I continue to celebrate Virginia Wine Month, and on October 18, I had the opportunity to taste the 12 wines that comprised this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup Case at the Capital Wine School.  The tasting was conducted by CWS director Jay Youmans, MW.  Jay Youmans has been involved in the wine industry, including the local Virginia industry, for over 40 years.  He had been the judging director for the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition for many years before Frank Morgan of drinkwhatyoulike.com took on that role for the 2024 competition.

The tasting session began with an overview of how the competition is conducted.  Over 620 wines from 86 of Virginia’s entered the competition, which occurred in January 2025.  Judging occurs in two rounds,  first with the preliminary round, and then the final round.  Each round has its own set of 12 judges.  (Jay Youmans was one of the final round judges.) From the final round, wines are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals.  The Governor’s Cup Case is culled from the gold medal winners, one of which earns the top award, the Governor’s Cup. In other words, the Governor’s Cup Case is the best of the highest rated wines.  Needless to say, I was excited to be able to taste these solid gold champions. (Click here to learn more about the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition.)

So which wines made the Governor’s Cup Case, and what were my impressions?  Without further ado, here they are:

1. 2018 Trump Sparkling Rose (winemaker: Jeremy Wheeler)—Crafted from 88% Chardonnay  and 12% Pinot Noir; fresh, bright strawberry and cherry notes, yeasty
2. 2023 Potomac Point Winery Albarino (winemakers: Skip Causey and Jordan Cleary)— ripe pear, citrus, and mineral notes; 4 months on lees in stainless steel tanks; rounder feel
3. 2023 The Winery at La Grange “Catherine’s Vineyard” Petit Manseng (winemaker: Seth Chambers)— golden hue; lush tropical aromas and flavors, particularly pineapple; aged in neutral French oak barrels provided a honeyed feel on the palate, a bit of coconut at the end
4. 2023 Veritas Monticello White (winemaker: Emily Hodson)— white blend includes 50% Chardonnay, 22% Viognier, 17% Sauvignon Blanc, and 11% Petit Manseng; whiff of white blossoms; apple; a combination of aging in stainless steel aging (33%) and neutral oak barrels (70%) imparted a nice weight on the palate along with a kiss of vanilla
5. 2022 Michael Shaps “Wild Meadow Vineyard” Chardonnay (winemaker: Michael Shaps)— elegant and Old World, apple, baking spices, vanilla; lengthy finish; whole cluster pressed and fermented in oak barrels, 50% new, for 15 months. Yay for this Chardonnay!
6. 2023 Valley Road Vineyards Petit Manseng (winemaker: Corry Craighill)—2.2% residual sugar amplifies the tropical fruit profile; neutral oak aging provides texture and a fuller mouth feel.
7. 2023 Paradise Springs Cabernet Franc “Brown Bear Vineyard” (winemaker: Rob Cox)—an initial smoky nose gave way to a violet note; blackberry, raspberry and cherry; anise; black pepper; medium-bodied; aged in new and neutral French oak barrels for 8 months
8. 2023 DuCard Vintners Reserve Cabernet Franc (winemaker: Julien Durantie)—juicy black raspberry and cherry notes; dried herbs; well framed; versatile; aged 9 months in oak barrels
9. 2021 50 West Vineyards Aldie Heights Cuvee (winemaker: Jason Burrus)—Plum and currant; dense; sweet tobacco, “chewy”; I’ve already written about this one, and I enjoyed sampling it again; aged 26 months in French oak barrels
10. 2017 Barboursville Vineyards Octagon (winemaker: Luca Paschina)—Octogan is a perennial gold medal winner, and this red blend includes 62% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot; savory nose with black berry and cherry notes; faint cedar; aged 12 months in French oak barrels. I have a bottle of this one on the wine rack; drink now or hold on for a couple of years.  It’s showing very well right now (obviously).
11. 2021 King Family Mountain Plains Red (winemaker: Matthieu Finot)—a red blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 37% Merlot, and 18% Petit Verdot; dense dark currants and black plum; earthy with oak nuances; complex; aged 22 months in French oak barrels
12. 2023 Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve (winemaker: Luca Paschina)—The Winner! I’ve written about this already, but worth revisiting. Nice stone fruit and citrusy notes; minerality; aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks; refreshing and delightful.

In previous posts, I admitted my excitement for Petit Manseng in Virginia and the direction in which winemakers were taking it.  In the past, I found Petit Manseng too cloying; however, local winemakers have mastered the balancing act between high acidity and residual sugar as witnessed by the two Governor’s Cup Case winners.  Jay Youmans stated that Petit Manseng had the potential to be Virginia’s Chenin Blanc, the fruity, acidic grape variety championed by France’s Loire region.  Youmans may be on to something based on what I sampled here and from other Virginia wineries too.

