tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28911992803314567162024-02-19T00:35:25.142-05:00Wine 4 Your LifeBob and Chris Doan, Wine Bloggers and Independent Consultants invite you to learn the joys of wine and finding out how easy it is to enjoy the fruit of the vine. Wine may seem overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be that way.Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-52098712613590751522023-11-16T12:23:00.004-05:002023-11-16T12:23:33.912-05:00Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH00YxNFJZmsU_HQr-d5k0B4NYpx76BaGTpgs5UCeNq88i4gb_m4GkcmnLUXVLUoaKGSxNFjzg5u6-ev33LSzK6RPzlu6XoRLKPVaA3yganH6mBIZNAgaycpxqQOjUYoUmfYiUHKqEmvXmM5iqkE3x7Q3AcBi7u82QD3GeG5Lo4k_BkMYk3-CPK2EolA/s1200/F-ha6eNaQAAGC8l.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH00YxNFJZmsU_HQr-d5k0B4NYpx76BaGTpgs5UCeNq88i4gb_m4GkcmnLUXVLUoaKGSxNFjzg5u6-ev33LSzK6RPzlu6XoRLKPVaA3yganH6mBIZNAgaycpxqQOjUYoUmfYiUHKqEmvXmM5iqkE3x7Q3AcBi7u82QD3GeG5Lo4k_BkMYk3-CPK2EolA/s320/F-ha6eNaQAAGC8l.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It is that day!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It is the day the first wines of 2023 are released and it, as always, happens in France.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Have a glass and enjoy the mystique of the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Welcome to the first wine, it is <a href="https://beaujolaisnouveauday.com" target="_blank">Beaujolais Nouveau Day</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-77165804860058890362023-10-22T08:18:00.001-04:002023-10-22T08:18:10.212-04:00A Bob's Life: Wine Event - Doris Market<a href="https://www.abobslife.com/2023/10/wine-event-doris-market.html?spref=bl">A Bob's Life: Wine Event - Doris Market</a>: I love Wine events! A Table at the Wine Event Doris Market, North Palm Beach, FL October 21, 2023 Last evening, beginning at 8:30 PM, we a...Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-32855085673628269172023-08-16T07:53:00.003-04:002023-08-16T07:53:34.827-04:00A Bob's Life: Escape to the Wineries<a href="https://www.abobslife.com/2023/08/escape-to-wineries.html?spref=bl">A Bob's Life: Escape to the Wineries</a>: Wine Tasting Sheldrake Point Winery, Ovid, NY August 15, 2023 We did it! Yesterday, Chris, Nicole, and I managed to escape for a few hours...Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-39110585991810514302021-11-09T06:11:00.001-05:002021-11-09T06:11:39.804-05:00Wine Tasting Disaster<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPftVOOPaBHlkGozuFsGWgqG1cKpHLk_GT4Q4B5zOb5X8f_J65Wdohyphenhyphen_0YQHVhUrLGbL8HGRMjKBrpoI5z49sPFEjRWrZhooOz0mmg6EDSJDiR87Me3ULMu0buMVsdY1YZSSav0KIPyhM/s2048/IMG_6145.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPftVOOPaBHlkGozuFsGWgqG1cKpHLk_GT4Q4B5zOb5X8f_J65Wdohyphenhyphen_0YQHVhUrLGbL8HGRMjKBrpoI5z49sPFEjRWrZhooOz0mmg6EDSJDiR87Me3ULMu0buMVsdY1YZSSav0KIPyhM/w400-h300/IMG_6145.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Tasting in Small Plastic Cups</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Chris and I decided to visit a few local wineries and vineyards to enjoy the fruit of the vine and see how the wines are progressing. We ended up visiting two wineries that we had last visited a few years ago and one winery that we had never visited.</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I was disappointed in the quality of the tastings. And of course the wines suffered as well from poor presentation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In my mind, winemakers should ensure that their wines are presented in the best possible manner for people to enjoy and hopefully purchase. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">All three of the wineries visited were doing tastings by the flight. Which, in my mind is the worst way to do a tasting. There is little interaction with the staff and almost no knowledge transfer regarding the estate and the wines. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At one winery Chris and I tasted 12 wines--but they were served in small plastic glasses--single serving glasses not much larger than communion cups. It is impossible to enjoy the intricacies of wine in small plastic cups which provide no space for the bouquet to develop. At least when I had decided that I wanted to taste a couple of the wines in glass, the tasting room manager accommodated me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At another winery we were seated outside, under alleged heaters on a cold November day, to taste wines in flights of four. At least they were serves in glass--although not wine glasses. And since the day was cold the wines definitely did not overheat. The reds may have been a bit cool. As the cold November wind blew, we definitely did not enjoy the wines in the same manner that could be done in a warm tasting room with knowledgeable staff to help us understand the vintages and processing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The final winery's tasting was probably the most egregious. The wine tasting was $20 for three wines. They were served in wine glasses and were a sufficient pour--but the server poured the wines, placed them in front of us and went back to her computer and continued shopping on Amazon. So much for as personalized tasting experience. We did not even get a written description of the wines. Did I mention that there was only one other two-some in the tasting room? Well, at least we were in the tasting room.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Based upon our experience we likely will never return to any of the three wineries. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></div>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-85374221109695022992021-08-19T05:46:00.002-04:002021-08-19T05:47:14.333-04:00Central Loudoun County - Middleburg AVA<p> </p><div class="post-header" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-9017180326618087022" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><p style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); float: right; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding: 4px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLoHWH_44hAbD5kMx0twf1cl-WWttoO3I3t0iGS4LUAMO7uY0CXwD2b5VZ6FUe7zAixjoXCSmwjkbcw3OvpL9viM4aN6cy4omWvHMDh7PKvdKQF6noGYgsubfPQB_UjTc7x8iqJzy6Mk/s2048/IMG_5964.jpeg" style="clear: right; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLoHWH_44hAbD5kMx0twf1cl-WWttoO3I3t0iGS4LUAMO7uY0CXwD2b5VZ6FUe7zAixjoXCSmwjkbcw3OvpL9viM4aN6cy4omWvHMDh7PKvdKQF6noGYgsubfPQB_UjTc7x8iqJzy6Mk/w400-h300/IMG_5964.jpeg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.399999618530273px; text-align: center;">Tarting Room Casanel Vineyards<br />Leesburg, VA<br />August 13, 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Chris and I headed off to the Leesburg, VA, area this past weekend to sample wines from wineries and vineyards that we had not yet had the opportunity to visit.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let me begin by writing that there are more wineries and vineyards in this region of Virginia than can possibly be sampled in a single weekend or for that matter likely in a month. Trying to keep the weekend sane and to truly experience the wines and ambiance of the vineyards we limited ourselves to three tastings per day. So for the weekend we visited six wineries or vineyards. We had alternates selected to account for unforeseen circumstances and, in fact, the first stop was at a winery we had previously visited, but forgotten, and so we went to our second planned stop instead and added the alternate to become the third stop of the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The six wineries or vineyards were chosen based upon a review of their websites and the types of wine offered. Two were chosen because they offered varietals not normally experienced in Virginia. One offered both a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempranillo" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tempranillo</a> and an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albari%C3%B1o" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Albariño</a>, while another offered a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermentino" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vermentino</a>. We were not disappointed at either vineyard, although truth be told, the Tempranillo was made with grapes sourced from Washington State. My understanding is that Tempranillo does not grow well in Virginia.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So the scorecard for the weekend was six stops at wineries or vineyards. Of there six, four were definite keepers, one is on the must revisit after COVID list, and one was truly disappointing despite having a magnificent facility and a seemingly diverse and exciting wine list. That said, we purchased wines from all six wineries and vineyards and joined the wine club at one of them. Yes, I came home with bottles of all three of the wines that most interested me and many more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So the top four, in no particular order:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjvm5CIq7ryAhXiGjQIHRo6BngQFnoECAgQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casanelvineyards.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw1Nxdekt49kiLvLBfu9mb0K" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Casanel Vineyards</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Stone+Tower+Estate+Winery&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Stone Tower Estate Winery</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://8chainsnorth.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">8 Chains North</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.walshfamilywine.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Walsh Family Wine</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Important safety tip: Check the websites at any winery/vineyard you intend to visit to determine how or if they are conducting tastings during COVID and whether reservations are required.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Important Safety Tip #2: Drink and drive responsibly. It is OK and desired for you to spit after tasting to avoid alcohol loading.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></p></div>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-25411511652294823872021-07-29T11:44:00.002-04:002021-07-29T11:44:49.224-04:00Key Lime Pie and Shiraz<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPbPNS-55lFN0kfq3JCxWHgimqw8LKyLEDPTzILPNmdX86l9hL14d6H1HJgR31jq3VSncXpfCpm1R8ORmtrUYrC4W14NKYHqumfZAen5_aQmG5iNR9e78SafIz6Fo63xk29MSnk8UypM/s2048/IMG_5897.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPbPNS-55lFN0kfq3JCxWHgimqw8LKyLEDPTzILPNmdX86l9hL14d6H1HJgR31jq3VSncXpfCpm1R8ORmtrUYrC4W14NKYHqumfZAen5_aQmG5iNR9e78SafIz6Fo63xk29MSnk8UypM/w300-h400/IMG_5897.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key Lime Pie and Shiraz</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago, while dining at a friend's for Happy Hour I experienced something unexpected. I enjoyed wine, as we usually do, but as we moved onto dessert we put together Key Lime Pie and a very special bottle of Australian Shiraz--<a href="https://mollydookerwines.com/product/the-boxer" target="_blank">Mollydooker The Boxer</a>, 2016.