Our Memorial Day Weekend ended up being quite hectic, and we could only afford enough time to visit a more local winery. Piedmont Vineyards fit the bill. Located less than an hour away from DC, Piedmont is located in the horse country of Virginia and just outside of Middleburg proper. Of course, Piedmont offers quality wines and idyllic views. Readers may recall that our last visit there was in the midst of winter’s freeze, and our guest reviewer, Michael Tyler, provided the commentary. This latest visit allowed us to enjoy warmer weather, and it also gave us the opportunity to sample new pours as well as older releases.

When we arrived at Piedmont we were lucky enough to among only two customers there for a tasting. We like it this way as we get more time to talk with the winemaker, John Fitter. In fact, John conducted our tasting. Fans of the Native Yeast Chardonnay may want to visit Piedmont soon as this limited production wine is almost sold out. However, Chardonnay fans need not despair as Piedmont will be offering the 2005 Chardonnay from DelFosse until the release of their next Chardonnay. The DelFosse 2005 Chardonnay is actually a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, and this blend seems to work well. It offers the firm backbone of an oak-aged Chardonnay with the fruitiness of the Viognier. Those who hope to get in on the Rose revival recently discussed in Wine Spectator will be pleased with Michael Tyler’s favorite, the Little River Rose. Dry with bright fruit characteristics, the Little River Rose is destined for the pic nic or the summer concert but would also be at home on the dinner table.

We were both anxious to see how the reds were evolving in the bottle, and Paul, the Merlot fan, was more than eager to sample the 2004 Merlot and the 2005 Merlot. His gold star favorite was the 2005 Merlot. More bold than its 2004 sibling, the 2005 Merlot packs lots of dark cherry and mocha flavors. However, don’t discount the 2004 Merlot. It’s lighter-bodied and easy to drink. For those who have purchased the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, this one is evolving quite nicely. Warren plans to keep his bottle on the rack for a while longer as it is indeed aging very well.

We did bring along some lunch; this was courtesy of Balduccis since we only had time to grab some ready-made sandwiches to bring along. We selected a bottle of the 2005 Merlot to accompany our roastbeef sandwiches. We also grabbed some dark chocolate bars; so, we had already set ourselves up for a red wine! The 2005 Merlot proved to be the perfect choice.

After lunch we decided to purchase some wines to bring home and to thank John for conducting our tasting. If you visit Piedmont anytime soon, and we suggest that you do, tell John Fitter that you heard about Piedmont Winery from Virginia Wine Time.

We recently decided to pay a visit to Unicorn Winery to check out the new releases. As we entered the driveway and saw the beautiful pond, we reminded ourselves that we should visit Unicorn more often. Unicorn has a beautiful view and the multi-leveled deck allows visitors to gaze upon the mountain landscape. Once in the tasting room we joined the groups of people around the bar to enjoy a tasting.

Of course we began with the whites. We tasted the 2004 Seyval, 2002 Chardonnay, 2004 Chardonel, 2004 Viognier, and the 2004 Vidal. The gold star for the whites went to the creamy-textured 2002 Chardonnay and the summer-friendly 2004 Viognier.

Next up was the reds. We had the 2004 Merlot, 2005 Chambourcin, 2004 Cabernet Franc, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the bolder 2002 Meritage. Paul’s starred favorite was the 2004 Merlot. Medium-bodied with cherry notes and flavors, the 2004 Merlot is a nice sipper or an easy partner with a beef dish. We should note that the 2002 Chardonnay and the 2002 Meritage were produced by Chris Pearmund. Current winemaker Bree Ann Moore released a few new wines just this past Memorial Day weekend. They were the Traminette, Pinot Gris, Table Rock White, and the newest Viognier. On their anniversary weekend on June 16th and 17th you’ll be able to try their new Crimson Sunset, Obsidian, and the newest Slightly Embarrassed. More reasons for us to return to Unicorn.

After our tasting we decided to enjoy a glass of the 2004 Merlot on the deck overlooking the view of the pond. Several others decided to enjoy the views and the wines as well.

Finally, we should note that Unicorn is currently for sale. If you are in the market to purchase a winery consider Unicorn. If you visit Unicorn, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Sunny springtime afternoons are made for wine tasting. We hadn’t visited Waterford Vineyards for almost a year. It was time to head back out to Loudoun County and see what was new at Waterford. We always have a great time tasting the wines and talking with owner Lori Corcoran. We discovered that changes have indeed occurred—read on to find out more!

Our tasting was conducted in the renovated and restored old house on the property. The renovation produced a charming, cozy tasting room with outdoor accommodations for picnics and wine. We came prepared—breaded chicken filets with white cheeses, baguette, and almonds. Now we needed to pick the perfect wine—follow us to the tasting room.

