Category: white wine

Stone Tower Winery – Wine with a Taste of Interior Design

 

Even though, it has been awhile since our last visit, Stone Tower Winery is still worth writing about. From the decor that makes you wonder if you walked into a home decor shop to wines that may you question if you are in Virginia.

THE ARRIVAL

Upon arriving to tasting counter, I had to browse every corner of the tasting room and admire the furnishing. I am in decorating heaven. For a moment, I forgot I was at a vineyard because I found myself checking for price tags. My favorite place is the back room with the beautiful iron doors. (exhaling)

I shared my excitement with the tasting clerk on how much I love the tasting room furnishing, they should have a sign on where customers can purchase the furnishing. Smiling widely, I could tell this was not her first time a customer expressed their love of the furniture. She informed us that the owner of the vineyard also own Belfort furniture DING! DING! That is why the tasting room is decorated so nicely. I love Belfort furniture, which is in Sterling,VA (belfortfurniture.com).

 

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courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com

 

courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com
Stone Tower Winery
courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com

 

THE TASTING

2015 Wild Boar Sauvignon Blanc – I will admit I was skeptical. A Sauvignon Blanc produced in Virginia. Hmm…. to my surprise this wine posses true Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. Crisp white wine with red grapefruit and lemon flavors and minerality on the finish. VERY TASTING!

2015 Wild Boar Viognier – BOLD floral aromas; crisp white wine with soft sweet tart flavors; leaves you wanting more. If I heard correctly the grapes are from Orange County; I’m assuming Virginia and not California. Either way the Viognier is REFRESHING!

2015 Wild Boar Rosé – An unique rose with soft tangerine flavors, mild tannins and a long oaky finish. Reminds me of an orange wine. I would sip on this wine. Varieties: 54% Malbec, Norton, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Believe it or not, this is my favorite, thus far, in the tasting. THUMBS UP!

2014 Wild Boar Pinot Noir – BOLD fruity and hint of licorice aromas; earthy and cranberries flavors. Young but has good structure. The grapes are from Willamette, Oregon. GOOD!

2014 Wild Boar Malbec – 75% of the grapes from Napa Valley, CA. Medium bodied with earthy and prunes flavors and firm tannins. My husband picked up blueberry jam aromas and flavors. The smoky flavors in the wine should pair well with a cigar. I recommend laying down, definitely has potential. GOOD!

2014 Wild Boar Sanglier Noble – WOW! My palate is in heaven. THIS IS DELICIOUS! Rich with dark cocoa flavors. A blend of Bordeaux varietals. I agree the Cabernet Sauvignon definitely dominates the other varietals. WINNER! Of course, this was our wine purchase for the day.

Since we practically had the vineyard to ourselves (as you can see from the pictures 🙂 ), we were able to enjoy a cigar with the Sanglier Noble, which paired nicely. 

 

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Stone Tower Winery is a must visit, especially if you need decorating ideas. 🙂 For updated wine vintages visit their website:

Stone Tower Winery
19925 Hogback Mountain Rd.
Leesburg, VA 20175
stonetowerwinery.com

 

SALUTE!

Distasteful Wine = Wine Slushies

 

I do not like talking bad about a wine, so I decided to use the term “I’m not able to appreciate the wine at this moment”. However, there comes a time when a wine is not good. It is not about not being able to appreciate a wine or your pallet is not mature enough. Do not make excuses for wines that are not good for consumption. Yes, you can call me a wine snob and I will nod in agreement. However, I try very hard to appreciate all wines.

Unfortunately, I am having one of those wines this evening. After a very stressful day and working 11 hours on a Friday, I am too tired to go to the store or the Vineyard to pick up some wine. My palate is rejecting every sip, body is physically cringing, trying to shake off the distasteful flavors.

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Crazy enough, I was told the wine won many awards, a Governor’s cup, with that being said you know that I am referring to a Virginia wine. GOODNESS! What other wines were in the competition?! The wine does have a beautiful color and the label is nice. This is the second bottle I have tasted (not this evening 🙂 ) and the experience is the same, UGH! I should have selected another wine. But, I thought it was just a bad bottle; maybe it’s two bad bottles?  I will not reveal the winery because Mama always said (in her southern accent), “If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing at all.”  Time to head downstairs and select another wine. 