So  if I had to any grab two bottles of my personal favorites from the case, one white and the other red, which would they be?  Yay for Chardonnay, so I’d take the Michael Shaps 2022 Wild Meadow Chardonnay.  It was simply beautiful in the glass and refreshing yet elegant on the palate.  (Besides, I do have bottle of the Grand Champion from Barboursville Vineyards.) Red wine? I already have the 2017 Octagon, the 2022 50 West Aldie Heights Cuvee, and the 2023 Paradise Springs Cabernet Franc on my wine rack. My grab, then, would be the 2021 King Family Mountain Plains Red.  Complex, powerful, and well structured, this red blend showcases what can be produced from a  banner growing season with both expert vineyard management and winemaking techniques.

I enjoyed Jay Youmans’ presentation of this award-winning wines, and it was exciting to share in discussions about these wines with other tasters who attended the session.  Tasting these exceptional wines at the Capital Wine School  was also another way to celebrate Virginia Wine Month. Consider participating in one of the many classes and tasting sessions offered by the Capital Wine School.  I also suggest visiting the wineries mentioned in this post to taste these wines for yourselves.  Of course, please mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.

October is Virginia Wine Month, and what better way to celebrate than visiting Virginia wineries?  In this post, I capture my recent experiences at five wineries located in northern Virginia.

50 West: I have not been to 50 West since both it and Sunset Hills were purchased by Chris and Katie Key in 2022.  Readers may know these wineries were previously owned by Mike and Diane Canney. I was therefore eager to taste the latest releases at 50 West produced by winemaker Jason Burrus.  Of the white wines, the 2024 Vidal Blanc was delightful with enticing floral notes and flavors of fresh apple and pear.  It was also crisp with a refreshing acidity.  The 2024 Rose of Cabernet Franc was another pleasure to experience with its bright red berry profile and acidity.  I admit to crossing my fingers that I would be able to taste the Governor’s Gold Case winner, the 2021 Aldie Heights Curvee, and yes, I was given a sample.  It lived up to its award-winning reputation. This powerful blend of Tannat (47%), Petit Verdot (44%), Merlot (7%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) displayed the depth and boldness one would expect from an exceptional growing season.  Dark fruit prevailed on the nose with accents of tobacco, graphite, and cedar.  It presented a youthful palate of blackberry, black currant, and dark cherry flavors which intensified with some swirling. It finished with a “chew” indicative of youthful tannins.  Enjoy now but decant  if you are not patient enough to age this one, and purchase another bottle to cellar.  I was also treated to a sample of 2021 Rome-Key Roots, a Governor’s Gold medal winner, and this was another powerhouse red blend comprised of Petit Verdot (47%), Merlot (39%), Tannat (9%), Cabernet Sauvignon (2%), and Cabernet Franc (1%).  The Merlot makes for a juicier splash on the palate with intense plum and currant flavors.  I noted  a rounder palate to boot.  Like its sibling, the Cuvee, Roots is still quite young but can be appreciated now or later.  (Chris Key is from northern Virginia, and the name Roots is an homage to his Virginia roots as well as the joint venture he and wife Katie enjoy together.)

 

Breaux Vineyards: I always look forward to a tasting at Breaux, especially when conducted by wine educator extraordinaire, Silvia Miller.  It was Silvia who signed Paul up for a club membership at Breaux in 2006, and it was due to Silvia’s comparison of Seyval Blanc to Sauvignon Blanc.  At the time, she dubbed Seyval Blanc, “Virginia’s version of Sauvignon Blanc.” Paul always recalled this quotable quote whenever we enjoyed a bottle of Breaux’s Seyval Blanc better known as Jolie Blond, and Silvia treated me to a comparison between Breaux’s 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2022 Jolie Blond.  Both shared a citrusy profile with the Sauvignon Blanc leaving a brighter impression on the palate while the Jolie Blond presented a broader feel akin to a Pinot Grigio.  I enjoyed the comparison as it harkened fond memories of a time long ago.  Red wines were heralded at my tasting experience here, and the 2021 Barbera, which included Merlot (15%) and Petit Verdot (10%) led the way with its whiff of violet and notes of pomegranate and wet stone. Lush blackberry flavors and a vibrant finish on the palate suggest a versatile wine to be enjoyed on its own or with comfort food.  A surprise was the 2020 Malbec, a silver medal winner at the 2023 Virginia Governor Cup.  It’s rare for Virginia wineries to grow Malbec much less produce a bottling of it, but this one was quite good.  Dark fruit aromas melded with hints of nutmeg and black tea on the nose while plum flavors and velvety tannins awaited the palate.  Elegant yet approachable—a winning combination.  Silvia then offered me a vertical tasting of the 2019 Nebbiolo and 2020 Nebbiolo.  Nebbiolo has been a flagship grape variety at Breaux Vineyards for many years now, and these two vintages explain why that is the case.  Both vintages offered trademark violet and raspberry aromatics.  However, the 2019, a product of a hot, dry growing season, showcased a more layered complexity with waves of raspberry, licorice and crushed forest floor.  It still held firmly onto its acidity, so it can nap on the wine rack for a while longer.  The 2020 vintage was produced from a normal Virginia growing season—average rainfall and normal temperatures.  The result was an approachable Nebbiolo with riper raspberry notes along with a succulent raspberry splash on the palate, and a tart, lingering finish. Not to be outdone by all of the red wines was the 2023 Saignee, made by draining juice from red wine grapes during fermentation. The deeper color reminded me of a Spanish rosato.  Made from Merlot (44%), Malbec (27%), Petit Verdot (17%), and Nebbiolo (12%), this rose was very rich yet energetic. It displayed bright red berry notes and a touch of spice to suggest a fun wine that could be taken seriously at the dinner table, especially Thanksgiving.  I opted to enjoy a glass of this one with a block of cheese and salami for lunch after my tasting.

