My Wine Journal

Monday, March 17, 2014

2014 Governor's Cup Case

I have capture the summary of the 2014 Governor's Cup Case here:

Link to Map

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2014 Virginia Wine Lover Choice Awards

Here is a map of the 2014 Virginia Wine Lover Choice Awards:

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

We concluded our day of wine tasting at Rappahannock Cellars. Overall, we walked away unimpressed with the wines at Rappahannock Cellars. They offered 7 wines to taste. These wines included: 2012 Rose, 2013 Chardonnay-Viognier, 2012 Chardonnay, 2012 Noblesse Rouge, 2012 Cabernet Franc, 2011 Meritage, 2011 Red Dessert Wine ("Port"). We didn't enjoy either the white or red offerings. We self-guided ourselves through the tasting experience and couldn't draw out the character presented on the tasting sheet. The only wine that we agreed on liking was the 2011 Red Dessert Wine, which is made from Norton and fortified with Brandy. Although, not offered by the winery to enhance the tasting experience, I highly recommend bringing a bit of chocolate to have when tasting this wine.

http://www.rappahannockcellars.com/

Winter Wine Tasting

Looking back at the vineyard.

We did a little winter season wine tasting today. One of our stops included Philip Carter Winery, which I stopped at last Autumn and enjoyed very much. During the last tasting, I did not get to taste there 1762 "port-like" wine because they were preparing for the Virginia Governor's Cup. I sense learned from friends who are members of the winery that 1762 won Silver in the Governor's Cup.

Photo of Philip Carter's award winning wines.

Today, much of the wine list included 2011 and2012 wines, many of which have been bolstered. While the wines are all very good, they are also light in taste and slightly thin. If you are looking for a full bodied wine, these will not satisfy that criteria for you. However, these are still excellent wines and would be a great wine for a social setting, such as an evening with friends, or even while enjoying a picnic on a warm day. The Host explained to me that the wine maker, Jeremy Ligon, uses mostly neutral oaks to bring out the natural flavor of the grape.

My favorites were the 2012 Chardonnay, the 2011 1762 and the 2012 Sweet Danielle. The 2012 Chardonnay is bolstered with by 12.5% Viognier, which gives the wine a nice lift on the nose. To me the Viognier also sweetened the Chardonnay. I think this would be a great wine to enjoy with friends who may favor a softer Chardonnay. The 2011 1762 is made from a Chambourcin grape and fortified with brandy. The 2011 1762 is the winner of two awards: 2013 San Fran Int'l Wine Competition and 2014 Virginia Governor's Cup. Finally, the 2012 Sweet Danielle is a well balanced wine and offers a lighter taste that is not too sweet.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Philip Carter Winery

Philip Carter winery is definitely on the list of my favorite wineries in Virginia. The winery overlooks the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and is located on a beautiful drive through historic Hume, Virginia. Philip Carter Winery is a winery about Virginia history and wine excellence. Spanning 12 generations of family lineage, Philip carter is part of the General's Wine and History Trail. In February 2012, Flavor Magazine ran a full article detailing the history of Philip Carter Winery. The article tells the Carter story starting from Charles Carter's venture to exploring wine as an alternative to the tobacco industry in 1759, along the banks of the Rappahannock River; to Philip Carter Strother's current venture in Hume Virginia; where he has put 27 acres under vine. Philip Carter Strother, a direct descendant of Carter, strives to maintain the same excellence as Charles Carter who originally started with 1800 vines at the Cleve Plantation, located along the Rappahannock River, which won a gold medal from the RSA (the Royal Society of Arts in London) in 1762.

Along with the beautiful views of the scenery and excellent wine, Philip Carter also provides room for outdoor picnics, as well as, places to host weddings and other events. inside the tasting room, you will find a large fire place for gathering and several tables to relax and enjoy a hosted picnic or just sip on your favorite wine in the company of friends.

The wine maker is Jeremy Ligon a Virginia native. Jeremy has been with Philip Carter Winery since March of 2012. Their master wine consultant is Matthieu Finot, whom was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley and worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura. There are two mascots at the winery: Fairfax a Shih Tzu and Cortoman, an American Mastiff that is named after the estate of Robert "King" Carter. Find out more about the winery staff on the website, under About Us.

My host told me that the Philip Carter Winery has been producing wine for about 15 years, under the current ownership. He also explained that the winery has 15.5 acres under vine, which is different then the 27 acres listed in Flavor Magazine. The oldest wine is the Chardonnay, of which I found their 2012 Chardonnay to be particularly appealing. The 2012 Chardonnay is comprised of 87.5% of the Chardonnay variety and 12.5% Viognier. The wine is aged primary in French neutral Oak and possess a crisp Chardonnay finish, but is also provides the scent of pear and honeydew on the nose.

Today I tasted the following wines and loved each of them.

