Remember back in January when we alluded to our upcoming article in Edible Chesapeake? In fact, I mentioned that our focus was going to be on Norton, and we interviewed Norton expert Jenni McCloud for the article. (Jenni even treated us to pancakes at her house!) Anyway, the article is now available to read in the newly released Spring 2008 edition. The article cannot yet be read online, but the free publication can be found at local Whole Foods stores.

I'd like to once again thank Jenni McCloud and Hump Astorga for their time and assistance in helping me to put the article together. Norton and its history is quite fascinating. Equally exciting was the tasting that Paul and I conducted with several friends who enjoy wine and had not experienced Norton. Most of the details are given in the article, and I won't spill the beans here; however, not included in the article was the fact that I threw a California Zinfandel and an Italian Primitivo into the tasting mix alongside several Virginia Nortons. The tasting was not blind and was very informal, and I expected my tasters to place the California Zin at the top of their lists. However, it was Chrysalis Vineyards 2003 Norton Locksley Reserve that finished first!

Of course, behind the camera was Paul who captured the perfect pictures for the article.

We have arrived at the Virginia Wine Showcase at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly Virginia. You can see Dezel and Warren are ready to begin some tasting and report on what they find. We'll be reporting for most of the day from the Showcase. Stay tuned for more updates. Scroll down for the updates. They will appear below this post.

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We met Kevin Rupy from Bluemont Vineyards at the beginning of the showcase. We had a great discussion about wineries and bringing food to your favorite winery. We have yet to get to Bluemont Vineyards but we have it on our list of wineries to visit.

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Warren just got back from his first round of tasting. He went to Flying Fox Vineyards and enjoyed the 06 Chardonnay. He liked it's crispness and noted apple flavors with citrus. For those who prefer red wines the 05 Mertlot might fit the bill. It's blended with Cabernet Franc and is a bigger bodied wine.


He then stopped at Mattaponi Winery and found some wines our friend Michael Tyler would enjoy. This is a brand new winery. They currently make about 200 cases of wine. Their peach and strawberry wines are perfect for summer sipping or for those who prefer a fruitier sip with a suggestion of sweetness.


Next he went to the Breaux booth and put a gold star next to their Viognier. It had lots of tropical fruit flavors with honey suckle on the nose. Another gold star was placed next to their Chere Marie. This off dry wine is packed with peachy/appricot flavors. Chere Marie is in the running for the Unique White Varietal for the coveted Virginia Wine Showcase People's Choice award.

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Our friend, Rick Tag, who we know from Pearmund Cellars, and Keswick Vineyards, dropped by the Bloggers Corner to say hello. It was good to see him and catch up. He said he enjoyed Hillsborough and Fabbiloi.

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So we're back from another round of tastings. Bluemont Vineyards was first up this go round, and the strongest pour there was the 2005 Norton with its distinctive grapey qualities. Noted here were cherry flavors and a smooth finish. For those hoping to stock up on summer wines, the Rose might be an option---ripe, bright berry flavors result from a blend of red and white wine grapes.


Miracle Valley Vineyard is another new kid on the block. Chardonnay lovers may appreciate their Reserve Chardonnay which is done first in stainless steel and then in American oak. Creamier texture noted here. Patio sippers might opt for the Sweet Michelle, the result of Rkatsetelli. "Rkat" is a Russian varietal known for its short finish after a burst of sweetness.


And then we moved on to First Colony---of the wines tasted here, we both placed their Meritage blend at the top of the list. A lighter bodied, Bordeaux blend, cherry flavors with some spice prevailed in the mouth.


Another experience for us was the offerings at Potomac Point. Gold stars were placed next to the Viognier done in the French style, and the Norton Reserve which is blended with Cabernet Franc. The Franc rounds out the Norton quite nicely, and the vintage bottle is quite unique.


Last up was Veramar. We both enjoyed the 2006 Cabernet Franc with its herby nose and raspberry/pepper flavors. Of course, we are always on the prowl for lighter-style wines that friends might enjoy in warmer weather, and Pink Chicken (a rose) with its bright strawberry flavors might prove to be a crowd pleaser at a summer concert.

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Back from our last round of tastings. We stopped by Acorn Hill first. The strongest showing at Acorn Hill was the 2006 Cabernet Franc with its raspberry and spice flavors.


From there we went to Kluge. A real deal on the New World Red! Of course, the Simply Red is always a pleaser.

Last but not least, we sampled the offerings at Cooper Vineyards, and we both enjoyed the 2005 Norton with its dark cherry and licorice notes.


We enjoyed our time at the Expo. Please visit any of the wineries that participated, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

What wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner? The options are limitless, but several factors must be considered. Assuming that turkey will be the star of the show, then sides dishes might have to be considered when selecting wines. Seasonings and spices may also be a factor. Sauces may also complicate things. However, probably the most important factor to consider are the guests since Thanksgiving Dinner usually brings together many people with different palates. If unsure, ask a knowledgeable assistant at any wine shop. In the meantime, here are some possibilities:

Whites: Chardonnay Riesling Gerwurztraminer

Red: Pinot Noir Beaujolais (a classic) Cabernet Franc

Other: Rose Prosecco

At larger gatherings, it might even be a good idea to have two or three options and then have guests decide which wine they'd like to enjoy. Do you have any favorite pairings to share? Let us know!

We recently visited some old favorites while on a trip to Charlottesville. Here is a roundup of some favorite pours:

Horton Cellars---2006 Viognier; Sparkling Viognier---this one is a sure-fire hit for New Years' Eve

Barboursville Vineyards---lots to recommend here, but new faves included: 2006 Rose, 2006 Pinto Grigio, and 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

Oakencroft Winery---Warren's favorite: 2006 Viognier; Paul's favorite: 2006 Seyval Blanc and 2006 Merlot

Jefferson Vineyards---2006 Viognier, and 2006 Cabernet Franc

Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard---Kluge Estate SP Blanc de Blanc; for the price, Albemarle Simply Red cannot be beat.

We did also visit Keswick Vineyards and we ran into our friends, John and Megan Witherspoon. We also got to meet Megan's Mom! They all own and operate Woodland Farm Winery and Vineyard, a very small winery near Richmond. We were able to compare notes on wines being sampled at Keswick, and though we all had different favorites, the Viognier was the group favorite. In fact, John and Megan kindly sprung for a bottle of the Viognier, and we enjoyed wine and conversation out on the tasting room's front porch.

If you visit any of the above including Woodland Farm Winery and Vineyard, be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

We recently stopped by the Whole Foods market in Falls Church and were surprised to see that they were conducting food and wine pairings that featured Virginia Wines. We both were hungry, so the food samples came in handy. However, we were interested in the suggested pairings, and by the time we finished our tour of the tasting tables, we wholeheartedly concurred. Here were the food samples with their wine pairings:

1. Italian vegetable medley paired with Horton Viognier

2. Herb-crusted Haddock paired with Willowcroft's Cold Steel Chardonnay (Paul's favorite pairing)

3. Brie with fruit topping paired with Breaux's Vidal Blanc

4. Asian Beef and pasta paired with Veritas Claret (Warren's favorite pairing)

Looking for a favorite Virginia wine? A Whole Foods in your area may have it in stock. If not, ask the the wine manager to stock Virginia wines.

And while you are there, check out the Fall issue of Edible Chesapeake---it is now available at most Whole Food markets, and be sure to read the article on page six. You may just recognize the author and the photographer! Edible Chesapeake promotes the "eat locally" concept, and this area does have much to offer in that regard; in addition, this informative magazine raises awareness of sustainable foods and organic products. And it's priced to be affordable to everyone---it's FREE!

Have you had a Virginia Wine that you'd like to recommend to others? In the spirit of the Virginia Wine Month, leave a comment and let us know!

The Fall 2007 issue of Edible Chesapeake features an article written by Warren. The article is entitled Liquid Assets: Local Gems on the Vines and describes harvest at the local vineyards. Photos are courtesy of Paul.

Edible Chesapeake enjoys a wide readership in the local area and can be found at most Whole Foods stores. You can find the latest issue online here.

Here we will list some great Virginia wines that we have enjoyed with favorite meals. Can you add to the list? Please let us know!

1. Grilled chicken with citrus marinade and seasoned rice

Paired with: 2005 Albarino from Chrysalis Vineyards

2. Summer tomato salad with fresh basil and mozzarella drizzled with olive oil

Paired with: 2005 Rose from Barboursville Vineyards

3. Chunky chicken salad with lemon dressing and fresh cilantro

Paired with: 2005 Pinot Grigio from Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery

4. Crispy fried spicy fish with jasmine rice

Paired with: 2005 Viognier from Horton Cellars

Our focus continues to be refreshing Virginia wines that can soothe in the midst of summer's warmth. At the end of our visit to Monticello Trail wineries, we visited Horton Cellars and Barboursville Vineyards.

First stop was Horton Cellars. With our agenda in mind, we checked off the wines on Horton's extensive tasting sheet hat we wanted to try, and away we tasted. Double stars went next to the 2006 Viognier. Paul already knew this one was a winner; he recently poured a bottle with a seafood dinner and raved about this one before we walked into the tasting room. Citrusy aromas and flavors dominate with a texture that is slightly honeyed. Don't think twice about sipping this one on its own.. Perfect for watching spectacular sunsets with sliced tropical fruit! For those who appreciate a semi-dry white wine, the Stonecastle White may fit the bill. Viognier and Marsanne provide fruit and spice characteristics typical of Rhone varietals. The Stonecastle White offers yet another picnic/summer concert wine option but can be appreciated on its own.


We each purchased a bottle of the 2006 Viognier and then moved on to Barboursville. (Identifying summer quaffs is such a chore, but someone has to do it!) Remember to bring your Barboursville glasses to the tasting room---it waives the tasting fee, and we certainly had our glasses in hand. Paul took charge here since he had an upcoming dinner party and wanted to offer a variety of white wines. His personal faves were the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2006 Chardonnay, and the 2006 Riesling. All three choices can best be described as “clean” with vibrant flavors. Appetizers that feature summer fruits and light cheeses would pair wonderfully with the Riesling, (So would the stainless-steel fermented 2006 Chardonnay for that matter.) Crab cakes or Cuban chicken beg to be partnered with the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. Don't forget about the 2006 Rose! Soft finish with lively fruit, this Rose is yet another versatile wine for summer.