Cana Vineyards and Winery: It’s always a pleasure to taste through winemaker Melanie Natoli’s lineup of wines at Cana.  Alison, my wine educator, skillfully led my tasting, and she began with 2023 Albarino Reserve.  Extended lees aging created a textured, rounder wine with floral aromas and a bright palate of white peach.  Albarino is another grape that was not on the radar for Virginia vineyards twenty years ago, but that is no longer the case.  Here was an example of what Albarino can do from the right vineyard site and a skillful winemaker.  Melanie Natoli’s passion for rose is well known to Cana fans, and the 2023 Rose of Cabernet Franc was a joy to taste.  A floral nose and cherry aromas led to red cherry flavors.  Aging in French oak barrels and Acacia puncheons provide a creamier feel and a hint of black pepper in the mouth.  The fruit lingers, so enjoy on its own or pair with food—another rose option for Thanksgiving dinner. The 2019 Le Mariage began the red wine tasting, and I remembered I had one bottle of this vintage on my wine rack.  It was awarded a gold medal at the 2022 Governor’s Cup competition and earned a place in the Governor’s case.  A complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it presented elements of dark cherry, plum, baking spices and cedar.  Tannins have mellowed with age but still able to frame the wine.  My personal favorite was the 2021 Unite Reserve, a bold red blend including Petit Verdot (66%), Cabernet Franc (17%), and Merlot (17%).  Dark seed berries and black plum notes were accented by a trace of violet and oak nuances.  It gave a rounder palate with accessible tannins.  As I swirled and sipped, Alison updated me on the ongoing developments at Cana.  Although Viognier is gone from the vineyard, more plantings of Merlot and Petit Manseng have taken the place of these vines.  Readers may also be excited to know that a bottling of  Gruner Veltliner will be available in 2026.

Domaine Fortier Vineyards: This was my first visit to this boutique winery, and I was truly impressed.  Wines here are currently tasted outdoors under a tent, and wines can be enjoyed at tables under the tent or in a small glass house.  Ground breaking for a tasting room will occur next year.  The property, located in Catoctin Valley between Short Hill and Furnace Mountain  was purchased by winemaker Stephen Fortier in 2018, and ten acres of it was planted mostly in vitis vinifera varietals.  The 2023 growing season marked the first harvest of estate grown grapes;  in the meantime, the winery had been purchasing fruit from Loudoun County growers.  Wines were then crafted at Walsh Family Wine under the guidance of winemaker Nate Walsh.  Stephen Fortier now heads the efforts in both the vineyard and the winemaking.  The winery opened its tent to customers in June, 2024.

I’m a cheerleader for Chardonnay, and I was a fan of the 2020 Chardonnay with its notes of pineapple and citrus.  Seven months of oak aging provided depth and body.  It presented a fresh yet fuller palate.  I’ve also warmed up to Petit Manseng, and the 2021 release from Domaine Fortier provided heady tropical fruit aromas and flavors with a honeyed finish.  Its golden color signaled its richness, and it’s dry to boot! Of the red wines, I favored the easy-drinking 2020 Le Pivot, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, licorice and violet greeted the nose along with a playful, juicy entry in the mouth.  This blend is medium bodied and a versatile wine to have on the wine rack.  The 2021 Petit Verdot proved to be a bolder offering with elements of dark plum, crushed herbs, and cedar.  Tannins lingered a bit too.  This is another wine to either buy to drink now or cellar for enjoyment later.  Or purchase two bottles, one for each purpose.

Paradise Springs: It had been at least three years since I sample winemaker Rob Cox’s wines at Paradise Springs.  I’m not sure why, but I was glad to return.  My tasting here began with the refreshing 2022 Apres Rose, a brut style sparkling wine.  Sparkling wine is always a nice way to start a tasting—it cleanses the palate in a festive way! Of course, the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay caught my attention (yay for Chardonnay!) Nice apple and pear notes gave way to a fuller feel on the palate accompanied by a kiss of oak provided by time in oak barrels, 50% new and 50% neutral.  Red wines in Virginia produced from the 2021 growing season have been powerful, and the 2021 Petit Verdot continued evidence of this trend.  Aromas and flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and dark currants were experienced on the nose and palate.  I noted a lengthy finish too.  2019 was a growing season similar to 2021, and the 2021 Moment met the moment (ha ha).  This complex blend included Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Tannat.  Swirling coaxed darker fruit, violet and cedar aromas.  Tannins were surprisingly velvety.  If readers have a bottle or two of this one at home, it can still rest easy for a bit longer.  The 2023 Cabernet Franc from the Brown Bear Vineyard located in the Shenandoah Valley AVA won the honor of being included in the Governor’s Gold Medal Case; however, it was only available for purchase.  And that is what I did—I look forward to enjoying it at home.

