Our friend and wine enthusiast, Michael Tyler, joined us for wine and lunch at Winery at La Grange. It had been a while since we last visited Winery at La Grange; of course, it’s enough to visit the facility just to tour the historic home and lovely grounds. On this crisp fall afternoon, though, we were also interested in Michael’s impressions of Winery at La Grange’s wines.

The tasting menu featured six wines to sample, and our associate, dressed in her finest Halloween fashion, guided us through our tasting. Of the dry whites, the unanimous favorite was the 2006 Fletcher’s Chardonnay with its apple flavors and buttery finish. Michael tends to appreciated off-dry white wines, and the Cuvee Blanc was made just for him. In fact, Michael placed a check mark next to this one, and we knew that he would be contributing comments on this selection. Done in stainless steel, the 2006 Cuvee Blanc features three varietals that include Pinot Grigio, Viognier and Rousanne. The 1.5 residual sugar makes it slightly sweet but not cloyingly so. More on this from Michael later!

Six reds were next up for a taste, and the first three were lighter-bodied reds. The team favorite here was the 2006 Cabernet Franc. In fact, Michael placed another check mark next to this one, and we’ll let Michael do the commentaries on this one. Three bolder reds were also presented, and Warren’s own favorite was the 2005 Meritage. The 2005 Meritage blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot; it was the most complex of its “red” siblings with darker fruit aromas and flavors with an earthy undertone. Done in American and French oak, this Meritage leaves a lengthier finish and destined for a favorite beef dish. We were also treated to a sample of the Reserve Cabernet Franc; aged in American oak for 20 months, the Reserve Cabernet Franc was surprisingly smooth and sophisticated.

So on to lunch. We brought along herbed chicken, pasta salad with chopped ham and parmesan cheese, and a wedge of cranberry cheese. Our selection for lunch was Michael Tyler’s favorite, the 2006 Cabernet Franc. Michael noted woodsy/herby characteristics on the nose with bright berry flavors. He appreciated its lighter body and smoother finish and suggested that the 2006 Cabernet Franc might please those who would ordinarily drink a white wine. In fact, Michael stated that he would even sip a glass of the 2006 Cabernet Franc on the deck after work. Of course, Michael “check-marked” another wine that he sampled at the tasting bar, and he graciously jotted down his comments on the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.

Michael really enjoyed this one. He appreciated its pear and light citrus bouquet and “sparkling” color; Light and crisp, Michael commented that its melon flavors made this one a crowd-pleaser; if cerviche is on the menu, Michael would opt to pour the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.

As we finished our lunch and then toured the grounds, we enjoyed the pleasant breezes and mountain views. With fall finally in the air, it was a relief to even see some autumn colors. We know that we will return to Winery at La Grange, and we may even have Michael along with us. In the meantime, pay a visit to the Winery at La Grange and let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

After an extended hot summer season, Fall has finally arrived, and we eagerly hit the wine trail to sample new releases and old favorites at local wineries. This past weekend, we focused on wineries located in the Middleburg area: Piedmont Vineyards and Winery and Swedenburg Estate Vineyard.

We began our day with a visit to Piedmont Vineyards and Winery. Readers may remember that Piedmont is a favorite of our friend, Michael Tyler, who graciously provided his expert commentary for our previous write up about Piedmont. His pick of the day that time was the Little River Rose; however, this spring/summer favorite is currently sold out. A newer offering; though, is the 2006 Hunt Country Red. We thought of Michael as we sample this supple red as it suits his palate quite well. The 2006 Hunt Country Red is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon and can best be described as a fruit-forward sipper, and it can also be paired with a variety of foods especially with holiday seasons quickly approaching. (Herbed poultry with cranberries seem like a natural partnering.) For those who do not like tannic red wines, the stainless-steel aged 2006 Hunt Country Red presents a pleasing alternative. In fact, we reminded ourselves that lunch was waiting in the trunk, an d we noted that the Hunt Country Red might be an option!

However, other selection on the tasting menu presented themselves. Lunch for us included herbed pork tenderloin, Swiss cheese, red grapes, and French bread. White wines are always a pairing idea with pork, and the 2006 Hunt Country Chardonnay was an idea. Pear aromas and flavors prevailed here with some oak aging to provide structure and body. We continued down the tasting sheet, and Paul became excited with Merlot as a possibility—Paul loves Merlot, in case readers have forgotten. Anyway, the 2004 Merlot quickly became an option for Mr. Merlot. Dark garnet in color, cherry and subtle spice notes gave way to dark cherry/fruit flavors in the mouth. Given the garlic and generous herb coating that seasoned the pork, Warren had to admit that the 2004 Merlot was a contender for a lunch rendezvous. As we tasted away, we were also able to catch up with John Fitter, winemaker, and Gerhard von Finck, owner of Piedmont Vineyards and Winery. They were very pleased with the 2007 crop espec ially the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they are confident that 2007 Virginia reds will be memorable.

So what did we select for lunch? The 2004 Merlot was the selection of the day. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the afternoon’s vittles while taking in vineyard landscapes, crisp breezes, and blue, sunny skies. As we sipped and nibbled, we received a visit from Anabel, the winery dog, who was a very sweet and gracious guest at our table. While Anabel did not ask for a sip of Merlot, she did help herself to some French bread; she then thanked us for food, conversation, and hugs and made her way into the tasting room.

With appetites satisfied, we loaded up the car and made our way back home. Along the way, we decided to stop by Swedenburg. We had not been to Swedenburg since the untimely death of matriarch Juanita Swedenburg, in June. In fact, we enjoyed our last bottle of C’est la Vie at Wolftrap this past summer; so, it was time to return. Newer offerings at Swedenburg include the Chardonnay with its pear/apple characteristics and dry finish. A partner to the Chardonnay is the latest in Ellen Crosby’s wine country mystery series, Chardonnay Charade. For those who read Merlot Murders, Chardonnay Charade is a continuation of events presented in Merlot Murders; in fact, the third installment in this series will be going to press soon. Ellen Crosby consulted with Juanita Swedenburg to produce this series of spine-tinglers, and Chardonnay Charade can be purchased at the winery. In fact, Warren purchased a bottle of the Chardonnay with a copy of Chardonnay Charade—what a perfect pairing!

With Fall in the air, we will be sure to enjoy the season with our favorite Virginia wines. Of course, October is Virginia Wine Month, and we encourage readers to consider Virginia wines when thinking about holiday menus. When in the Middleburg area, do stop by Piedmont Vineyards and Winery and Swedenburg Estate Vineyard but be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.