During this time of COVID and busy weekends at wineries, we have decided to visit Virginia wineries during the week. We have done this a few times and found the wineries to be less crowded. A few weeks ago on a Monday we decided to visit Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards. We hadn’t been there for a few years and it was time too see the changes and taste the current line up of wines.
Upon entering the tasting room (wearing masks of course) we noticed an addition to the tasting room. There was a new room off to the left full of tables and chairs for extra seating. There are no tastings at the bar but they do set up a tasting to do on your own. They have five small glasses with five different wines poured. You taste at your own pace. We tasted the 2017 Catamount Run White, the 2018 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, the 2019 Naked Mountain Rosé, the 2018 Catamount Run Red and the 2018 Raptor Red.
Our favorites were the 2017 Catamount Run White with its crisp citrus notes and bright acidity and the 2019 Naked Mountain Rosé with its strawberry notes and crisp finish. We were disappointed with the 2018 reds. We found them both to be quite acidic and lacked specific flavors. We think this might have to do with the rough 2018 growing season.
At Naked Mountain there is plenty of space to spread out both indoors and out. They also have several food items for purchase and also allow visitors to bring their own food. Everyone was wearing masks and they are required when indoors.
We brought our own food and decided to try the 2017 Talon. The Talon is a blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 40% Cab Sauv and 20% Cab Franc. We noted cherry on the palate with a hint of spice. This red was also a bit acidic for our taste but it did pair with most of our lunch items.
After purchasing some of our favorites it was time to head home. Plan a trip to Naked Mountain soon….during the week! And if you do tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
