With so many wineries to visit in Virginia, we realized that there were many wineries outside of our usual travel zone that deserved a try. With some extra time during the summer on our hands, we planned a trek to wineries in the Shenandoah and Southwest regions. First in our sights were North Mountain Vineyard and Winery and Shenandoah Vineyards.
North Mountain Vineyard and Winery offered seven wines for tasting on the day that we visited. As we walked into the tasting room, we observed a spacious yet cozy tasting room that included a piano. Paul and I were tempted to perform our version of chopsticks on the piano, but we did not want to scare off other customers. With our self control in check, we approached the tasting bar. The Vidal Blanc began our tasting, and it was also our favorite of the white wines. Done in a dry style, North Mountain’s Vidal Blanc offers a citrus bouquet with similar flavors and a crisp finish. The Vidal Blanc presents a pairing option with shellfish and poultry, but Warren found to be fine on its own.
The gold star winner, however, was the 2005 Claret. This Bordeaux blend includes Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Darker berry aromas were evident here with subtle spice/herb notes. Soft tannins made the 2005 Claret an accessible wine that should be enjoyed with meats and grilled veggies. North Mountain’s 2005 Claret was a silver medal winner in the Virginia’s Governor’s Cup, and the reason was quite clear to us as we sipped through this one.
For those who prefer slightly sweeter white wines, the Oktoberfest may the right fit. Peachy aromas with apricot flavors should prove to be a versatile crowd pleaser. Enjoy on the deck, serve before dinner, or include in the picnic basket!
We ended our tasting at North Mountain and made tracks to Shenandoah Vineyards. By this time, we were also getting quite hungry, and we knew that we were now on a mission to determine which glass of wine to enjoy with lunch. (Tough mission, right?) A canopy of grapevines shaded our climb up the stairs to the tasting room; by the way, these grapes are not used to make wine. Shenandoah Vineyards is the third oldest winery in the state of Virginia, and it would be fair to say that Shenandoah is one of the pioneers in Virginia’s wine making industry. Our tasting associate skillfully guided us through our tasting of 11 wines. For those looking for a refreshing summer wine especially in the midst of our heat wave, the fruity yet crisp 2006 Johannisberg Riesling might cool things off. Warren’s own favorite was the 2004 Chardonnay with its pear characteristics that is kissed by a bit of oak. This is a nicely integrated wine with a lingering finish.
Now on to the reds. Paul had two favorites here, and they were the 2004 Merlot and the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Paul appreciated the bold cherry flavors of the 2004 Merlot and noted that the 2004 could get even better with a rest on the wine rack. However, his own gold star went to the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet color was observed with dark berry and woodsy spice on the nose. Aged in American oak, the tannins seemed a bit more assertive but not unpleasantly so. Blackberry and currants prevailed in the mouth with hints of spice. (Warren detected a slight “grapiness” and wondered if something else was blended with the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc.)
Lunch? Simple summer fare—summer sausage, derby cheese, and crackers which we enjoyed with a glass of the Lot 04 Cabernet Franc. Paul also munched on Virginia-made peanut brittle, but this was not intended to be paired with wine—he simply had a sweet tooth!
With appetites satisfied, we resumed our trek. Next up? Cave Ridge Vineyard. For now, we’ll end things here. However, you know the routine. If you visit North Mountain Vineyard and Winery and/or Shenandoah Vineyards, let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.