2012 Chardonnay - Contains 87.5% Chardonnay and 12.5% Viognier, aged primarily in a neutral French Oak.
2011 Falconwwod White - 100% Chardonnay aged primarily in oak. This wine took a silver medal in the 2013 San Fran International Wine Competition and the 2013 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition.
2012 Governor Faquier - Made with Vidal Blanc and aged in stainless steel.
2012 Cabernet Franc - A light red, recommended for summer or a hot day.
2011 Falconwood Red - 55% Petit Verdot and 45% Cabernet Franc.
2011 Corotoman - This a Bordeaux/Meritage blend and contains Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Verdot.
2012 Sweet Danielle - A very sweet and balanced desert wine that possess scents of pineapple and banana.
2010 1762 - Made from the Chambourcin grape and aged in bourbon whiskey barrels from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery. This wine rounds out at 5.5% residual sugar and 18% alcohol.

Complete Wine List found here: http://www.pcwinery.com/wines.html

View my wine map here to see view Virginia Wine Trails.

Photos from my trip:

Driving up to the winery

The tasting room from a distance

Walking up to the tasting room

Some past awards

A shot in the tasting room, from the bar

A shot of more awards

A shot of the entrance sign

The sun setting

A shot just before sunset

Walking up to Philip Carter winery

Philip Carter winery

Visited PC today and had a great tasting.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Photos at Pearmund Cellars during Autumn

I stopped by Pearmund Cellars for a visit today. I found a great selection of 2010 wines. I was able to taste their 2010 Merlot, 2010 Chardonnay, 2010 Petit Verdot, and their 2010 Ameritage Reserve. All wonderful! The 2010 Petit Verdot is the 2013 Sunset International Silver Winner. The 2010 Ameritage Reserve is the winner of the 2012 Jefferson Cup Medal of Merit. I also tried the Vin Del Sol, which is a Spanish style sherry. It has 16% alcohol. It is very sweet and smooth with a nutty flavor at the end.

http://www.pearmundcellars.com/

Complete Awards Listing

Wines Listing

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Barrel Oak Winery

Barrel Oak Winery a vision of a community. Barrel Oak was established near Delaplane, Virginia in 2006 by owners Sharon and Brian Roeder. Barrel Oak wines have won a host of awards between 2008 and 2012, including DOUBLE GOLD in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition for the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve and PLATINUM MEDALfor the 2013 San Diego International Wine Competition (Awards list).

Barrel Oak was featuerd in the following amgazines:

Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine: Best Winery in Fauquier 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Winery in NoVA 2012, 2013
Virginia Living Magazine: Best Winery in Virginia 2012, 2013
Virginia Farm Wineries Council: Best Winery in Virginia 2010, 2011
The Wine Enthusiast: Most Family Friendly Winery in the World 2012

- See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/medals-awards#sthash.Zxw5Vw9i.dpuf

I tasted the following:

2012 Peanut's Petit Cuvee (This vintage is a blend of Traminette, Chambourcin, and Merlot. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
BOWHaus White 2012 (Light, fruity, sunshine in a glass! Blend of Vidal Blanc & Seyval Blanc grapes. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
2011 Traminette (Wild flower garden on the nose. Fermented dry in stainless steel. Fresh herbs and spice finish. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
2011 Bowhaus Red (Our signature red features full bodied cherry, currant, and spice with just a hint of summer sweetness. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
2011 Syrah (Beautiful garnet color with a candied cherry nose. Fruitiness continues with a raspberry finish. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
2011 Merlot (Beautiful ripe berries on the nose with a hint of the deep woods, earth, and cedar. Medium tannins, black cherry on the finish. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)
Chocolate Lab Dessert Wine (Unique port-style Chambourcin infused with essences drawn from cocoa beans added to the wine during secondary fermentation. - See more at: http://www.barreloak.com/wines#sthash.YUjh9RoV.dpuf)

Three Fox Vineyards: Tuscany in Virginia

Today, I stopped by Three Fox Vineyards to enjoy the harvest festival. Three Fox Vineyards is a beautiful 50 rolling acres vineyards tucked away in Northern Virginia’s horse country. The views at Three Fox Vineyards are breathtaking. After enjoying a full tasting and perhaps buying a bottle of Sangiovese, one can take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards or nap in the hammocks next to the lazily flowing stream.

Today's tasting included:

2012 Leggero Chardonnay (Pineapple and vanilla on the nose.)
2012 La Boheme Viognier (This estate grown wine offers pear and tropical fruits on the nose and continued fruits across the palate.)
Gatto Bianco (non-vintage) (This wine offers pineapple and pear on the nose with a conitnued fruit experience through the finish.)
2012 Appassionata Vidal Blanc
2012 Cano Pazzo Rose
2012 Signor Sangiovese Reserve (This is a 100% Sangiovese aged ten months in Hungarian oak)
2011 Volpe Sangiovese (75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet Franc. Key notes included truffle and berry notes on the nose, with cherry and coffee toast on the palate)
2011 Piemontese Nebbiolo (Recommeded to age for 7-10 years. Structure of dark cherry, fruit and spice.)
2012 La Trovatella Merlot (This is an estate grown Merlot, blended with a touch of Cabernet Franc)
2012 Alouette Cabernet Franc (This estate Cabernet Franc won
Silver Medal at the 2013 San Francisco International Wine Competition.)
Non-Vintage Rosso Dolce Chambourcin (Berry and chocolate notes. This chambourcin is not fortified and is offered as a Port alternative.)
Guest Wine: T-J Blanc de Chardonnay