Of course, we did not skip the reds, and we will give brief mention of them here since summer cannot last forever. Before long it will be time to think about sweaters, autumn leaves, and heavier meat dishes that require bolder reds. Meat lovers may want to sample Horton's 2001 Tannat, a Governor's Cup winner. Intense is the word that comes to mind. Can be appreciated with a huge steak or with a cigar but should be aged for a bit longer. Warren's gold star went to the complex 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve at Barboursville. Another one for the wine rack, the 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve can only get better with age. In fact, a bottle of the 2003 Nebbiolo Reserve is now aging quite nicely on Warren's own wine rack.

We hope our readers are enjoying the summer with their favorite Virginia wines. Put Horton Cellars and Barboursville Vineyards on your wineries to visit, and let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

With our Loudon County Trail weekend complete, we decided it was time to pursue another wine trail. This time, we decided to take a ride on the Monticello Wine Trail. We wanted to visit a few wineries we had not been to in some time and planned to visit Kluge, DelFosse, and White Hall on the first day and Horton and Barboursville on the second day.

On day one, our first stop was Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard. We elected to have lunch at Kluge after we conducted a tasting. Kluge has changed the way they conduct their tastings. They now offer tastings in small plastic cups arranged in a plastic cup holder. We both thought of the science lab in high school, but we gave this approach a shot before we rendered jugdments. We tasted the Kluge SP Blanc De Blancs 2004, Albemarle Rose 2005, Albemarle Simply Red 2003, Kluge Estate 2002 New World Red, and the Kluge Estate Cru. Warren's gold star went to the SP Blanc de Blanc 2004, a brut made from Chardonnay. Nice bubbly here with apples notes and flavors. Readers may know that the Blanc de Blanc and the Albemarle Rose 2005 have been favorably reviewed by the Washington Post. Paul's own favorite was the Albemarle Simply Red 2003; we've written about this one before, and it seems to get even better each time we sample it. The New World Red offers a more complex wine; for the price, this one might be best saved for a special occasion.


For lunch we browsed the selections at the Farm Shop. Paul selected the cheese plate and Warren selected the mushroom quiche. With our meal we decided on the Albemarle Simply Red 2003, and its dark berry and anise flavors partnered nicely with our lunch menu. Over lunch, we concluded that while the tasting cups were a novel idea, we preferred tasting glasses---call us old-fashioned! However, the Kluge experience is always wonderful, and we lingered outdoors in the rustic setting as long as possible.

With our appetites satisfied, we moved on to our next winery. We got back on the trail and headed to DelFosse Vineyards and Winery. It had been more than a year since we last visited DelFosse. We were very impressed with the changes that we observed as we drove up the long driveway. They now have a very contemporary tasting room with lots of large windows to enjoy the mountainous views. At the tasting bar we tasted many of the 18 wines DelFosse offers. The white wines were very solid, and particular ones that we enjoyed were the 2006 Pinot Gris and the 2006 Viognier Reserve; the gold star went to the 2005 Reserve d'Oriane. Fans of California's Conundrum may want to sample this one. The Reserve d'Oriane is a complex blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. Elegant yet unpretentious came to mind as we compared our notes. Lush fruit notes and flavors that give way to a surprisingly longer finish, the Reserrve d'Oriane might pair wonderfully with shellfish or poultry prepared with creamier sauces. (Warren thought it was just fine to sip on its own, and that's just what he did after the tasting) .

On to the reds---we favored the 2005 Cuvee Laurent, the 2005 Grand Cru Olivier, and the 2005 Cabernet Franc. Gold stars, however, went to the 2005 Merlot. Paul noted a concentration of cherry and plum notes and flavors with a hint of earthiness. Smooth tannins with this one make for a pleasurable sipper or a graceful partner at the dinner table.


We did share a glass of the Reserve d'Oriane and gazed at the mountain landscapes from the tasting room. Floor to ceiling windows allow for scenic viewing on the hottest or coldest of days. As we finished our wine, we plotted our next visit to White Hall Vineyards. Our discoverery here will have to wait until our next installment. Meanwhile, if you visit Kluge or Delfosse, let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

On Wednesday, June 20, we enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Bishop's Garden in Washington DC prior to attending a concert by Chris Brubeck and his band, Triple Play. This performance was part of the Washington National Cathedral's summer music festival. It was also on this day that a memorial service for Juanita Swedenburg was held in Middleburg, and we decided to remember Juanita in our own way. We brought along a bottle of Swedenburg's C'est la Vie and offered a toast to Juanita Swedenburg.

Okay---this article completes our account of the weekend excursion on the Loudon County Wine trail. This was Day Two, and we had already planned to visit Hillsborough Vineyards for wine and lunch. We also wanted to sample the current offerings by Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. So we eased on down the road and discovered some very nice pours!

Hillsborough Vineyards is always a favorite of ours. Though nothing new had been released since our last visit in the autumn of 2006, we did not mind revisiting Hillsborough's quality wines. We've already featured the Chardonnay/Rousanne blend known as Carnelian in a food and wine pairing video. Rousanne is a white varietal commonly grown in the Rhone region of France, and its fruitiness shines quite nicely in the Carnelian blend. Of course, Opal cannot be beat. This Chardonnay/Viognier blend is simply divine. A lovely straw color suggests a clean wine; notes include floral, spiced pear, and apple. Nice body here with a creamy texture yet dry finish---gold stars were placed next to this one. Paul scribbled "lunch" on his tasting sheet.


We've been on a quest for summer wines, but that does not mean we ignore the reds. In fact, the 2005 Garnet could well be enjoyed on the patio on a summer's eve with light fare or on its own. Garnet is a Bordeaux blend that packs plums and cherry flavors with a smooth finish. Destined to please red wine drinkers, Garnet may also convert the "white wine only" crowd. However, the bolder gemstone at Hillsborough has to be the 2004 Ruby. A heavier-bodied red, Ruby demands to be noticed. Tannat is at the fore here and explains the tannic presence. Touriga and Petit Verdot complete this blend. Ruby is ready to drink now but can be racked for a while longer and it will still pack a punch. Big steaks on the grill? Ruby will deliver, but save some for a chocolate desert. An even bigger heavy-weight will be Bloodstone, but this Fer Servadou/Cabernet Sauvignon/Tannat blend will not be released until September.

So guess which wine we decided to have with lunch? The gold-starred Opal, of course! We brought along lightly breaded chicken strips with a honey dipping sauce, brie, almonds, and a crusty baguette. Opal was a no-brainer here. We sat outdoors and enjoyed Hillsborough breathtaking mountain views; later, we strolled the grounds and inhaled aromas of lavender and sweet grass. Paul was a bit nervous about the bumble bees, but the lavender kept them occupied.

With wine purchases packed away in the trunk, we headed on to Willowcroft. Here we sampled six wines. The gold star winner among the whites was the 2005 Riesling Muscat-Ottonel. This award winner was made for summer picnics or spicy fare. Clean and crisp came to mind with floral, melon, and spiced pear notes dominant. In fact, we shared a glass of the Riesling after our tasting, and Paul's one word description was "refreshing". Those who are on the prowl for a rose may want to try the 2005 Cabernet Blanc. Of course, we always save a gold star for a favorite red while summer's heat blazes away, and at Willowcroft, the 2004 Cabernet Franc received the honors. Another award winner for Willowcroft, this garnet-hued gem displayed cherry notes with a spicy, longer finish.


Of course, more purchases were made at Willowcroft with notes to selves to buy more wine racks. And this experience ended our weekend on the Loudon County Wine Trail!. If on said trail, please put Hillsborough and Willowcroft on your itinerary, but be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

We are saddened by the news that Juanita Swedenburg, founding member of the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, from Swedenburg Estate Vineyard passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 82.


Photo Credit: By Rich Lipski -- The Washington Post
A memorial service in the vineyard, "Celebrating Juanita Swedenburg's Life," will be held on Wednesday, June 20th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., 2007, at the Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg, Virginia 20117.

In lieu of flowers, the family will establish a Juanita Swedenburg Memorial Viticultural and Enological Educational Fund for the annual awarding of a grant to help promote the sustainable growth of the Virginia wine industry. Contributions can be made to J.S. Memorial Educational Fund c/o VWGA, P. O. Box 10045, Alexandria, Virginia 22310. The VWGA will contribute $1,000 to begin the fund.

Information provided by Gordon Murchie and John Witherspoon. The Washington Post obituary can be found here.

On May 12th we were invited to another blind tasting conducted by Dezel of Virginia Vine Spot. This time the wine of choice was Viogniers. Dezel had lined up ten viogniers for the participants to taste and rank. Among the guests were John and Megan from Anything Wine and Woodland Vineyards. Also in attendance were other wine enthusiasts. The event was held at Janet's Java in Alexandria, Virginia.


Dezel and Niki provided a wonderful spread of foods appropriate for the evening. After hello greetings to all our friends, we enjoyed the food while reviewing the wine list for the evening. The wines for the evening were the: 2006 Yalumba, 2006 Oak Grove, 2005 Bridgman, 2006 Alamos, 2006 Horton, 2005 Veritas, 2005 E. Guigal Condrieu, 2005 Honey Moon, 2005 Waterford, and the 2005 Chester Gap.


Dezel began pouring and we began tasting and taking notes on each wine. After each pour we would rank each aspect of the wine on a scale and record our findings. Of course we also discussed with the group what we thought of each wine. Having plenty of complimentary foods helped as well. After the last tasting each member of the group was to guess the correct producer of each wine. We wrote down our numbers and waited for Dezel to reveal the wineries. With each wine Dezel revealed, we checked off the ones we guessed correctly and those we guessed incorrectly. In the end, Paul guessed the most correct and won a bottle of White Hall cabernet franc.


