Our friend and wine enthusiast, Michael Tyler, joined us for wine and lunch at Winery at La Grange. It had been a while since we last visited Winery at La Grange; of course, it’s enough to visit the facility just to tour the historic home and lovely grounds. On this crisp fall afternoon, though, we were also interested in Michael’s impressions of Winery at La Grange’s wines.

The tasting menu featured six wines to sample, and our associate, dressed in her finest Halloween fashion, guided us through our tasting. Of the dry whites, the unanimous favorite was the 2006 Fletcher’s Chardonnay with its apple flavors and buttery finish. Michael tends to appreciated off-dry white wines, and the Cuvee Blanc was made just for him. In fact, Michael placed a check mark next to this one, and we knew that he would be contributing comments on this selection. Done in stainless steel, the 2006 Cuvee Blanc features three varietals that include Pinot Grigio, Viognier and Rousanne. The 1.5 residual sugar makes it slightly sweet but not cloyingly so. More on this from Michael later!

Six reds were next up for a taste, and the first three were lighter-bodied reds. The team favorite here was the 2006 Cabernet Franc. In fact, Michael placed another check mark next to this one, and we’ll let Michael do the commentaries on this one. Three bolder reds were also presented, and Warren’s own favorite was the 2005 Meritage. The 2005 Meritage blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot; it was the most complex of its “red” siblings with darker fruit aromas and flavors with an earthy undertone. Done in American and French oak, this Meritage leaves a lengthier finish and destined for a favorite beef dish. We were also treated to a sample of the Reserve Cabernet Franc; aged in American oak for 20 months, the Reserve Cabernet Franc was surprisingly smooth and sophisticated.

So on to lunch. We brought along herbed chicken, pasta salad with chopped ham and parmesan cheese, and a wedge of cranberry cheese. Our selection for lunch was Michael Tyler’s favorite, the 2006 Cabernet Franc. Michael noted woodsy/herby characteristics on the nose with bright berry flavors. He appreciated its lighter body and smoother finish and suggested that the 2006 Cabernet Franc might please those who would ordinarily drink a white wine. In fact, Michael stated that he would even sip a glass of the 2006 Cabernet Franc on the deck after work. Of course, Michael “check-marked” another wine that he sampled at the tasting bar, and he graciously jotted down his comments on the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.

Michael really enjoyed this one. He appreciated its pear and light citrus bouquet and “sparkling” color; Light and crisp, Michael commented that its melon flavors made this one a crowd-pleaser; if cerviche is on the menu, Michael would opt to pour the 2006 Cuvee Blanc.

As we finished our lunch and then toured the grounds, we enjoyed the pleasant breezes and mountain views. With fall finally in the air, it was a relief to even see some autumn colors. We know that we will return to Winery at La Grange, and we may even have Michael along with us. In the meantime, pay a visit to the Winery at La Grange and let them know that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

After an extended hot summer season, Fall has finally arrived, and we eagerly hit the wine trail to sample new releases and old favorites at local wineries. This past weekend, we focused on wineries located in the Middleburg area: Piedmont Vineyards and Winery and Swedenburg Estate Vineyard.

We began our day with a visit to Piedmont Vineyards and Winery. Readers may remember that Piedmont is a favorite of our friend, Michael Tyler, who graciously provided his expert commentary for our previous write up about Piedmont. His pick of the day that time was the Little River Rose; however, this spring/summer favorite is currently sold out. A newer offering; though, is the 2006 Hunt Country Red. We thought of Michael as we sample this supple red as it suits his palate quite well. The 2006 Hunt Country Red is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon and can best be described as a fruit-forward sipper, and it can also be paired with a variety of foods especially with holiday seasons quickly approaching. (Herbed poultry with cranberries seem like a natural partnering.) For those who do not like tannic red wines, the stainless-steel aged 2006 Hunt Country Red presents a pleasing alternative. In fact, we reminded ourselves that lunch was waiting in the trunk, an d we noted that the Hunt Country Red might be an option!

However, other selection on the tasting menu presented themselves. Lunch for us included herbed pork tenderloin, Swiss cheese, red grapes, and French bread. White wines are always a pairing idea with pork, and the 2006 Hunt Country Chardonnay was an idea. Pear aromas and flavors prevailed here with some oak aging to provide structure and body. We continued down the tasting sheet, and Paul became excited with Merlot as a possibility—Paul loves Merlot, in case readers have forgotten. Anyway, the 2004 Merlot quickly became an option for Mr. Merlot. Dark garnet in color, cherry and subtle spice notes gave way to dark cherry/fruit flavors in the mouth. Given the garlic and generous herb coating that seasoned the pork, Warren had to admit that the 2004 Merlot was a contender for a lunch rendezvous. As we tasted away, we were also able to catch up with John Fitter, winemaker, and Gerhard von Finck, owner of Piedmont Vineyards and Winery. They were very pleased with the 2007 crop espec ially the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they are confident that 2007 Virginia reds will be memorable.

