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!