Tag: Slater Run Vineyards

Back on the Trail

/ Paul / Leave a comment

June was a very busy month for Warren and I. Between the two of us we traveled to 5 different states for family vacations, family reunions and a special trip for a baptism for Warren’s god child. Things have calmed down for us so this past Sunday we decided to get back on the wine trail and visit a couple of Virginia wineries.

We started at Delaplane Cellars. Warren is a club member there and it was time to pick up club wines and taste the latest offerings. We started with a seated tasting of the chardonnay reserve, rosé, Duet and the Piedmont Station. While we enjoyed all the wines, the 2022 Duet was our favorite. The merlot dominate blend presented wonderful berry flavors, violet, fall spice and a juicy mid palate. We know we’ll enjoy this one during cooler months.

After our tasting we decided to share a bottle of the stainless chardonnay with a warm baguette and olive oil for dipping. Perfect pairing for a warm day. Before leaving we picked up our club wines and a few other favorites.

Our second stop of the day was Slater Run Vineyards. We hadn’t visited Slater Run for a few years so it was time to return to see what wines they had to offer. We made a reservation for a bar tasting and our tasting associate, Kathy, treated us to almost the full menu of wines.

It was really difficult to pick out favorites since all the wines were well made and offered flavors for almost any palate. I took a liking to the 2022 Steel Chardonnay and Warren really enjoyed the 2022 Chardonnay reserve. The heat of the day may have had something to do with our choices. The reds were also very strong and reminded us of (again) cooler months ahead and what we might pair with each wine. Decisions, decisions!

After our tasting we enjoyed a glass each of the 2022 Steel Chardonnay with a baguette, brie cheese and some of their chutney. While enjoying our nibbles we discussed what wines to bring home and decided to join the Wine Club! We used to be club members but let our membership lapse. But we are back on the Wine Club list and came home with a case of wine!

We had a great day enjoying wines and getting back on the wine trail. We plan to keep up with our winery visits in the months to come. If you haven’t been to Delaplane Cellars or Slater Run Vineyards lately, plan a trip and when you do visit 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!

Slater Run Vineyards

/ Paul / 2 Comments

A few weeks ago we found ourselves in Middleburg visiting wineries. We realized that Upperville was just a bit farther up the road so we decided to visit Slater Run Vineyards. We’d heard good things about them from others so it was time.

Slater Run has 12 acres of vineyards on a family farm located in Upperville. The vineyards were planted in 2010 and their first wines were released in 2014. Lucie Morton is a consultant and the winemaker is Katell Griaud. We have tasted other wines crafted by Kate so we were looking forward to trying the wines here. Currently you can taste their wines at The Local Taste, their tasting room and wine shop, in downtown Upperville. That is where we tasted their current lineup of wines.

Julien Lacaze conducted our tasting. He’s a very knowledgeable wine steward. Of the white wines, Warren enjoyed the 2015 Pinot Gris with it’s lemon, pear and apple notes. We both really enjoyed the 2015 Chardonnay. We noted pear and apple and particularly enjoyed the creaminess on the finish.

The stand out red that we both enjoyed was the 2014 Roots. It’s a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot and 16% Petit Verdot. We noted dark fruit, leather, and some tobacco. We know this one will rest on our wine rack for several years and will get better with time.

Before leaving we purchased our favorites and promised to return. We left with half a case of wine! We’ll definitely be back. If you find yourself in Middleburg, continue up the road to Upperville and stop by the Slater Run Vineyards tasting room. And when you do, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!