At the end of the evening we all were able to nibble on some delicious desserts and chat about the wines we tasted. We were all able to take a few home that we enjoyed. We were also able to taste Woodland Vineyards Viognier. This will be a limited production wine that might be released to the public in the near future. We felt privileged to be the first to taste the new wine.


It was a wonderful evening. The blind tasting process was a learning experience. We enjoyed the wines and the chance to catch up with friends. A big thank you to Dezel and Niki for hosting such a wonderful event.

In case you missed recent write ups in The Washington Post about Virginia Wines, check out these links.

Here you will an article about the latest buzz around Virginia Wines. Here you will find an article about Polo, the 400th Anniversary celebrations, and Oasis Winery.

Free registration is required to read past articles in the post.

Monticello Wine & Food Festival to be held April 21st and 22nd
~ Don't miss one of Virginia's premier epicurean events ~

Mark your calendar for the weekend of April 21st and 22nd, when you can enjoy a rare opportunity to taste wines from 20 of Virginia's best wineries all in one spot. In a new location this year - and on a new springtime weekend -- the Monticello Wine & Food Festival promises to combine the best of years past with a few new elements to delight visitors in 2007.

This year's 27th annual event will be held at Morris Farm, conveniently located just a mile off Route 29 on Route 33 in Stanardsville. Enjoy the beauty of the rolling countryside while sipping award-winning Virginia wines, indulging in gourmet fare, and experiencing a variety of fine art and music.

Participating wineries include: Afton Mountain, Barboursville, Burnley, Cardinal Point, DelFosse, First Colony, Gabriele Rausse, Hill Top, Horton, Jefferson, Keswick, King Family, Kluge Estate, Oakencroft, Prince Michel, Stone Mountain, Sugarleaf, Veritas, White Hall, and Wintergreen.

Advance tickets are $15 and can be obtained at any of the participating wineries or online. Tickets will be available at the gate for $20. The festival will be open Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information, or to purchase advance-sale tickets, visit Monticello Wine Trail.

Contact:
Liz Bryant
Alliance Group
804-225-5829
liz@alliancegroupltd.com

Article provided by Liz Bryant of the Alliance Group.

A recent trip to Mediterranean Cellars provided us with new experiences. Since our last visit, the tasting menu expanded to include thirteen offerings, and Jo, our tasting associate, eagerly encouraged us to sample the entire slate. With glasses in hand, we did indeed tackle the tasting menu in its entirety; in the process, we discovered some remarkable pours!

Mediterranean Cellars now offers six whites in the tasting room, and the most interesting was the 2005 Rechina. (Keep in mind that Mediterranean Cellars is owned and operated by the Papadopoulas family, and Retsina is the renowned varietal associated with Greece.)To the nose, the Rechina brings Pine-Sol to mind; however, this is normal. As Jo explained to us, the Greeks fermented the Retsina and transported it in barrels coated with pitch; hence, the wine exhibited aromas and flavors reminiscent of pine. However, with food, this wine is quite enjoyable, and grilled seafood must be the first choice. However, if Greek cuisine is not your thing, please try the Chardonnay as either a sipper or a partner with white meats and/or cheeses.


As our readers know, Virginia Wine Time awards Gold Stars to stand outs, and at Mediterranean Cellars, these were awarded to at least two reds. These included the 2004 Merlot and the 2004 Chambourcin Special Reserve. Warren is not a fan of Chambourcin; yet, this one was intriguing. More full bodied, the Mediterranean treatment lacked the grapey-sweet characteristics that recall grape jelly. Think steak or lamb with this one; its long, peppery finish will remain long after the meal is done! Paul favored the 2004 Merlot with its cherry/plum qualities. Quite the sipper, this red wine should be quite popular with grilled steak; Warren thought of the classic comfort food, meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

Now we must admit that we went to Mediterranean Cellars with summer concerts on our minds. We're Wolftrap fans and reserve our lawn tickets as soon as possible; we like lawn tickets because we like to bring our own food and wine. Now is the time to stock up on what we call the Wolftrap Wines! So what did we find at Mediterranean Cellars to fit the bill? The 2004 Romance---light bodied with lots of fruit, is destined to please on balmy summer nights. We guessed that Chambourcin is the varietal used to produce Romance, but Jo was mum on the secret varietal; however, she did hint that a classic French varietal was used. For those still not sold on red wines as summer sippers, try the 2004 Matina's Rose. Crisp and clean, this Rose is quite versatile and would be accepted at the summer picnic, the Wolftrap concert, or the Thanksgiving table. Bright red fruit prevail here, but it is rather dry.

The gold star winners found their spaces on the wine rack, and we thanked Jo for her expert commentaries as we bid our farewells. We do intend to return, but we know our readers will want to visit Mediterranean Cellars sooner rather than later. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Wine bars have become all the rage, and one of the most popular is Grapeseed in Bethesda. Grapeseed recently earned rave reviews in Washingtonian magazine, and we decided to find out what the buzz was all about. On a recent lovely spring evening, we reserved a table at this unique bistro, and the menu describes the Grapeseed experience in this way: "At Grapeseed we develop each dish to match a specific wine. We pick out the nuances of each wine and create a dish that highlights those characteristics. Sample various dishes and wines to see if you agree with our matches. Have fun and enjoy!" And that is just what we did.

Diners at Grapeseed have several options. One option is to enjoy a true wine bar experience at the bistro's bar. Unique wines from around the world are offered and can be enjoyed with or without food. Another option is to dine at the Chef's table; here, diners enjoy the Chef's specialties paired with wines. This is a preselected menu and can be enjoyed with a prior reservation and for a set price. We opted for selection number three: a menu that included options for first, middle, and main courses with each selection paired with a particular wine. For the first course, Paul selected the Tilapia with Jasmine Rice and Thai Green Curry Vinaigrette. This one was paired with a Shinas Estate Viognier from Australia. However, Warren chose the Fricassee of Wild Mushrooms with Sherry Vinegar and Truffled Polenta, and his appetizer was paired with Le Filigare Chianti Classico from Italy.

And what about our main courses? Paul decided on the Pan Roasted Breast of Chicken with Chicken Shepard's Pie, Moniato, Poblano Pepper, and Black Bean Broth. This was paired with the Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos from Portugal. Warren went with the Pan Seared Scallops with Sherry Roasted Root Vegetables, bacon, and Green Onion Soubise paired with the Adelshiem Chardonnay from Oregon. So what did we think? Read on to find out!

The food was delicious and the wine pairings were perfect. The tilapia was crisp and flaky, and the curry vinaigrettte provided a spicy edge that did not overpower the fish. The Shinas Estate Viognier was simply divine and received the gold star for the evening. Floral notes with light peach and honeysuckle flavors provided a subtle complexity; it was clean and more crisp than expected from a Viognier and provided a coolness to the spicier seafood dish. Not to be outdone was the wild mushroom dish. This was rich and rustic, and the Chianti was a classic match. Rich in violet aromas, it presented a complex mix of leather, licorice and cherry on the palate. Another gold star went next to this one!

The main courses arrived and these were as stunning as the appetizers. Paul's Chicken Shepard's Pie was an artistic creation and topped with white sweet potatoes, and the unique Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos from Portugal was a lighter bodied red with brighter red fruit characteristics. Accessible and easy to drink, Paul thought it a match for chicken. And who thought red wine paired with chicken? Anyway, Warren's main dish was equally captivating, and the Adelshiem Chardonnay from Oregon seemed to be the perfect answer for the dish's mix of root vegetables, shellfish and bacon. This chardonnay was clean and crisp without the buttery/nutty finish of heavily oaked chardonnays. Prevalent here was a marriage of apple and hints of citrus with enough body to tackle the variety of offerings on the plate. Even Paul, the anti-chardonnay crusader, enjoyed a few sips of this one.

By this point, we were stuffed; however we did make room to finish the evening with a glass of Prosecco. Throughout the evening, we were treated to excellent service from our waiter, Keith. Paul can be a rather picky eater, and Keith guided Paul through the menu and accommodated his wishes with a wonderful sense of humor that put him at ease. We plan to return to Grapeseed soon; in the meantime, make a reservation at Grapeseed, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

by Warren Richard

Walking into a wine shop in search of that perfect bottle of wine can be intimidating, and it is certainly easy to think that the most expensive wines must be the best wines. And then there are other misconceptions---only California can produce Chardonnays might be one of them. Serve only white wines with fish might be another. Carolyn Hammond, a wine writer and founder of the Wine Tribune, sets the record straight in her comprehensive yet easy to read wine guide, 1000 Best Wine Secrets. Written for the novice aficianado, even the more experienced connoisseurs can use Ms. Hammond's guide to learn how to buy the right bottle of wine, how to pair food with wine, and to expand knowledge about a broader array of wine varietals. As the title suggests, there are at least 1000 wine tips to learn from this wine guide!

This guide is written in a very accessible manner. Organized into four parts and thirty chapters, topics include selecting the right wines, tasting wines, important wine regions, and trade secrets that debunk myths about wine. Have you wondered when to decant wines? Did you know that Hungary produces world class wines? Heard the word "tannin" but not sure what it means? The answers to these sorts of questions are revealed in this wine guide. Probably the most prevalent myth about wine is that only expensive wines are worth drinking; therefore, building a quality wine collection must be costly. Hammond puts this one to rest as she devotes ten pages to recommend quality wines for under $20! Newbies and pros can certainly take advantage of these valuable recommendations.

Another beneficial feature of this guide is its size. Many wine guides are dense with information and bulky to carry. How many times have you walked into a wine shop armed with the information gleaned from these sources only to realize that you have forgotten what you read? This guide can be easily held in the hand or slipped into the purse while browsing the shelves at the wine store, and since it is organized into bite-sized portions of information, facts can be researched within seconds. Reached the shelf labeled "Portugal" and want to know more? Flip to Chapter 12, and tip #636 explains that the 2001 Altano Reserva Duoro is "an excellent wine from the Douro region." Further details reveal the varietals used and their characteristics. The 1000 Best Wine Secrets can be the next best thing to creating a personal contact at the wine store; in fact, those who already have such a relationship may still want to bring this guide along with them.

