bottles of 2018 Cabernet Franc. If you happen to visit, be sure to try the 2018 cab franc and tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Starting Summer at Slater Run Vineyards

/ Warren / 2 Comments

It has been a while since we have been on the wine trails; however, this past weekend we made certain to enjoy the transition from spring to summer with a visit to Slater Run Vineyards. Our summer plans include outdoor concerts, picnics, and gatherings with friends, and our quest was to stock up on summer pours that would be appropriate for warm nights, festive fireflies, and summer fun!

Our visit to Slater Run Vineyards coincided with the winery’s opening of its new spacious tasting room. The well-appointed tasting room highlights a trendy yet tasteful barn-like atmosphere with plenty of glass doors and windows to maximize exposure to green space and mountain views. We also appreciate the no pets, no children rule; yes, we like dogs and love toddlers, but wine tasting is an adult (and human) experience. (Sorry to offend anyone!)

Kathy skillfully guided us through our tasting experience. My palate was tuned in to summer wines, and the 2018 Pinot Gris with its citrus notes and refreshing palate was an instant hit for me. We both enjoyed the 2018 Rose, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Bright red berry aromas and red berry flavors screamed summer. (Readers may already know that 2018 was a very difficult growing season due to heavy rain, so get ready for lots of rose from Virginia wineries.) Lean meats on the grill should pair well with the light-bodied 2016 Cabernet Franc with its brambleberry notes and spicy finish. Grilled steaks and heartier meats would appreciate the 2016 Roots as a sidekick. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this blend and is accompanied by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Dark fruit prevails on the palate and the mouthfeel is heavier; however, the tannins are pliable; this one is accessible now but feel free to store on the rack for fall.

We enjoyed a bottle of the 2018 Rose with sliced ham, fresh strawberries, and light cheeses while taking in the scenic view from the patio. A gentle breeze and the scent of blossoms filled with warm air. Of course, we left with a case of our favorite wines, and we encourage readers to do the same. Please visit the new (and expansive) tasting room at Slater Run Vineyards to enjoy their excellent wines. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

NEW Virginia Wine Travel Journal

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Virginia Wine Country fans will love the new Virginia Wine Travel Journal! Buy it online now and get free shipping with promo code: VAWINETIME

The book includes 25 new wineries and cideries, Wine Getaway Weekend itineraries, peeks behind the scenes of Wine Country, and Winery VIP Experiences.

Also:
• Where to sleep and eat at Virginia Wineries
• Maps & checkoff lits
• 50 Wineries where dogs are welcome inside!
• Wineries to bring kids to (and where not to!)
• Much more!

Order now at Virginia Wine In My Pocket

Nebbiolo Through the Years at Breaux Vineyards

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Nebbiolo is a grape variety that oenophiles would associate with Italy; however, there are a few wineries in Virginia that are able to grow the grape in their vineyards. Breaux Vineyards is one of them. In fact, it was owner Paul Breaux who fell in love with Nebbiolo while visiting Italy in the late 1990s and decided to try growing it in his own vineyard. It has since proven to be Breaux’s flagship red wine with excellent vintages on display at a recent vertical tasting.

The 2005 vintage was the eldest statesman at the event with the 2016 bottling debuting as the youngster. In between the two, the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were poured for comparison. Vintages are paired together and then partnered with three courses prepared by Grandale Restaurant and Catering. So what were our favorites?

First Course and Pairing:
Chicken, spinach, and prosciutto Napoleon with Bechamel Sauce paired with the 2005 and 2012 vintages.

This course proved that chicken can be matched with red wine. The 05 vintage was the winner at our table and presented the raisiny fruit profile associated with an aging red wine. I noted clover and earthy aromas too. However, the fruitier ’12 vintage with its brighter red berry notes was my own personal favorite.

Second Course and Pairing:
Braised pork shank over leek and truffle risotto paired with the 2014 and 2015 vintages.

This was my favorite course. The pork shank was braised to perfection with truffle risotto providing an earthier flavor to the dish; this matched quite well with the ’15 vintage and its dark fruit notes and subtle whiff of violet on the nose. For readers with a bottle of the ’14 vintage rest assured that it can stay a while longer on the wine rack. Tannins on this one are still firm. Decant if you insist on enjoying it now.

Third Course and Pairing:
Cheesy polenta cake with bolognese sauce and shaved pecorino Romano cheese with snow pea tendrils paired with the 2010 and 2016 vintages.

This was Paul’s favorite course—-the polenta cake was an excellent alternative to pasta with the bolognese sauce. The pairing also offered a contrast in winemaking styles. The 2010 shared a profile that was similar to the 2005, and both were products of longer oak aging. The 2016, though, presented the vision of current winemaker, Josh Gerard. Gerard favors less oak aging but longer bottle aging in order to showcase Nebbiolo’s lush aromatics. Though young, the ’16 presented rich berry notes that extended through the finish. The ’16 has not been released yet; however, it already shows potential.

Lagniappe (or bonus for those who are not from New Orleans):
Smoked chestnut and wine berry tossed in cocoa paired with the 2013 vintage

The ’13 was an easy sipper and a nice partner with the cocoa powder. Softer fruit notes and tannins with this one.

The Nebbiolo vertical allowed us to taste many of the vintages that we have on our own wine rack, and we determined that ’05 and ’10 vintages should be enjoyed now. ’14 and ’15 can rest while longer; ’12 and ’13 can be enjoyed now or held a bit longer. Be sure to visit Breaux Vineyards to either add to or begin your own collection of Nebbiolo, but mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Under a Starlit Sky

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We were invited to attend a soft opening of another new Virginia winery aptly named Star in the Valley. We can say that the new tasting room offers a stunning view of the Virginia skyline which was aglow with stars on the night of the opening. A starlight backdrop accented the wall behind the tasting bar, and the winery’s name, Star In The Valley, seemed fitting.

The winery currently has eight acres of property planted in vines with varietals that include Chardonel, a hybrid that mimics the Chardonnay profile, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Star In The Valley now produces 400 cases of wines and can safely be classified as a small producer of wine.

We were treated to a tasting of the 2018 Field Star White, a Chardonel that was co-fermented with Chardonnay and then aged five months in neutral oak barrels, the 2018 Chardonel that was also co-fermented with Chardonnay but aged five months in new Hungarian oak barrels. Red wine offerings included the 2018 Cabernet Franc, and the 2018 Field Star Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin.

After our tasting, we enjoyed light fare that included cheeses, prosciutto, olives, and canapés. Readers who wish to experience a new winery under the stars should consider Star in the Valley Winery. Mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.