It’s Time To Exit…and Taste Wine!

The end has arrived.

Wednesday, was my last day in the office and it was bittersweet. We had to assist in the loading our equipment into the truck. The worse part of the move was we couldn’t enjoy an ice cold adult beverage doing this task. This was a first for me. I’ve never encountered a move without a least one beer.

Friday came and it was time to see what my employer had to offer. Not bad! Since the day was young I headed into Loudoun County for another tour of its vineyards.

It literally is a wine cave.

Located in the northwest part of the county is Maggie Malick Wine Caves. 20 acres of vines with 15 varietals, which means a lot of wine to offer. 10 wines on the list and these were my choices:

’12 Viognier, aromas of lemon and lime filled the glass. Tart on the front and transitioning to a vanilla finish. I could enjoy this with a wild mushroom risotto or a baked chicken breast with rosemary.

’12 Albarino, usually grown in Spain, this wine had a fruity nose with a ton of crisp apple on the palate that crossed over to a vanilla finish. The fruity acid in this wine would go well with any shellfish dish and could stand on its own with a plate of cheese and a baguette.

’12 Granacha, a Rhone Valley varietal – dark chocolate and cherries were dominate in the nose. Fruity raspberry palate, this wine would pair well with broiled salmon with blackened seasoning or a smoked pork loin with a dry rub. You could actually do a reduction of the Granacha and pour it over both plates to enhance the flavor.

’12 Petit Verdot, this full bodied wine had a very earthy or barn yard funk aromas. Currants dried fruits and tobacco rounded out this big bold red. This is a wine meant for red
meat or if you’re vegetarian a grilled piece of tempeh. This is a true cigar wine!

Some of Loudoun’s best reds.

Just to the south is one of Loudoun’s newest stops on the wine tour, Two Twisted Posts Winery.

A nice stop today, I even enjoyed a glass of their Petit Verdot.

A nice barn-like tasting room, which seems to be popular in NoVa, here were the ones would pour for my friends:

’12 Chardonnay, this was part of the Governor’s Cup a few years back and I can see why. Violets and a creamy nose makes way for a surprising tropical fruit burst on the palate. Just enough oak to give a subtle buttery finish. There is a enough oak, this wine would go with any white meat dish as well as gazpacho.
’12 Cabernet Sauvignon, smoky nose with a nice balance of acid and soft tannins. there is a black fruit presence on the palate along with nutmeg, cloves that finsh with what I started with smoky flavors. This is a burger wine, most of my redneck friends prefer to swill beer with their burgers but this wine will go with a good Wagyu burger with pork
belly, chipotle aioli and some caramelized onions. I’m getting hungry just typing this. Even a Cuban Sandwich would go well with this vino.

’12 Petit Verdot, wonder nose of…wait for it…cigar smoke! Hello Honey!  Cigar smoke of a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with filler from the Dominican. We are talking dense dark fruit flavors with a touch of lavender and of course…a spicy, smoky finish! My favorite wine of the day! This is a carnivores dream wine! I’m talking about a 2″ T-bone with an ancho
chili pepper rub pan-seared with a baked sweet potato slathered with a blend of butter, cinnamon, a little brown sugar. Someone just fired their grill up next door, I have a
suggestion!

’11 Sweet Life, this is a semi-dry Seyval Blanc, a floral of sweetness gives way to a crisp apple flavors and big acids. Think curry dishes! This wines acid can stand up to the spiciest of dishes.

Another good stop!

Then it was time to head over to the hell road, Route 9.

A very nice view from Notavia’s deck.

Notaviva Vineyards, this winery has a music theme to it simply because the owner was a sound person for a few major acts. The whole vibe from this place is like being stuck in
the ’60s. It’s not a bad thing. Here a few that I enjoyed at my final stop of the day:

’12 “Ottantotto” Viognier, this is a 100% barrel fermented Viognier, minerals on the nose, not just petrachor, but almost sandy beach aromas. Wonderful crisp lemony citrus flavors on the palate, finishes with a fruity finish. This is your sushi wine, maybe some Pad Thai. In reality, this is your deck/porch sitting wine.