Since we devote much time to promoting Virginia wine, I must note that only one very small paragraph is devoted to Virginia wine while a lengthier section is devoted to New York wines. Of course, Virginia is a small producer in the international arena of wine production, but perhaps Ms. Hammond will continue to sample Virginia's award-winning wines and note their progress in her next edition!

This past weekend, we visited Gray Ghost for their annual barrel tasting. Each year Gray Ghost provides barrel samples of upcoming red wines with a sneak preview of the Chardonnay to boot. This is a premier event at Gray Ghost and one that we never miss!

The barrel tasting was hosted in the barrel room, and six wines were available to sample. In the midst of it all, participants were also given the chance to blend wines and to chat with the winemaker, Al Kellert about their preferences. With logo glasses in hand, we started with the Chardonnay. Clean and crisp came to mind; aged for eight months in oak barrels, this Chardonnay had much in common with French-style treatments of the same varietal. Warren is a Chardonnay fan, and this one was an immediate favorite.

From Chardonnay to the reds---Merlot was next on the list. Chardonnay is to Warren as ___________ is to Paul. Merlot fills in the blank! Paul gave a thumbs up to the 2006 Gray Ghost Merlot as it was sampled at the Valentine's Day event, and he was eager to have a second go round. Cherry, cherry and more cherry---like its 2005 older sibling, the 2006 Merlot abounds with cherry flavors with just enough oak to provide backbone. Paul convinced Becca, our assistant, to give him a second sample---for the blog, of course!


Now on to the serious business of blending. We next tasted the the 2006 Cabernet Franc and then moved on to the 2006 Cabernet Sauvnignon. Remember, 2006 was glorious for Virginia vineyards; so, expectations are high that reds as well as whites from the 2006 vintage will shine. We found the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon to be a gem; though certainly young, this French-oaked cabernet enticed with violet, mocha, plum and currant characteristics. We anticipate softer, velvety tannins as this one ages over time; its older brother, the smokier 2005 Cabernet Sauvnignon, was quite the American rebel.

The American-oaked 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon was next in line, and what a contrast to its softer sibling. Cheryl Kellert revealed to us that the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon will be a 50-50 blend of the 2005 and 2006 vintages; the 2005 will certainly provide weight and texture, and the result should be a wine worthy of cellaring. Warren was entranced with the bigger 2005; Paul was romanced by the softer 2006, and the combination should be a perfect marriage. How do we know? Our last blend was a 50-50 blend of the two, and we registered our approval to Al. (ok---Paul suggested blending slightly more of the 2006 French oak vintage; Warren recommended slightly more of the 2005 American oak vintage.)

Before our blending of the Cabernet Sauvignons, we did blend the 2006 Cabernet Sauvingnon with the 2006 Cabernet Franc (80-20 here). Another pleaser, the Franc provided another dimension to the Cabernet Sauvignon that included brighter berry notes and a bit of spice.

As we sipped away, we were also able to enjoy cheeses that complemented the wine samples. An incentive to attend the Gray Ghost barrel tasting is the ability to reserve favorite featured wines through their futures program. Paul already knew he wanted to reserve a case of the 2006 Merlot; Warren secured the 2006 Cabernet Franc and the upcoming 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. By then, we were definitely hungry, and we enjoyed a warmer afternoon outdoors with a bottle of the 2005 Chardonnay with grilled chicken tenders, white cheeses, almonds, and apple slices.

We will attend the Gray Ghost's Cabernet vertical tasting toward the end of the month; so, stay tuned. In the meantime, when you visit Gray Ghost, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

by Warren Richard

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with chocolates and red wine? That's just what we did this past weekend as we visited Gray Ghost for their annual Cabernet and Chocolates celebration.

Before we made our way to the barrel room for all the chocolates we could possibly stand, we chatted with Amy Payette and Cheryl Kellert and learned that their 2006 Adieu, 2005 Reserve Chardonnay, and 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were recently awarded medals in a San Francisco wine competition. We congratulated them on a quick start to the medal counts, and with logo glasses in hand made our way to the treats. Warren nabbed one of the few black-stemmed glasses that have been the trademark of Gray Ghost glassware since the winery opened; however, they will be switching to a clear-stemmed glass that still bear the distinctive Gray Ghost logo. We both dashed for the chocolates which included brownies, dark chocolate bars, cakes, and chocolate covered dried fruit. Waiting for us at the wine table was Al Kellert who guided us through samplings of red wines that paired with our chocolate desserts.


Available for a sneak preview was a sample of the 2006 Merlot which was pulled from the barrel just for the Valentine's event. Not quite ready for bottling, this 2006 Merlot already exhibited the lush cherry and vanilla character that are unique to the varietal. Paul was able to negotiate another sample, and he was already determined to purchase the Merlot upon its release. Warren favored the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon which seemed tailor made for dark chocolates. With berry-filled cookies and dried fruit, we both found the Cabernet Franc and the Victorian Red to be excellent matches.


Before we bid adieu, we were able to sample the 2006 Adieu. Always a consistent medal winner for Gray Ghost, this vintage is destined to continue that tradition. Made from late harvest Vidal Blanc grapes, the 2006 Adieu offers peach and apricot flavors with a very light, honeyed texture. Warren enjoys the Adieu with cheesecake, pound cake, or on its own, but do try this dessert wine with a slice of bleu cheese---sounds daring, but you'll like the results!

Happy Valentine's Day to all, and when you visit Gray Ghost, tell them that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Recently the 2007 Virginia Wineries Passport was released. We picked our copy up at Chrysalis Vineyards. The quest begins to visit as many Virginia wineries as possible in 2007. In 2006 we visited almost 50 wineries. Plans are already being made to visit many of the new wineries listed in the new passport. 2007 will be a delicious year!

Well, it looks like Virginia wineries may get something of a break from the currently restrictive self-distribution laws. Senator John Watkins and Delegate Chris Saxman appear ready to propose relaxations on these prohibitive laws to allow Virginia wineries to self-distribute up to 3000 cases per year. This proposal should benefit small to mid-scale wineries in Virginia. There are at least two important ways readers can get involved:

1) write your legislator and let him/her know how you feel about the current self-distributions laws, and

2) continue to purchase Virginia wines and ask the associates at your local wine shop to stock Virginia wine.

Steps one and two equal the critical result: DEMAND!

In the meantime, Virginia Wine Time is ready to hit the wine trail after a holiday break. Stay tuned---we have several visits planned for the upcoming weeks!

Virginia Wine Time took a holiday hiatus; in particular, Warren visited family in New Orleans for Christmas. While he was there, Warren paid a visit to Pontchartrain Vineyards located in Bush, Louisiana. What connection to Virginia wines, you ask? Well, Pontchartrain Vineyards produces wine from the Cynthiana Norton varietal, and John Seago, owner and winemaker there, revealed that he had sampled the Norton produced at Chrysalis Vineyards and was most pleased. This led to an extended conversation about Norton and its potential; in the process, Warren tasted some excellent wines!

John Seago, like Jennifer McCloud at Chrysalis, had devoted himself to producing wines from varietals native to his particular region and microclimate. For him, those varietals would be the Blanc du Bois, and the Cynthiana Norton. The former produces dry (the Le Trolley) to off-dry (Roux St. Louis) white wines that could accompany cream sauces, seafood, and etouffee; however, the latter produces the Rouge Militaire. The Rouge Militaire is made in the pinot noir style, and the grape juice character usually associated with Norton are much more subtle; in fact, dark red fruit like plum and cherry prevail here. Warren was given a sneak preview of the yet to be released 2002 Rouge Militaire, and he immediately envisioned cassoulet with duck confit for dinner with the 2002 Rouge Militaire. A medium-bodied wine, it finished smoother than most Nortons with a hint of smokiness that bordered on seductive!

Warren and John also conversed about the self-distribution laws that are the bane of small wineries in Louisiana as well as Virginia. We hope that state governments revisit these laws in the new year.

After the tasting, Warren opted for the Roux St. Louis to enjoy with lunch; his Mom and Dad were there as well, and they all feasted on muffaletta-style sandwiches, mild cheeses, and fruit. Warren's Mom took a photo for the blog, and Warren made sure to strike an appropriate pose!


At the end of lunch, additional bottles of wine were purchased to bring back home. Readers who visit New Orleans must plan to visit Pontchartrain Vineyards; if you do, let John know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Happy New Year!



Here's wishing all our readers a very Happy New Year! The new year will bring new visits to Virginia wineries and new postings about our visits. Stay tuned!

Virginia Wine Time spent a memorable evening at Chrysalis Vineyards on December 9; we attended the VIP holiday cocktail party, and we were treated to gourmet foods and fine wines. We also met Jennifer McCloud, owner of Chrysalis Vineyards, and she offered to us a very warm greeting and best holiday wishes!

The event itself was held in the barrel room, and a harpist serenaded us with holiday songs. Of course, we are always hungry, and the array of fine foods prepared for the event was amazing! Chef Umberto Astorga presented gourmet fare that included game bird confit, lamb sausage, venison tenderloin, and vanilla cured tuna tartare. Wines poured that evening complimented the menu, and these included the 2005 Viognier, the rose-style Mariposa, the Rubiana, and the 2003 Lockseley Reserve Norton. Warren's favorite was the 2003 Lockseley Reserve Norton; its intense cherry and raisin flavors along with its full body made it a natural pairing with the venison. Paul enjoyed the Mariposa and sipped this one with lighter cheeses and bread dipped in hummus.

During the course of the evening, we met other VIP members, and we all chatted about Virginia wines and Virginia wineries. At one point Jennifer McCloud offered a heart-felt toast to us all for being patrons of the winery and for attending the event. Time seemed to fly, and before we knew it, the evening had come to a close.

