Vertical Tasting at Gray Ghost

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Zolpidem Sleeping Tablets Buy This past Saturday, we treated ourselves to an elegant evening of wine and food at Gray Ghost Vineyards. The occasion was a vertical tasting of Reserve Cabernets (93, 97, 98, 99, 01, 02) and Merlots (03, 04, 05, 06). Pictures will tell the story for most of this entry, but I will share some of our notes from the evening as well as some exciting news from Gray Ghost Vineyards.

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Al telling us about the evenings events.

The evening started with a pre-event social in the tasting room. Featured here was Gray Ghost’s first ever release of a Riesling. The Gray Ghost 2007 Riesling presented lovely floral notes with grapefruit flavors and was served with hors d’oevres that paired well with a dry Riesling.

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The wine library where the wines were set out for pouring.

Before long we were invited to the wine library where the evening’s event was to take place. The setting there was truly elegant with candles creating a perfect ambiance for a night of fine, award-winning wines and dinner. We were first treated to the flight of Merlots and a first round at the buffet which featured such dishes as chicken and pasta, roasted pork loin, and venison teriyaki. Assorted cheese and dried meats were also served; of course, all of the buffet items complimented the wines. Also, Cheryl Kellert, who could probably pursue a second career as a chef, did all of the cooking

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All the glasses ready for wine.

Once we all served ourselves a round of food, the room began to buzz about the Merlots. Of course, we all had our own favorites. I preferred the 05 followed closely by the 03. Both were packed with rich cherry flavors and nicely structured due to a limited yet appropriate time in oak. I also noted that the 03’s perseverance had to be due to quality wine making as 2003 was the year of rain, rain, rain and a special visit from Hurricane Isabel. Paul placed the 2006 offering at the top of his list, but his second favorite was also the 2003!

Buy Ambien In Mexico Round two at the buffet table, and this time to pair with the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. A special feature was the 1993 Reserve Cabernet; this was the first Reserve Cabernet poured by Gray Ghost, and it earned them numerous awards and rave reviews. I say special because this was the last time that this wine will be poured; remaining bottles will continue to rest in the library. So enough nostalgia—what Cabs were the faves? I kept grabbing the 1998 and placed this one at the top of my list. To me, this one represented a fine integration of aromas and flavors; I thought it was still nicely balanced. Paul went with the sentimental favorite, the 1993 Cab.

The candle light was lovely.

At the end of the evening, we were treated to a pairing of a rich chocolate dessert and a glass of the 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. As the revered 1993 goes into final retirement, I predict that the 2004 will take its hallowed place at the verticals! We’ve written about this one before, and it only gets better every time we try it!

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We had a great time.

We ended our evening with conversations with Al, Amy, and Cheryl. Exciting developments include the future release of its meritage blend called Ranger Reserve which has already won a silver medal in a California wine competition. In fact, several Gray Ghost wines have won medals in California already this year and include the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay, the 2006 Cabernet Franc, the upcoming 2007 Gewurztraminer and 2007 Adieu. We’ll return to Gray Ghost to sample these upcoming releases; so, put a trip to Gray Ghost on the agenda, and tell the Kellerts and Gray Ghost that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Three Fox Vineyards

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https://yourartbeat.net/2025/03/11/4brgw4zzo We admit it—we’re behind in our postings. But for those 9 to 5 occurrences called jobs, we’d post more frequently! Anyway, after our visit with Brian and Sharon at Barrel Oak last Saturday, we decided to sample the latest offering at Three Fox Vineyards. Three Fox Vineyards is less than a mile from Barrel Oak, and it had been quite a while since our last visit to tasting room there.

https://www.mdifitness.com/zvgnfpi9jr We did indeed make it to Three Fox Vineyards but with fifteen minutes to spare. However, the tasting room associate graciously accommodated us, and before long we were tasting away. Of the whites, my personal favorite was the crisp 2006 Leggero Chadonnay with its citrus flavors. This Chardonnay is done in stainless steel and is quite versatile to boot. Nice sipper but can be brought along on a picnic, this Chardonnay might also pair well with a favorite shellfish dish. With warmer weather around the corner, sweet wine lovers might appreciate the 2007 Appassionata Vidal Blanc; at 3% residual sugar, this Vidal Blanc might be the right sunset sipper that can be partnered with a stronger blue cheese and baguette.

