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OK, California fans, I don't know if you know this but Virginia has over 150 Wineries from north to south and from the Appalachians to the Atlantic. There are a few good ones, and I went to one in particular yesterday (4 April). They had an interesting tasting in that they pair certain foods with their wines, which tells you quite a bit about them. Their Merlot, which is actually not being released until September (2010), but which I was able to procure two bottles, was outstanding. Very fruit forward with blackberries, cherries, spice, and oak on the nose and palate. I thought I tasted a small hint of cinnamom. The color is quite nice as a rich purple. The wine sits in French oak for 12 months. Believe me when I say I was skeptical, but out of four wineries, I bought from three. Vintage Ridge Merlot: $20; released in Virginia in September. http://www.vintageridgewine.com/ 1 Note
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After visiting seven wineries over the last couple of days both in the Central and Northern AVAs of Virginia, I'm beginning to see a pattern on their reds list of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. While each varietal tastes a little different from winery to winery, they are all consistently good with one or two being outstanding over the others, depending on the winery and varietal. Merlot, in this instance, has been consistent. I'm not usually a Merlot fan, but I've noticed a more fruit forward flavor in Virginia Merlot compared to California... and France for that matter. Barrel Oak is a brand new winery and I believe that this is the first year they've offered it (vintage 2008). Barrel Oak had the benefit of local wine-maker Chris Pearmund's extensive production experience, meaning, Barrel Oak's wines have seen some commendation early on. This Merlot is complex with a lot of body and spicy, well-balanced acidity. The palate adventure begins with dark, rich cherries and vanilla, and finishes with dark roast coffee, which is quite velvety. It spent a total of 12 months in American and Hungarian oak. Pair this with pizza, pasta marinara, or enjoy by itself. www.barreloak.com 1 Note
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This Cabernet Franc is outstanding even among it's Californian and French competitors. When I tasted this wine about a week ago, I thought it was brilliant then, but last night was a revelation. This ruby red wine's aroma is an awesome combination of black cherry, oak, and a nose full of cloves and floral accents. Flavors are bold and intense with black cherry, oak, tobacco, and cloves. It's aged in French and American oak over 18 months. Vintage Ridge considers themselves to be a micro-winery focusing only on small lots of hand-crafted wines. When you go to the winery to taste, they seat you down at a table to try each wine paired with a plate of food ranging from sausages to dates filled with goat creme cheese. It's an awesome experience and ALL of their wines are outstanding. 1 Note
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Miracle Valley is a small, charming little vineyard located about 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. Last night we had a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon, which was terrific. Their 2007 Cab is a Gold Medal winner in the Virginia Wine Lovers Competition and a Bronze Medal winner at the Eastern Seaboard Wine Competition. It's a beautiful garnet color with nice aromas of blackberry, currant and oak. It had soft tannins and exhibited flavors of blackberry, a little plum and oak, and had a nice long and velvety finish. I actually bought this wine without tasting it based on its award winning acclaim, which I never do, but I was happy I did. It's an absolutely gorgeous wine, and we enjoyed it on its own because of its bold taste and silky smooth finish. Price point: $25. It's not a bad price considering decent California Cabs go for about the same. Highly recommended. 1 Note
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With a 78% Chardonnay - 22% Riesling blend, you get the best of both worlds: fruit forward, semi-sweet, white wine reminiscent of Mosel Riesling and oak-free, French Chardonnay. The nose reveals light pear and golden delicious apple, accented by honey and floral notes. Firm acidity balances nicely with 2.5% residual sugar. This wine, which is perfect for the upcoming summer, pairs well with spicy Asian food, light fish, fresh fruit, or desserts. Price point: $20. A definite recommendation for your summer evenings.
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The 2008 Viognier by one of the biggest and most knowledgeable winemakers in Virginia has the nose and flavor of the tropics with a hint of vanilla. Pair with creamy cheese, seafood, or grilled chicken. 91 points: Wine Advocate. $25 1 Note
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The 2009 Riesling, just released, is outstanding and can easily be mistaken for any Kabinett from Germany. Nose and flavor is pears with ginger and some lime. Try it with spicy dim sum. $19 1 Note
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Outstanding 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold but with soft tannins. Cassis and cedar with some sage. Velvety finish. Aged for one year in American oak. $25 1 Note
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Called Alouette by the winery, the 2008 earned a solid 87 points by Wine Enthusiast. Complex with chocolate, blackcherry, toast, and caramel on the finish. Great for steaks and an after dinner cigar or chocolates. $26 1 Note
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Sharp Rock Vineyards Chardonnay - 2008
