Making a Dream Come True Part One
This past weekend, Paul and I visited Brian and Sharon Roeder, owners of Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Virginia. Barrel Oak Winery will open in May, but Brian and Sharon graciously allowed us a sneak preview of their facility and wines. In the process, we discovered that Barrel Oak Winery is a dream come true for Brian and Sharon.
Sharon and Brian
We met Brian and Sharon at their home in Delaplane, and we quickly became acquainted. Both are friendly, outgoing personalities, and we even met Barley, who is ready to take on the demanding role of winery dog. We wanted to know how Brian and Sharon got into the wine-making business, and it literally started with a dream. Well, it was Sharon's dream. Sharon was on a search for a life and career changing experience, and she had a recurring dream. In her dream, Sharon would see herself in a mountainous landscape tending to grapes in a vineyard. Finally, while on a trip to Key West, Sharon heeded Brian's advice to make her dream a reality. In May, 2008, Brian and Sharon will fulfill the dream and open Barrel Oak Winery.
So what about making wine? Brian and Sharon have immersed themselves in learning this fine art. Sharon is the designated winemaker, and she has learned the business from the ground up. From vineyard management to harvesting to crushing to blending to tasting room management, Sharon has learned the ropes from masters in the business. Both she and Brian have been full-time students of such renowned experts as Jim Law, Chris Pearmund, and Tom Payette. In the process, they have dedicated several acres of their property to planting 7000 vines. Varieties will include seyval blanc, chambourcin, traminette, merlot, petit verdot and petit manseng. Although Brian and Sharon are the newest kids on the block, they have set their standards very high. Their goal is to eventually produce 10,000 cases of well-crafted wine.
The tasting room under construction.
Before treating us to a tasting of their wines, Brian and Sharon offered us a tour of their tasting room, which is still in construction. "Impressive" was the first word to come to mind, and that was probably an understatement. The main tasting room will be a 4000 square foot, state of the art facility that will feature a lengthy tasting bar. Sliding doors will also allow for the room to open up onto an expansive patio to offer breathtaking mountain views. These features will also offer versatility---events can be staged at the winery while regular tastings can be offered at the same time and without disruption to customers.
And there is more!! Above this main tasting area will be a loft that can accommodate meetings, seminars, and additional wine tasting space. A balcony effect will allow guests to look down upon the lower tasting room as they sniff, swirl, and sip. Below the main tasting room will be an additional facility that can only be described as "cavernous." This 9000 square foot feature will be where all of the wine production and storage will take place. Here, too, state of the art equipment will be used to process grapes and to insure that wines will be stored at optimal conditions. Yet more space will be designated for tasting in this "wine cave"; in addition, a wine library will be constructed. As we toured the facility, Brian and Sharon's passion and enthusiasm were evident; however, we also noted that their plans were carefully made. Though expansive, there will be no wasted space at Barrel Oak Winery. Even in the "wine cave", pain staking efforts were made to ensure fluid operations from harvest to crush pad to fermenation and then to storage.
We should also mention that Brian and Sharon plan to have the most "green" facility in Virginia. Energy saving features will include the facility's high vaulted ceilings, large sliding doors and windows, and a fireplace were all designed to conserve energy yet provide comfort to customers.
Barley
With our tour complete, it was time to taste wine. We hopped back into the golf cart and Brian brought us back the house. We stopped along the way to survey the vineyards and to visit with some equine friends who lived next door. Barley led the welcoming committee, but the several horses that grazed in the neighboring field seemed not to notice.
One of the neighbors next door.
And now the wines! Return later this week for Part Two of this Dream Come True, and I'll tell you all about them!
We met Brian and Sharon at their home in Delaplane, and we quickly became acquainted. Both are friendly, outgoing personalities, and we even met Barley, who is ready to take on the demanding role of winery dog. We wanted to know how Brian and Sharon got into the wine-making business, and it literally started with a dream. Well, it was Sharon's dream. Sharon was on a search for a life and career changing experience, and she had a recurring dream. In her dream, Sharon would see herself in a mountainous landscape tending to grapes in a vineyard. Finally, while on a trip to Key West, Sharon heeded Brian's advice to make her dream a reality. In May, 2008, Brian and Sharon will fulfill the dream and open Barrel Oak Winery.