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On to the reds, and my top pick here was the 2006 Alouette Cabernet Franc. Pleasing here for me was the fact that Three Fox does not blend this one and offers 100% estate grown Cabernet Franc. I noted dark cherries in the mouth and some pepper toward the end. This offering has earned Three Fox several awards, and we opted to share a glass of this Cabernet Franc after our tasting! For Chambourcin fans, Three Fox’s 2007 Rosso Dolce is a port-styled wine that is made from Chambourcin grapes. Chambourcin lovers might want to savor the Rosso Dolce with dark chocolates or strong cheeses!

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In the process of our tasting, we met co-owner Holli Todhunter; her husband, John, is also owner and winemaker. We also got to meet and chat with Pam Rich, the Director of Tasting Room Operations. From Holli, we learned that Three Fox currently has 10 acres of vines planted with a production of 3000 cases. Future plans include a new tasting room and facility done in the Italian tradition. Holli and John are inspired by Italian wines, and this is evident in the other tasting menu offerings that include Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese. Also, upcoming winemakers’ dinners prepared by local chefs will feature Three Fox wines, so visit the winery website for more information. We must also add that Holli allowed us to enjoy a glass of their Alouette Cabernet Franc even though the tasting room was officially closed. Paul and I enjoyed our wine with some cheese and crackers while taking in spectacular mountain views.

https://chemxtree.com/ko0d3vga9v Of course, we eventually did bid our farewells to Holli and the tasting staff at Three Fox. A bottle of the 2006 Alouette Cabernet Franc was purchased for future consumption, and we plan to return to Three Fox to sample future releases. Holli was very excited about the 2007 harvest, and we know that we will have to check out the results. Plan to visit Three Fox Vineyards, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Making a Dream Come True-Part II

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Once our tour of the tasting room and grounds was complete, it was back to the Roeder’s house for a tasting of upcoming offerings. Scenic views and impressive tasting rooms are one thing, but what about the wine? We can attest that these are off to a fine start, too.


Paul and I were treated to a sampling of seven upcoming releases that will bear Barrel Oak labels. These were not estate wines; in fact, these wines were mature yet quality wines of the 2005 vintage purchased from other wineries and already in the barrel. However, these wines were still diamonds in the rough, and Sharon, with guidance from her cast of experts, was able to finish these wines to produce signature products. Of the whites, Paul favored the crisp Chardonnay done in stainless steel with minimal time in oak barrels. He noted ripe apples in the mouth with vanilla on the finish. I preferred the Seyval Blanc. This was produced from Seyval Blanc grapes purchased from a local, quality vineyard, and crushed, aged then bottled under Sharon’s direction. This may well be Barrel Oak’s competition-worthy white wine—crisp with a citrus nose and flavors that finishes with a pleasant, characteristic tartness. To be released just in time for late spring, crab cakes would pair just fine with this one.

https://www.plantillaslago.com/xcuf5ij On to the reds and more noteworthy pours. The Bowhaus Red is destined to become Barrel Oak’s festival wine. This blend of several red varieties is reminiscent of a softer claret with an herby nose and cranberry flavors. Easy and accessible were words that came to mind. The Petit Verdot will be Barrel Oak’s reserve offering, and I tended to favor this one. Currants and darker fruit aromas were noted with a bit of smoke; I also detected similar flavors with a nice spicy finish that would bode well for a pairing with lamb. My ultimate gold star award was presented to the Tour Ga Franc. This blend of Touriga and Cabernet Franc could grace any dinner party. Mixed berries, dried herbs, and tobacco notes were complimented by raspberry flavors with some mocha to finish. Paul saved his own gold star for the BowWow Norton; he favors Norton and appreciated the black currant notes and characteristic grapey qualities of this Norton. Not to be out done was the Cabernet Sauvignon—lots of potential here, this medium-bodied pour could be appreciated now or later after some time on the wine rack.


