Last night we had pasta with red sauce and paired it with the 2009 Petit Verdot from Blenheim Vineyards. This really is one of my most favorite wines. As many of our readers know, I’m a big fan of stand alone petit verdots. And even though I favor the 2008s, this 2009 is really amazing. We noted blackberries, cherry, and a nice floral bouquet. It has a smooth ending that makes you want another glass. It paired beautifully with our pasta and red sauce. And it continued to delight our senses even after the meal. However, since it has a screw cap remember to open it up a little while before you plan to enjoy it. We opened it up a good 30 minutes before our meal and it was just the right amount of time to let it breath. If you find yourself at Blenheim Vineyards anytime soon be sure to check out the 2009 Petit Verdot and tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Category: Winery
Bluemont Vineyard
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!
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.
29 Vines Grand Opening
The latest addition to the growing list of Loudoun County wineries will host its grand opening this weekend. 29 Vines will officially open its tasting room located in Purcellville on Saturday. Paul and I visited the tasting room before the official grand opening just to get a sneak preview of what tasters can expect.
Owners Matt and Mary Beth Barbagallo describe 29 Vines as a “micro-winery…dedicated to delivering wine education, excellent customer service and unpretentious wines.” Matt Barbagallo is also the winemaker, and he studied under local guru, Jim Law, to learn winemaking skills. He produced his first vintage of Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc and Merlot in 2009. Mary Beth is operations manager and also designed the tasting room’s interior to create a contemporary yet classic feel that blends in with the local area’s historic surroundings. In keeping with the stated goal to deliver wine education, the Barbagallos pour wines from other Loudoun County wines in addition to their own. These include pours from Tarara Winery and Fabbioli Cellars. Wines that bear the 29 Vines label are produced from the couple’s 29 grapes vines located in their own vineyard as well as grapes grown in other Virginia vineyards.
The samplings from Tarara Winery present some of the best from Tarara winemaker Jordan Harris. These include the crisp 2009 Tarara Viognier, 2009 Tarara 3 Vineyards Chardonnay (one of my faves), 2008 Cabernet Franc, and the 2008 Long Bomb Edition 2. Fans of Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot will be also pleased to try this luscious dessert wine in the 29 Vines tasting room. Offerings from the 29 Vines production include barrel-aged 2009 29 Vines Reserve Chardonnay, the 2010 29 Vines Sweet Rebecca Lynn, 2010 29 Vines White Chambourcin, and the 2009 29 Vines Karma. The 2010 Sweet Rebecca Lynn is a blend of Traminette and Seyval Blanc and is actually not that sweet; at .5% residual sugar, it’s an off-dry pour with floral notes and tropical fruit and citrus flavors. A food-friendly crowd pleaser, it could also be enjoyed on its own. The Bordeaux-style Karma is a Merlot-based blend with wild berry/cherry characteristics that should open up nicely after some time on the wine rack.
Another unique twist offered by 29 Vines is the tasting room hours—Friday through Monday from 12 PM to 10 PM. From classy happy hours to late evening wine gatherings with friends, 29 Vines can accommodate and educate!
With our tasting done, I enjoyed a glass of the Reserve Chardonnay while Paul sipped a glass of the Sweet Rebecca Lynn. We also admired the tastefully appointed tasting room that included elegant chandeliers and lighting fixtures. These created a soft, unpretentious atmosphere that invited tasters to stay a bit longer. However, we did eventually have to leave, and we thanked Mary Beth for guiding us through our tasting. Please plan to attend the grand opening of 29 Vines in Purcellville, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.