Monday, October 7, 2013

Look what I passed on the way through Loudoun County, VA

http://www.fabbioliwines.com/

Stone Tower Estate Winery Black and White

Stone Tower Estate Winery: Now taking walk-ins

I briefly stopped by Stone Tower Estate Winery tonight, as I was driving through the Northern Virginia Wine Region. Stone Tower Estate Winery has been a private winery (not open to the public), but I spotted a hand written sign at the base of Hogback Mountain inviting walk-ins and appointments until 5:30pm. So I made a quick diversion to check out the Estate on top the mountain.

I arrived shortly after 5:30 and didn't want to impose on the staff, but they were very kind and invited me in for a brief conversation and a taste of their Chardonnay's. I had opportunity to meet one of the owners, Lacey and the wine maker Tim. I found out that the Estate is actually a 1400 acres family estate with 200 acres available for vines. There are 22 acres currently under vine, if I remember the conversation correctly. Their varietals include; Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

While I didn't get much time to talk with the wine maker Tim, I did find out from him that he has a wealth of experience that he is bringing to Stone Tower and the Virginia Wine industry. He communicated confidence in knowledge of the terroir and a vision for the varietals, which also carried through to Lacey, whom is one of the co-owners (her sister Lauren is the other co-owner). Tim has 18 years of experience with California wine. He also has experience with German and New Zealand wines.

Take not that they produce all the grape varieties that are found in their wines on their property. The owners are offering a refined, but well-crafted, high-quality selection of wines. There selection currently includes http://stonetowerwinery.com/vintages.html:
2012 Lacey Chardonnay

2012 Lauren Chardonnay
2012 Viognier
2011 Sanglier Noble

I was offered a tasting of their Chardonnays, but I failed to try their Bordeaux style, Sanlier Noble. I am excited to go back, when I have more time to experience this.

There is a strong vision at this winery, great experience, and allot of opportunity. Don't miss the opportunity to stop by and try their wines.

http://www.stonetowerwinery.com/

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Texas Wine Region Map

God Blessed Texas -- Wines

Working on my interactive Texas Wine Map.
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Sunday, September 15, 2013

A Map of New and Old World Wine Regions

Old World Wine Regions

The terms “Old World” versus “New World” wines are used to describe the differences in viticulture and winemaking philosophies between the Old World regions and New World regions. Old World wine regions place importance on tradition and the role of terroir, placing emphasis on how well the wine communicates the sense of place where it originated. New World Wines pare described as placing importance on science and the role of the winemaker. Terroir is used to describe the aspects of a wine region such as soil, climate and topography that are often out of the winemaker's control.

Old World Wine Regions

Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
England
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Moldova
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Singing Water Vineyards

The tasting room.

About the Vineyard:
This week I tasted some Texas wine. Singing Water Vineyards is part of the Wine and Wildflower Trail and is nestled in Comfort Texas. I found this vineyard after driving about an hour out of San Antonio and down into (or up) into what is known as Texas Hill Country. Singing Water Vineyards was founded and is owned by Dick and Julie Holmberg. Dick is also the winemaker.

From the road.

About their wines:
Singing Water is currently producing 7 wines for 2013. Their current tasting offering includes a variety of wines from 2010 through 2012. The two most notable wines for me were the 2012 Merlot and the 2010 Vintner's Reserve. Merlot is the oldest vine on their vineyard. It was planted in 1998. They are growing a few other varieties, including montepulciano. Montepulciano is widely planted throughout central and southern Italy.

The link to their wine list can be found here: Wines

I tasted the following wines:

2011 Pinot Grigio - This wine is processed in stainless tanks and is the winner of several awards, including 2012 Lone Star International Competition. You will find flavors of almond, peach and pear.

2011 Sauvignon Blanc - This wine is the winner of the bronze medal from the 2012 Lone Star International Competition. This wine provides flavors of melon, peach and lime on the palate.

2012 Sunrise - Swishing the wine in my mouth I could pick out the tastes of peach, pear and pineapple. It provides a floral aroma to the nose. This wine is comprised of Pinot Grigio, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc.

2012 Merlot - This single varietal has the tastes of black cherry, blueberry and licorice. It is aged up to 12 months in oak barrels.

2010 Vintner's Reserve - This reserve is aged in oak for 18 months and is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

2011 Freedom - Named in honor of our countries Veterans. This wine is comprised of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It is aged 24 months in French Oak. It has won several awards, including silver in the 2013 San Francisco International Wine Competition and Bronze in the 2012 Lone Star International Wine Competition.

2012 Sweet Lupe - This is a semi-sweet wine (do not compare to Va. late harvest), which they names after their yellow lab.

2011 Pinot Grigio

2011 Pinot Grigio

Found out more information about the wineries of Texas Hill Country here: http://www.texaswinetrail.com/