Our Friday evening before dinner sipper is the white Merlot from New Kent Winery. The color is very light rose pink. On the nose we got stone fruit, mineral, peach, and pineapple. In the mouth we detected stone fruit and minerality again with some nectarine, pineapple and peach.
This is a refreshing sipper on a warm afternoon. We had it with St. Andre’s cheese and sliced peaches.
Readers may recall that the last time we were at Sunset Hills Vineyards, we found ourselves blending away at a wine-blending session with winemaker Nate Walsh. This time around we resumed our familiar roles as bloggers at the tasting bar with gold stars at the ready.
Of the white wines, our favorite was the 2009 Viognier which was done in stainless steel; however, it possesses a heavier mouth feel that some tasters might associate with light treatment on oak. It presented a lovely nose of honeysuckle and peach. Flavors of peach and honey prevailed, too. Those who favor Burgundian-style Chardonnays might prefer the buttery 2008 Reserve Chardonnay with its pear and almond notes.
We reached a split decision on the red wines. I presented my gold star to the 2008 Cabernet Franc with its rich dark berry and black pepper flavors. Tannins were certainly noticeable, too. Aged in both American and French oak for two years, this Cabernet Franc has enough body to pair with heavier steak meals. Paul’s award went to the 2008 Merlot with its layers of dark cherries, plums and spice. It’s blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for the complexity and tannic presence.
With the record-breaking heat we’ve experienced this summer, light sippers might be more popular than fuller-bodied wines. The fruity 009 Sunset White with its floral nose might fit the bill as well as the crisp 2009 Sunset Rose with its strawberry aromas. It’s quite dry and should be a versatile pour, too. Pair this one with anything from picnic fare to barbeque.
Of course, we were hungry after our tasting, and we availed ourselves to the gourmet food basket that included French bread, a cheese selection, and Italian meats. I let Paul select the wine, and I was not surprised when he opted for the 2008 Merlot. We sipped away out on the shady veranda and observed butterflies, dragonflies, cardinals, and blue jays as the fluttered about the grounds.
With lunch consumed and bottles purchased, we bid our farewells to Sunset Hills Vineyard with promises to return. Check out the current offerings at Sunset Hills Vineyard, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
Over the weekend we got back on the wine trail after a few weeks away. One of the wineries we visited was Narmada Winery. There were a couple of new wines since our last visit. We were eager to taste the new wines. Our gold stars went to the Viognier and the Cabernet Franc.
Added to the line up of white wines is a traminette called Dream. It’s done in stainless steel and has 1.5% residual sugar. This one is a platinum medal winner in the Virginia Wine Lover’s Classic. We noted floral aromas, sweet peach and mango. We also noticed a bit of spice on the tongue. This one would go well with Indian dishes.
The addition to the red wines is a merlot based wine called Gulabi. In the language of India Gulabi means Rose. Concord makes up 3.3% of this wine. On the nose and in the mouth we noticed the grapiness from the concord grapes. It has 1% residual sugar. This one can be chilled and served at barbecues. Our tasting associate described it as the white wine drinkers red. We would agree.
After our tasting, we enjoyed a glass of the Viognier while playing games on the iPad. If you stop by Naramada to check out the latest releases, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
We went to Breaux Vineyards on Friday to pick up my Cellar Club selections. We went ahead and did a full tasting while we were there. My gold star for the whites went to the 2009 Madeline’s Chardonnay and Warren’s gold star went to the 2008 Viognier. Our gold starred favorite for the reds was the 2006 Meritage. Warren’s close second was the cellar-worthy 2005 Nebbiolo.
If you are a Cellar Club member you will enjoy wines every two months to which the general public is not privy. The first selection was the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Done in stainless steel, it presented a nose of citrus and hay. In the mouth we noted a refreshing minerality with citrus flavors and a crisp, clean feel. Perfect for summer either on it’s own or with a shellfish dinner. The second selection was the 2007 Petit Verdot. How nice! Upon tasting this one, we instantly decided it should be cellared for a while. Its dark inky color suggested a bolder pour; however, it was still tight on the nose. Several swirls eventually allowed us to note aromas of dark plum, tobacco, and coffee. In the mouth we noted dark plum, dark currents, black pepper and a chewy finish. Drink now but be certain to decant.
On Saturday evening we went to Wolf Trap for a concert and enjoyed the 2008 Syrah Rose. We must note here that the 2009 Rose is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and gives a sweet impression while the 2008 is very dry.
If you decide to become a member of Breaux’s Cellar Club or if you visit Breaux and do a tasting, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!