So what about making wine? Brian and Sharon have immersed themselves in learning this fine art. Sharon is the designated winemaker, and she has learned the business from the ground up. From vineyard management to harvesting to crushing to blending to tasting room management, Sharon has learned the ropes from masters in the business. Both she and Brian have been full-time students of such renowned experts as Jim Law, Chris Pearmund, and Tom Payette. In the process, they have dedicated several acres of their property to planting 7000 vines. Varieties will include seyval blanc, chambourcin, traminette, merlot, petit verdot and petit manseng. Although Brian and Sharon are the newest kids on the block, they have set their standards very high. Their goal is to eventually produce 10,000 cases of well-crafted wine.
Before treating us to a tasting of their wines, Brian and Sharon offered us a tour of their tasting room, which is still in construction. "Impressive" was the first word to come to mind, and that was probably an understatement. The main tasting room will be a 4000 square foot, state of the art facility that will feature a lengthy tasting bar. Sliding doors will also allow for the room to open up onto an expansive patio to offer breathtaking mountain views. These features will also offer versatility---events can be staged at the winery while regular tastings can be offered at the same time and without disruption to customers.
And there is more!! Above this main tasting area will be a loft that can accommodate meetings, seminars, and additional wine tasting space. A balcony effect will allow guests to look down upon the lower tasting room as they sniff, swirl, and sip. Below the main tasting room will be an additional facility that can only be described as "cavernous." This 9000 square foot feature will be where all of the wine production and storage will take place. Here, too, state of the art equipment will be used to process grapes and to insure that wines will be stored at optimal conditions. Yet more space will be designated for tasting in this "wine cave"; in addition, a wine library will be constructed. As we toured the facility, Brian and Sharon's passion and enthusiasm were evident; however, we also noted that their plans were carefully made. Though expansive, there will be no wasted space at Barrel Oak Winery. Even in the "wine cave", pain staking efforts were made to ensure fluid operations from harvest to crush pad to fermenation and then to storage.
We should also mention that Brian and Sharon plan to have the most "green" facility in Virginia. Energy saving features will include the facility's high vaulted ceilings, large sliding doors and windows, and a fireplace were all designed to conserve energy yet provide comfort to customers.
With our tour complete, it was time to taste wine. We hopped back into the golf cart and Brian brought us back the house. We stopped along the way to survey the vineyards and to visit with some equine friends who lived next door. Barley led the welcoming committee, but the several horses that grazed in the neighboring field seemed not to notice.
And now the wines! Return later this week for Part Two of this Dream Come True, and I'll tell you all about them!
A Stop At James River Cellars
Our most recent tasting was at James River Cellars near Richmond. With warmer weather just around the corner, we were on the lookout for versatile pours; with twelve wines on the tasting menu, we were sure to find some special wines at James River Cellars.
Of the white wines on the menu, the 2006 Vidal Blanc was most notable. “Peachy” would be an apt descriptor of its notes and flavors though more crisp than expected from a Vidal Blanc. Consider this one for an appertif, a picnic, or even a companion to a spiced ham dish that might grace the dinner table during spring. Our friend and guest blogger, Michael Tyler, would appreciate the sweeter 2006 Hanover White. It shared the same profile as the Vidal Blanc but definitely made to satisfy the sweet wine lover.
On to the reds and my gold star award.---my favorite here was the 2005 Cabernet Franc. A rich nose was noted with a mix of berries, dried herbs, and violets. Mixed berries and plums were observed in the mouth with spice toward the end with a lengthier finish. The 2005 Cabernet Franc was blended with 5% Tannat which may explain the denser color and more complex characteristics. Paul and I shared a glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc after the tasting and was a fine sipper, but a steak dinner would pair quite well with this selection.
Warren enjoying his glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc while taking notes.
I decided to grace my wine rack with a bottle of the 2005 Cabernet Franc from James River Cellars, and we know that new releases are just around the corner at James River. While on a visit to Richmond, be sure to check out the selections at James River Cellars; remember to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Of the white wines on the menu, the 2006 Vidal Blanc was most notable. “Peachy” would be an apt descriptor of its notes and flavors though more crisp than expected from a Vidal Blanc. Consider this one for an appertif, a picnic, or even a companion to a spiced ham dish that might grace the dinner table during spring. Our friend and guest blogger, Michael Tyler, would appreciate the sweeter 2006 Hanover White. It shared the same profile as the Vidal Blanc but definitely made to satisfy the sweet wine lover.
On to the reds and my gold star award.---my favorite here was the 2005 Cabernet Franc. A rich nose was noted with a mix of berries, dried herbs, and violets. Mixed berries and plums were observed in the mouth with spice toward the end with a lengthier finish. The 2005 Cabernet Franc was blended with 5% Tannat which may explain the denser color and more complex characteristics. Paul and I shared a glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc after the tasting and was a fine sipper, but a steak dinner would pair quite well with this selection.
