During our recent trip to Charlottesville, we stopped at another one of our favorite wineries, Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery. Oakencroft has been producing quality wines for nearly 25 years in Albemarle County, Virginia. Felicia Warburg Rogan has been an enthusiastic promoter of Virginia wines, and this was evident as we tasted her wonderful wines and enjoyed the scenic tasting room.
Our tasting began with the whites, and standouts included the 2005 Viognier and the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay. As this was in the midst of our El Nino winter weekend, the warm weather suggested that we try the crisp Countryside White with its citrus flavors; we purchased a bottle to enjoy while on a springtime picnic.
We then moved on to the reds and enjoyed samplings of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Cabernet Franc, 2005 Merlot, 2005 Jefferson Claret, 2005 Estate Chambourcin, and the Countryside Red. Paul’s personal favorite was the 2005 Merlot with its dark cherry flavors and satin-like texture. At the top of Warren’s list was the 2004 Petit Verdot, and in fact, he purchased a glass to enjoy with hard cheeses and baguette. Its dark garnet color suggested a dense core; aromas of dark cheery and plums gave way to flavors of black cherry, raisins, and mocha. The 2004 Petit Verdot follows in the footsteps of the excellent 2002 Petit Verdot and deserves a place on the wine rack!
If in search of a dessert wine, do try the Sweet Virginia. This is a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier with a touch of Muscat. A floral nose and honeyed texture makes this one a crowd pleaser.
While we relaxed by the pond and savored our wine and nibbles, Felicia drove down the driveway. Following her was her beloved pet goose that happily honked as Felicia then made her way to a storage room where she keeps its food. We chatted with Felicia and found out that the goose had just lost its mate; even more significant was the fact that this goose was now the last of 12 geese that she and her late husband had raised on the property for over a twenty year period. We were saddened by the loss, but we were glad to see the remaining goose enjoy its feeding time with Felicia.
Once we finished our wine and snacks, we stopped in the tasting room to purchase a few bottles for our collections. Felicia encouraged us to inquire about the “Five Case Club”, and this we did upon our return to the tasting room. A purchase of five cases of wine in 2007 will earn a sixth case at 50% off. These cases can be mixed and matched, and they don’t need to be purchased all at one time. Be sure to ask for a Five Case Club card, and each time a case is purchased, the card will be punched; before long, that sixth case will sitting on the wine rack and at an incredible savings.
We enjoy our visits to Oakencroft and a chance to talk with Felicia is always a bonus. We have plans to return to the Charlottesville area in the future and a stop at Oakencroft will be on the agenda. If you visit Oakencroft be sure to mention that them you read about their wines on the Virginia Wine Time blog.