On Saturday we went to Linden Vineyards. We love their wines and never give up the opportunity to enjoy a tasting. We also decided to do the cellar tasting.

On the regular tasting menu we tasted the 2009 Seyval, the 2009 Rose (new to us), the 2008 Claret (new to us), the 2007 Petit Verdot, and the 2009 Vidal Riesling. By the way, Warren has a review of the 2007 Petit Verdot in the latest issue of Virginia Wine Lover magazine. We had a hard time selecting a winner from the regular tasting menu. If forced to select one for a gold star, I’d select the 2008 Claret. I really enjoyed the ripe fruit and wonderful dark fruit nose. Warren really enjoyed the 2007 Petit Verdot.

After the regular tasting we were lucky to be part of the first cellar tasting of the day. On the cellar tasting menu we tasted the 2008 Boisseau Chardonnay, the 2008 Hardscrabble Chardonnay, the 2006 Avenius Red, the 2007 Avenius Red, the 2006 Late Harvest Vidal and the 2006 Late Harvest Petit Manseng. As usual we enjoyed all the wines on the menu. However, Warren and I were in agreement on our favorites. We both enjoyed the 2008 Hardscrabble Chardonnay with its floral notes and zesty finish. We also enjoyed the dark fruit, herbs, and chocolate of the 2007 Avenius Red. The 2006 Late Harvest Vidal stood out for the creamy mouth feel, nutty notes, and orange and apricot flavors. I didn’t care for the 2006 Late Harvest Petit Manseng. It had a gasoline quality that put me off. Others at the tasting didn’t feel the same way though.

After our tasting we enjoyed a bottle of the 2008 Hardscrabble Chardonnay with a baguette and cheese. We enjoyed the view from the deck while enjoy our lunch. Before leaving we secured a few bottles for our wine racks. If you make your way to Linden Vineyards anytime soon, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!