Tag Archives: barboursville

Virginia Wine Month Celebration

Posted on by
4

Last night we attended a reception to celebrate Virginia Wine Month and Virginia Wine Tourism. There were many winery dignitaries in attendance as well as lots of media folks. The guest of honor was Governor Bob McDonnell. After introductions and fanfare, the governor spoke. He spoke about the wine industry in Virginia and how successful it’s been in the last few years. He noted that the industry will have great growth in the future especially with Donald Trump getting into the game. Of course the focus of the evening was wine and we got the chance to taste some of the best Virginia wine.

Breaux Vineyards poured the 2010 Viognier, 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve, and the 2005 Nebbiolo. We agreed the winner here was the 2005 Nebbiolo. We noted cherry and raspberry with hints of licorice and tobacco. I really noticed the smooth finish. What a nice wine!

Barboursville Vineyards poured the Viognier Reserve 2010, the Octagon 2007 and the Malvaxia Reserve 2006. Here we really enjoyed the Octagon 2007. Great color, intense tannins, and berry flavors stood out here. We thought of food with this one.

Boxwood Winery poured the Topiary Rose Blend 2010, the Topiary Blend 2009, and the Boxwood Blend 2009. I think the Boxwood Blend 2009 really stood out here. It has a deep, dark color with hints of blackberry, violet, and anise. The tannins would accompany a thick steak really well.

Chatham Vineyards poured the Church Creek Vintner’s Blend (non vintage 2009 and 2010), the Church Creek Cabernet Franc (non vintage 2009 and 2010), and the 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay. I really preferred the 2010 Steel Church Creek Chardonnay. I noted the pear and apple flavors on the nose as well as in the mouth. It had a nice mouth feel even though it spent no time in oak.

The Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Tourism Corporation put on a wonderful event. We enjoyed the conversation, the wines, and the promotion of Virginia wine. We met some great people that we hadn’t met before. We even got to meet the governor! It was a great way to celebrate Virginia Wine Month. If you haven’t visited any of the wineries that poured at the event, you need to plan a trip to visit them soon. And tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!


Some of the Virginia Wine Mafia was in attendance!

Hendrix and Virginia Wine

Posted on by
1

One of our goals for Virginia Wine Month is to visit local restaurants and establishments that sell and serve Virginia wines. While perusing the shops and restaurants in the Glover Park area of Washington DC, we happened upon Bourbon, a small bar/restaurant on Wisconsin Ave. Looking at the wine list scrawled on a chalkboard on the wall we noticed they serve the Barboursville Chardonnay. We decided we’d stay for lunch.


When our waitress arrived we proudly ordered two glasses of the Barboursville Chardonnay. While waiting for the wine we made our lunch decisions. I opted for the Mac and Cheese while Warren got a sandwich (I can’t remember exactly what kind). Our wine arrived and we began enjoying it while we waited for our lunch. Once our lunch came we enjoyed the wine even more. It complimented our choices perfectly. With lunch finished we continued to enjoy the wine while we enjoyed the views out the window on Wisconsin Ave. Warren was really enjoying the Jimmy Hendrix playing the sound system. I would have selected some smooth jazz instead. Either way, we had a good time and enjoyed the wine. We were also pleased we were continuing to support the Virginia wine industry.

We’re not sure where our celebration will take us next but be sure we’ll be enjoying Virginia Wine Month. What are you doing for Virginia Wine Month?

Heat Wave!

Posted on by
Reply

No, not the Motown hit by the Vandellas—the 100 degree weather that has us all wilting. These hot and humid days require wines that cool and refresh, and we found some wines at Barboursville that may just accomplish the task.

Warren’s summer picks:
Sauvignon Blanc 2010: crisp and citrusy with grassy notes
Viognier Reserve 2009: elegant with floral notes and fuller mouth feel
Phileo: Moscato and Gewürztraminer blend that should pair well with peach cobbler

Paul’s summer picks:
Chardonnay 2010: for stainless steel lovers like myself. Crisp and clean; serve well chilled.
Rose 2009: Strawberry Hills forever! Versatile for this time of year.

Be on the lookout for future releases of Petit Verdot and Vermentino. Bill, our tasting associate told us that Luca created a 2008 Petit Verdot that will probably only be seen at the restaurant, Palladio. Luca also made a 2009 Petit Verdot that should be released later this year. In the meantime, visit Virginia wineries to find your own summer favorites. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.