We were lucky enough to have Lori conduct our tasting. Of course, we began with the whites. We tasted the 2005 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, the 2005 Viognier, and the 2005 Barrel Select Chardonnay. Waterford’s Chardonnays receive local, national, and international accolades, and both offerings received star designations. Warren gravitated to the 2005 Barrel Select; oak-aged with a creamy texture, this full-bodied wine would complement a wide variety of foods including poultry and shellfish. It possesses a nice acidity with a longer finish, and cream-sauced dishes would pair quite well with the 2005 Barrel Select Chardonnay. Paul, on the other hand, prefers a lighter treatment for the Chardonnay. He enjoyed the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, a stainless steel Chardonnay that clean and crisp. Don’t miss the 2005 Viognier—honeyed notes and flavors with melon to boot will be summer hit.

The reds were next and we tasted the 2005 Cabernet Franc, the 2002 Malbec, and the 2005 Meritage. Readers may recall that Waterford’s Cabernet Franc finished at the top of the list at a recent blind tasting. The 2005 vintage is blended with a splash of Chambourcin, and the result is a medium-bodied wine that presents berry flavors with a spicy finish. Paul placed a star next to this one. For a fuller-bodied wine, try the 2005 Meritage with its darker fruit characteristics and longer finish.

Last on the list was the 2005 Seyval Blanc, a the moderately sweet wine. Very lemony! With summer on the way, this is the perfect patio quaffer.

After our tasting we (well, Warren) decided on the 2005 Barrel Select Chardonnay to accompany our lunch. This traditional Chardonnay was hard to resist, and it was more than a perfect partner for our lunch. However, any of the whites would have been appropriate with our lunch menu. What about dessert? We always bring dark chocolates to accompany a red wine, and we shared a glass of the 2005 Cabernet Franc as we indulged in our sinful chocolates.

Before leaving Waterford we had a chance to talk with Jim Corcoran, Lori’s husband. He told us more about their wines, and explained that Waterford would soon be changing its—this is the change that we alluded to earlier in our article. Waterford Vineyards will change its name to to Corcoran Vineyards. This change bring more focus on its owners, Lori and Jim Corcoran. However, the wines will continue to be finely crafted by crafted Mark and Vicki Fedor. . At the end of our conversation with Jim, we purchased a few bottles to take home, and Jim offered us a bottle of 2002, 2003, and 2005 Cabernet Francs with the request to conduct our own vertical tasting. What was the verdict? Keep checking in to find out the results!

The next time you visit Waterford/Corcoran Vineyards, be sure to tell Lori and Jim Corcoran that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

We visited Chester Gap Cellars more than a year ago, and we decided that it was time to find out about the new wines at Chester Gap. Chester Gap is the northern most vineyard in Rappahannock County with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge mountains. In the process, we were able to catch up with Bernd Jung, owner of Chester Gap Cellars.

Bernd has plans to build a tasting room right near the vineyards but for the time being he is tasting his wines on the patio just outside his barrel room. He’s got tables set up and often on weekends he has a tent set up for the comfort of his visitors.

We began our tasting with the the 2005 Viognier. Lush fruity aromas will make this one an instant hit; blended with a small amount of Petit Manseng, grapefruit characteristics shine in the mouth. Nice with seafood but lovely on its own, this Viognier is excellent. Our next sample was the 2005 Rose which is a blend of 64% merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Viognier. Next up was the 2004 and the 2005 Merlot. Warren favored the 2005 Merlot with its cherry notes and spicy finish. We then finished our tasting with the 2005 Cabernet Franc which is actually a combination of 92% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Lots of bright berries here with pepper/spice evident—a food friendly wine that would complement beef or pasta dishes.

As we concluded our tasting, we decided to enjoy a glass of the 2004 Merlot. Paul is a big merlot fan and found this one to be quite enjoyable. He noticed lots of dark cherry with hints of caramel and coffee. It had a beautiful amethyst color and smooth finish. We were also able to gaze upon lovely mountain scenery that decorated a gorgeous spring afternoon.

We always enjoy talking with Bernd. Though a relative newcomer to the Virginia wine industry, Bernd has extensive experience as a winemaker. This expertise was evident to us as we sampled nothing but top-quality wines.. Before leaving the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we secured one bottle each of the 2005 Rose, the 2005 Viognier, the 2005 Cabernet Franc, and the 2004 Merlot. We plan to return to Chester Gap in the near future to sample new releases and to chat with Bernd. If you happen to find yourself at Chester Gap, be sure to tell Bernd that we said hello and tell him you read about Chester Gap Cellars on Virginia Wine Time.