Now the canine references obviously pay homage to Barley, esteemed winery dog; however, these names and their unique labels replete with paw prints also designate the House and Reserve wines. The Tour Ga Franc offers a play on the Tour de France to signify Sharon’s affinity for biking. Also, a certain portion of the Tour Ga Franc fee will go toward the Lance Armstrong cancer association.

From tasting room to wines to wine labels, the personal touches of Brian and Sharon are unmistakable touches on a quality operation. Look for Sharon to produce her own estate wines in 2010 as estate vines will be mature enough by 2009 to offer premium pours. Before we bid our farewells to Brian and Sharon, my parting question was, “Why Virginia?” Brian is from California, and their dream could certainly have been fulfilled there or in any other better-known wine region. Brian’s immediate response was, “Virginia is home. It’s a community here, and we {Virginia winemakers} bring each other up. This is where our hearts have made a home together.”

https://www.wefairplay.org/2025/03/11/wl07wovh5 What better note on which to end our time with Brian and Sharon Roeder! We anxiously await their official opening in May. Looking for a new winery to check out this summer? Put Barrel Oak on the agenda, and tell Brian and Sharon that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Making a Dream Come True

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Zolpidem Tartrate Buy Online Uk This past weekend, Paul and I visited Brian and Sharon Roeder, owners of Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Virginia. Barrel Oak Winery will open in May, but Brian and Sharon graciously allowed us a sneak preview of their facility and wines. In the process, we discovered that Barrel Oak Winery is a dream come true for Brian and Sharon.

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Sharon and Brian

We met Brian and Sharon at their home in Delaplane, and we quickly became acquainted. Both are friendly, outgoing personalities, and we even met Barley, who is ready to take on the demanding role of winery dog. We wanted to know how Brian and Sharon got into the wine-making business, and it literally started with a dream. Well, it was Sharon’s dream. Sharon was on a search for a life and career changing experience, and she had a recurring dream. In her dream, Sharon would see herself in a mountainous landscape tending to grapes in a vineyard. Finally, while on a trip to Key West, Sharon heeded Brian’s advice to make her dream a reality. In May, 2008, Brian and Sharon will fulfill the dream and open Barrel Oak Winery.

https://ottawaphotographer.com/qg0xy7f So what about making wine? Brian and Sharon have immersed themselves in learning this fine art. Sharon is the designated winemaker, and she has learned the business from the ground up. From vineyard management to harvesting to crushing to blending to tasting room management, Sharon has learned the ropes from masters in the business. Both she and Brian have been full-time students of such renowned experts as Jim Law, Chris Pearmund, and Tom Payette. In the process, they have dedicated several acres of their property to planting 7000 vines. Varieties will include seyval blanc, chambourcin, traminette, merlot, petit verdot and petit manseng. Although Brian and Sharon are the newest kids on the block, they have set their standards very high. Their goal is to eventually produce 10,000 cases of well-crafted wine.

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The tasting room under construction.

Before treating us to a tasting of their wines, Brian and Sharon offered us a tour of their tasting room, which is still in construction. “Impressive” was the first word to come to mind, and that was probably an understatement. The main tasting room will be a 4000 square foot, state of the art facility that will feature a lengthy tasting bar. Sliding doors will also allow for the room to open up onto an expansive patio to offer breathtaking mountain views. These features will also offer versatility—events can be staged at the winery while regular tastings can be offered at the same time and without disruption to customers.