Warren enjoying his glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc while taking notes.
I decided to grace my wine rack with a bottle of the 2005 Cabernet Franc from James River Cellars, and we know that new releases are just around the corner at James River. While on a visit to Richmond, be sure to check out the selections at James River Cellars; remember to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Art and Wine at Woodland
This past weekend, Virginia Wine Time photographer Paul Armstrong, unveiled his first art show at Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery. Paul was invited to show his work by John and Megan Witherspoon who are part of the family team that operates Woodland Winery. (In fact, Megan is an outstanding artist herself.) Of course, wine tasting was on the agenda, and John commandeered the tasting bar to give us all a sampling of Woodland Winery’s current offerings.
The focus of our visit was art, and Paul brought along fourteen photographs from his extensive portfolio to present in the Woodland Winery tasting room. Paul is an avid photographer, and those who know Paul also know that his camera is always around his neck. He likes to capture the ordinary---old barns, chimney tops, leafless trees,---to create extraordinary art. Paul claims that he is fascinated by shapes; in fact, his exhibit is entitled, "Shapes Through the Lens." The art is available for viewing and purchase at the winery until July 13, 2008. (A sneak preview of the exhibit can be seen here.) Paul is very humble, but I know that he was excited to plan the display with Megan, and he was quite proud of the work presented!
So what did I do while the artists were at work? I carefully yet skillfully jotted the names of each piece on small placards that were then taped next to the appropriate photograph. Yes, these placards are indeed art pieces that exemplify the underground movement known as Penmanship Art. While these placards may be viewed at the winery, they are not available for purchase---they are simply too priceless.
With the exhibit now on display, it was time to taste some wine, and John gladly obliged us all with a tasting. Also, Megan’s Mom and Woodland winemaker, Melissa, was on hand to chat about Woodland wines. Of the white wines, my personal fave was the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay. Ripe apple notes and flavors were obvious with a buttery texture and toasty finish; for those who prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay should fit the bill. I do appreciate bolder white wines and would gladly sip this one on its own, but lobster with cream sauce or a lobster bisque would pair nicely with this Chardonnay. Paul favored the crisp 2006 Stainless Steel Chardonnay.
John moved us onto the red wines, and it did not take Paul more than one sip to gold-star the 2006 Merlot. This release is blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to provide structure and complexity. It also retains the bold cherry characteristics noted in the 2005 vintage. Melissa treated us to a sneak preview of the upcoming 2006 Cabernet Franc, and what a treat! Heady berry and cedar/woodsy bouquet promised dark berry and spice in the mouth. This one earned my gold star, and I look forward to this upcoming Woodland Release.
With our tasting completed, John obliged us all with a glass of the Cabernet Franc, and we took yet another look at Paul’s art to decide which piece was our personal favorites. Megan favored Red Barnand Table Grapes. Fingers to Heaven topped my list, but no one seemed to notice my Penmanship Art. We then enjoyed another gladss of the Cabernet Franc on the porch and chatted about wine.
Time seemed to fly as we chatted about art and wine. With one last look at the exhibit, we bid our farewells to Woodland. We were very grateful to John and Megan for putting us up for the night at their lovely home---John’s blueberry pancakes are 5-star delights!! Please be sure to visit Woodland to view Paul’s art exhibit and to taste Woodland’s current offerings. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
The focus of our visit was art, and Paul brought along fourteen photographs from his extensive portfolio to present in the Woodland Winery tasting room. Paul is an avid photographer, and those who know Paul also know that his camera is always around his neck. He likes to capture the ordinary---old barns, chimney tops, leafless trees,---to create extraordinary art. Paul claims that he is fascinated by shapes; in fact, his exhibit is entitled, "Shapes Through the Lens." The art is available for viewing and purchase at the winery until July 13, 2008. (A sneak preview of the exhibit can be seen here.) Paul is very humble, but I know that he was excited to plan the display with Megan, and he was quite proud of the work presented!
So what did I do while the artists were at work? I carefully yet skillfully jotted the names of each piece on small placards that were then taped next to the appropriate photograph. Yes, these placards are indeed art pieces that exemplify the underground movement known as Penmanship Art. While these placards may be viewed at the winery, they are not available for purchase---they are simply too priceless.
With the exhibit now on display, it was time to taste some wine, and John gladly obliged us all with a tasting. Also, Megan’s Mom and Woodland winemaker, Melissa, was on hand to chat about Woodland wines. Of the white wines, my personal fave was the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay. Ripe apple notes and flavors were obvious with a buttery texture and toasty finish; for those who prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, the 2006 Reserve Chardonnay should fit the bill. I do appreciate bolder white wines and would gladly sip this one on its own, but lobster with cream sauce or a lobster bisque would pair nicely with this Chardonnay. Paul favored the crisp 2006 Stainless Steel Chardonnay.