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I initially thought that this experiment was doomed for failure. How possibly could a fully bodied Australian red wine work with one of my favorite desserts: Key Lime Pie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But work it did. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The pie and wine went together exceptionally well and it wasn't to just my opinion, but the opinion of everyone at Happy Hour. The deep rich flavors of the Shiraz blended perfectly with the sweetness of the Key Lime Pie and made a very pleasant and enticing dessert combination. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When working with food and wine it is important to experiment and sometimes something good happens, like Shiraz and Key Lime Pie!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I am going to save this combination for the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></p>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-53142560198555883152021-06-09T13:55:00.001-04:002021-06-09T13:55:14.465-04:00Weather and Wine Flight Tastings<p> </p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbzDOLq6lkW27B87HGeesVwtHkiHlPpGJZNMZfWejdQ9dZQ8Fz2x0uDtIvrxU4IA4lfy75Z_r3HU5ZFxdtlkrSymdDs2PCS-Zt7AyoIg2W_ceon4WCpVgPOq7WkQOKODWv82Y6hG4X84/s400/IMG_5818.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbzDOLq6lkW27B87HGeesVwtHkiHlPpGJZNMZfWejdQ9dZQ8Fz2x0uDtIvrxU4IA4lfy75Z_r3HU5ZFxdtlkrSymdDs2PCS-Zt7AyoIg2W_ceon4WCpVgPOq7WkQOKODWv82Y6hG4X84/w400-h300/IMG_5818.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loudoun County Winery, VA<br />June 6, 2021<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We experienced a COVID-19 modified wine tasting at a prestigious Northern Loudoun County, Virginia, winery the other day.</span><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The facility was beautiful and reservations were highly encouraged for the Sunday tastings. I had made a reservation and the check in process went smoothly. We were given a nice souvenir glass, which I think we left at the table when we departed, and went off to the covered porch to enjoy a nice tasting. There was pleasant music and everything seemed very to be working perfectly. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Then came the tasting. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There were, in fact, two tastings--the first, for $22 was for six of their normal wines and the second for $18 was for three of their recent award winning wines. We did both--starting with the normal tasting. The wines were poured into plastic cups and I have to admit they were very small pours. We then took the tray with the cups and information about the wines to our seats to conduct the tasting on our own.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here comes the problem. It was a near 90 degree day. Meaning it was hot. With the small pours and all six wines already poured the samples quickly warmed to a temperature which was not suitable for the tasting. We tasted two whites, one rose, and three reds during the first tasting. I have to admit, none of the wines, except for the Meritage tasted well. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Believe it or not, I then went and bought the second tasting which was the real reason we visited the winery. Same problem. Three wines, all red with price points above $50 per bottle were too warm and were not enjoyable by the time we tasted them. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I dearly wanted to buy something and find a drinkable wine, but because of the environmental conditions of the day, there was no way the wines could hold up. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Lesson Learned:</span></i></b> tasting flights of wines outside on a hot day is not a good way to enjoy the fruits of the winemakers labors.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></p></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></p>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-44827380292138849872020-05-22T09:15:00.001-04:002020-05-22T09:17:10.564-04:00 Boordy Chesapeake Icons No. 6/Baltimore Oriole - Riesling<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chris and I have been drinking more white and rose wines of late. We are really hoping that summer weather arrives soon and are trying to encourage its arrival by serving and drinking summertime wines. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCrcx8dj57VPHxU1Hr-JNqF0-jhdTHXWLVG60u8wkrn7T-9SbJPYOCMknjMwrAs5L8A_LO7SXXpAeKW6Ws9anWu82gLT-dt_3hG_Jd3siuPYjQcwN7pmzQTwRK8nCqzS3EKFO1iUifo4/s1600/IMG_4819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCrcx8dj57VPHxU1Hr-JNqF0-jhdTHXWLVG60u8wkrn7T-9SbJPYOCMknjMwrAs5L8A_LO7SXXpAeKW6Ws9anWu82gLT-dt_3hG_Jd3siuPYjQcwN7pmzQTwRK8nCqzS3EKFO1iUifo4/s320/IMG_4819.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of our local favorites comes from <a href="https://www.boordy.com/?_ga=2.7118258.1074393880.1590152175-1678454303.1589643250">Boordy Vineyards in Hydes, Maryland</a>. We have grown fond of the</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://wines.boordy.com/riesling-p15.aspx">Boordy Chesapeake Icons No. 6/Baltimore Oriole - Riesling</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for a New York style Riesling--do not look here. We have found that this Riesling has a surprising and enjoyable character of its own and is to be appreciated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The website describes the wine as: "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Classic Riesling aroma of honeysuckle, citrus, and apricots are followed by mouth-watering acidity that perfectly balances the wine’s sweetness. Slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks using select yeast strains emphasizes Boordy Riesling's exotic natural aromas. An appealing residual sweetness is retained by chilling the wine before completion, and early spring bottling captures the wine's freshness and delicate allure."