We said our goodbyes, handed out our blog cards, and purchased a few bottles of Chrysalis' wine. Warren snatched a bottle of the lovely 2005 Albarino; Paul, the 2005 Viognier. We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with other wine enthusiasts. The benefits of VIP membership at Chrysalis were evident this evening, and we highly suggest that our readers consider joining the club. Of course, be sure to tell the gracious staff at Chrysalis that you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

It's hard to believe that the holidays are upon us, but indeed they have arrived! Of course, food and wine are synonymous with holiday cheer, and lots of food, wine, and cheer were found at Gray Ghost Vineyards this past weekend.

With our holiday logo glasses in hand, we joined the holiday festivities in the Gray Ghost barrel room. We were treated to unlimited wine samples and all the food we could manage to eat. Special tasting for given of the Merlot, the Adieu, and the newly-released Reserve Chardonnay. Warren was eager to try the Reserve Chardonnay; in fact, he swiped Paul's tasting ticket to enjoy a second glass. The Reserve Chardonnay is done in the California style without the heavy oak flavor; its honeyed texture and vanilla/nut finish make it a natural pairing with corn chowder, creamy pasta sauces, and crab cakes. Warren stocked up on the salmon and spinach dip while sipping this one. (In the meantime, Paul wondered what happened to his tasting ticket for the Reserve Chardonnay.)

As we enjoyed food and wine, we marveled at the decorations made from wine corks. Al Kellert, wine maker, creates Christmas trees, a fireplace, reindeer, and large holiday candles from wine corks, and these pieces are the source of Gray Ghost's annual cork counting contest. Participants must guess how many corks were used to construct one of the chosen pieces, and this year it was the holiday candles. Paul attempted to be scientific about the matter and generated a very educated guess. Warren copied off of Paul's answer and added a few corks for good measure!


We had a great time and even did some holiday shopping while we were at the winery. In fact, this was the second consecutive weekend we visited Gray Ghost,. The weekend before, we visited our friends from Woodland Winery, John and Megan Witherspoon. It was a bit warmer that weekend, and we were able to enjoy lunch and wine outdoors. However, with Santa on the way, the weather has turned colder here in Virginia, and we hope all of our readers are having a wonderful holiday season!

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon then having a cellar tasting with Shari Avenius. That's exactly what we did last Saturday. After a trail ride at Marriott Ranch we headed over to Linden Vineyards. Bedecked in our riding togs, we arrived at Linden Vineyards just in time to sign up for a cellar tasting. To our surprise, Shari Avenius conducted the tasting, and an added treat was the fact that we were the only ones who had signed up for the cellar tasting at that particular time. Shari's wines have a cult following, and no wonder---her Sauvignon Blanc was the crowd pleaser at a tasting conducted by the Old Ebbitt Grill. The tasting featured Sauvignon Blancs from around the world, and Shari's placed in the top three. During the course of the cellar tasting, Shari gave us an experiential tour of Linen wines, and in the process provided us with an education on terroir and its importance to the winemaking process. We also found Shari to be very friendly and our time with her seemed to fly!


The cellar tasting allowed us to compare wines from previous vintages. For review was the 1999 Chardonnay and the 2001 Chardonnay; the 1995 Linden Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2001 Glen Manor Red, and a late harvest Vidal Blanc dessert wine. All of these selections were outstanding. Warren favored the fuller-bodied 1999 Chardonnay and the bigger, rustic 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon; he found the 1995 Cabernet to be particularly special. This one had a deep garnet color with dense dark fruit and tobaccor flavors. Tannins were evident but pleasingly so; Warren thought of this one as a cigar wine, but a steak dinner would really moo for this bold red. Unfortunately, the 1995 Cabernet was from owner Jim Law's own wine library and not for sale. Paul's favorite was the 1999 Chardonnay with its apple/pear flavors and creamier texture.

We did hammer Shari with questions about her own special wines; in particular, we wanted to know what made her Sauvignon Blanc so superior. The answer, not surprisingly, was terrain. These vines grow in a rocky terrain that lends itself to producing classic Sauvignon Blanc. We also found out that Shari will release a red in the next month---we'd like to be the first in line to sample! Also, Shari will be visiting Alsace to tour vineyards there and to meet with winemakers from the area.


After our amazing cellar tasting with Shari we opted for a bottle of the medium-bodied 2004 Linden Red. We enjoyed it with venison sausage, Derby cheese, and a baguette. We enjoyed the beautiful fall views from the deck while eating our lunch and sipping the red wine.


We plan to return to Linden in the near future to taste and most likely purchase Shari's new red. We are huge fans of her Sauvignon Blanc and are confident we'll enjoy the red as well.

If you take a trip to Linden, be sure to tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

We decided to pay a visit to La Grange Winery, and it happened to be on the weekend before Halloween. Associates dressed like witches, ghouls, and goblins greeted us, and the tasting room decor celebrated autumn and its spectacular colors. Lilia, our tasting associate, guided us through the nine wines being sampled that day, and amidst the Halloween atmosphere, we swirled and sipped away!


Notable white wines were the 2005 Fletcher's Chardonnay and the 2005Viognier. The Chardonnay was Warren's personal favorite; this Chardonnay was produced in the classic French style and fermented in French oak barrels. The result is a Chardonnay rich in apple flavors with a vanilla/nut finish. Paul favored the 2005 Viognier. Its golden straw color suggested crispness, and lemon/citrusy aromas invited the taster to sip! Grapefruit and orange characteristics prevailed in the mouth with a nice honeyed texture to boot. We decided to put a star next to this one to designate our lunch wine. (More on that later.)


Favorite reds included the 2005 Cabernet Franc and the 2004 Meritage. Of course, Cabernet Franc shines in Virginia, and La Grange provides reasons why this is the case. The La Grange Cabernet Franc is another classic with its herby, spicy characteristics. Red berries were noted, too. The complex 2004 Meritage is a lovely blend of the five Bordeaux varietals that would complement red meats and hearty cheeses. We were not able to sample the 2005 Snort, but this port-style wine is made from late harvest Petit Verdot.

We completed our tasting, and Lilia invited us to tour the facility. La Grange Winery is one of the newest wineries in Virginia; owner Chris Pearmund opened La Grange earlier in September after completing an extensive renovation of the historic La Grange manor house and its grounds. One would never have known that the manor house suffered through years of neglect. Our tour of the mansion revealed an incredible restoration of the three-level house with careful attention to historical details. Parlor rooms and their furnishings brought us back to 1790, the date the manor was built. However, we were growing hungrier by the second; so, we purchased a bottle of the 2005 Viognier and made our way to the grounds for a picnic.

So what was for lunch? We brought along Paul's famous chicken strips; these he coated with herbs, spices and garlic then pan-fried in olive oil. (I think he's been watching the Food Network!) The chicken strips paired quite nicely with the Viognier. We also enjoyed light cheeses on baguette slices. Of course, we were surrounded by magnificent views of autumn leaves, and the weather was cool and crisp. We also kept an eye on a ghoulish figure stalking the grounds; the Grim Reaper seemed to have haunted the house that day, but I'm sure he was there to enjoy the wines!



If you visit La Grange be sure to tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

Last year for Halloween we attended the annual Halloween Party at Hillsborough Vineyards. We had such a good time last year we decided to go again this year and invite Dezel and Niki. They agreed to meet us there for some fine wine and fun.

Hillsborough did an amazing job of decorating for the party and making the place look and sound spooky. Once inside they had lots of candy and nibbles to enjoy with some nice wines. They also had a DJ playing a good mix of music.


Before dinner we all shared a bottle of the lovely Garnet and the newly released Carnelian. We enjoy varies cheeses and crackers while watching other arrive with their often humorous costumes. For dinner we enjoyed a bottle of the Ruby Reserve with pork loin, green beans, acorn squash, and salad. It was all delicious!


After dinner the winners of the informal costume contest were announced and gifts of wine were passed out. At that point the dance floor was opened and everyone enjoyed a spin on the dance floor.


We had a great time at the Hillsborough Halloween Party and will probably attend again next year!

Last Saturday evening we were invited to Dezel and Niki's house for a special Cabernet Franc tasting. Dezel writes the blog Virginia Vine Spot. John and Megan from the Anything Wine blog also attended and other friends of Dezel and Niki volunteered their palates for the tasting. We must mention that John and Megan have their own winery, Woodland Vineyards; their expertise was certainly appreciated at the tasting!

Dezel and Niki provided a very warm atmosphere for the event, and they served an array of Cabernet Franc-friendly foods. Warren made a dash for the Muenster, and Paul indulged himself with harder cheeses and cheese flavored crackers. Dezel poured eight Cabernet Francs, but he first provided us with tasting sheets that required us to rate the wines on a point system. As we acquainted ourselves with the rating sheets, we also acquainted ourselves with each other. Soon enough, the wine began to flow, and Dezel guided us through our tastings; we must add that this was a blind tasting, but we did have tasting notes with each Cabernet Franc sampled. Of the eight, two were from Virginia, two were from California; one Franc hailed from Washinton, and two others were produced from the Finger Lakes. A final treat was a Cabernet Franc from Chinon, France.


After several rounds of swirling, sniffing, sipping, and savoring, Dezel calculated the points to come up with the most recommended cabernet franc from the group. The winner was the 2005 Dom Semellerie Chinon Cabernet Franc. This was not a surprise. At little more than ten dollars a bottle, this one is a real steal. Lovely red fruits with some spice and hints of tobacco make the Dom Semellerie Chinon a classic Cabernet Franc. Second place had to be California, right? Think again. A close second was the 2002 Waterford Vineyards Cabernet Franc; this one proved to be the surprise crowd pleaser that seemed superior for the price.


We must admit that we enjoyed all of the Cabernet Francs poured that evening; however, since we worked with a rating scale, somebody had to come in last place. The two Cabernet Francs that scored lowest on the list were the 2000 Edgewood Cabernet Franc from Napa, California, and the 2004 Willowcroft Vineyards Cabernet Franc from Virginia. The former was deemed too "hot" for many on our panel, and the latter proved to be a bit lacking in fruit characteristics normally associated with Cabernet Franc. However, both pours found homes that evening as Dezel graciously allowed the panelists to take home their favorite wines.