Folks, life is too precious and  time is too valuable to waste on drinking BAD wine. I need to remember my mantra: “Amore Vita (love life)”. Loving life does not mean wasting your time drinking nasty wine.  Better yet, turn a bad situation into something good and make wine slushies or wine popiscles.  Here are a couple recipes:

Blackberry Wine Popsicles from Real Simple 

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courtesy of Pastryaffair.com

 

Wine Slushies by Woman’s Day 

blueberry

courtesy of purewow.com

SALUTE!

Mariana Vineyard – 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles – A Wine Worth Writing About

Reflection

We are relaxing after a very busy work weekend, watching “Regarding Henry” and enjoying our Digiorno (must be spoken with an accent 🙂 ) and salad.

Watching this movie, it is difficult not to reflect on your life and how important it is to appreciate the good things life has to offer. Henry (played by Harrison Ford) was shot and went into a coma. He had to learn how to speak and read and his first word was “Ritz”. His caretakers thought he loved Ritz crackers; he even painted a picture of Ritz crackers. Later we find out that Ritz was the memory of the “Ritz Carlton”, where he met his mistress. WOWZER! That sucks! Come out a coma and your first memory is of your mistress, not even your child. :/

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Explosion

To ensure we are enjoying the good things life has to offer, I found this beauty at the bottom of the wine cooler.

I wasn’t going to do a wine review until I took my third sip. After the chill has subsided, I was hit with an explosion of lemon and grapefruit flavors and the words “GOT DAMN THIS IS DELICIOUS!” escaped my lips. A wine that makes me curse is a wine worth writing about.

Mariana Vineyard 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles posses true Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of delicious citrusy flavors of lemon and pink grapefruit; this California Sauvignon Blanc reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc produced in New Zealand. Mmmm… I love Sauvignon Blanc! 

What is amazing the wine has aged for 5 years and upheld very well! I recall purchasing the wine through a Groupon, which I typically evade. But it could not pass up a deal of $40 for 6 bottles; it was worth the risk.

A great way to end a busy work week and weekend! Now, time to find more Mariana Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, my researched revealed Mariana Vineyard wines are only available through “Wine Shop At Home”.

Salute!

My Mother’s Day Treat – 1893, Bas-Armagnac Delord X.O.

 

First let me state, I am a novice when it comes to spirits. However, my years of tasting has matured my palate and with the assistance and knowledge from my husband, I am capable of identifying a good spirit when I come across one.

Folks, I have been presented with one; 1893 Bas-Armagnac Delord X.O. is an OUTSTANDING cognac!

 

For mother’s day, my wonderful husband and mother-in-law gifted me with a bottle of a French cognac, Bas-Armagnac Delord X.O. FYI,  Armagnac is a grape brandy from the Gastony region of southwestern France.

 

After chipping away the melted plastic from around the mouth, it made me wonder “Goodness, was this cognac sealed in 1893?!”

We popped the cork and was greeted with bold aromas bold fall spices of vanilla, clove, cinnamon, caramel with cedar & Oak. We’re reminded of the butterscotch candies.

Bas-Armagnac Delord X.O has a beautiful blood orange color.

OMGGG! Smooth, creamy vanilla with touches caramel flavors with just enough heat.

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After ten days of cloudy weather, the sun has broke through on this Friday 13th and the air is filled with the cognac aromas. This has turned out to be a beautiful Friday the 13th, which has always been a day of good luck :).

 

 

Today, Bas-Armagnac is paired with Oscar and Felicia cigars and great Latin Jazz. With the cigars’ saddle wood and soft spice aromas, the cognac, the music and warm spring breeze, we have escaped to Paradise.

I respect history and when you’re consuming a spirit or wine that dates back to 1893, it is important to know its origin.

HISTORY

The Armagnac Delord story dates back to four generations that begin in 1893.

In 1893, Prosper Delord, a distiller and cellar master, travelled with his alambic (yes, I had to research alambic, which is a vessel with a beaked cap that was formerly used in distilling) to farms, converting white wine into Armagnac.

