Tag: charlottesville

Winery 221 and Meet Up With Friends

/ Warren / Leave a comment

Now that we are both retired, Paul and I can take advantage of weekdays to enjoy local vacations, and we recently took a trip to the Charlottesville area and visited wineries in the Monticello AVA. We were able to visit the 221st Virginia winery for us and catch up with friends who were also in the area to appreciate local wines and spectacular fall scenery.

So what was winery #221? Southwest Mountain Vineyards, a new addition to the Monticello AVA has already earned an excellent reputation. The winery held a soft opening a few weeks before our trip; however, we were not able to attend. Therefore, it was our mission to find out what the buzz is all about. The two-storied tasting room is indeed expansive with the first level accommodating walk-in guests while those with reservations can enjoy a tasting on the second level. We made a reservation, received an excellent tasting of flights at the bar, and then marveled at the stellar view of mountains and foliage already putting on a pageant of autumn colors. Of course, we were interested in the wines, and these did not disappoint.

Three flights were offered: a white flight, a red flight, and a reserve flight. We shared a flight of each and noted our favorites. On the white flight, I preferred the easy-drinking White Blend 2020 composed of Viognier and Petit Manseng. Its tropical notes and fruity palate finished leaner than expected. Sip this one on its own or pair it with shellfish any day of the year; it’s also versatile enough to pair with poultry or pork. Virginia is known for its quality Cabernet Franc, and the 2021 vintage here was my favorite with its notes of violet, black pepper, and dried herbs. The 2019 and 2021 Red Blends were also well-crafted but still a bit tight—-buy now but drink later. Finally, the reserve flight featured my favorite grape, Chardonnay. Paul and I reached a split decision with Paul giving the nod to the approachable 2020 reserve while I gravitated to the oakier nuances of the 2021 Reserve.

As we sipped through our flights, we also nibbled on cheese and charcuterie available from the food menu. Our tasting associate also treated us to a sample of the 2021 Gruner Veltliner and the 2019 Petit Verdot. The Gruner was excellent and presented bright stone fruit on the nose and enough weight on the palate to enjoy with a holiday menu. Paul sang the praises of the 2019 Petit Verdot and suggested that this one was already hitting its stride. We ended up purchasing a bottle of each.

Of course, we like to ask questions, and our tasting associate was eager to answer them. Wines through the 2022 vintage were crafted by outstanding winemaker Emily Pelton of Veritas Vineyards. Grapes are grown on the Castalia and Ben Coolyn Vineyards, and varieties grown include Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, and Gruner Veltliner. Upcoming vintages from 2023 and beyond will be made by renowned South African winemaker Boela Gerber.

Our visit to Southwest Mountain Vineyards kicked off a five-day vacation to the area, and we certainly visited other wineries while there. However, this trip also allowed us to catch up with friends. Below is a photographic journal of these gatherings:

Frank Morgan and Kathy Lang Wiedemann:

Nancy Bauer and winemaker Luca Paschina

George Hodgson of Veritas Vineyards

Stephen Banard, now winemaker at Delfosse (soon to be Mountain and Vine) Vineyards

Our next post with offer holiday menu suggestions based on some of the wines that we tasted on our trip to the Monticello AVA, Until then, we recommend that you take time to enjoy the gorgeous show put on by Mother Nature this time of year with your own trip to the Charlottesville area. Plan to visit Virginia wineries along the way, and mention that Virginia Wine time sent you!

Finding Some Favorites

/ Paul / Leave a comment

After our stop at Trump Winery on Veterans Day weekend, we visited two more of our Charlottesville favorites, Blenheim Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards.

At Blenheim they only had five wines to taste because of great sales lately. Of those we tasted, we really enjoyed the 2010 Chardonnay and the 2010 Cabernet Franc. The 2010 Chardonnay presented notes of pear and melon and had a crisp, refreshing ending. This one is 38% Chardonnay that is aged for five months in French and Hungarian barrels. The 2010 Cabernet Franc had a candy fruit nose and presented notes of dry herb, toffee, and a pepper end.

Towards the end of our tasting, Kirsty Harmon joined in and told us how challenging the 2011 season was for Blenheim. The amount of rain they got at the end of the season made it a difficult harvest. However, Kirsty is confident they’ll have some nice wines when they are released later this year. Kirsty also gave us a sample of the yet to be released 2010 Petit Verdot. I love Petit Verdots and this one promises to be just as nice as the 2009. After our chat with Kirsty we enjoyed a glass of the 2010 Chardonnay on the balcony. The views were beautiful with the fall colors coming to an end.

After our stop at Blenheim, we headed over to Jefferson Vineyards. We hadn’t been there since the bloggers conference in July. Unfortunately Andy Reagan wasn’t there. However, Allison, who we met at the bloggers conference was and she conducted our tasting. We always enjoy the wines at Jefferson.

From the tasting menu our favorites were the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve 2010.This is Warren’s kind of chardonnay. It presents notes of pear, apple and honey with just enough of an oak presence to stand up to food. This one always makes us think of a creamy pasta dish. Our other favorite was the 2008 Meritage. We noted dark fruit, herbs, cassis, and a smooth ending. As with other vintages of Jefferson Meritages, we think of thick filets. What a nice compliment a big piece of meat.