’11 “Ode To Joy” Meritage, a red blend of Cab. Sauv., Cab. Franc and Merlot, the nose let off floral notes of cherries and strawberries. Fruit forward in the front of the mouth with smoky dark fruits on the finish. This is a true pasta wine. I’m talking Chicken Parmesan even a mushroom ravioli in a deep rich red gravy.

A cool Origami tip left on the tasting room bar.

Overall day, the morning sucked because I lost my job. The afternoon, improved with wine! A little vino always helps brighten a bad day!

Cheers Y’all…especially the Winos!

66 down with 34 to go!

Shenandoah & Nelson

It was hot! Almost too hot to taste wine…did I just type that? The heat is affecting my better judgement, this is just wrong!

With the sweltering heat, I stayed pretty close to home and went to the south of the county. Luckily, the first two on my list were within 3 miles of each other. I pulled into the driveway at Cave Ridge Vineyard, and was amazed at how lush the vines look at already this season. The cool tasting room was welcomed and now it was time to see how the wines were pouring. ’13 Reisling, lemongrass aromas with a bit of effervescence on the palate that releases a subtle sweetness on the finish. ’11 Chambourcin, leather and smoke on the nose, this red has nice fruit on the front of the palate that finishes up with a touch of white pepper. ’11 Fossil Hill Reserve, a blend of Cab. Franc, Petit Verdot and Chamborcin creates a nose of red fruits and coats your mouth with a spicy finish. ’10 Fandago Blanco, their white port-style made with Viognier. Peaches and apricot on the nose with a sweetness coating your palate that rounds out to a smooth finish. An Ashton VSG would pair well with this wine. Not a bad start to the day.

My second stop of the day.

Wolf Gap Vineyard is just down the road. At least at this stop I wasn’t the only bird dog tasting. A couple from Alabama were visiting family and decided to see what all the fuss was about with Virginia wine. ’11 Cab. Franc, a light-bodied red with a blackberry nose, soft tannins coats your palate with a spicy finish. ’11 Cab. Sauv., earthy and mineral bouquet, fruity with a warm finish. Then there is the Blueberry wine, 2% residual sugar it’s like a dessert in a bottle.

This is a cool mom & pops store out in the country.

I drove down Back Road and decided at the last minute to go over the mountain into Zepp. A small community with a church, post office and surprisingly a damn good vineyard! Cedar Creek Winery only makes two varietals; Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Of the two Chardonnays poured, this was my favorite: ’12 Chardonnay, soft oak on the nose, crisp apples and citrus coat the mouth with a creamy finish. A vertical tasting of 4 Cab Franc’s, these were my choices. ’12 Cab. Franc, earthy blackberry nose, toasted oak with a softness of spice on the finish. ’10 Cab. Franc, elegant blackberry, cherry nose, nice fruit, rich balanced with heavy tannins and dark chocolate on the finish. Everyone should make an effort to visit this vineyard.

Vance’s Cove off in the distance. A nice view from the deck at Cedar Creek Winery.

On Saturday, Tish and I headed to Nelson County to meet up with Big D. & B. We met them at Big D.’s property for a picnic and a little wine. We got updated on everyone’s life and then it was time to visit a few spots before we headed back north.

One of Tish’s favorite stops in Nelson County.

We all agreed upon Bold Rock Cider to taste. Since they have around 6 ciders to choose from we all wanted the Vat 1 that was part of the free tasting. We grabbed a bottle and enjoyed the libations. Big D., suggested we visit Veritas Winery. I was up for adding to my list, the girls had another plan…of course they did!

Both wanted more of the cider, so Big D. and I went to taste wine and girls got more cider and proceeded to get righteous!

It has been 6 years since my last visit. I’m glad Big D. suggested this!!! ’14 Saddleback Chardonnay, a hint of petrachor on the nose. Buttery & oak flavors coat your palate with a creamy/mild finish. ’14 Viognier…WOW! Floral of peaches that make your mouth water. Apricots on the front of the mouth and a citrus finish with low acid. ’14 Cab Franc, aromas of cherry and raspberry. This burgundy colored wine was very fruit forward with soft tannins and a sharp finish. This is a young wine that will age well over the next few years. ’12 Othello, their port-style had a nose of plum and strong brandy essences. Caramel and vanilla hints on the palate gave this a well-rounded finish.

