I found out this week, there are 43 vineyards in Loudoun County. Hell at that rate, I won’t need to venture very far from the northern part of the state.
Since there is only a few open on Thursday’s, I better take full advantage while I can. Oh Yeah, did I mention that I’m going to kicked out of my job in June? Oh well, I’ve been out of work before and I sure as hell can find work somewhere.
In the meantime, I’m going to mark vineyards off my list until that day. Hopefully I’ll be well past the halfway mark.
My travels this week weren’t looking too good. I had a game plan and my first stop turned out to be a dud. Their website said they were open and so did virginiawine.org. So much for that plan.
There was one near the northern part of the county I wanted to visit. So, I made my way up Berlin Turnpike to my first stop. But after that I had no game plan. Maybe I’ll head over toward the north part of Rt.9 or head down and hit the ones close to Purcellville. I decided on the latter. Nom I’m ready to enjoy my day and extended holiday weekend.
Hiddencroft Vineyards was one of the hidden gems (no pun intended) we found by accident. We have taken multiply people for a visit of this place. It is that good.
As always, I was the lone person in the tasting room but I was cool with that.
Two different styles of Traminette, first one was a dry and the second was a semi-sweet. Both had similar tasting notes a rose bud nose with a sweet, spicy finish. Only the semi-sweet had a lingering sweetness in the back of the palette which is because of the 1.5% residual sugar.
’09 Cab. Franc had a rich cherry nose and a smoky finish. The burgundy color of the ’12 Petit Verdot had the wonderful tannins and a jammy blueberry finish. This was a wonderful wine. And of course, I got a bonus pour! ’10 Tranquility, This is a collaboration of three Loudoun County vineyards (8 Chains, Tarara and Hiddencroft) An intense blend of Cab. Sauv. and Tannat. A well rounded blend that would pair with a nice steak.
I’m hearing rumors of a port-style made from Petit Verdot to be released next year…Oh Hell Yes!
About 10 miles away was the second stop of the day, Otium Cellars. Not far from Purcellville, I had visited this vineyard in ’12. As I made the turn into the driveway, I had a welcoming committee, 4 buzzard sitting on fence posts to the entrance. A bit unnerving.
10 wines on the list, 3 white and 7 reds. ’13 Chardonnay had a soft nose with a little buttery notes on the front of the palette, citrus at the midpoint before finishing with essence of vanilla. ’13 Pinot Noir, yes I said Pinot Noir! Black cherries and old leather aromatics A subtle spiciness with very mild tannins and a peppery finish. ’13 Blaufrankisch Reserve a very fruit forward, jammy wine.
Overall, the wines were nice and I’ll visit again soon.
I tried to avoid Rt. 7 at all cost since it was the holiday weekend and everybody and their damn sister were on the road.
So I knew there was a side road to get to this vineyard. A 15 minute ride to go to Bluemont Vineyard located on the side of the mountain. An overcast day didn’t allow for a good view but by the time I was ready to leave the sun had popped out and provided me with a spectacular view.
An amazing view from this spot.
Another damn Limo! Do people even work anymore? I know what you’re thinking, “you’re visit a vineyard during the week!” Don’t judge!
Luckily, I got to go upstairs where there were just a few folks and two cats. They just mill around the tasting room looking for attention, you know I’m talking about the cats right?
’14 Vidal Blanc “The Cow” was a slightly sweeter white with crisp notes of apricot and refreshing finish that would be perfect for a deck on a hot day. Farm Table Red a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab. Sauv. and a splash of Chamborcin. Fruit forward bold red with a coffee, pepper finish. Of course I’m going to ask about those wines that aren’t on the list. I inquired about the ’12 Meritage a medium body blend of Merlot, Cab. Sauv and Petit Verdot with crunchy tannins. The wines have improved and with that view, I could enjoy a glass on their deck.
I ended up having to get on 7, it wasn’t bad and since the last stop of the day was only a 5 mile ride, I wasn’t going to sweat the traffic.
Veramar Vineyard, I believe, is Clark Counties first vineyard and they are still making good wine.
’12 Chardonnay a light amber color wine with an herbaceous nose and a citrus finish with light acidity. Riesling/Vidal you have acid and sweet with this white blend. Floral nose of minerals with a buttery finish. ’13 Cab. Franc a rich nose on this one. Currants, blackberries and I detected nutmeg. Soft tannins for a Cab. Franc which will probably get tighter with time. So, the wines are consistent.
My totals after this short tour brings me to 51 out of 100 for the year. Little did I know, I would get to add an extra one on Saturday.
Tish had to finish her publication and so she spent the day in the office. I finished cleaning the bathroom and then went to visit Momma & Pappy. As I traveled the back road to my house, I decided it was too nice to be stuck indoors. After putting my groceries away, I traveled 8 miles to Star Tannery to visit Russ & Randall at Wicked Oak Winery.
No one was here, as nice as it was outside, not a soul sitting out looking at the mountains and taking in the gorgeous day. Slackers!
’12 Seyval, apple and pear on the nose, crisp and refreshing with a touch of honey sweetness on the finish. I like this! ’13 Rose made with Syrah had an earthy nose with a fruity palette with a surprising cherry finish. Then came the heavy hitter…’13 Cab Franc, a rich dark plum colored wine. Fruit forward, pepper on the nose with a spicy hot finish. Although this is a young wine, it is pouring great now and will only get better with time. I got myself a glass of the Cab. Franc and took up real estate on the grounds. A very peaceful setting.
After I left, I stopped to snaps some photos from the area. I remembered a few things about the area, especially The Star Market. Back in the day, we could come out an purchase a few bottles of Boones Farm and cruise the the back roads. We were so bad in the ’80s!
I’m sure my Strasburg family is familiar with this combination..
I have to say again, the wines are improving in Loudoun and what is being made in my neck of the woods are getting better. Get up! Don’t just sit there! Go and visit one of Virginia’s vineyards. If I can visit 52 thus far, you can at least venture out and tackle 10!?
Sunday, we met up with Don & Enid and we took in 3 vineyards near the Delaplane area. We enjoyed bottle at Three Fox (Cab Franc) and Arterra (Malbec). I had made some snacks to go with the wine and good times were had by all.
I’m beyond the halfway mark, 52 down 48 to go and 3 weeks until I’m looking for work!
crazynvirginia 