John moved us onto the red wines, and it did not take Paul more than one sip to gold-star the 2006 Merlot. This release is blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to provide structure and complexity. It also retains the bold cherry characteristics noted in the 2005 vintage. Melissa treated us to a sneak preview of the upcoming 2006 Cabernet Franc, and what a treat! Heady berry and cedar/woodsy bouquet promised dark berry and spice in the mouth. This one earned my gold star, and I look forward to this upcoming Woodland Release.
With our tasting completed, John obliged us all with a glass of the Cabernet Franc, and we took yet another look at Paul’s art to decide which piece was our personal favorites. Megan favored Red Barnand Table Grapes. Fingers to Heaven topped my list, but no one seemed to notice my Penmanship Art. We then enjoyed another gladss of the Cabernet Franc on the porch and chatted about wine.
Time seemed to fly as we chatted about art and wine. With one last look at the exhibit, we bid our farewells to Woodland. We were very grateful to John and Megan for putting us up for the night at their lovely home---John’s blueberry pancakes are 5-star delights!! Please be sure to visit Woodland to view Paul’s art exhibit and to taste Woodland’s current offerings. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Oasis Update
There are some interesting changes coming to Oasis Winery. A big thanks to our friend James Gannon over at The Rappahannock Voice for sharing one of his recent articles with us. Head over there and read about the changes coming to Oasis Winery.
Linden’s Case Club Has Advantages
Paul decided to take advantage of his Case Club membership at Linden Vineyards, and I went along for the ride. Actually, we trekked on out there on the Sunday before last when it was cool but sunny, and we looked forward to sampling new pours and enjoying a glass of wine on the deck. Once we got there, we also opted for the Cellar Tasting. All of the above are perks associated with the Case Club membership, and as Paul’s guest, I got to share in these delights.
Since I was the guest of honor, I let Paul take all of the notes on his nifty new iPod Touch. At the regular tasting counter, Paul’s favorite was the 2004 Claret, an easy and accessible blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. He noted bright berry, dried herbs and tobacco on the nose with cherry and plum flavors in the mouth. However, Paul saved gold stars for the 2005 Hardscrabble Chardonnay and the 2005 Hardscrabble Red. Paul is very picky about Chardonnays and usually does not care for them, but he was very excited with the 2005 Hardscrabble. Fuller-bodied with big apple flavors and a nutty finish were the descriptors that Paul used, and a check mark meant that a bottle was going home. Equally pleasing to the palate was the 2005 Hardscrabble Red; in fact, Paul simply noted, “loved this one”. Other notes included dark fruit, smoky, and dried basil. These were certainly apt words to describe this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Caber net Franc. Another star awarded to a lovely wine, and we were back upstairs to enjoy food and wine!
We did end up nibbling on a block of Derby cheese and baguettes with a glass of the 2004 Claret. We did also observe that with the new case club restrictions, the atmosphere was certainly quieter. No problems finding a table from which to gaze on mountain views and to appreciate food, wine, and conversation! Paul purchased yet another case of wine this go round including several bottles of the Avenius Sauvignon Blanc. For myself, I purchased a bottle of the 2004 Claret to savor with a simple meal.
Linden Vineyards produces some of the best wines around! It’s always a treat to discover the gems produced by Jim Law, and we know that we’ll back soon, especially for the barrel tasting usually held in April. In the meantime, pay Linden Vineyards a visit, inquire into their case club membership, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Since I was the guest of honor, I let Paul take all of the notes on his nifty new iPod Touch. At the regular tasting counter, Paul’s favorite was the 2004 Claret, an easy and accessible blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. He noted bright berry, dried herbs and tobacco on the nose with cherry and plum flavors in the mouth. However, Paul saved gold stars for the 2005 Hardscrabble Chardonnay and the 2005 Hardscrabble Red. Paul is very picky about Chardonnays and usually does not care for them, but he was very excited with the 2005 Hardscrabble. Fuller-bodied with big apple flavors and a nutty finish were the descriptors that Paul used, and a check mark meant that a bottle was going home. Equally pleasing to the palate was the 2005 Hardscrabble Red; in fact, Paul simply noted, “loved this one”. Other notes included dark fruit, smoky, and dried basil. These were certainly apt words to describe this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Caber net Franc. Another star awarded to a lovely wine, and we were back upstairs to enjoy food and wine!
