This past weekend we went to Bluemont Vineyard. We hadn’t been there for quite awhile so it was nice to see what the tasting menu had to offer. Anyone who has been to Bluemont knows that it’s a very popular place. The parking lot was packed as was the tasting room. We made our way to the bar and waited for our tasting. When it was our turn we found out you get to taste seven wines for $5.00. We thought that was a deal so we preceded with the tasting.
Of the white wines we really enjoyed the 2010 Stainless Steel Viognier, the Goat. This wine had a nice floral nose with peach aromas. We noted peach/stone fruit on the tongue with a mineral finish. We also noted the long finish. The sad part is the wine sold out while we were having our tasting. They literally sold the last bottle as we tasted the wine. No fear though, the 2010 barrel fermented Viognier is still for sale.
Of the reds we tasted the 2008 Merlot, the Ram, really stood out. As our tastress was pouring the wine in our glasses, she informed us that bottle was the last of the 2008 Merlot. She told us that if we liked it, we should get a glass right away. As I brought the glass to my nose, I instantly told her I wanted a glass. Right away this wine reminded me of the 2008 reds that I’m really enjoying right now. This wine had a beautifully fruity nose with lots of cherry. In the mouth the cherry continued with hints of pepper. The ending was smooth and the tannins were light. I really enjoyed this wine and was disappointed that it was already sold out. Again though, no need to fear the 2009 Merlot, the Ram, is now on sale. It has many of the same characteristics but not as fruity as the 2008.
After our tasting we enjoyed that glass of 2008 Merlot with a cheese platter and baguette. We also enjoyed some live music and the wonderful view from the deck at Bluemont. If you haven’t been to Bluemont lately, plan a trip soon to enjoy the wines and the view! And tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Month: September 2011
Women and Wine
Check out our new feature, Women and Wine. Click on the tab above to read about some amazing women in the Virginia wine industry. Our first post features Diane Flynt from Foggy Ridge Cider.
Final Roundup: Southern Virginia
This post will wrap up our reviews of wineries in the southern portion of the state.
Molliver Vineyards and Winery: The winery opened a year ago and currently has 10 acres planted in vines. Twelve wines were available for tasting including a vin chocolat. Our tasting occurred on a hot August day, so we were in the mood for chilled wines; our favorite, then, was the Traminette with its tropical fruit and ginger spice notes. In fact, we shared a glass after our tasting. The Vin Chocolat would certainly make for an interesting dessert offering if served with fresh berries.
Sans Soucy Vineyard: Sans Soucy Vineyards began to sell its own wine in 2008, but before then, it had been selling its grapes to other wineries. Six acres are currently in vines, and this includes the only tempranillo vines in the state! Paul was a fan of the Chat-o, a fruity Viognier with lots of peach and mango flavors. We both enjoyed the 2008 Cabernet Franc with its notes of raspberry and anise. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, it finished with a bit of vanilla. Lovers of Legacy, a blend of Chambourcin, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc grapes, will be pleased to know that the 2009 vintage of this complex reserve wine will soon be released.
Villa Appalachia Winery: I was a big fan of the Simpatico back in 2007, and I remain a fan today. Its floral nose and tropical fruit flavors make for an easy sipper that does well on its own or with spicy food. Simpatico is a blend of Vidal Blanc, Malvasia, and Pinot Grigio. We were also able to sample the Rustico Reserve made from 50% dried Corvina grapes. It presented a raisiny nose with dried plum, anise and tobacco aromas. Since our last visit, the winery added a 2008 bottling of Aglianico and will soon release a barrel-fermented Trebbiano. After our tasting, we enjoyed a glass of Simpatico (of course!)
We hope to return to these more distant wineries in the future. In the meantime, plan a visit to these wineries, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
2008 Chester Gap Merlot
We of course enjoyed some Virginia wine this weekend. We enjoyed the 2010 Galena Creek White from West Wind Farm as our sipper for the evening. You can see a video about the wine if you scroll down. For dinner Warren made roasted veal chops and wild rice. He also picked out three wines from which to pick our dinner wine. I opted for the 2008 Chester Gap Merlot. I know I’ve mentioned in the past but I’ll say it again. I’m really enjoying the 2008 reds. I wanted to find out if the 2008 Chester Gap Merlot would live up to what I’ve come to enjoy about the 2008 reds.
The wine paired beautifully with our roasted veal chops and wild rice. We noted a biig cherry nose with a hint of blackberry and lots of earthy elements…like a forest floor. We noticed similar fruit characteristics in the mouth with spicy nuances and a lingering dark fruit finish. As I suspected, this 2008 Merlot lived up to my expectations of a 2008 red. The longer it was opened and breathing, the better it got with each sip. If you haven’t tried the 2008 Merlot from Chester Gap, give it a try. And if you visit Chester Gap anytime soon, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!