I seem to be drawn to this area. As I continue my tour of Virginia wineries, I enjoy visiting this part of the state.
My plan included secondary roads to get me to the Crozet area. Once I dropped over Afton Mountain, I was only a few miles away from the first stop of the day, Grace Estate Vineyard.
The estate to the left has an amazing view.
A new tasting room down near the road was a surprise. We enjoyed our first visit in the estate on the hill a few years ago. I wanted to visit the estate and take a few photos, I was told no. This is reserved to events especially weddings. That’s most unfortunate.
After startling the young lady in the tasting room (I scared the hell out of her), she began pouring their wines.
’13 Estate Le Gras Cuve, a refreshing wine of Vidal Blanc and Petit Manseng. Heavy aromas of lemon and lime with crips tropical fruits on the palate. Intense acids with a honey finish help round out a very nice wine. I could see this wine being used to make a white Sangria using white peaches, a splash of simple syrup and even cucumbers and a sprig of mint. Is it time to head to the porch?
’13 Petit Verdot, a deep ruby red color. Earthy and tobacco aromas filled my nose. Jammy notes of currants on the mid-palate with a subtle cranberry finish with smooth tannins. LOVE THIS!
About a mile away was my next stop, Stinson Vineyards.
Here are my favorites:
’14 Sauvignon Blanc, an elegant wine done in stainless, oak and in the egg which is made of concrete. A floral nose of tropical fruits – especially lemon. Intense flavors of peaches and grapefruit. The surprising mineral finish is from the concrete egg. With this much acid and flavors, I can see this wine paired with heavy curry Indian dishes.
’13 Sugar Hollow Red, a rich red colored Merlot. A fruit forward wine with bold dark cherry flavors. The oak and toasty flavors on the palate. Low, soft tannins leads to mild finish.
A bonus pour from Stinson Vineyards. I enjoyed this one too!
Another nice visit and then it was on to number 3 of the day, White Hall Vineyards.
My last visit was in June of last year. I truly enjoyed their Petit Verdot.
I had to settle for these:
’14 Pinot Gris, French oak and stainless give this wine a golden hue. Soft citrus aromas in the glass, with in your face flavors of lemon on the palate. The low acid gives this wine a soft finish. A lobster roll or crab cake is what I would be my go to grub with this bottle.
NV Cabernet Sauvignon, with 75% Cab Sauv. and about 25% Touriga. A spicy nose of white pepper and rich dark berry flavors on the palate. The softer tannins were surprising as I was expecting bolder, crunchier tannins.
I always enjoy this vineyard!
The narrow, paved mountain road takes me about 4 miles to next vineyard, Mountfair VIneyards.
When you pull into the parking lot and see a cast iron bathtub in the yard, you know you are in the hills. Relax, there were no banjo’s playing but the day is still early.
The tasting consisted of their wines and a local cider from Potters.
As for the wines, here are both red they had to offer:
’13 WooLooMooLoo, a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Tannat. A deep rich color with spectacular notes of dark fruits and licorice. A fruit forward with dark cherries on the palate. The finish is a cigar smokers dream, rich leathery and tobacco round out this wine.
’13 Bonfire, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Tannat. A surprise of jammy big fruits on the nose. Mega flavors of currants, cherries and blackberries coat the palate. The finish really softens with cherry and low tannins. This wine would pair well with Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The flavors from the rich sauce and the wine would be complete Utopia.
Some of my favorite reds in the state!
One of the downfalls of being in this area is Siri doesn’t want to play. I did my best trying to connect with her and she was just not wanting to let me in. So, I relied on the old way to maneuver an actual map, but that didn’t go too well.
Based on what the states map said, I was heading into the right direction, The road began as a paved road before it turned to gravel. It was like being in Kentucky all over again and seeing the sign that said “Stay out or get shot!” I was not comfortable to say the least.
After about 15 minutes I was seeing houses that weren’t occupied, or I thought they weren’t. And then I saw my savior, a UPS truck. I knew he could give me directions. After a brief chat, he had me on my way.
In 7-8 minutes, I reached one of the coolest wineries in the state, Glass House VIneyards. As you walk into their doors, one of the first things you see are banana trees. A gorgeous green house of exotic flowers and plants line the table for folks to enjoy a glass or a bottle.
As for the wines:
’14 Pinot Gris, a sumptuous wine. Fruity nose with crisp apricot flavors on the mouth. A nice mineral finish makes this the perfect wine for sushi.
’12 21st, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec. A heavenly smoky nose, Rich cherry, currants and blackberries fill the palate. The tannins are chewy which makes for a spicy black pepper finish.
So Cool!
Just a few miles away, is a vineyard that has one of the most incredible views I have ever seen…Moss Vineyard.
Such a great view!
As for the wines:
’14 Viognier, wild tropical fruits permeate the glass. Floral honeysuckle on the palate with just a touch of mineral to round out the low acid finish.
’13 Vino Rosso, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Earthy notes with structured flavors of bright red fruit. Sweet cherries and low tannins on the finish.
At this point, I looked at my time to see if it was possible to visit number 7 of the day. Just 3 miles away, is my next stop or so I thought.
I talked to the young man behind the tasting bar about the vineyard. Then, the 2 couples spoke up and told me I couldn’t leave this area without a visit to Stone Mountain Vineyards. I have heard about them and their narrow road leading to the vineyard.
So, I followed my new friends 1,700 ft. up the mountain to, what I’m convinced as…the best view in the state from a vineyard. Oh others boast their views but hands down, the most incredible view I have seen thus far.
Stone Mountain Vineyards, this could be the best view in the state!
I almost forgot, I’m here for the wine.
’14 Chardonnay Reserve, done in Stainless and Hungarian oak. Fruity nose and smoky melon flavors on the palate. The spiciness is from the oak that leaves just and hint of butter on the finish.
Merlot, this medium bodied wine is rich in color. Blackberries on the nose and dark cherry on the palate. Silky tannins make this a well balanced wine.
After that added bonus, that brought my days total to 7. And with this tour it brings my 2015 total to 115.
Next week, I’m thinking of either coming back to this area or going south to the Roanoke area to see what the wines are like down there.
This has been fun so far.
February
March
crazynvirginia 