So what did we select for lunch? The 2004 Merlot was the selection of the day. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the afternoon’s vittles while taking in vineyard landscapes, crisp breezes, and blue, sunny skies. As we sipped and nibbled, we received a visit from Anabel, the winery dog, who was a very sweet and gracious guest at our table. While Anabel did not ask for a sip of Merlot, she did help herself to some French bread; she then thanked us for food, conversation, and hugs and made her way into the tasting room.

With appetites satisfied, we loaded up the car and made our way back home. Along the way, we decided to stop by Swedenburg. We had not been to Swedenburg since the untimely death of matriarch Juanita Swedenburg, in June. In fact, we enjoyed our last bottle of C’est la Vie at Wolftrap this past summer; so, it was time to return. Newer offerings at Swedenburg include the Chardonnay with its pear/apple characteristics and dry finish. A partner to the Chardonnay is the latest in Ellen Crosby’s wine country mystery series, Chardonnay Charade. For those who read Merlot Murders, Chardonnay Charade is a continuation of events presented in Merlot Murders; in fact, the third installment in this series will be going to press soon. Ellen Crosby consulted with Juanita Swedenburg to produce this series of spine-tinglers, and Chardonnay Charade can be purchased at the winery. In fact, Warren purchased a bottle of the Chardonnay with a copy of Chardonnay Charade—what a perfect pairing!

With Fall in the air, we will be sure to enjoy the season with our favorite Virginia wines. Of course, October is Virginia Wine Month, and we encourage readers to consider Virginia wines when thinking about holiday menus. When in the Middleburg area, do stop by Piedmont Vineyards and Winery and Swedenburg Estate Vineyard but be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

This article will appeal to wine tasters who may or may not appreciate two completely different tasting room experiences. One experience might appeal to the ADHD crowd—very visual, very active, and something new every ten minutes. The other experience might appeal to the those who prefer a more sedate, intimate experience. However, both experiences will reveal quality wines to the receptive taster!

For the ADHD folks, we recommend Chateau Morrisette. Chateau Morrisette has something for everyone. The tasting room offers not only a wine tasting experience but also a comprehensive gift shop—Warren did some early Christmas shopping! Trust us, there is a gift here for everyone. Of course, we were interested in the wines, and we were witnesses to the busiest wine bar in Virginia; at least thirty wine enthusiasts lined the tasting bar with glasses ready. In fact, we were curled around the tasting bar to squeeze ourselves into the tasting session. An informative tasting associate conducted this session with considerable skill and knowledge, and tasters were informed to push their glasses forward if they wished to sample the offering being poured. Sixteen wines were presented for tasting, but we pushed our glasses forward for the dry wines and opted to skip the sweet wines. (These are the ones that may be touted as “hot-tub wines”, and these should not be confused with well-craf ted dessert wines.) Anyway, Warren’s gold star for the white wines was awarded to the 2003 Chardonnay with its longer finish punctuated with buttery/nutty flavors. Nice pectin fruit in the mouth makes this Chardonnay a natural pairing with shellfish or chicken. Not to be outdone was the 2005 Viognier—a classic offering here that is clean on the finish with lots of tropical fruit in the mouth. For both of us, the 2005 Cabernet Franc was the gem of the afternoon. This Cabernet Franc is actually a blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Tannat, and the result is a wine with a denser core with woodsy-spicy notes. darker cherry/berry flavors with herb and violet undertones were noted in the mouth. Sipper is not the word that comes to mind with this one, but it should be enjoyed with any variety of meats and heavier cheeses; in fact, we enjoyed the 2005 Cabernet Franc for lunch with spicy summer sausage and hard cheese with crackers.

We completed our tasting before the sweet wines were poured, and we were also very hungry; so, we made our purchases and settled on an outdoor picnic table to enjoy lunch, wine, and mountain scenery. Little did we know that we would be treated to live music and belly dancers! Yes, it’s true—before long, Paul was doing his best Dance of the Seven Veils to rival the shapely, gyrating ladies who provided the afternoon’s entertainment. Other offerings at Chateau Morrisette include on-site lodgings and restaurant. This facility would be heaven to skiers!