While tasting each wine, the participants attempted to guess which winery produced the Cabernet Franc being tasted. Megan, Paul and Warren guessed correctly 50% of the time, and we were able to get first bids on the wines to bring home. Paul quickly grabbed the Waterford Cabernet Franc. On top of the wonderful wines poured that evening, Niki treated us to Turkish cuisine that included lamb and beef; the featured Cabernet Franc with our meal was the Michael Schaps Cabernet Franc from King Family Vineyards.

We had a wonderful experience and enjoyed spending time with such a great group of wine enthusiasts. We left with ideas for other tastings in the near future. Thank you Dezel and Niki!

While visiting Charlottesville on the very wet Columbus Day weekend, our intent was to participate in a barrel tasting at Barboursville Vineyards. When we pulled into the parking lot there were two busloads of people entering the tasting room, and we knew that we were in for a busy afternoon at Barboursville Vineyards. We were excited nonetheless, and we opted to play the barrel tasting by ear. In the meantime, we enthusiastically joined the crowd for a sampling of Barboursville's latest releases with an eye on the vertical tasting table that caught our attention. We made our way to the white wine bar and sampled the offerings. Of note was the 2005 Pinot Grigio and the 2005 Chardonnay; Paul found the Riesling especially enjoyable. Moving right along, we then reached the red wine bar; particularly pleasing was the latest Merlot with its rich cherry flavors. The gold star, however, had to be the Octagon 7th edition. This bolder red presents a Bourdeaux-style blend that is heavy with dark fruit, tobacco, and spice.

With the crowd getting even larger, we made the decision to spend more time with the vertical tasting at the expense of the barrel tasting---not an easy decision. However, we were not disappointed as the vertical tasting gave us an excellent opportunity to gauge just how far Virginia wines had come along over the past 15 years.. At the first table we were treated to a flight of Cabernet Sauvignons. The Cabernets began with the 1991 vintage and continued through 2003; an extra treat was the inclusion of a corresponding flight of Reserve Cabs. Of course, we started with 1991, and we must admit that these earlier vintages were not very good---good vegetable stock, but not good wine. However, we noticed that as we progressed through the vintages, the wines got better and better. The turning point seemed to be 1996, and the improved quality was most evident with the 1998 vintage shining very brightly at both the reserve and non-reserve tables. At the second table our tasting associat e guided us through a flight of Cabernet Francs, and here again, noticeable improvements were noticed as we progressed through the vintages. Warren's favorite was the 1997 vintage. We took this experience as a affirmation that the quality of Virginia wines turned a dramatic corner in the mid-1990s.

At the final table we were able to taste a small flight of Pinot Noirs. Barboursville only produced Pinot Noirs in 1991, 1992, and 1993. They were still selling some of the 1993 vintage at the tasting table. The Pinot Noir was surely an experiment at Barboursville in the early 1990s, and we understood why they stopped producing it when we completed the tasting. Much of winemaking is trial and error, and we commend the attempt and the decision to stop production of Pinot Noir. These type of important decisions have allowed Barboursville to excel at other varietals such as the Barbera and Merlot.

From the vertical tasting tables, we made our way back to the tasting bar to sample the dessert wines. Phileo is always a treat to sample, and our tasting associate surprised us with an exclusive taste of the Barboursville Brut. The Barboursville Brut is a must try if possible and destined to delight guests at holiday parties. Nice apple flavors and a dry finish complement the effervescent bubbles in the glass; for the quality, the price cannot be beaten!

We will certainly attempt the barrel tasting another time. However, we enjoyed our time at Barboursville Vineyard, and with purchases in hand we hit the wine trail for our next stop. Check in later to see where we ended up!

WAPO Critic Likes VA Chardonnays!

Yes, it's true! As many readers may know, the Washington Post's Wednesday edition always includes a section for food and wine. Post wine critic, Ben Giliberti, posted an article this past Wednesday that recommended New World wines as Old World counterparts. Virginia Chardonnays appeared on his list of alternatives! Of course, we at Virginia Wine Time already knew this but to have this fact confirmed by a renowned wine critic made our day! We concluded a long time ago that the superior Virginia wineries must at least be able to produce a quality Chardonnay and a quality Cabernet Franc. Our blog entries provide testimony to this fact---most Virginia wineries do indeed produce excellent wines from these varietals. In fact, our recent visit to Piedmont Winery not only proved our point but also supported Giliberti's recommendation. Read on to find out more!


The last time we visited Piedmont, we were told that new releases would be available for tasting in September. We marked our calendars in anticipation, and we returned last weekend for an update. Of course, the Chardonnays shined brightly! Piedmont always produces quality Chardonnays, and the latest releases lived up to that tradition. In particular, we enjoyed the 2005 Native Yeast Chardonnay. Now, we must admit that we enjoyed a bottle of the 2002 Native Yeast Chardonnay the night before with seafood. Did the 2005 Native Yeast live up to its older sibling? Absolutely. In fact, Paul is not a Chardonnay fan, but he fell in love with the 2005 release. John Fitter, winemaker, informed us that the 2005 was fermented in older barrels; the result was a Chardonnay rich with pectin fruit aromas and flavors supplemented by a soothing honey texture. Though oaked, this Chardonnay did not present the vanilla/nutty/woodsy characteristics associated with an oak-aged Chardonnay. We purchased a bottle for lunch. What did we have for lunch? Leftovers from the previous night's seafood feast---baked fish with herbs and roasted almonds, crab cakes, and seasoned rice. The pairing was superb!


We must note that the red wines also shined at Piedmont. In particular, the Cabernet Franc was truly noteworthy.; John Fitter was quite pleased with this first production of Cabernet Franc at Piedmont, and we understood the reason---lovely raspberry flavors with hints of spice that are characteristic of the Franc varietal dazzled the senses. Wondering what to serve with Thanksgiving turkey? Give this one a try. However, act soon---Piedmont only produced 48 cases of the Cabernet Franc, and we doubt stocks will last long. They hope to release this Cab Franc to the public in the coming weeks. Also try the Cabernet Sauvignon---another nice red from Piedmont that demands a place on the wine rack. Nice dark cherry and plum characteristics describe this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and we had a glass of this one with dark chocolates and blue cheese. That steak dinner is just mooing for this Cabernet!

Our trip to Piedmont confirmed what we already knew before we read the Post article. Virginia wineries do indeed make high-quality Chardonnays. Piedmont took a step further---Virginia wineries make high-quality Chardonnays and dynamite Cabs! Taste for you yourselves! If you visit Piedmont, tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

Reader's Forum!

We were encouraged to discover that Virginia Wine Time readers not only live nearby but also far away---as far away as France! And the French know a few things about good food and great wine. So we would like to hear from the readers near and far. Tell us your favorites! What's your current favorite wine? Is it that blockbuster California Zin? Took a vacation to Napa or Bourdeaux? If so, what were your favorite wineries? Can you recommend an interesting food and wine pairing? We'd like to know! There are no boundaries here; so, don't worry that your current favorites are not associated with Virginia wines or wineries. Feel free to leave us a comment or send us an e-mail---we can't wait hear from you!

Labor day weekend traditionally marks the end of the summer, and this past weekend gave us clues that autumn was on the way. After Ernesto's wind and rain, a cool evening breeze suggested fall's inevitable arrival. We wanted to savor summer's last throes, and what better way to cling to summer's warm memories than an outdoor concert with a nice bottle of wine. Tarara Winery hosts its Sounds of Summer concert series, and the series continues into September. On tap for September 2 was the smooth jazz sound of Tyris, a jazz band from Chicago. We arranged to meet friends at the concert including our fellow wine bloggers, Dezel and Niki (from Virginia Vine Spot), and a trip to Whole Foods filled our picnic basket with wine-friendly goodies. We could not think of a better way to say goody-bye to summer!


We were all fortunate to meet with John, a sales consultant at Tarara, before we began our tasting. John seemed very excited to meet four wine bloggers at one event; of course, we were very excited to sample Tarara's latest releases. Keri allowed us to sample all of Tarara's offerings that included their reserve wines. In the meantime, we were joined by two more friends, Michael and David. The six of us compared notes and selected three of our favorite wines to enjoy with dinner and jazz. These included the 2003 Meritage, the 2004 Cabernet Franc, and the 2005 Charval.


So what foods did we all bring along? Well, lots of food! The Meritage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, paired quite well with muffaletta-style sandwiches, cocoa cardona cheese, and blackberries. Barbeque ribs and beans married Cabernet Franc, and we swore it was a match made in heaven. Refreshing Charval seemed more comfortable with spicy grilled chicken and fruit. The time seemed to fly, and before we knew it the stars were out and the crickets began to accompany the easy-listening sounds of Tyris.


Friends, food, and wine--the best way to say farewell to summer! We had a great time and look forward to returning to Tarara soon.

If you visit Tarara Winery in the future, be sure to tell them you read about them on The Virginia Wine Time Blog.

On Saturday we returned to Ingleside Vineyards on the Northern Neck of Virginia, and Ingleside's winemaker, Bill Swain, was gracious enough to take time from his harvest preparations to speak with us. Bill has wonderful experiences as a winemaker and was more then happy to share some of them with us. Click on the podcast link below to hear our talk with Bill. Sorry for the hum in the background. There was an AC unit cooling the tank room while we recorded our conversation.

Click on the "Podcast" link below to hear the podcast.


Show #004
Show Length: 32:17
File Size: 27.4 MB
Bill Swain, Andrea, and Warren
Before speaking with Bill we had time to do a tasting. Jameson and Sarah guided us through the wines at Ingleside. Since our last visit, Ingleside has released a new Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Viognier. The newly-released 2005 Chardonnay exhibited lots of fruit characters and provided a crisp, elegant finish. We enjoyed the Chardonnay very much, and we decided to have a bottle with our lunch. The 2005 Chardonnay proved to be the perfect partner with ham sandwiches, sliced apples, almonds, and brie. During lunch, we were also able to chat with Andrea, Ingleside's tasting associate who arranged for our interview with Bill Swain. (Thanks, Andrea!)

