This past weekend, we were able to wish Gray Ghost Vineyards a Happy 13th Birthday by attending their anniversary event. Period actors from the Civil War era that included Colonel Mosby provided a sense of history to the event, and a jazz ensemble, its pieces periodically accompanied by cannon fire, filled the air with Dixieland rhythms. On a very warm afternoon, we were able to sample new releases and limited production wines.

As we tasted beneath an outdoor tent, we were also able to catch up with winemaker Al Kellert who shared with us that the very hot summer conditions have been very beneficial to the vineyards. Indeed, we were surrounded by healthy vines already dripping with lovely fruit. Now as we sampled and chatted, Paul was very anxious to sample the 2006 Merlot; of course, he had to be patient as we tasted through the whites. We already knew that our lunch wine would have to be a white wine as we brought along spicy fried white fish, sliced melon, and white cheeses for lunch. We also concluded that the warmer temperatures demanded a refreshing white wine to boot. With these elements in mind, our gold star went to the Victorian White, a stainless steel fermented Chardonnay that is semi-dry and very versatile. We noted a fruity nose with lemony flavors and a pleasant finish that had summer written all over it! Warren serves the Victorian White as an appertif, and it is always a crowd pleaser. With Fall on the way, do also sample the spicy and Holidays-friendly 2006Gewurztraminer as it will be selling out soon.

Did Paul get to try the 2006 Merlot? Of course he did—in fact, we both tried the 2006 Merlot! An explosion of cherries best describes the experience with this Merlot. Light oak aging gives this Merlot a lovely structure. Quite nice on its own, the 2006 Merlot is elegant enough to serve with a nice steak dinner yet unpretentious enough to partner with Mom’s meatloaf. Paul made off with a case of the 2006 Merlot with promises to share with others—we’ll see about that!! The 2006 Merlot is a new release for Gray Ghost and has earned a gold medal in a recent competition. Also new is the 2006 Cabernet Franc with its raspberry/spice characteristics.

Time seemed to pass quickly as we enjoyed our lunch with the Victorian White as our companion. We wondered how the period re-enactors managed to look so comfortable in their layers of clothing in the summer heat! The cool jazz sounds seemed to bring the temperatures down a few degrees as we sipped and savored amidst the vines at Gray Ghost Vineyards. We plan to return to Gray Ghost Vineyards soon, but we know that readers will visit even sooner—be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!