 

So how have you been enjoying Virginia Wine Month?  Which Virginia wine and/or wineries have you enjoyed this month? Please let me know.  Consider visiting the wineries mentioned in this post if you haven’t done so already.  Of course, mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.

 

 

 

Fall is here and so is gumbo season in southern Louisiana.  Click on the link to learn how to cook seafood gumbo, but stay tuned until the end to discover which Virginia wines I paired with this Cajun classic.

The Cajun Cooks Seafood Gumbo

Summer 2025 has come to a close, and I honored the change of seasons with a visit to Linden Vineyards this past Friday.  I then volunteered to harvest Cabernet Sauvignon the next day at Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Friday proved to be a glorious, last hurrah for summer with temperatures in the 80s, but humidities were comfortably low.  Bright sunshine guided my way to Linden where I enjoyed their latest vertical tasting.  The experience began with a welcome sample of the 2021 Wabi Saba, a fun blend which includes Vidal Blanc and Petit Manseng.  Jim Law recently pulled up his Vidal Blanc vines, so expect one more vintage of this unique blend with the Vidal Blanc grape.  Future releases of Wabi Sabi will continue but with a different blend.  Wabi Sabi segued to the comparative tastings of white wines.  The first vertical began with the 2021 Village Chardonnay and the 2017 Village Chardonnay.  (Readers may recall the Village Chardonnay is a blend of Chardonnay from the three Linden vineyard sites—Hardscrabble, Avenius, and Boisseau.) Vertical tastings are always a good way to experience how growing season variabilities such as moisture and temperatures play a role in the ultimate outcome, and these can be  factors in deciding how long to age wines.  2021 was a warm year with less precipitation, and this was reflected in the ’21 Village which offered aromas of apple and pear while suggesting a whiff of slate. Fresh crunchy apple peel was noted on the palate.  The elder 2017 Village, produced from a warmer-than-normal growing season with below normal rainfall, presented ripe apple notes and flavors with a lingering finish.  My favorite?  The 2021 to sip on its own, and the 2017 to shine with dinner featuring roasted poultry or pork.

Next up were dueling Petit Manseng offerings; one represented the 2018 growing season; the other, from 2020.  Both were demi-sec, or moderately sweet. 2018 was noted for its rainy season thanks to a hurricane, and this vintage exhibited aromas of white blossoms and pineapple followed by tropical fruit flavors and bright acidity.  The 2020 Petit Manseng was produced from a typical Virginia growing season, and its fruit profile was similar to the older sibling but with a honeyed texture. This duo was a coin flip for me, but I finished the 2020 sample first.  I’ll give this one the nod.  A bonus comparison was an unexpected treat and showcased the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from the Avenius and Hardscrabble sites.  The Avenius bottling exhibited tropical fruit aromas and flavors, salinity, and crisp acidity while the Hardscrabble offered citrus elements and subtle grassier notes most associated with Sauvignon Blanc.  My suggestions? Avenius with oysters, and Hardscrabble with gamier cheeses or white meats and fish finished with a twist of lemon.

The comparative tasting finished with two reds, the 2021 Claret and 2021 Avenius Red. Same vintage, different wines.  The Claret (Merlot 35%, Cabernet Franc 27%, Cabernet Sauvignon 23%, and Petit Verdot 15%) made a nice, juicy splash on the entry with fun cherry and seed berry flavors. I noted a “chew” on the finish.  Avenius was more bashful and needed a few generous swirls to reveal dark fruit and graphite on the nose.  My preference? Claret to drink now with a favorite comfort meal.  Keep Avenius on the wine rack for future enjoyment with something braised on a cold evening.

My summer wind down weekend ended with a harvesting experience at Gray Ghost Vineyards.  I’ve been a volunteer harvester at Gray Ghost for many years now, and it’s always a fun yet learning experience.  Managing a vineyard to yield excellent results is tough, demanding work.  Picking the fruit marks the end of the assignment  for the vines, but serious work continues on the crush pad and then in the tanks and barrels. I’m content to harvest and then sip the end results!

I joined friends and other harvesters at 6:30 AM to snip this year’s crop of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Here is what a lug full of Cabernet Sauvignon looks like:

Once harvesting was completed, harvesters joined winemakers Al and Cheryl Kellert for a toast to celebrate a successful day.

I had conversations with both Jim Law of Linden Vineyards and Al Kellert about their impressions of the 2025 growing season. The words “relief” and “excited” aptly sum up their feelings.  Why relief? It was a roller coaster growing season ending with a safe landing.  June was wet and cool, while July was wet, hot, and humid.  And then the rain stopped, the humidity dropped, and August featured warm, arid days with no rainfall.  This reprieve lasted into September.  Once this turn of events occurred, ripening occurred at a more rapid yet even pace.  Therefore, both were excited about prospects for the 2025 vintage. Tasters will enjoy the efforts put forth by these talented winemakers in due time.