Once a year Linden Vineyards conducts its only event—a barrel tasting that is held in the winery’s barrel room/cellar. Linden’s wines are internationally renowned for its excellent wines, and winemaker/owner Jim Law is the guru for winemaking in Virginia. We had anticipated this event since last year and took advantage of a lovely spring afternoon to enjoy lunch and wine after the barrel tasting. In particular, we looked forward to experiencing the 2004 Boisseau Red which recently scored 88 points in Wine Spectator.

This year’s barrel tasting turned out to be a very popular event. The barrel room was full of patrons ready to taste the upcoming vintages. With our glasses in hand we entered the barrel room, and we were greeted by Jim Law himself. He fill us in on the process and suggested that we start with the special release tasting that was being conducted near the crush pad. Since the crowd had not made its way to this particular tasting, we did indeed start there.

At the special release tasting we were able to to taste three wines. We began with the 2004 Boisseau Viognier which was Linden’s first Viognier offering. The 2004 Boisseau was truly outstanding with lush tropical fruit notes with some mineral characteristics. Of special note was the 2003 Bittersweet produced from 100% Petit Verdot. Still a bit tannic, the innovative Bittersweet would make an interesting after dinner drink especially with chocolates. Buy this one now and let it rest on the wine rack then open for a special occassion!Warren placed a star next to the 2004 Boisseau Viognier and knew that a bottle of this gem would be coming home.

After the special release tasting we moved on to the barrels. We began with the 2006 Boisseau. This one was 43% Petit Verdot, 29% Cabernet Franc, and 28% Merlot. Despite its relative youth, the 2006 Boisseau Red was quite vibrant with evidence that the harsh tannins associated with newly barreled wines were beginning to relax. Barrel two held the 2006 Hardscrabble, which was 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Petit Verdot. More pepper/spice noticed here, and with a slice of salami, Paul enjoyed this sample the most. On to the third barrel and the 2006 Avenius which was a blend of 79% Petit Verdot, and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend won our award for most interesting—deep color with smoky flavors that seemed an appropriate partnership between the earthiness of Petit Verdot and dark fruitiness of Cabernet Sauvignon. The final barrel housed the 2006 Petit Verdot which was 80% P etit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc; for the Petit Verdot fan, this one will be a winner! By this time we were thinking about lunch. However, as we milled about, we were able to get a feel for which samples seemed most popular; the answers were varied, but barrel samples one and three seemed to be front runners.

After our barrel tasting we then enjoyed a regular tasting at the tasting bar located upstairs. Here we were able to taste the 2005 Seyval, the 2006 Rose, the 2005 Cabernet Franc, the 2003 Claret, and the 2006 Vidal Riesling. Do try the 2006 Rose—its clear reddish-pink color and bright strawberry characteristics will dazzle the palate! However, we had our minds set on the 2004 Boisseau Red to see if it matched the accolades received from Wine Spectator. This we paired with Linden’s lunch offerings that included venison sa usage, derby cheese and baguettes. Plums, black cherry, and anise came to mind as we savored the 2004 Boisseau Red. Earthy/smoky qualities suggested Petit Verdot, and indeed Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot are the varietals that make up this outstanding blend. The 2004 Boisseau Red was not available for tasting at the bar, but it was available for purchase. With an upcoming dinner party that will include leg of lamb, Warren secured two bottles of the 2004 Boisseau Red!

We have always enjoyed sitting on the deck while enjoying Linden’s quality wines and food. We should note, however, that changes are afoot at Linden. According to Linden:

“Due to increased pressures on our facilities, beginning January 2008, only Case Club members will have access to Linden’s deck, picnic areas, wine by the glass or cheeses on the weekends. To join Linden’s Case Club one only has to purchase 12 bottles of wine to take home. Membership must be renewed annually with an additional case purchase. Case Club members will also receive updates on new releases, special tastings and Vintner Dinners.”

This may be quite a change to customers who may not purchase wines by the case but do enjoy the Linden experience. We look forward to sampling more wines at Linden, and we will return to Linden to participate in their weekend cellar tastings. In the meantime, be certain to visit Linden Winery and tell the knowledgeable staff there that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Membership at Prince Michel‘s wine club has its benefits, and we took advantage of this by attending the recent barrel tasting exclusive to club members. In the process, we also met winemaker Brad Hanson. Barrel tasting provides a sneak preview of future wines, and we were eager to sample away!