A different experience was had at Savoy-Lee. We met owner David Wood at his facility. Savoy-Lee is a newer winery on the Bedford Trail in Huddleston Virginia; in fact, the tasting room was not yet complete on the day of our visit. However, David offered us a personal tasting in the work-in-progress tasting room, and we were seated at the make-shift tasting bar as David poured us through our tasting in a quieter atmosphere. No belly dancers here, but we were treated to personal attention and well-crafted wines. Gold-star favorite for the white wines was the 2005 Chardonnay with its slightly floral bouquet and pear flavors. The 2005 Chardonnay is done in stainless-steel and certain to please those who would not ordinarily drink oak-treated Chardonnays. Picnic goers may be well-served with the Johnson Mountain Picnic Red. This one is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon but fermented in stainless steel—any BBQ dish would pair nicely. We noted a more fruit forward wine that can be sipped as well as paired with a favorite summer meal. For palates that enjoy bolder red wines, the 2005 Echo Forest Red will do the trick. Warren placed a star next to this one and noted its well-rounded finish. More dark fruit with some spice noted here, the Echo Forest Red is a Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Can be enjoyed now, but we’d recommend a rest on the wine rack to be savored next year with a steak dinner!

As we sampled his wines, David informed us that his vision for Savoy-Lee included the opening of his tasting room as well as future plantings of more vines. His 2005 production of wines topped out at 300 cases; however, Savoy-Lee’s output for 2007 will increase to 1500 cases. David’s dedication is to quality wines and an intimate experience with customers. In fact, he encourages visitors to sign up for harvest. As we chatted with David and sampled his wines, the time seemed to fly by—as other customers arrived, we bid our farewells to David, and we know that we will be back to sample future offerings at Savoy Lee.

We did enjoy our different experiences at Chateau Morrisette and Savoy-Lee, and we can now conclude that Virginia wineries can offer something for everyone. If you intend to visit Chateau Morrisette and Savoy-Lee, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

As we continued our way along various wine trails of western and southwestern Virginia, we were able to visit wineries that would qualify as “boutique” establishments. These are wineries that produce fewer than 5000 cases of wine per year. Family-owned and operated, these wineries produce quality wines and are worth the visit. Three such wineries include Fincastle Vineyard and Winery, Virginia Mountain Vineyards, and Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery.

The Sawyer family began Fincastle Vineyard and Winery as a vineyard ten years ago, but they opened as a winery in 2003. Its quaint tasting room enticing visitors to sample their quality wines. On the day that we visited, two whites were sampled as well as two red wines. We enjoyed all of the wines that we tasted—on a warm day, the Hybrid Vigor cannot be beat; however, with a crab cake dinner, the Chardonnay is the way to go. Warren favored the Chardonnay with its pear flavors and slight toasty finish. The Chardonnay spent six months on American oak. The reds were equally enjoyable with a nod to the 2004 Cabernet Franc. Berry fruit with more cherry accents greet the palate with some subtle licorice/spice undertones. We opted to enjoy lunch at Fincastle, and with chicken sandwiches, almonds, and brie the Chardonnay was a “must have.”

Fincastle Vineyard and Winery

David and Marie of Virginia Mountain Vineyards began their plantings in 1998. Located atop Zion Hill, they now plant vines on almost ten acres of land. We were able to sample eleven wines on the day that we visited, and David personally guided us through the full slate of wines to be sampled that day. White wines of note included the stainless-steel fermented Chardonnay. Crisp and refreshing best describe this wine; its citrus flavors make it a crowd pleaser either as an appertif or patio sipper. For those who prefer a sweeter white wine, the Virginia White might fit the bill. Paul placed a check-mark next to the Cabernet Franc and noted its dark berry flavors and longer finish; in fact, he brought a bottle home with him with a favorite beef dish in mind.

Virginia Mountain Vineyards

Last but certainly not least of our family-owned wineries was Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery located at Smith Mountain Lake. Owner Roger Furrow conducted our tasting, and we were able to chat with him about his wine-making philosophy. Hickory Hill produces easily accessible wines that can be sipped on the deck or enjoyed with food. The tasting room is actually part of a late-19th century home that he and his wife, Judy, renovated; we imagined that Roger’s wines would have been right at home in more simpler times. These wines were not dominated by oak treatments and did not require extensive rest periods on the wine rack. We particularly enjoyed the Vidal Blanc. Aged in stainless steel, the Vidal Blanc was more reminiscent of a Pinot Grigio. Here was a wine that could be paired with fruit and light cheeses, salads, or premiered with any entrée that featured shell fish. For those who prefer a more fruit forward red wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon might be the answer. Re freshing cherry flavors prevailed here, and this Cabernet Sauvignon would even please those who prefer white wines. Do enjoy now with harder cheeses or grilled beef.

Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery

We were pleased to note that each of our boutique wineries offered something for everyone. We know that our readers will want to visit soon, so please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.