Fall has begun, harvest is winding down, and leaves will put on a glamorous pageant of colors as the air begins to chill.  Plan a visit to Linden and Gray Ghost Vineyards to enjoy this transition and to sample the latest releases.  Please mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.

 

 

 

 

Matthew Fitzsimmons of winetrailsandwanderlust kindly invited me to join him for an event at Walsh Family Wine called, What Will The Women Drink?  The answer to the question is in the title of this post, and it has a humorous story which in turn led to this event.  What Will the Women Drink not only showcased several vintages of the bold red blend that bear this label but also was a fundraiser for Women Giving Back, a charitable organization that assists women and children in times of crisis.

Sarah Walsh kicked off the evening with an answer for the question, What Will The Women Drink? The 2017 first vintage was the first to to bear this label, and it was borne out of an exchange between Sarah and a well-intentioned but long-winded customer who lectured her on what he deemed necessary improvements to the winery once it transitioned from North Gate to Walsh Family Wine. Wine slushies, for example, must be offered.  “Wine slushes?”, Sarah queried.  His responded, “of course, what will the women drink?” Sarah decided to respond to the blowhard and his stereotypical view of what women drink—sweet, candy-like ice slushies— by producing the boldest red wine possible and labeling it, What Will The Women Drink?

So what constitutes this bold response to a laughable suggestion by a no-nothing  no- it- all?  Petit Verdot and Tannat provide the cornerstones for this blend, so indeed it is bold.  Cabernet Sauvignon was included in vintages 2017 through 2021; however, Merlot and Cabernet Franc have replaced that one in the 2022 vintage. The 2022 lineup will continue in subsequent blends of What Will The Women Drink.

Guests at this event were treated to a vertical tasting of What Will The Women Drink from the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages.  (A 2018 vintage was not produced due to less than optimal growing season in that year.) My favorite was the powerful 2019 vintage with its dark bramble berry, dark currant, and tobacco profile.  This season was considered to be an excellent one with a dry, hot summer and perfect for ripening star players Petit Verdot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), and Tannat (20%).  Twenty months in oak barrels, 20% in new oak barrels provided a whiff of cedar on the nose.  A close second was the expressive 2021 vintage which exhibited riper dark fruit that extended through the palate, a playful whip of licorice, and faint scent of clover.  Petit Verdot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), and Tannat (20%) comprised this blend.  I considered the 2020 vintage to be the most approachable of the vertical lineup and could be enjoyed now.  It was fresh and fruity with a floral/violet presence on the nose.  The 2022 vintage will be a blockbuster and needs more time to fully evolve. Though still tight, swirling coaxed dark plum notes after an initial smoky nose.  This vintage is the first to not include Cabernet Sauvignon, but instead includes Petit Verdot (67%), Tannat (21%), Merlot (7%), and Cabernet Franc (5%).  This one is a buy now, drink later vintage.

The evening closed with two treats.  The first was a sample of the inaugural 2017 vintage of this label provided by Matthew Fitzsimmons, and the other were 2024 barrel samples of Merlot from the Bethany Ridge Vineyard, Cabernet Franc, also from Bethany Ridge, and Tannat from the Hickory Wind Vineyard.  The 2017 was truly a delight to sip, and it still offered delicate floral aromas and enough fruit flavors to appreciate.  Of the barrel samples, the Cabernet France recalled a walk through a fresh meadow of wild red berries and herbs.  It was lovely.

The What Will The Women Drink event provided guests an opportunity to support Women Giving Back, an organization helping women and children coming out of crisis situations.  Nine liter bottles of What Will The Women Drink were silently auctioned with proceeds going to the organization.  Read more about Women Giving Back here.

My friend Kathy and I compared notes of What Will The Women Drink vintages and were relieved not to see slushy machines at Walsh Family Wine.

This was a delightful evening, and I had to pleasure to not only sip through vintages of What Will The Women Drink but to also catch up with Matthew Fitzsimmons and wine connoisseur Kathy Lang Wiedemann.  As the sunset heralded the close of this special evening, I made sure to purchase a bottle of the 2021 What Will The Women Drink.  (I am so glad Walsh Family Wine does not offer wine slushies. It’s so Seven Eleven.) Be sure to visit Walsh Family Wine to discover your own favorites wines there, but mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.

 

 

 

 

 

I cook Chicken Bordelaise in this episode of The Cajun Cooks.  This is not a classic Cajun recipe, but it can be found on menus at New Orleans restaurants.  Bordelaise sauce is usually made with red wine served atop steak; however, this New Orleans version is made with a white wine sauce served with chicken. I pair this dish with the 2023 Williams Gap Chardonnay Reserve, the 2019 Linden Village Chardonnay, and the 2020 Barboursville Nascent, a white wine blend.  Check out the video, and feel free to leave comment.