And there is more!! Above this main tasting area will be a loft that can accommodate meetings, seminars, and additional wine tasting space. A balcony effect will allow guests to look down upon the lower tasting room as they sniff, swirl, and sip. Below the main tasting room will be an additional facility that can only be described as “cavernous.” This 9000 square foot feature will be where all of the wine production and storage will take place. Here, too, state of the art equipment will be used to process grapes and to insure that wines will be stored at optimal conditions. Yet more space will be designated for tasting in this “wine cave”; in addition, a wine library will be constructed. As we toured the facility, Brian and Sharon’s passion and enthusiasm were evident; however, we also noted that their plans were carefully made. Though expansive, there will be no wasted space at Barrel Oak Winery. Even in the “wine cave”, pain staking efforts were made to ensure fluid operations from harvest to crush pad to fermenation and then to storage.

Ambien Sleeping Pills Online We should also mention that Brian and Sharon plan to have the most “green” facility in Virginia. Energy saving features will include the facility’s high vaulted ceilings, large sliding doors and windows, and a fireplace were all designed to conserve energy yet provide comfort to customers.

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Barley

With our tour complete, it was time to taste wine. We hopped back into the golf cart and Brian brought us back the house. We stopped along the way to survey the vineyards and to visit with some equine friends who lived next door. Barley led the welcoming committee, but the several horses that grazed in the neighboring field seemed not to notice.

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One of the neighbors next door.

And now the wines! Return later this week for Part Two of this Dream Come True, and I’ll tell you all about them!

James River Cellars

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Our most recent tasting was at James River Cellars near Richmond. With warmer weather just around the corner, we were on the lookout for versatile pours; with twelve wines on the tasting menu, we were sure to find some special wines at James River Cellars.

https://www.salernoformazione.com/w3zwb7ip Of the white wines on the menu, the 2006 Vidal Blanc was most notable. “Peachy” would be an apt descriptor of its notes and flavors though more crisp than expected from a Vidal Blanc. Consider this one for an appertif, a picnic, or even a companion to a spiced ham dish that might grace the dinner table during spring. Our friend and guest blogger, Michael Tyler, would appreciate the sweeter 2006 Hanover White. It shared the same profile as the Vidal Blanc but definitely made to satisfy the sweet wine lover.


On to the reds and my gold star award.—my favorite here was the 2005 Cabernet Franc. A rich nose was noted with a mix of berries, dried herbs, and violets. Mixed berries and plums were observed in the mouth with spice toward the end with a lengthier finish. The 2005 Cabernet Franc was blended with 5% Tannat which may explain the denser color and more complex characteristics. Paul and I shared a glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc after the tasting and was a fine sipper, but a steak dinner would pair quite well with this selection.

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https://www.salernoformazione.com/4b1fkjpapu Warren enjoying his glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc while taking notes.

I decided to grace my wine rack with a bottle of the 2005 Cabernet Franc from James River Cellars, and we know that new releases are just around the corner at James River. While on a visit to Richmond, be sure to check out the selections at James River Cellars; remember to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Art and Wine at Woodland Vineyards

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This past weekend, Virginia Wine Time photographer Paul Armstrong, unveiled his first art show at Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery. Paul was invited to show his work by John and Megan Witherspoon who are part of the family team that operates Woodland Winery. (In fact, Megan is an outstanding artist herself.) Of course, wine tasting was on the agenda, and John commandeered the tasting bar to give us all a sampling of Woodland Winery’s current offerings.

Order Ambien Online Usa The focus of our visit was art, and Paul brought along fourteen photographs from his extensive portfolio to present in the Woodland Winery tasting room. Paul is an avid photographer, and those who know Paul also know that his camera is always around his neck. He likes to capture the ordinary—old barns, chimney tops, leafless trees,—to create extraordinary art. Paul claims that he is fascinated by shapes; in fact, his exhibit is entitled, “Shapes Through the Lens.” The art is available for viewing and purchase at the winery until July 13, 2008. (A sneak preview of the exhibit can be seen here.) Paul is very humble, but I know that he was excited to plan the display with Megan, and he was quite proud of the work presented!