We joined Brad Hansen, the winemaker, in the private tasting room located in the lower level of the tasting facility. The private tasting room is both practical and elegant. Murals depicting French rural life lined the walls. Heavy furnishings that would have been at home in a French chateau and dim lighting completed the sense of country elegance. As we secured our glasses and plates of cheeses, olives, and crackers, Brad opened the tasting with a brief history of Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery. Not surprisingly, the original owners were from France; the current owners purchased the facility and it’s vineyards in 2005. Since then, Prince Michel has adapted its vineyards located predominantly in Charlottesville; these vineyards are better situated to produce high-quality fruit, and the results are evident in Prince Michel’s award winning wines. Prince Michel currently produces 40,000 cases of wine each year.

Though this event was a barrle tasting, we actually began with the already bottled Petit Manseng. This is a new member to Prince Michel’s wine portfolio, and this first attempt was quite pleasant. Done in a dry style, the 2006 Petit Manseng presents a citrus bouquet with grapefruit and lemon flavors in the mouth. This would be rather nice with shellfish and salads. Warren placed a star next to this one and will anxiously await its release!

Now on to the barrel tasting. The one fact to remember at barrel tastings is that the wines are being tasted in their earliest stages and will not be bottle-ready. As Brad grabbed the wine thief, we moved over to the Chardonnay barrel that will become the 2006 Barrel Select Chardonnay. This had been in the barrel for only six months and thus well short of its two year process in the barrel. Oak dominated here with faint apple flavors. It was obvious that this will be a full-bodied white wine, and the fruit will develop over time as the oak resolves itself into the buttery/nutty characteristics associated with a full-bodied Chardonnay.

Next up was a Syrah. Of the wines we barrel sampled, this one was the most developed. It possessed earthy/plummy notes and provided a lingering finish. Some spice was noticed too as is characteristic of Syrah. Brad revealed that the Syrah will be blended with a small amount of Merlot to provide complexity. This one will be bottled after the summer months.

The final wine we tasted was a Cabernet Sauvignon. Tannins dominated here with peppery overtones. As we swirled it around a bit, there were some hints that dark fruit flavors were beginning to emerge, and we concluded that the tannins will begin to soften over time. Brad shared with us that this Cabernet Sauvignon will be used for blending with the Symbius, a Bourdeaux-style red that is blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.

With our session completed, we decided to enjoy a glass of the 2004 Barrel Select Chardonnay from the tasting bar. The expansive tasting room includes tables with checker boards, and we played a few games of checkers as we debated which wines to purchase. (A bottle of the 2004 Cabernet Franc and the 2005 Chardonnay now have new homes!) Please visit Prince Michel, and be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Between two recent winery visits in Charlottesville, we drove by the grape sign for Cardinal Point. Not needing to be anywhere anytime soon, we decided it was time for an update visit. Upon entering the tasting room, we noticed the tasting bar had been renovated to include an extension of the bar. The bar’s new wood surfaces added to the facelift. Of course, we were there to taste wine—read on to find out about new releases at Cardinal Point.

Daniel, our tasting associate, told us of the new releases and then conducted our tasting. As with most tastings, we began with the whites. First up was the 2006 A6. Crisp would be an apt description of this Viognier and Chardonnay blend; expect a longer finish from the 2006 A6. The Chardonnay likewise possesses a longer finish with a buttery texture. For those who prefer sweeter wines, those were next on the tasting menu. The Viognier has 2% residual sugar and considered slightly sweet; its tropical notes is destined to make the Viognier a crowd pleaser during approaching warm weather months. Looking for a picnic wine? Try the 2006 Quattro. This is blend of Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Viognier, and Traminette produces a lovely floral/tropical nose with hints of spice. Its 4% residual sugar certainly qualifies the Quattro as a sweeter wine, but its versatility cannot be questioned. Serve as an apertif, bring to the picnic, pair with holiday ham or spicy Asian foods—the possibilities are numerous!.

And now on to the reds. We began with the 2006 Rockfish Red. Paul’s star of approval usually goes to this one, and he prefers it slightly chilled. The Rockfish Red is Cabernet Franc-based and very fruit forward. If pizza is on the menu, Rockfish Red is the right partner! The 2005 Cabernet Franc and the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon were up next. These may need more time in the bottle, but are certainly drinkable now. The more medium bodied Cabernet Franc presented bright red berries in the mouth; its bigger brother, the Cabernet Sauvignon, produced darker fruit flavors such as plums and cherries with some spice.

After our tasting we selected a glass of the A6 to enjoy on the patio. It seemed to compliment the warmer weather as we enjoyed the A6 on its own. Of course, we will return to Cardinal Point, but if in the meantime you visit Cardinal Point, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you.