Summer still lingers, and this post will present my thoughts on some local wines that capture the season.  Expect to read about Sauvignon Blanc in the article as this variety continues to impress this particular palate.  I don’t recall this grape being considered by vineyard managers twenty years ago when Virginia Wine Time began its journey through Virginia wine country, but it, along with other white varieties such as Albarino, has hit its stride in area vineyards.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery: I made it a mission to sample the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc once I read the results of a blind tasting of Sauvignon Blancs conducted by Matthew Fitzsimmons.  This award-winner emerged as the #1 choice by tasters at this event, besting competition from Linden and Glen Manor Vineyards.  White blossoms and heady citrus notes along with more subtle tropical nuances greet the nose, and a weightier feel through the mid-palate was noted.  This bottling avoids the stereotypical grassy characteristics and concentrated, zesty tartness associated with styles from New Zealand.   Kudos to winemaker Jeremy Ligon for crafting this world-class wine which took gold at the San Francisco wine competition.  I also enjoyed the 2022 Cabernet Franc with its notes of raspberry, nutmeg, and a bit of black pepper.  Nice acidity carries its fruitiness through the palate and should pair well with grilled protein.  Cabernet Franc also leads the way in the 2022 Heritage.  Co-stars in this blend include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.  Bright red berry flavors and a juicy mid-palate end with a bit of a tannic “chew”.  Buy now and enjoy with a grilled steak or consume later with a favorite beef stew during the fall.

Boxwood Estate Winery: It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to Boxwood Estate Winery, and I opted to taste through the Premium Flight.  The 2023 Cupola, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, was a delight on a very hot day.  Tropical fruit and lemon aromas display themselves on the palate too.  Nothing resembling New Zealand here either as a weightier palate led to a lingering finish.  With an eye on fall and heavier fare, the bolder Boxwood 2021 and its blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot caught my attention.  Elements of dark cherry and currants abound here along with a rounder mouthfeel.  This one should age well on the wine rack, too.

Delaplane Cellars: I’ve long been a fan of winemaker Rick Tagg’s wines, and yes, he also has produced an excellent Sauvignon Blanc. The 2024 vintage presented aromas of white blossoms, wet stone, and subtle herbal nuances.  Its refreshing acidity invites shellfish and gamey cheeses to the dinner table.  Bring a bottle out to the picnic table while grilling outdoors.  Of course, that may mean another bottle of wine to pair with the main meal.  Chops on the grill? Consider the 2022 Benevino Cabernet Franc with its notes of blackberries and black raspberries.  Ripe berry flavors provide a juicy entry and then rewards with  an oak kiss at the finish.

Slater Run Vineyards: Winemaker Katell Griaud continues to bring an old-world deftness to her winemaking style.  And yes, that includes the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc with its elements of grapefruit, mango, and wet stone.  I’m generally not a Pet-Nat fan, but I did give a thumbs-up to the fun and fizzy 2024 Pet-Nat Sparkling Rose done in the methode ancestral associated with this style of sparkling wine.  (Click here to read about method ancestral.) I was also intrigued with the 2023 Nest, a blend of Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Gruner Veltliner, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Melon and apple characteristics, a bit of spice, and nice acidity make for an interesting white wine blend suited for pasta dishes served with white sauce, grilled chicken finished with a spritz of lemon, or a summer salad.  The light-bodied 2021 Cabernet Franc can be enjoyed on its own on a warm day or with a picnic paired with an outdoor concert. Looking ahead to cooler weather and venison for dinner, the 2021 Pit Jumper, Petit Verdot blend,  with its dark plum and tobacco notes would be an option on the dinner table.

Virginia winemakers continue to expand the ever-widening portfolio of grape varieties that can be successfully crafted into stunning wines, now including Sauvignon Blanc.  It was a delight to sample these excellent examples.  Summer is still with us, but the transition to autumn will soon begin.  Of course, another exciting season of harvest will soon be keeping area winemakers busy.  In the meantime, discover your own guilty pleasures for the warm weather season.  What do you think of Virginia’s Sauvignon Blanc? Sparkling Wines? Cabernet Franc?  Visit the wineries mentioned in this post to find out.  Of course, please mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.

 

 

The end of June also means the end of Pride Month, and Loudoun County wineries participating in Pride in the Vines  wrapped up the celebration this past weekend.  I was out of town for most of June, but that didn’t stop me from visiting at least a few of the wineries participating in the fun program.

June is designated Pride month because of the historic Stonewall Riots that occurred in New York City on June 28, 1969.  Pride marches organized by the LGBTQ+ community began the following year in American cities to commemorate the event.  President Clinton designated June as Pride month in 1999, and since then, Pride month celebrations have become international in scope.  This year, Washington DC was the site of World Pride in 2025.  In 2014, Two Twisted Posts Winery launched the inaugural Pride in the Vines celebration, and a passport program was developed to encourage both wineries and wine consumers to join in the festivities. This year, 23 Loudoun County wineries participated in the program.  Participants received a Pride in the Vines passport at the first participating winery, and the passport is then stamped at each winery on the passport.  Once 10 winery stamps have been earned, the passport is left with the tenth winery.  Passports are then entered into a raffle, and the winner receives prizes to include wine, tastings at wineries, and more.

