Rosé at RdV

There are significant perks working for a well known restaurant. When the Front Desk’s   elder statesman came out to tell me about a company outing to RdV Vineyards, I wanted to know where I was to sign up!

Getting the opportunity to taste one of Virginia’s premiere vineyards on your employers dime is sweet and makes some members of the family “Jelly” as Shortie says all the time…he thinks he is so damn cool!

When Tish and I visited on New Years Eve 2015, our guide Jarad talked about a Rose in the tanks and would be made available exclusively to visitors of the tasting room. I really wanted to taste this wine but had no idea when I would get the chance…I did, yesterday.

I was one of the first to arrive at the vineyard and no soon than I walked through the door, they handed me a glass of the forbidden nectar.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and done in stainless steel. Ripe peaches and a touch of hay on the nose. Tart strawberry and apricot on the palette with a slight feel of effervescence on the back palette. The finish had a subtle hint of leather with just a touch of tannins.

Other than Glen Manor and King Family Vineyards Rose this may be my new favorite wine. It is such a shame it isn’t available to everyone. Josh did an amazing job with this wine and I can only hope down the road it becomes a member of the the RdV wine family.

Come on Rutger, lets bottle this jewel and sell it to all. It would make this fat man happy.

Cheers my fellow winos!

A Visit From Greg!

Last December, a familiar face appeared on Facebook. He hadn’t changed much since we last saw each other 30+ years ago. The only significant change was the town he was residing in…Vienna, Austria.

When he made the announcement he was coming state side, I made a point to meet with him. He was interested in reconnecting and told me to make the proper arrangements. I choose Glen Manor Vineyards for our meet and he truly enjoyed his first visit to a Virginia Winery.

A few weeks ago, he gave me the heads up that he would be visiting his mother over the Thanksgiving holiday. He told me to pick the venue and we could talk about the good ole days once again.

Greg was open to either beer or wine and I decided to show him the Vineyards of Frederick County.

We met in town and I proceeded to the Shenandoah valley’s northern most wineries. Our first stop was James Charles Winery. One of Virginia’s newer Vineyards, it is part of the Bogaty Family Wine Group which includes 2 other wineries Veramar Vineyard in Berryville & Bogati Winery in Round Hill.

Since opening last August, James Charles is making some noise with their red wines.

Greg and I did a tastings and decided to get a bottle of Petit Verdot. Rich Garnet in color, dark cherry and smoke on the nose. Complex red berry flavors with a dry spicy, chewy finish. This is your steak, burger wine even fish and chips would go well with this wine.

I believe Greg said: “This wine has the legs of a super model!” We will go with that!

The day was gorgeous and we decided to take advantage of the warm November weather and enjoy their patio. Our next stop will keep us indoors as the sun began to set but this vineyard has evening hours which is a great perk, Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery.

It was almost 4 years ago that I stumbled upon this vineyard as I was taking back roads home due to heavy traffic on I-81. Tish and I visit often, knowing Greg is partial to Merlot, he will not be disappointed in their Merlot Reserve.

Subtle earthy notes with a touch of leather on the bouquet. Soft, warm flavors of currants and black cherries. Nice concentration and fruit forward that transcends to supple dry/low spice flavors on the finish. This is a true pasta wine that could be enjoyed by itself or with an after dinner cigar.

Greg is very impressed with how enjoyable the wines are in Virginia. I told him that when he comes back for another visit, we will take in some other vineyards in the surrounding area. With more than 30 within a 25 mile radius, we have plenty to choose from. And so do you!

Get out and visit the areas wineries and show your support for Virginia’s wine industry.

Cheers!