This past weekend, we visited Gray Ghost for their annual barrel tasting. Each year Gray Ghost provides barrel samples of upcoming red wines with a sneak preview of the Chardonnay to boot. This is a premier event at Gray Ghost and one that we never miss!
The barrel tasting was hosted in the barrel room, and six wines were available to sample. In the midst of it all, participants were also given the chance to blend wines and to chat with the winemaker, Al Kellert about their preferences. With logo glasses in hand, we started with the Chardonnay. Clean and crisp came to mind; aged for eight months in oak barrels, this Chardonnay had much in common with French-style treatments of the same varietal. Warren is a Chardonnay fan, and this one was an immediate favorite.
From Chardonnay to the reds—Merlot was next on the list. Chardonnay is to Warren as ___________ is to Paul. Merlot fills in the blank! Paul gave a thumbs up to the 2006 Gray Ghost Merlot as it was sampled at the Valentine’s Day event, and he was eager to have a second go round. Cherry, cherry and more cherry—like its 2005 older sibling, the 2006 Merlot abounds with cherry flavors with just enough oak to provide backbone. Paul convinced Becca, our assistant, to give him a second sample—for the blog, of course!
Now on to the serious business of blending. We next tasted the the 2006 Cabernet Franc and then moved on to the 2006 Cabernet Sauvnignon. Remember, 2006 was glorious for Virginia vineyards; so, expectations are high that reds as well as whites from the 2006 vintage will shine. We found the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon to be a gem; though certainly young, this French-oaked cabernet enticed with violet, mocha, plum and currant characteristics. We anticipate softer, velvety tannins as this one ages over time; its older brother, the smokier 2005 Cabernet Sauvnignon, was quite the American rebel.
The American-oaked 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon was next in line, and what a contrast to its softer sibling. Cheryl Kellert revealed to us that the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon will be a 50-50 blend of the 2005 and 2006 vintages; the 2005 will certainly provide weight and texture, and the result should be a wine worthy of cellaring. Warren was entranced with the bigger 2005; Paul was romanced by the softer 2006, and the combination should be a perfect marriage. How do we know? Our last blend was a 50-50 blend of the two, and we registered our approval to Al. (ok—Paul suggested blending slightly more of the 2006 French oak vintage; Warren recommended slightly more of the 2005 American oak vintage.)
Before our blending of the Cabernet Sauvignons, we did blend the 2006 Cabernet Sauvingnon with the 2006 Cabernet Franc (80-20 here). Another pleaser, the Franc provided another dimension to the Cabernet Sauvignon that included brighter berry notes and a bit of spice.
As we sipped away, we were also able to enjoy cheeses that complemented the wine samples. An incentive to attend the Gray Ghost barrel tasting is the ability to reserve favorite featured wines through their futures program. Paul already knew he wanted to reserve a case of the 2006 Merlot; Warren secured the 2006 Cabernet Franc and the upcoming 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. By then, we were definitely hungry, and we enjoyed a warmer afternoon outdoors with a bottle of the 2005 Chardonnay with grilled chicken tenders, white cheeses, almonds, and apple slices.
We will attend the Gray Ghost’s Cabernet vertical tasting toward the end of the month; so, stay tuned. In the meantime, when you visit Gray Ghost, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!