I began my quest to collect stamps on my passport at the Two Twisted Posts Winery, the pioneer of this fun program.  My other quest, though, was to seek out a wine that would pair with shrimp boulettes, the featured recipe on latest The Cajun Cooks video.  I settled on the 2023 Vidal Blanc with its floral notes and tropical fruit characteristics.  Its touch of sweetness, less than 1% residual sugar, provides the cooling touch required by spicy dishes.  Along the way, I sipped samples of the 2022 Sur Lie Chardonnay, a fuller-bodied Chardonnay that spends 21 months on oak, and the lighter, crisper 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay.  I would also recommend the 2020 Cabernet Franc for grilled fare, and its fruity palate presented flavors of black raspberries and dark cherries.  Before I purchased bottles of my favorite wines, I made certain to pick up my passport and collected my first stamp.

From there, I headed to Walsh Family Wine as I was motivated to garner a second stamp!  I sampled a flight of four wines here, and all were excellent.  On a warm day, the zesty 2024 Sauvignon Blanc hits the spot with notes of lemon and freshly-mown grass.  ABC-ers (Anything But Chardonnay) would be wise to give the 2021 North Gate Chardonnay a taste.  Fresh, juicy apple hits the palate with a lovely, rounded mouth feel reflecting judicious use (eight months) of neutral oak barrels. If buttery Napa Chardonnays are not your thing, consider this one from Walsh Family Winery.

My flight at Walsh Family Wine continued with the refreshing 2022 Rose, a blend of Cabernet Franc (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). Bright strawberry and melon notes here, and it’s destined to be enjoyed year round.  The 2022 Bethany Ridge Cabernet Franc completed my flight, and I appreciated its flavors of dark seed berries and black currants.  Buy now and appreciate with a grilled steak or savor later with heartier fare in cooler seasons.  I tasted an extra wine that was also paired with shrimp boulettes.  Which one did I sample?  Watch the latest video of The Cajun Cooks to find out.

I met my friends Randy and Gregg for a tasting at Walsh Family Winery the following weekend, and the 2021 North Gate Chardonnay was the group favorite.  What choice did we have but to enjoy a bottle with gouda cheese and charcuterie?

Armed with my passport and two stamps, I later headed to Zephaniah Farm Vineyard.  I enjoyed a tasting outdoors on a warm but comfortable morning.  I was most intrigued with the floral 2021 Adeline, a blend of Muscat Ottonel, Vidal Blanc and Petit Manseng and the 2022 Chelois, a grape not widely planted anywhere.  Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is only the second winery in the Mid-Atlantic region to grow the grape, but it is delicious. Pinot Noir-esque is how I would describe Chelois.  Bright and fruity with an easy palate, Chelois provides a unique option for those who prefer Pinot Noir but cannot find it at most Virginia wineries. (Read more about the Chelois grape here.) Its should also prove itself to be quite versatile with most menus, whether its light summer fare or Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce.  Cabernet Franc continues to be a red wine champion at most Virginia wineries, and a bottle of Zephaniah Winery’s 2020 Cabernet France came home with me—along with a third stamp on my Pride in the Vine Passport.

Stamp #4 came with a tasting at Williams Gap Vineyard this past Friday, and general manager Bridgette Smith guided me through my tasting.  Williams Gap was the site for a Pride extravaganza on June 28 featuring LGBTQ+ vendors, food trucks, music, and great wines.  Although I could not attend the Saturday fun, I did enjoy the excellent wines crafted for William Gap Vineyards by winemaker Rob Cox during my Friday visit.  I’ve mentioned before that Petit Manseng has really caught my attention, and the playful 2022 Petit Manseng with notes of pineapple and tropical fruit was a favorite.  It also seemed a bit leaner and drier on the palate than other PMs I’ve tasted in the past at other wineries.  The 2022 Williams Gap White is a white blend also includes Petit Manseng, and its fruity palate and refreshing acidity heralds summer.  Enjoy with cheeses and fresh fruit while on the beach! Readers looking for a lighter-bodied red to enjoy during the hot summer days should try the 2022 Mountain Valley Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Its juicy red berry flavors should pair well with burgers and a sunset.  I finished my afternoon at Williams Gap Vineyard with a celebratory glass of the Blanc de Blanc done in the methode champenoise.  Dancing bubbles in the glass and festive fresh apple flavors on the palate provided a fitting way to observe Pride Month in its closing days.  (Oh, be sure to watch the next episode of The Cajun Cooks, because a white wine from Williams Gap Vineyard will be paired with my next recipe.  Of course, you will have to watch to find out which one.)

I admit to running out of time to finish the Pride in the Vines passport program, but I did snatch a fifth stamp at 8 Chains North Winery.  Winemaker Ben Renshaw may have been a pioneer in producing quality Sauvignon Blanc in Virginia, and the 2024 vintage was a pleasure to taste.  Well balanced with a crisp finish, this vintage featured more tropical nuances rather than grassy notes typically associated with this variety.  The 2022 Syrah, produced from Loudoun County fruit, was a treat with elements of raspberry and violet.  Its soft, fruity palate is another pour suitable for grilled fare during the summer.