Sarah, Jameson, and Wararen
During our visit we found out that Ingleside will be having a barrel tasting in November. We plan to return to the Ingleside for this event, and we are eager to sample their upcoming releases right from the barrel.

On our final day of the Monticello Wine Trail we headed north. We were eager to visit Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery, King Family Vineyards, and White Hall Vineyards.

On our first stop, we visited King Family Vineyards. We've commented before on the beautiful mountain scenery that we repeatedly viewed while on the Monticello Wine Trail, and the view offered as King Family was no exception; however, here we also beheld a polo field! On Sundays, King Family Vineyards hosts polo matches that can be viewed from the tasting room and surrounding seating areas. Our tasting associate, Andrew, was very knowledgeable and guided us through our tasting of the King Family wines.

The King Family Tasting Room
Michael Shaps has been hailed as one of the most gifted winemakers in Virginia, and a sampling of his wines revealed why. The 2005 Chardonnay and 2005 Viognier were both delightful; however, the gold star had to go to the 2005 Cabernet Franc. The King Family Cabernet Franc offered surprising aromas of cherries as opposed to the usual raspberry aromas and flavors. We suspected some blending with small amounts of Merlot, and we were correct! Hints of spice and a smooth, velvety finish were evident, too. In fact, we enjoyed the 2005 Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc so much during our tasting that we decided to purchase a bottle and stay for lunch. This proved to be a nice partner with our smoked gouda and spicy salami served on a baguette with sun-dried tomato tapenade. From the veranda, we enjoyed our lunch and soaked up the breath-taking views. Warren even daydreamed about playing a few chukkers on the polo field with a glass of wine as refreshment. We purchased several bottles of King Family wine before hitting the trail once again; our next stop, White Hall Vineyards.

Warren at the tasting bar.
White Hall Vineyards began with 6 acres of grapes in 1991 and now has 25 acres of planted grapes. Tony and Edith Champ were influenced by California's wine-making success to produce award winning Virginia wines. As with many other wineries in the Charlottesville area, White Hall sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the tasting room our tasting associate guided us through the ten wines offered to taste. Of particular note was the 2003 Chardonnay Reserve, the 2004 Touriga, and the 2004 Petit Verdot. All three were award-winners, and we decided to enjoy a glass of the '03 Chadonnay Reserve. Apples, pears, and toast were evident on the nose; pineapple and citrus flavors greeted the palate and ended with a lingering vanilla/nut finish. The '03 Chardonnay Reserve would be divine with corn chowder or crab cakes! Warren left with a bottle each of the Touriga and the Petit Verdot. For those who enjoy port-style wines, do try the Edichi; crafted from Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the Edichi would complement a cheese platter served after a meal.

White Hall tasting room.

Warren at the tasting bar.
Back on the trail, our final stop was to Oakencroft Vineyard and Winery. Oakencroft is one of our personal favorites, and we consider our visits there to be a highlight of any visit to Charlottesville. Oakencroft was founded in 1983 by Felicia Warburg Rogan. She has been praised by former Virginia governors for her strong support of the Virginia wine industry, and Oakencroft wines are consistent medal winners. Located in Albermarle County, Oakencroft also offers views of rolling hills, and wines can be enjoyed with a picnic beside a large pond that attracts ducks and geese. Of course, we wanted to sample wine, and we made our way to the tasting room.

The Oakencroft tasting room.
The tasting room was busy, but we received expert attention from the staff. We enjoyed all wines that we tasted; the 2005 Seyval Blanc was described as "vibrant", and it certainly was alive with citrus characters. Think "crisp" as well; this gold medal winner would pair well with seafood. Another noteworthy white was the 2005 Chardonnay which was fermented in stainless steel. Paul favored this crisp, elegant wine. We were both eager to sample the reds; in particular, we wanted to taste the 2003 Petit Verdot. Warren is a big fan of Virginia's Petit Verdot, and Oakencroft produces excellent wines with this varietal. Deep amethyst colors suggest a fuller-bodied wine, and it presents dark fruit flavors and subtle mocha in the mouth. This 2003 Petit Verdot has a long yet smooth finish. What to serve with Petit Verdot? Leg of lamb with roasted vegetables would be a perfect match!

Warren at the tasting bar.
After our tasting we decided to enjoy a glass of Petit Verdot with chocolates. While nibbling and sipping, Felicia Warburg Rogan walked by our table, and we briefly chatted with her. Feleicia said that she recognized us, and Paul refreshed her memory that we were from the Virginia Wine Time blog. At that point she remembered reading our blog since she had bookmarked our site on her computer. We were very pleased to hear this! Before leaving Oakencroft, we purchased a few bottles of wine to bring home including the 2003 Petit Verdot. This ended our wonderful trip on the Monticello Wine Trail.

The Charlottesville area plays host to some of the best wineries in Virginia and the East Coast. If you are a Virginia wine lover, you simply must plan a trip to this historic area of Virginia and enjoy the wines. We cannot wait to return!

If you do visit any of these wineries, please tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog.

On the third day of our trek on the Monticello Wine Trail we made it to three wineries in the Trail's western region, and these included Afton Mountain Vineyards, Veritas Winery, and Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery. This was one of the hottest days of our trip; needless to say, we were hot on the trail in search of well-crafted wines!

Our first stop this day was at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Afton Mountain was established by Shinko and Tom Corpora in 1978 and sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain setting and vineyards views provided a beautiful (and somewhat cooler) setting for wine tasting.


Our tasting room associate, Brian treated us to an introduction to Afton Mountain's wines and provided informative descriptions as the tasting progressed. Notable white wines included the 2005 Gewurztraminer with its unique, aromatic qualities and the 2005 Un wooded Chardonnay, Paul's favorite, provided nice pectin flavors that would refresh any palate on a warm day. The reds were equally enjoyable; try the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon---dark fruit but medium-bodied makes it accessible and easy to pair with food. However, we decided to linger at Afton Mountain over a glass of the 2005 Virginia Clairet. The Virginia Clairet bears a remarkable resemblance to a Beaujolais; clear ruby in color, strawberry scents and flavors with a slight hint of spice charm the palate. If readers are looking for a light-bodied red that is destined to be a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving dinner, give this one a try! We enjoyed our time at Afton Mountain, but it was time to move on to the next winery on our agenda---Veritas Vineyards and Winery.


Veritas Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned business operated by Andrew and Patricia Hodson. The winery opened in 2002 when Andrew began the craft of winemaking with his daughter, Emily. Amazing is the term to describe the elegant facility with its high ceilings and expansive mountain views. Future plans include a restaurant; however, Veritas does currently host and cater events such as weddings.


Veritas had ten wines to sample, and by this time we were also hungry; of course, lunch was waiting in the trunk of the car. Naturally, we were in quest of an appropriate pairing for the herb-spiced chicken that we brought along. The winner was the 2005 Viognier with its lush fruit and floral characteristics and subtle honey texture. Of course, we tasted the nine other wines offered on the tasting sheet, and other shining stars included the Chardonnay-Viognier blend known as the 2004 Harlequin, the 2004 Chardonnay, and the 2004 Claret. Give the 2003 Mousseux a try, too! This is a unique champagne-style wine made from Cabernet Franc.

With a bottle of the 2005 Viognier in tow and hunger pangs getting louder by the second, we selected a picnic table that allowed us to dine and enjoy the Mountain views. During our lunch we received a visit from the winery cat and the winery dog. They were both very friendly, but the cat was interested in joining us for lunch! The dog had strict instrucions on his collar: "Do not feed me."


Our appetites satisfied, we made our way to the final stop of the day at Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery. Cardinal Point is another family- run business and each family member contributes to the success of the winery. In fact, when we entered the tasting room, Sarah Gorman instantly recognized us as those guys from VirginiaWineTime! We were so amazed to be recognized from our blog, and we briefly felt like celebrities. However, Sarah made us feel like old friends and chatted with us about the winery, their own micro-climate, and the dreaded distribution laws.

Sarah also led us through tasting the fine wines at Cardinal Point. Standouts included the 2005 A6, a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, the award-wining 2005 Quattro, and medal-winner 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. The Quattro was particularly intriguing; the blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Traminette impart lovely apple and pear notes. Looking for an appertif? Sample this one!

After our tasting we decided to enjoy a glass of their 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. Sarah suggested we sip our Cabernet in the barrel/tank room, which also included a cozy seating area; as we relaxed, we also watched a DVD produced by a local film artist. Featured was the wine making process at Cardinal Point. The video footage was beautiful and captured the process in detail. Of course, enjoying a glass of their Cabernet during the DVD enhanced the show! This complex wine exhibits dark fruit characters that would accompany beef; however, Warren, ever the chocoholic, had visions of dark chocolates!

We are determined to return to Cardinal Point for a future visit, and we thank Sarah for the time that she spent with us. Our trip to Cardinal Point also signaled the end of our travels on the western portion of the Monticello Trail. Curious about the last leg of our trip? Tune in next time, and we'll tell you all about it!

If you visit any of these wineries, please tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog!

Day two of our trek on the Monticello Wine Trail brought us to the southern region, and we were able to visit four wineries. These included Jefferson Vineyards, Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard, First Colony Winery, and DelFosse Vineyards & Winery. We were treated to some wonderful wines; for lunch, we opted to dine at Kluge Estate. The experience there was truly stellar! Though it was a long day, we tasted some great wine---read on to find out more.

Our first stop on the southern trail was Jefferson Vineyards, and it is here at Jefferson Vineyards that Thomas Jefferson's vision of Virginia as a world-class wine producer has been realized. Jefferson Vineyards produces its wines from Thomas Jefferson's original estate vineyards, and since 1981, Jefferson Vineyards has crafted award winning wines just minutes from the historical Monticello.