We did end up nibbling on a block of Derby cheese and baguettes with a glass of the 2004 Claret. We did also observe that with the new case club restrictions, the atmosphere was certainly quieter. No problems finding a table from which to gaze on mountain views and to appreciate food, wine, and conversation! Paul purchased yet another case of wine this go round including several bottles of the Avenius Sauvignon Blanc. For myself, I purchased a bottle of the 2004 Claret to savor with a simple meal.
Linden Vineyards produces some of the best wines around! It’s always a treat to discover the gems produced by Jim Law, and we know that we’ll back soon, especially for the barrel tasting usually held in April. In the meantime, pay Linden Vineyards a visit, inquire into their case club membership, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Wine and Chat at the Chateau
We’ve intended to re-visit Chateau O’Brien since our last visit about a year ago. This weekend we were determined to do just that and in the process catch up with owner Howard O’Brien about the latest developments at the chateau.
Howard greeted us like old friends, and we immediately settled in for some wine tasting and conversation. Howard was very eager to tell us about his successes with tannat, a varietal with potential in Virginia. Readers may know that Portugal makes some outstanding wines from tannat, and Horton Cellars right here in Virginia won gold in the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup with its 2001 Tannat. Anyway, Howard’s own tannat has won accolades from international wine makers. In fact, Howard traveled to Uruguay to talk tannat with winemakers there. Uruguay, like Virginia, seems to have the right climate for tannat, and Howard’s meeting proved fruitful. In fact, Howard will be hosting a tannat tasting and event at Chateau O’Brien in May featuring tannat wines from Uruguay.
As we chatted, Howard conducted our wine tasting. The 2005 Chardonnay, done in the French style, still shows well and remains my personal favorite of the white poured at Chateau O’Brien. Paul, however, favored the newer 2006 North Point White done in stainless steel. He appreciated its citrus and apricot flavors and crisp finish. The North Point White should prove to be a versatile pour that would be appropriate for an appertif, a summer picnic, or a light, casual meal that featured poultry or white fish. Of the reds, we both favored the 2005 North Point Red. This Bordeaux-style blend features all of the Bordeaux varietals except for Malbec. The result is an accessible wine with a vibrant appearance and lush cherry/berry flavors. Velvety tannins make for an easy wine to drink, and we later enjoyed this one with the cheese and baguette board offered by the winery.
After our tasting and conversation, we enjoyed lunch and wine in the chateau’s dining area, and we were able to enjoy lovely views of mountains and wished for spring to arrive. We should also mention that Howard does a reserve tasting for his Reserve Tannat and Reserve Chardonnay. We plan to arrange for a tasting soon so as to experience these excellent wines ourselves! In the meantime, visit Chateau O’Brien and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Howard greeted us like old friends, and we immediately settled in for some wine tasting and conversation. Howard was very eager to tell us about his successes with tannat, a varietal with potential in Virginia. Readers may know that Portugal makes some outstanding wines from tannat, and Horton Cellars right here in Virginia won gold in the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup with its 2001 Tannat. Anyway, Howard’s own tannat has won accolades from international wine makers. In fact, Howard traveled to Uruguay to talk tannat with winemakers there. Uruguay, like Virginia, seems to have the right climate for tannat, and Howard’s meeting proved fruitful. In fact, Howard will be hosting a tannat tasting and event at Chateau O’Brien in May featuring tannat wines from Uruguay.
As we chatted, Howard conducted our wine tasting. The 2005 Chardonnay, done in the French style, still shows well and remains my personal favorite of the white poured at Chateau O’Brien. Paul, however, favored the newer 2006 North Point White done in stainless steel. He appreciated its citrus and apricot flavors and crisp finish. The North Point White should prove to be a versatile pour that would be appropriate for an appertif, a summer picnic, or a light, casual meal that featured poultry or white fish. Of the reds, we both favored the 2005 North Point Red. This Bordeaux-style blend features all of the Bordeaux varietals except for Malbec. The result is an accessible wine with a vibrant appearance and lush cherry/berry flavors. Velvety tannins make for an easy wine to drink, and we later enjoyed this one with the cheese and baguette board offered by the winery.
After our tasting and conversation, we enjoyed lunch and wine in the chateau’s dining area, and we were able to enjoy lovely views of mountains and wished for spring to arrive. We should also mention that Howard does a reserve tasting for his Reserve Tannat and Reserve Chardonnay. We plan to arrange for a tasting soon so as to experience these excellent wines ourselves! In the meantime, visit Chateau O’Brien and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