NOTE. Alambic Distillation is an ancient technique that date backs to the Chinese 3000 years BC. For historical information on Alambic Distillation visit www.essentialspirits.com.

In 1932, Prosper’s sons, Gaston and Georges created the “Armagnac house Delord Freres” in Lannepax. Being producers, distillers and traders and sold their Bas-Armagnacs from Gascony, France to the United States.

From 1963, Gaston’s sons continue the Armagnac adventure and run the family business.

The House of Deloard’s vineyard is located in the village of Lannepax and is 42 hectares, which is equivalent to approximately 104 acres of land. It is comprised of four traditional Armagnac grape varieties: Ugni Blanc 56%, Colombard 24%, Baco 14% and Folle-Blanche 6%.

For more information visit: http://www.armagnacdelord.com/en

 

Thank You My Wonderful Husband and Mama Monique!

Salute! Sante!

Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar’s Wine Flight

1 Comment

 

It’s sunny, hot and too late to drive to a vineyard. Desperately wanting to try something new, I remembered a coffee and wine bar that opened last year called Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar, Gainsville, VA; coffee and wine, my two main indulgences.

Wine Flight

(very small sample of available wines)

Trummer’s offers three wines in their wine flight for under $20.00. After being asked a few questions on my wine preference, which was for whites, nothing sweet and I like sauvignon blancs and for reds, big, bold with firm tannins.

Folks, this is not your standard tasting. The bartender begins to pour full glasses of wine. I whispered to my husband, “I said I wanted a tasting, right?” He nodded, yes. “Well, I’m about to have an expensive tasting”. I was presented with three full glasses of wine. I don’t know if this was an error, but this happy chic wasn’t going to bring it to his attention. 😀

Yes, you “Neggy Netties” could say, “Technically, you’re receiving at least eight wines in the tasting… they’re just doubling up on the pours.” 😛 WELL, I’m not at a winery and was VERY excited that I was getting THREE FULL glasses of wine for under $20.00 😀

MY SELECTION

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Steininger Gruner Veltliner – Reminds me of a Viognier and a dry Petit Manseng, citrusy with a slight oaky creamy finish – VERY NICE! This is exactly what I wanted on this hot humid 81 degree day!

Enrique Mendoza “La Tremenda” – Mmmm… aromas of black licorice and hint of molasses. The taste is Friggin Fantastic! Fruit-forward cherry flavors and the tannins are subtle but present. Every sip is Delicious!! Magnificent! I’m officially in “wine utopia”. If you do not recall from my previous blogs, wine utopia is when your eyes close, head begins to sway and moans begin to escape your lips –YES, THIS IS WINE UTOPIA!

Luberon Grenache – spicy and earthy aromas. If I had this wine before the “La Tremenda”, I would say this is very good. Following the “La Tremenda”, Luberon is nice. 

 

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To top off the wine flight, we are served Trummer’s Truffle popcorn, “Trés Bon!”

 

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You can clearly see which wine I enjoyed the most! One bottle turned into three (3) bottles :). I preached many times, always purchase in “at least” quantities of three’s. The first bottle, you are so excited you want to consume immediately. The second bottle, you share with your friends and the last bottle, you lay down in your cellar (this method is also an excellent way to establishing an cellar). When you need to replenish, you will save money because you only have to purchase two bottles :). 

I’m fascinated by the quaint little coffee and wine bar, Trummer’s.

WHO IS TRUMMER’S?

Besides this sweet elder man, who I am presuming is the manager; tidying-up, staying in the background but has his eyes on everything (the thought of him makes me smile 🙂) Trummer’s is named after the owners Stefan and Victoria Trummer, who lives in Clifton, VA and also the owners of “Trummer’s On Main” in Clifton, VA; formerly the The Hermitage Inn. By the way, Stefan was not that sweet elder man in the coffee and wine bar :). They’re a young couple who has an extensive restaurant background, met in New York and moved to Victoria Trummer’s hometown, Clifton, VA.

I have to mention I like the Trummer’s logo with the coffee and wine rings. GREAT CONCEPT!

