My Notes:
Kaleidoscope (2012)
Dry Pino Grigio. So this was an interesting start. Immediately I got melon. Don't call me crazy, but this smells like a cantelope that has been sitting in the sun for too long. Like you are at a summer picnic and someone forgot to put it back in the shade. Almost like its gone bad, but it just really ripe. None of the sweetness that comes from the melon, though. This was definitely a dry wine.
Pristine (2013)
Unoaked Chardonelle. This is a blended grape of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Still dry. We are going in order of dry-sweet white then dry-sweet white. This has only 1% sugar, but smells of caramel. Apples were noted, but maybe like a yellow apple or some sort of red? I like the idea of this hybrid grape, and I am excited to see Virginia wineries trying to invent new things.
Reflection (2013)
Traminette. I actually ended up buying this wine. It has more sweetness, but the nose was explosive of tropical fruits. It did not taste nearly as sweet as it smelled, which I think I really enjoyed. It has good strong pineapple flavor, but again without as much sweetness. I think I really enjoyed a Traminette at Attimo if I remember correctly.
Fleur D'Ete (She didn't know the year)
Sweet Pinot Grigio. This had less of a detectible nose. It also had a bit of a syrupy texture that I didn't love. I don't know, but I think Pinot Grigio should be dry. It just holds itself so much better when it is. I think this means "summer flower" in french? I imagine it being a good porch summer wine. There's nothing strong about it, which makes it really approachable.
Silhouette (2012)
Lightly Oaked Cabernet Sauvignon. This had a light mouthfeel, which is what she meant by an East Coast Cab over the West Coast jammy style. It had a tart cherry flavor, which I don't love. I think I have come to really like the jammy cherry flavor; I still can't love the tart cherry business. Some spice noted, but nothing like a Spanish wine.
Trailblazer (2011 I believe)
Oaked Merlot. This had a strong bacon nose; that salty meaty scent. It again is a lighter kind of wine, which was nice. I was able to pull out some plum from the wine, but that bacon was pretty strong. I am learning what distinguishes "Virginia Wines" at this point.
Portal
Red Zinfandel. So this is actually made from California grapes, which is so interesting to me. Terroir, guys, come on. It totally was a much bolder red than the ones before, but that also may totally have to do with the fact it is a Zin. It had spices classic of red Zin, and a lot of that jammy quality I have come to expect from Cali. I liked it but am not sure why I wouldn't just buy a California Zin. I'm not sure what their market is for this.
Fireside Chat
Lightly Oaked Cabernet Franc. Woah. Green pepper. I was a vegetarian for lots of my life, and eat vegetables all the time, but I cannot stand green pepper. My roommate enjoyed this, and I trust his judgement, but no. I can't get over the green pepper. Maybe some licorice also noted. I'm sure a lot of people really like this wine. It is just not for me.
Sweet Surrender
Sweet Red Table Wine. Concord grapes. Well, this is adult Welch's Grape Juice. Seriously, there is alcohol in this? This could be dangerous. We got into a really good conversation with the tasting manager about this kind of wine. I enjoyed it, especially knowing that this is a more native grape and a good representation of VA wines. Not my type, but I appreciate it nonetheless.
Crown Jewel
After we talked about Sweet Surrender, she decided to pour us this one too. Niagra is the White Welches grape, and this is a mix of Semi-Sweet Pinot Grigio, Niagra, Traminette. This was definitely white grape juice. Again, this is so dangerous to have in a house with kids! I feel like I would get so confused.
After the tasting, we wandered around the vineyards a bit. It was such a nice day, so it was awesome.