So what did I do while the artists were at work? I carefully yet skillfully jotted the names of each piece on small placards that were then taped next to the appropriate photograph. Yes, these placards are indeed art pieces that exemplify the underground movement known as Penmanship Art. While these placards may be viewed at the winery, they are not available for purchase—they are simply too priceless.

Get Ambien Online With the exhibit now on display, it was time to taste some wine, and John gladly obliged us all with a tasting. Also, Megan’s Mom and Woodland winemaker, Melissa, was on hand to chat about Woodland wines. Of the white wines, my personal fave was the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay. Ripe apple notes and flavors were obvious with a buttery texture and toasty finish; for those who prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay should fit the bill. I do appreciate bolder white wines and would gladly sip this one on its own, but lobster with cream sauce or a lobster bisque would pair nicely with this Chardonnay. Paul favored the crisp 2006 Stainless Steel Chardonnay.

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John moved us onto the red wines, and it did not take Paul more than one sip to gold-star the 2006 Merlot. This release is blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to provide structure and complexity. It also retains the bold cherry characteristics noted in the 2005 vintage. Melissa treated us to a sneak preview of the upcoming 2006 Cabernet Franc, and what a treat! Heady berry and cedar/woodsy bouquet promised dark berry and spice in the mouth. This one earned my gold star, and I look forward to this upcoming Woodland Release.

https://www.tomolpack.com/2025/03/11/qb5k67z With our tasting completed, John obliged us all with a glass of the Cabernet Franc, and we took yet another look at Paul’s art to decide which piece was our personal favorites. Megan favored Red Barnand Table Grapes. Fingers to Heaven topped my list, but no one seemed to notice my Penmanship Art. We then enjoyed another gladss of the Cabernet Franc on the porch and chatted about wine.

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Time seemed to fly as we chatted about art and wine. With one last look at the exhibit, we bid our farewells to Woodland. We were very grateful to John and Megan for putting us up for the night at their lovely home—John’s blueberry pancakes are 5-star delights!! Please be sure to visit Woodland to view Paul’s art exhibit and to taste Woodland’s current offerings. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Linden’s Case Club Has Advantages

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https://www.varesewedding.com/vkhztj56sqq Paul decided to take advantage of his Case Club membership at Linden Vineyards, and I went along for the ride. Actually, we trekked on out there on the Sunday before last when it was cool but sunny, and we looked forward to sampling new pours and enjoying a glass of wine on the deck. Once we got there, we also opted for the Cellar Tasting. All of the above are perks associated with the Case Club membership, and as Paul’s guest, I got to share in these delights.

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Since I was the guest of honor, I let Paul take all of the notes on his nifty new iPod Touch. At the regular tasting counter, Paul’s favorite was the 2004 Claret, an easy and accessible blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. He noted bright berry, dried herbs and tobacco on the nose with cherry and plum flavors in the mouth. However, Paul saved gold stars for the 2005 Hardscrabble Chardonnay and the 2005 Hardscrabble Red. Paul is very picky about Chardonnays and usually does not care for them, but he was very excited with the 2005 Hardscrabble. Fuller-bodied with big apple flavors and a nutty finish were the descriptors that Paul used, and a check mark meant that a bottle was going home. Equally pleasing to the palate was the 2005 Hardscrabble Red; in fact, Paul simply noted, “loved this one”. Other notes included dark fruit, smoky, and dried basil. These were certainly apt words to describe this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Caber net Franc. Another star awarded to a lovely wine, and we were back upstairs to enjoy food and wine!

https://chemxtree.com/bcwlsyzy We did end up nibbling on a block of Derby cheese and baguettes with a glass of the 2004 Claret. We did also observe that with the new case club restrictions, the atmosphere was certainly quieter. No problems finding a table from which to gaze on mountain views and to appreciate food, wine, and conversation! Paul purchased yet another case of wine this go round including several bottles of the Avenius Sauvignon Blanc. For myself, I purchased a bottle of the 2004 Claret to savor with a simple meal.