After meeting the girls halfway, we headed to our last stop of the day, Pollak Vineyards. ’14 Pinot Gris, fruity nose of orange peel and lime. Crisp in the mouth with a creamy finish – perfect for a hot day. ’12 Meritage, this red blend had a barnyard funk aroma that gave way to wonderful sweetness on the front of the palate that transitioned into a firm, hot finish. ’10 Mille Fleurs a port-style made from Viognier (what are the chances of tasting two Viognier ports in the same weekend?) had sweet apricots on the nose with honey and nutty flavors on the palate. Sweetness rounded out the finish.

So the weekend was fun and entertaining (oh yeah, we saw Gavin DeGraw on Thurs. night too.) With my five visits this week, it brings my total to 63 with 37 to go.

And 4 days until unemployment…fun, fun, fun!

Next week will be interesting and a bit emotional for me. I may need a lot of wine after Friday!

Today is The Day!

I’m sort of live blogging today. After boxing up the last of the equipment and helping them load up all of our crap. I said my good-byes and made my way back to the valley. Of course I took a detour!

Heavy cloud cover here at Glen Manor Vineyards.

Two new releases in the past 2 or 3 weeks: 

  
’14 Savignon Blanc, wonderful nose of lemongrass. Grapefruit and apricots fill your mouth before the tartness rounds out the finish. 

’13 Vin Rouge, smoky nose, nice fruit and concentration with soft tannins that will get bolder over the next few months. A nice finish of dark chocolate.

I was in the mood for the ’14 Morales Rose´, I can’t think of a better place to start planning my next career move.

Head East!

I liked this weeks work schedule, one day in the office – four off!
We took @alonewithcats back to the train station and shipped her off to NYC. Our attempt to watch a Nationals game while in the city was denied thanks to multiple downpours. It’s all good y’all!
After leaving the office on Wednesday, my plans for the week were in motion. Cubs vs. Nationals on Thursday evening and Friday a little vino tasting to the east.

Rain delayed the start of the game which forced us to miss the end of an old fashion ass whoopin’ by the Cubs.

I got a late start to taste wine on Friday due to rolling in at 2 a.m. Luckily, I only had to travel about 50 miles to visit the 3 that were on my list.

Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery was the first stop and what a nice facility. A good crowd had gathered to sample the wines. 

6 wines were poured with a bonus at the end. Viognier, a lively aromatic wine with notes of melon. Fruity with essence of peach on the finish. Merlot-Cab Reserve, a hay loft nose with dark fruits on the palate with a smoky closure. Then came the bonus, Port-Style Dessert Wine. A rich intense wine with notes of chocolate and wild berries and a syrupy sweet finish. I liked it!

 

It did take a while to travel to Old House Vineyards

 
My next stop was about 10 miles away, Old House Vineyards. Gorgeous location as this area is filled with Civil War connections. 8 wines on the list and these were my greatest hits. Chardonnay, yes I said “Chardonnay”, whiffs of butterscotch turn to tangy tart citrus flavors in the back of your mouth with a bright lingering finish. Wicked Bottom, a Chambourcin Reserve, spicy dried herb nose with a smooth elegant balance of earthiness in the mouth that transfers to a peppery finish. Chambourcin Dessert Wine, this is a port-style with a smoky nose and coconut on the palate that finishes to what appears to me as fresh macaroons. This was fortified with a 135 proof brandy made on site. The distillery should be open by Father’s Day. 
Back to the car and it was time head toward the homestead with one last stop. It has been many years since my last visit so, it was long overdue…Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Again, 8 wines were on the list and here are my favorites from this stop: ’13 Reserve Chardonnay, a pear & toasty vanilla nose, with a buttery finish that dissipates on the palate. This was recently given 87 points by Wine Enthusiast. ’14 Gerwurztraminer, bright floral notes of apricot and pineapple, with a touch of sweetness in the front of the mouth that transcends into a crisp finish. ’13 Ranger Reserve, a blend of Cab. Sauv., Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cab. Franc, a deep dark mocha nose, a full-bodied red that finishes with sharp tannins. A nice way to end a day of wine tasting.
Actually, I finished my day at a cookout with friends, a classmate was leaving the state for greener pasture in a warmer climate. I only hope he makes it to his location on time. When you’re the man of the hour, you’re not suppose to late by 3 hours! We sat around drinking barley & hops, telling lies and watching a little corn hole action (that sounded dirty!). There was quite a bit of trash talking between the teams as well as a few unpleasant words from one teammate. She had to be called down a few times…yes, I said “She”!

