Once our tour of the tasting room and grounds was complete, it was back to the Roeder’s house for a tasting of upcoming offerings. Scenic views and impressive tasting rooms are one thing, but what about the wine? We can attest that these are off to a fine start, too.
Paul and I were treated to a sampling of seven upcoming releases that will bear Barrel Oak labels. These were not estate wines; in fact, these wines were mature yet quality wines of the 2005 vintage purchased from other wineries and already in the barrel. However, these wines were still diamonds in the rough, and Sharon, with guidance from her cast of experts, was able to finish these wines to produce signature products. Of the whites, Paul favored the crisp Chardonnay done in stainless steel with minimal time in oak barrels. He noted ripe apples in the mouth with vanilla on the finish. I preferred the Seyval Blanc. This was produced from Seyval Blanc grapes purchased from a local, quality vineyard, and crushed, aged then bottled under Sharon’s direction. This may well be Barrel Oak’s competition-worthy white wine—crisp with a citrus nose and flavors that finishes with a pleasant, characteristic tartness. To be released just in time for late spring, crab cakes would pair just fine with this one.
On to the reds and more noteworthy pours. The Bowhaus Red is destined to become Barrel Oak’s festival wine. This blend of several red varieties is reminiscent of a softer claret with an herby nose and cranberry flavors. Easy and accessible were words that came to mind. The Petit Verdot will be Barrel Oak’s reserve offering, and I tended to favor this one. Currants and darker fruit aromas were noted with a bit of smoke; I also detected similar flavors with a nice spicy finish that would bode well for a pairing with lamb. My ultimate gold star award was presented to the Tour Ga Franc. This blend of Touriga and Cabernet Franc could grace any dinner party. Mixed berries, dried herbs, and tobacco notes were complimented by raspberry flavors with some mocha to finish. Paul saved his own gold star for the BowWow Norton; he favors Norton and appreciated the black currant notes and characteristic grapey qualities of this Norton. Not to be out done was the Cabernet Sauvignon—lots of potential here, this medium-bodied pour could be appreciated now or later after some time on the wine rack.
Now the canine references obviously pay homage to Barley, esteemed winery dog; however, these names and their unique labels replete with paw prints also designate the House and Reserve wines. The Tour Ga Franc offers a play on the Tour de France to signify Sharon’s affinity for biking. Also, a certain portion of the Tour Ga Franc fee will go toward the Lance Armstrong cancer association.
From tasting room to wines to wine labels, the personal touches of Brian and Sharon are unmistakable touches on a quality operation. Look for Sharon to produce her own estate wines in 2010 as estate vines will be mature enough by 2009 to offer premium pours. Before we bid our farewells to Brian and Sharon, my parting question was, “Why Virginia?” Brian is from California, and their dream could certainly have been fulfilled there or in any other better-known wine region. Brian’s immediate response was, “Virginia is home. It’s a community here, and we {Virginia winemakers} bring each other up. This is where our hearts have made a home together.”
What better note on which to end our time with Brian and Sharon Roeder! We anxiously await their official opening in May. Looking for a new winery to check out this summer? Put Barrel Oak on the agenda, and tell Brian and Sharon that Virginia Wine Time sent you!