(images courtesy of http://www.trummerscoffeewinebar.com)

 

We’re looking forward to having Trummer’s coffee.

If you’re in the Gainsville, VA area, I strongly encourage you to visit Trummer’s and don’t forget to order the Truffle popcorn.

Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar
Address: 14013 Promenade Commons St, Gainesville, VA 20155
Phone:(703) 754-0135
Menu: trummerscoffeewinebar.com

 

Salulte! Sante!

“Sunshine in a Bottle” – Cana Vineyards 2012 Rhapsody in White

 

Note. This blog was written during my “blogging block”. I had no trouble sipping just to lazy or tipsy to post. As an FYI, there are a few more wine blogs coming that was created during this temporary phase of blockage.

 

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Cana Vineyards 2012 Rhapsody in White – I selected this wine because our stock of every day drinking red wine has depleted greatly. Plus, it is going to pair very well with the delicious pork chops and spinach salad my amazing husband and artist Amoxes (visit Amoxes Art page; gotta get that plug-in :)) has made for dinner.

 

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Yes, he’s not only creates masterpieces on canvas, his talent extends to the kitchen and creates delicious gourmet meals. Teen: “How does he make gourmet meals with the food in our kitchen and you can’t?” Being the wonderful man that he is, he immediately replies “Your mom is a good cook.” Teen and I both know, he is being kind. I’m not bad, but I am nowhere in his league.

To be honest, I was disrespecting the wine and just pulled out anything and wasn’t expecting much. To my great surprise, I selected a beautiful shimmery golden Cana Vineyards 2012 Rhapsody in White. Rhapsody is airy (you can feel the breeze-wind) with flavors of pineapples and pink grapefruit with a touch of sparkle, which I am unsure what is producing the effervescent. Cana’s Rhapsody in White is a delicious semi-sweet white wine with low residual sugar; Elegant!

Maybe it is the name, the airy-windy aromas or soft sweet flavors, but I instantly imagine a woman in the middle of the open grassy field, her hair and dress blowing in the wind; this would be my wine label design for Rhapsody in White. You can guess what followed; “Babe, I need a quick illustration of …” what I just wrote and POOF! In approximately ten minutes, I was presented with “Rhapsody”, which was created utilizing an ink pen. HE’S AMAZING! ♥

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Hmmm… (sipping) I may have to rethink the cancellation of my wine club membership at Cana. Even on the brink of the Washington, DC 2016 Blizzard, I’m having some sunshine, “Sunshine in a Bottle“. PERFECT NAME!

 

Washington DC area 2016 Blizzard

 

My first review of Cana’s 2012 Rhapsody in White was in August 2014, read the first blog at treevinos.com, “Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover“.

In 2014, I described this “Sunshine in a Bottle” as a semi-sweet white wine, 50% Riesling and 50% Traminette, floral and citrus aromas, 4.2% residual sugar – not heavy or sugary. GOOD, check mark. Two years later, Rhapsody has aged deliciously.

Folks, I have to share, I wasn’t spelling the word “effervescent” properly. So, I decided to speak the word and have my MAC record the word correctly. I selected the “Speech” option and began to say the word, at the monitor-into the invisible microphone LOL (hey, I thought all Apple products operate the same LOL). A male voice began to recite the blog. I have to admit hearing your words spoken by a male is an indescribable feeling. It also provides insight from the reader’s perspective. WIERD 🙂

Cana Vineyards 2012 Rhapsody in White is a fruity delicious wine that would be perfect for a brunch and pleasurable to wine novices and connoisseurs.

Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg 

 

at 38600 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, VA 20117

Open on Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday from 12 pm – 6 pm. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Visit their website for more information: canavineyards.com 

Salute! Sante!

Part Two: 6 for $60 Challenge, the Quest for Goodness”

If you have not read Part One of “Harris Teeter Six for Sixty (6 for $60) Challenge, the Quest for Goodness”. Here’s a recap:

While grocery shopping online at Harris Teeter, they had a BIG WINE SALE and many of the wines were under $10.00. Curiosity got the best of me and I wondered if the wines were any good. So, I developed the challenge.