 

Corn hole action.

 
On Saturday, Tish and I met up with Shortie and his wife to see 3 Door Down in Fairfax. This is our third time seeing this band and all have been outdoors. They still sound good after all these years. After the show we heard a little AC/DC being played. We figured they were piping the music into the sound system. Nope! It was Thunderstruck, an AC/DC cover band. THEY WERE AWESOME!
Another busy weekend for the fat man and this brings me closer to my goal.

58 have been visited with 42 on the list and 6 days to go before unemployment begins. This may put a damper on reaching the pinnacle which means I’m going to go on hiatus at some point. But, over the next two weeks I will visit as many as I can and then it will be time to search for a job. Then comes the tedious task of applying, wait, interview and wait again.

But you know it’s all good! These changes are for the better and I’m confident that I will find something more rewarding and beneficial in the long run. 

You can’t keep the fat man down! I’ll come out smelling like a rose in the end! For those who know me are familiar with one of my phrases I’m constantly say: “Everyday IS a Good Day!”

Just Madness!

Extra time off can be fun and this weekend was no different. But at some point, I need a day of lounging at my home with little to nothing to do. We had a visitor from New York City, @alonewithcats made her annual trip to the hills just to renew her redneck card.

Before the weekend festivities begin, I need to work on my quest for 100.
I had forgotten about this vineyard and after discovering they were open on Thursday, I made Willowcroft Farm Vineyards my first stop. This vineyard has one of the better views and its very peaceful. As I waited for the wines to be opened, I enjoyed looking at the old school Virginia wine marketing posters on the walls. I would like to get my hands on a few but I won’t be finding these on ebay.

Amazing view from Willowcroft.

’14 Seyval was my first pour of the day. A light wine done in oak, apricots and pear on the nose with mild finish. ’13 Vidal Blanc, a creamy off-dry wine with a funky nose and honey finish. ’13 Cab. Franc, a dark ruby colored wine with aromas of raspberries, cherries and dark chocolate on the back of the palate. ’12 Assemblage a full-bodied blend of 4 Bourdeaux grapes with a barnyard funk, dark fruit on the finish and amazing tannins. ’12 Petit Verdot, burgundy in color, very fruit forward and spicy on the finish. I wish this vineyard had been my last stop. A glass of red with that view…that’s what I’m talking about!
About 30 minutes away, I pulled into my second stop, Marterella Winery. I choose the red tasting list which allowed me to enjoy 6 pours. ’08 Merlot had a smooth palate with subtly notes of berries with a hot finish. ’12 Meritage, dark fruit, smoky, leather on the nose with soft tannins. ’10 Syrah, a jammy wine with a floral nose, black pepper finishing with spicy notes. Not a bad stop.
I could have thrown a rock to the next vineyard, Mediterranean Cellars. A good crowd in the tasting room, for once I wasn’t the only person in the tasting room. ’10 Pinot Grigio a crisp wine with pear on the nose with a touch of mineral on the front and a semi-dry finish. ’12 Penteli a Chamborcin, Cab. Sauv. port-style that would have paired well with a nice stick or a steak.

Lush vines at Mediterranean Cellars.

Overall it was a good day for the vino. Give these folks a visit and always…enjoy your wine.
The rest of the weekend was exhausting. Tish worked on Friday and a late start got us into the city in the afternoon. I found a place to hole up until our guests train arrived. Once we tossed her bags into the car, we headed to happy hour and then dinner at Matchbox on H St.
We introduced @alonewithcats to a few new vineyards and a local restaurant, Cristina’s Cafe. As always, she took an arm full of wine back to NYC.

Tish and I at Arterra Winery.

As for my tour; 55 down, 45 to go