While I was not able to complete my passport, I was nevertheless able to celebrate Pride in the Vines in Loudoun County to some degree. (Note to self: start earlier than June since the celebration begins in mid-May.) Please visit the wineries mentioned in this post, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

I extend a heartfelt thank you to all wineries in Loudoun County for recognizing Pride Month.  Other wineries that participated in Pride in the Vines included:

• 50 West
• 868
• Bleu Frog
• Bozzo
• Carriage House Wineworks
• Doukenie Winery
• Fabbioli Cellars
• Farm de Vine
• Good Spirit Farm
• Hillsborough Winery
• Kalero
• Mt. Defiance
• October One Vineyard
• Old Farm Winery
• Sunset Hills Vineyard
• Stone Tower Winery
• the Barns
• Wine Reserve at Waterford

 

I am back as the Cajun cook after a ninth month hiatus, and I demonstrate how to cook shrimp boulettes or shrimp balls, in this video.  I served the shrimp balls as an appetizer with a homemade remoulade sauce.  This recipe is easy and delicious!  I paired these shrimp boulettes/balls with wines from Two Twisted Posts Winery,  Capstone Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards, and Walsh Family Wine.  So which wines from these excellent wineries did I pair with shrimp boulettes?  Click the link to watch the video for the big reveal.

Click the link to view The Cajun Cooks Shrimp Boulettes.

 

 

I seized two opportunities to visit Virginia wineries this past Memorial Day weekend.  Last Friday, I made a sudden decision to enjoy a lovely, breezy day with a tasting at Capstone Vineyards.  Then, dear friends of mine invited me to join them on Sunday for tastings at Early Mountain Vineyards and Barboursville Vineyards.  I seized another day and accepted the offer. However, I did have a mission in mind once my decisions were made, and that was to focus on white wines.  Spring and summer weather usually demand white wines, roses, and lighter-bodied red wines, but my wine rack is running rather low on white wines.  Plus, I wanted to feature white wines for my upcoming edition of The Cajun Cooks.  Sudden plans were made but with a purpose in mind!

Winemaker Theo Smith at Capstone Vineyards continues to impress me.  The current 2021 Sparkling Chardonnay, done in the method champenoise, was dry and crisp with notes of apple and citrus.  Its refreshing finish makes it perfect for any occasion, particularly if paired with warm afternoons.  The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was likewise well crafted with citrus notes and a fuller feel on the palate.  Minerality provided a polished, textured finish.  Serve with cheeses, shellfish, or any white meat requiring a twist of lemon.

Sunday’s tastings began at Early Mountain Vineyards.  It’s always a treat to enjoy a flight of wines in the spacious tasting room, especially when partnered with a bite from the kitchen.  The 2022 Madison Chardonnay presented crisp orchard fruit and a honeyed texture.  However, it was the 2022 Petit Manseng that caught my attention.  I must admit a growing fondness for this grape as winemakers have learned how to balance sugar and acidity associated with Petit Manseng.  This offering from Early Mountain Vineyards was well-balanced and exhibited lush pineapple and peach elements along with more subtle citrus nuances.  Its broader but lively palate complemented seared halibut served with soy-glazed shiitake mushrooms, black garlic, ginger and cilantro that we ordered from the menu.  Our tasting here concluded with a touching tribute to Paul, who would have celebrated his 61st birthday on May 29.  With a glass of the NV Brut Rose, we toasted and fondly remembered a very special person.

A tasting at Barboursville Vineyards completed the day’s wine tasting experiences, and it was here that I savored the Governor’s Cup winning 2023 Vermentino Reserve.  This Vermentino Reserve is destined to be enjoyed with summer menus while dining al fresco.  Tomato salads topped with fresh herbs, scallops, chicken and pasta topped with a beurre blanc sauce, shrimp scampi tossed with fresh parsley, or a  cheese plate with fresh fruit would all pair nicely with this elegant wine. It expressed notes of white blossoms, juicy pear, zesty lemon, and wet stone.  A refreshing acidity made for a lively finish.  I should also mention the complex 2020 Nascent, a blend of Viognier, Vermentino, and Falanghina. (Yes, Falanghina in Virginia!). This release featured a soft floral nose with flavors of ripe pear and lemon curd.  It’s rich palate included a kiss of oak at the finish.

Sometimes seizing the day(s) provides rewards. These moments allowed me to taste exceptional wines, appreciate the gorgeous spring weather and landscapes that only Virginia can provide, and fondly remember the most precious person to have ever graced my charmed life.

At least one of these white wines will be featured in an upcoming video of the Cajun Cooks.  What will the Cajun cook prepare, and what wines will he choose?  Stay tuned.  In the meantime, be certain to visit the wineries mentioned in the post.  Of course, mention Virginia Wine Time sent you.