Rules:

* The wine must be $10 or less before taxes;
* It must be a wine that I’ve never tasted. By the way, there are certain  wines that I   refuse to place upon my lips. For instance, Yellow Tail, Menage Trios, Cupcake and Barefoot, to name a few;
* Must be different varieties and
* Two wines can not be from the same vineyard.

The wines chosen for the challenge are:

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* Rex-Goliath Shiraz
* HandCraft Petit Syrah
* Redwood Creek Malbec
* Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
* Naked Grape Pinot Noir
* Jacob Creek Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon

To prevent the blog from becoming a short story, I’m posting my results into three parts. In Part One, we tasted 2013 HANDCRAFT Petit Syrah and
2013 Jacob Creek Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon blend, both were TASTY.

PART TWO

Following are the third and fourth wines in the “Six for Sixty, the Quest for Goodness”:

Wine #3 – 2014 Dark Horse, Cabernet Sauvignon

 

We are having a Valentine’s day sip and cigar. We are pairing the Dark Horse with a Perdomo Factory Tour Blend cigar. First the wine,

Sniff – Shoot! No distinguished aromas; not surprise when you are
subjected to sipping out of a cup. Yes, you read correctly (don’t ask). I dig in deeper, inhaling, eyes are closed, concentrating; there are slight hint of prunes and plums aromas. This tasting is going to be a struggle.

Taste – medium-full bodied with a slight spicy finish and firm tannins. It’s OK. Even though, my current drinking vessel (Yes, I surprised myself referring to the cup as a vessel; reading too much of Amoxes short stories. Another project on the way :)) is not prime and based upon past experience of consuming wine in a cup, which did not hinder aromas or flavors, I have to give Dark Horse an overall rating of BORING.

CIGAR PARING:

We have the pleasure of seeing how well Dark Horse pairs with a cigar. This evening we have selected a Perdomo Factory Tour Blend cigar.

The wrapper has chocolate aromas. The beginning taste: medium-bodied with lingering walnut flavors. Half-way through my husband picks up grassy flavors and three-quarters into my cigar the nutty flavors continues. Paired with the Dark Horse, the Perdomo Factory Tour Blend cigar has a slight sweet aroma and taste.

 

 

Next in the “6 for $60 Challenge is Naked Grape (fingers crossed) I’m getting tired of drinking mediocre wine.

Wine #4 – The Naked Grape, Pinot Noir

12767245_10206339275977122_2079598310_nBefore I begin the tasting, I want to give a quick lesson on foil cutting. Please do not butcher the foil. The knife on the corkscrew is not there to pick the foil into little pieces until the cork is exposed. It’s really simple. Run the knife around the top of the bottle (mouth/opening) in a circular motion and WA-LA! The foil cap is evenly removed, exposing the cork. If your corkscrew does not have a knife, use the tip of the screw and run it around the top of bottle neck. In addition, there is not a need to remove ALL the foil from the bottle. 🙂

 

 

Naked Grape‘s texture is thin, bold spicy aromas and fruity flavors that taste like “grapey water” (not sure “grapey” is a word but it describes the wine perfectly). I actually taste water. Long tannins rest on the back of my palate.

Second sip, I’m not able to appreciate this wine, watery. No fruit flavors but posses a long tannic finish.

Third sip, twenty minutes later…. no change. Naked Grape is a light-bodied red wine. I’m not going to say it is good for a novice red wine drinker. I do not want Naked Grape, Pinot Noir representing red wine for beginners.

AMATEURISH. It makes me wonder about the winemaker’s experience. I imagined if I produced wine (having no experience) this is what my wine would taste like as a beginner.

The winning question:
Me: “How does it pair with pizza?”
Husband: “It does not make much difference; it literally doesn’t change”.

Overall: Naked Grape has the perfect name, “Naked from possessing any flavors or complexity”. NEXT!

 

DISCLAIMER: Please remember the reviews on my blog/website are my personal opinion. I encourage you challenge yourself and taste wines outside of your comfort zone. Any dislikes are no reflection of the winery/vineyard. Merely, I’m may not able to appreciate a wine at the time of the tasting. SEE Main DISCLAIMER NOTICE on HOME and TREEVINO pages.

Salute! Sante’!