After our tasting I enjoyed a glass of the 2010 Chardonnay and Warren enjoyed a glass of the Chardonnay Reserve 2010. The fall colors and crisp afternoon went very well with the wines.

On your next trip to Charlottesville be sure to plan a visit to Blenheim Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards. And be sure to tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Monticello Wine Trail Day One

/ Paul / 2 Comments

We are in Charlottesville! Today we visited Barboursville, Horton, Keswick, Jefferson and Blenheim. Here’s a quick recap of the gold stars we handed out and a few notes we made during our visits.

At Barboursville I gave my gold star to the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and Warren awarded his to the 2008 Viognier Reserve. For the reds I gave my gold star to the 2008 Sangiovese and Warren gave gave out two gold stars. One to the Octagon 2005 and one to the Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007. All the wines at Barboursville are strong. We enjoy them all. However, something must be done with the flow of the tasting room. Big crowds slow things down and hamper the tasting experience. It might be time to consider a different plan or layout for tasting. There’s got to be a better way to conduct their tastings. Just a thought.

It’s always an adventure at Horton Cellars. They have so many wines to choose from. We have to be selective or we’ll have to get a driver. We did try a few of the whites and a few of the reds. This time our gold stars went to the same wines. We awarded the 2008 Viognier a gold star and the 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve a gold star. We purchased a few bottles before leaving.

Our next stop was Keswick Vineyards. We always enjoy our tastings there. They had six wines to taste this time and they were all new to use. I gave my gold star for the whites to the recently released 2009 Verdejo and my gold star for the reds went to the 2008 Cabernet Franc. Warren selected the 2008 Chardonnay Reserve and the 2008 Consensus for his gold star winners. After our tasting we enjoyed a bottle of the 2008 Cabernet Franc. Warren noted currents, plums, dried herbs on the nose and similar qualities on the palate. He said, “It tastes like it smells.” We enjoyed it with some delicious white cheddar cheese and crackers.

Our next stop was at Jefferson Vineyards. Jefferson was packed! It was a very popular place today. We found a spot at the tasting bar and began our tasting. We met some nice ladies from California next to us and enjoyed chatting about wine with them. Once again our choices for gold stars were split. It’s probably a good thing we like so many different Virginia wines. I gave my gold stars to the 2008 Pinot Gris and the 2007 Meritage while Warren gave his gold stars to the 2008 Viognier and the 2007 Merlot. Usually Warren likes the meritages and I like the merlots but we mixed it up this time. The weather was beautiful today so we shared a glass of the 2008 Viognier on their deck.

Trying to make the most of the beautiful weather and squeeze in as many wineries as we can on this trip, we finished the day at Blenheim. Kirsty Harmon is doing some wonderful things at Blenheim. It’s another winery that has become very popular. Our tasting associate, Pete, guided us through the current offerings at Blenheim. There were two new wines on the list: White Table Wine and Painted Red 2008. The Painted Red 2008 intrigued us with his big fruity nose and flavors. We described it as beaujolais style. Warren and I both gave our gold stars to the 2008 Viognier but for the reds we were split again. I gave mine to the Blenheim Farm Petit Verdot 2008 and Warren gave his to Painted Red 2008. After our tasting we enjoyed a glass of the Painted Red 2008 on the deck. Kirsty came out and joined us and we chatted about wine of course. We always have a great time at Blenheim.

That was our first day in Charlottesville. A lot of wineries, I know but we have to make the best use of our time. Tomorrow we are headed to three more wineries. I’ll update you then with our findings. If you find yourself at any of these wonderful wineries, please tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

End of the Monticello Trail

/ Warren / Leave a comment

So finally we revisit the oldies—wineries that we visit frequently while on the Monticello Trail. This will be a quick rundown of our personal favorites based on our recent tastings:

Afton Mountain Vineyards—Unoaked Chardonnay was Paul’s fave; crisp and refreshing

afton

Barboursville Vineyards—2005 Octagon; this Merlot-based Bordeaux-style blend is currently the subject of international acclaim. Also try the 2006 Cabernet Franc and the 2007 Viognier Reserve.

barboursville

Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery—my own favorite was the 2008 A6, a crisp blend of Viognier and Chardonnay; Paul preferred the 2008 Quattro, an aromatic blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Traminette.

cardinalpoint

Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard—we still detest the test tubes, but we do enjoy the wines. The bubbly 2004 Blanc de Blanc was my favorite, but Paul was in the mood for summer wines and gave the nod to the 2008 Albemarle Rose.

White Hall Vineyards—a very nice tasting staff allowed us a tasting even though we arrived a few minutes before closing time. The lush 2007 Petit Manseng won my gold star for the white wines while the jammy 2007 Touriga earned my award for favorite red wine. (Be sure to try the port-style 2006 Edichi, too.)

whitehall

Planning to visit these award-winning wineries soon? Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.