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Linden Vineyards produces some of the best wines around! It’s always a treat to discover the gems produced by Jim Law, and we know that we’ll back soon, especially for the barrel tasting usually held in April. In the meantime, pay Linden Vineyards a visit, inquire into their case club membership, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Wine and Chat at the Chateau

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We’ve intended to re-visit Chateau O’Brien since our last visit about a year ago. This weekend we were determined to do just that and in the process catch up with owner Howard O’Brien about the latest developments at the chateau.


Howard greeted us like old friends, and we immediately settled in for some wine tasting and conversation. Howard was very eager to tell us about his successes with tannat, a varietal with potential in Virginia. Readers may know that Portugal makes some outstanding wines from tannat, and Horton Cellars right here in Virginia won gold in the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup with its 2001 Tannat. Anyway, Howard’s own tannat has won accolades from international wine makers. In fact, Howard traveled to Uruguay to talk tannat with winemakers there. Uruguay, like Virginia, seems to have the right climate for tannat, and Howard’s meeting proved fruitful. In fact, Howard will be hosting a tannat tasting and event at Chateau O’Brien in May featuring tannat wines from Uruguay.


As we chatted, Howard conducted our wine tasting. The 2005 Chardonnay, done in the French style, still shows well and remains my personal favorite of the white poured at Chateau O’Brien. Paul, however, favored the newer 2006 North Point White done in stainless steel. He appreciated its citrus and apricot flavors and crisp finish. The North Point White should prove to be a versatile pour that would be appropriate for an appertif, a summer picnic, or a light, casual meal that featured poultry or white fish. Of the reds, we both favored the 2005 North Point Red. This Bordeaux-style blend features all of the Bordeaux varietals except for Malbec. The result is an accessible wine with a vibrant appearance and lush cherry/berry flavors. Velvety tannins make for an easy wine to drink, and we later enjoyed this one with the cheese and baguette board offered by the winery.

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After our tasting and conversation, we enjoyed lunch and wine in the chateau’s dining area, and we were able to enjoy lovely views of mountains and wished for spring to arrive. We should also mention that Howard does a reserve tasting for his Reserve Tannat and Reserve Chardonnay. We plan to arrange for a tasting soon so as to experience these excellent wines ourselves! In the meantime, visit Chateau O’Brien and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Cheap Pours

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https://municion.org/3p5qe1oyjq I’ve been collecting notes on some wines that I’ve recently enjoyed. The one thing that all of these have in common—surprising quality at affordable prices. All of these wines were under $15 and well worth the seeking out at the wine shop.

Zolpidem To Buy In Uk 1. 2005 Grilos Vinho Tinto: Dense, inky color with cherry and anise on the nose. Flavors complement the cherry notes with pepper also noted. Here’s one to enjoy with smoked meats or game. I think I paid $10 for this Portuguese pour.

Ambien Buying Online 2. 2006 Martinelle Cote du Ventoux: Juicy!! Nice dark cherry and plum characteristics. A little tart at the end but overall a very nice finish. I could sip this one on its own or enjoy with anything that once mooed, oinked, or quacked. Of the three wines described here, this one was the most expensive but hardly the wallet breaker at $14.

3. 2006 Moschofilero Erasmios: I don’t always drink red wines. This dry white wine is from Greece, and it shares some of the same flavor profiles as a dry Riesling. Floral and peachy notes are complimented in the mouth with flavors of peach and apricot. Very crisp! Serve with poultry or shellfish. An out of the ordinary pour to boot—Moschofilero is the varietal used to produce this wine that retails for about $12.

https://www.plantillaslago.com/y1x2mp1d4w These wines prove that good wines need not break the budget. Give these a try, and while at the wine shop, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.