The tasting room at Jefferson Vineyards.
The quaint tasting room is staffed with knowledgeable assistants, and they guided us through the seven wines offered. Two notable white wines were the 2005 Chardonnay Reserve and the 2005 Viognier. The Viognier was a true classic; nice honeysuckle and apricot aromas abounded here. No wonder it took gold at the 2006 Governor's Cup! We moved on to the red wines, and the standout here was yet another gold medal winner---the 2004 Meritage. In fact, we decided to enjoy a glass of the Meritage out on the deck. Deep garnet color then revealed scents of dark cherries, plums, and spice. Flavors suggested Merlot's dominance but Petit Verdot subtly presents itself both to the eyes and in the mouth. Structure would be the word to use with this one. Oh, did we think about food! Filet mignon anyone?

Warren during our tasting at Jefferson Vineyards.
Speaking of food, we had already decided to lunch at Kluge; so, with pangs of hunger in our stomachs, we reluctantly left Jefferson Vineyards and made our way to Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard. Our time at Kluge was the ultimate experience of our day on the trail's southern leg.

Patricia Kluge planted the vineyard in 1991 and aspired to establish Kluge Winery and Vineyard as the premier winery on the East coast. Tastings are conducted in the Kluge Estate Farm Shop which sits next to the vineyards. Visitors can enjoy rustic settings from inside the shop, but chairs and tables outside make it possible to appreciate lovely, rural landscapes. The elegant gourmet shop offers an array of imported cheese, desserts and tasteful gift items; likewise, the lunch menu suggested a marriage of elegance and simplicity. With lunch in mind, we first sampled Kluge's wines and made our way to the tasting room. We were immediately spoiled with the Brut, Paul's personal favorite. Warren was also intrigued with the Albemarle Rose; this Rose is very dry and a blend of classic Bourdeaux varietals that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. (Think salmon with this one!) However, we both concurred that the 2003 Albemarle Simply Red was one of Virginia's best reds from the tough 2003 vintage year. Medium-bodied and full of blackberry and plum flavors, this Bourdeaux-style red includes notes of spice and leather/tobacco. Velvety tannins give this one a smooth finish. We ended the tasting with a sample of the Kluge Cru, which is aged in Jack Daniel's barrels!

Warren at the tasting bar at Kluge.
What to have with lunch? Well, we eagerly returned to the gourmet selections, but we both knew that the 2003 Albemarle Simply Red had to join us for lunch. We ordered a charcuterie with baguette and a tomato salad; of course, we also ordered the Simply Red, and a perfect match was made! We had enough of the Simply Red to enjoy with dessert, and we capped off our lunch with a sinful dark chocolate brownie.

Click on the picture below to see Paul's video clip of Kluge.

Our hungers satisfied, we continued along the southern portion of the Monticello Wine Trail, and our third stop was to First Colony Winery. First Colony was established by Randolph McElroy, Jr. in 2000. We were lucky enough to talk with the assistant manager, Kerry, while tasting the wines. Kerry offered a wealth of information about First Colony Wines and their wine-making process. We were particularly interested in the Rose since the 2004 and 2005 vintages were made available for us to sample. The comparison was amazing; the 2005 Rose was produced with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; of course, 2005 was an amazing year for the vineyards, and the result was evident here. Very crisp but nice berry and subtle candied apple flavors make this one either an accessible sipper or a lovely complement with food. Other favorites at First Colony included 2002 Chardonnay Reserve and the 2004 Meritage.

The tasting room at First Colony.
Our final stop on the southern trail was at DelFosse Vineyards & Winery. Located between two hills with beautiful views of their vineyards, Delfosse's tasting room is currently under construction; so, the tastings take place on the covered deck. DelFosse had 14 different wines to taste. For those who like softer red wines during the sweltering summer months, the 2005 Dear Rock Farm might offer refreshment. Barbeque would certainly be a nice match up with this one. The 2005 Chardonnay was also interesting; the 5% blend of Viognier takes away the oaky edge of barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Paul shies away from oakier Chardonnays, but he found this one to be just right!

With our day's experiences journaled and wine purchases safely stored in the car, we then ended our long day on the southern neck of the Monticello Wine Trail. More to come as we continued to explore the rest of the Monticello Trail!

If you visit Jefferson, Kluge, First Colony, or DelFosse, please tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog!

The Monticello Wine Trail consists of 15 wineries in and around the Charlottesville, Virginia area. These wineries fulfill the vision of Thomas Jefferson who saw Virginia's potential to produce first-class wines. We spent five days in this area and visited as many of the Monticello Wine Trail wineries as possible. In the end, we were able to visit 14 wineries and thus secured many more stickers for our Passport.

The Monticello Wine Trail is divided into regions, and they include North, South, East, and West. We focused on a different region each day and chronicled our experiences. Needless to say, we had a great time tasting new wines at great wineries!

We first tackled the eastern trail, and our first stop was Horton Cellars Winery. Horton produces some 40 wines and always has something new to taste. We usually taste everything on the tasting sheet, but this time we were more selective and sampled fewer of their wines. Of note since our last visit to Horton was the 2005 Viognier, in fact, we opted to share a glass after our tasting. Lovely honeysuckle and fruit aromas hinted at a crisp wine with peachy fruit flavors. We advise readers to also sample the 2004 Viognier as a comparison. The 2005 seemed more crisp, and the fruit characters provide a coolness that would complement any spicy cuisine. Other standouts included the Sparkling Viognier and the Tannat; the latter won gold at the Virginia Governor's Cup. Another note of interest---in preparation for Virginia's 400th anniversary, Horton offers three commemorative wines called Spirit, Voyage, and Courage.


Horton Cellars Winery

Warren at the tasting bar.
Our second on the eastern trail was Barboursville Vineyards. Barboursville, one of our favorite wineries, produces many award winning wines; our readers may concur that after a complete tasting of Barboursville wines, this winery only produces well-crafted, excellent wines. The newest offering was the 2005 Rose, and this blend of Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc provided summer fruit flavors with a nice, dry finish. It was quite nice! Warren's personal favorite was the 2004 Barbera reserve, a Chianti-style wine that begs to be paired with Italian food and roasted vegetables. We finished our visit at Barboursville with a bottle of their Chardonnay Rerserve. Pectin flavors abound here with a nice vanilla that lingers for quite a while. We enjoyed this one on the picnic grounds with lunch that included apples, berries, and almonds. We returned to Barboursville on Friday night to enjoy dinner at the renowned Palladio restaurant. The four-course meal with wine pairings featured Barbourville's Brut, 2005 Rose, 2004 Chardonnay Reserve, and 2004 Barbera Reserve. As we left Barboursville, we decided to return sooner rather than later as our visits there are always delightful!


Barboursville Vineyards

Warren at the tasting bar.
Our final stop on the eastern trail was to Keswick Vineyards, and this was on a Sunday afternoon. Keswick Vineyards currently offers tasting of their wines at Keswick Hall, an upscale setting that resembles an exclusive club. They have future plans to build a separate tasting room at the winery. However, be certain to visit at the appropriate time. We arrived before noon, and Keswick does not begin tasting until after noon. The gracious manager invited us to return at a later hour, but given our time constraints we were not able to do so. This gives us another reason to return to the eastern Monticello Trail; in particular, we would like to sample the award winning Trevellian.

We enjoyed our visit to the eastern portion of the Monticello Trail. How did the rest of the trail go? Tune in later this week, and we'll tell you about the northern region of the Monticello Wine Trail. Until then---Cheers!

And if you visit Horton, Barboursville, or Keswick, tell them you read about them on the Virginia Wine Time blog!

How do you store your wine? There are many ways of course but there are several things to take into consideration when storing your wine. Temperature, humidity, darkness, calm, and angle of storage are just a few of the factors involved with wine storage. Paul found a great article online to help in figuring the best situation for storing your wine. To read about all the factors involved with storing wine, click here.

Recently Paul decided to change the way he was storing his wine. Believe it or not, he was storing it above the refrigerator in his kitchen. The temperature alone was not ideal. So he decided to move all his wines into a larger rack system and move the rack into the living room on the floor. This is a cooler, darker place and all the bottles of wine can sit properly at the right angle. A wine cellar would be ideal but when you live in a condo you have to make due with what you have.


How do you store your wine?

This past weekend marked the twelfth anniversary for Gray Ghost Winery. As our readers already know, we wrote a series on the winemaking process based on our experiences at Gray Ghost, and we could not resist returning to Gray Ghost to congratulate Al, Cheryl and Amy. Therefore, on July 8 we decided to attend the anniversary event held at the winery, and we had a wonderful time.


For a nominal fee we received a special logo glass and full wine tasting; we also witnessed civil war re-enactments complete with exploding cannons! It was a lovely day with warm temperatures and low humidity, and our picnic lunch was accompanied by jazz performed by a trio of musicians. We were able to visit with Al while we tasted the full line of Gray Ghost wines, and to our surprise the 2005 Cabernet Franc was released just that day. We had already tasted the Cabernet Franc at the March barrel tasting; so, we were anxious to taste it out of the bottle. The 2005 Cabernet Franc at Gray Ghost is not blended, and this was evident when we brought our sample to the nose. It possessed a strong raspberry aroma with a bit of herb and spice, and these are the characteristics that are unique to Cabernet Franc. We savored the Franc's raspberry flavors and then opted to purchase a bottle for lunch.

Of course, we always bring food with us when we visit wineries, and on this day, we brought along spicy deli meats served on a baguette seasoned with olive oil and cracked pepper. An assortment of salty nuts, cheeses, and fruit also came along for lunch, and we enjoyed our wine and food while listening to the cool sounds of the jazz.


After lunch we decided to check out the civil war re-enactors. A John Mosby look-a-like provided the presence of the Gray Ghost, and he directed a small contingent of civil war soldiers/re-enactors to give demonstrations of Civil War era cannons and guns. Also lending an air of authenticity to the occasion were several women dressed in fashions of the era. They seemed immune to the deafening roar of the cannons, but we covered our ears when warned to do so by Colonel Mosby!


We concluded our day by wishing our best to the Kellerts; they will be busy planning the wedding for t