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine has a great </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">price point. On the winery's website it is advertised for $13.76. I checked <a href="https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/riesling/boordy-white-riesling/p/91464750?s=402&igrules=true">Total Wines in Laurel, MD</a>, and found it advertised as a Winery Direct wine at $13.99, but as most know Total Wines routinely offers sales and discounts which can make the actual price of this wine lower. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chris and I really enjoy this wine and it is one of our "house" whites which we serve to friends and family. Don't buy just one bottle--but at least six so that you can enjoy the wine over and over again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-90999024829846801762020-05-11T16:42:00.000-04:002020-05-11T16:42:03.698-04:00What We Are Drinking - Carol's Vineyard J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon 2014<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpAtLcQC53cjxWbRjoToNi_MOZIPCI0N397fubbjyYiaOXcpQLYd7FWbnXgZoAdV9cI7HOFdxKACbGn2pxYwWv4dn7QoVdJ4d1Qc29u_NtKfvk80sssWfV2BXlIJJY1bRWRS2ZkALc8M/s1600/IMG_4786.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpAtLcQC53cjxWbRjoToNi_MOZIPCI0N397fubbjyYiaOXcpQLYd7FWbnXgZoAdV9cI7HOFdxKACbGn2pxYwWv4dn7QoVdJ4d1Qc29u_NtKfvk80sssWfV2BXlIJJY1bRWRS2ZkALc8M/s320/IMG_4786.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard<br />St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon<br />2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the advantages of being a vineyard or winery wine club member is that we receive wines that we otherwise either would not or could not buy on the retail market. The club allows us to enjoy some higher end wines while also diversifying our tastes and wine experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.jlohr.com/visit/paso-robles-wine-center">J. Lohr</a> Wine Club is no exception. Chris and I have been members since we were fortunate to have visited their Paso Robles, California, tasting room a couple years ago and enjoyed a beautiful day learning about the J. Lohr process and experiencing their wines first hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other evening, Chris and I decided to enjoy a special wine and it was one of those higher end wines that I chose. It was the <i>J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard St. Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014</i> that I pulled. It is more expensive, as wines go, that the wines we usually drink. I paid $54 for it through the wine club and I noted that through the website the <a href="https://www.jlohr.com/wines/2016-carols-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon">2016 vintage</a> retails for $60. The drinkability period for the wine is from 2020-2025, so it was right in the drinkability zone according to <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/default.asp">Cellar Tracker.</a> The 2014 vintage received ratings of 91-92 from most of the rating agencies and a 88.5 average from the two people who tasted the wine--both during 2020. My personal rating, made before reading the reviews, was 91.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The winemakers notes are as follows: </span><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 45); color: #292b2d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The 2014 vintage of J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon expresses this classic valley floor site in an approachable way. Savory fruit elements wrapped in a barrel signature of hazelnut and cocoa powder. Firm and angular in structure with red and blue fruits on the finish. Excellent with grilled entrecôte and shallots, or a roasted pork loin with porcini mushrooms and fennel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f8f9fa;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #292b2d;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 45);">I highly recommend the Carol's Vineyard series of J. Lohr wines for a special </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #292b2d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 45);">occasion or just because you want something really nice to enjoy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f8f9fa;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #292b2d;">One of the problems that we have, well it is not really a problem, is deciding when to drink some of the higher priced wines that we accumulate from the wine clubs that we have joined. We enjoy having them in the cellar, but sometimes we have to just decide </span></span></span><span style="color: #292b2d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that tonight is the night! And that is exactly how we decided to enjoy the Carol's Vineyard 2014. And we were not disappointed. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #292b2d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it is just fun to pull out a special bottle of wine and enjoy it--just between the two of us. On the up side that means we get a second glass because we are not sharing it with friends!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #292b2d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
<br />Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-84538718088108588752020-04-28T14:08:00.001-04:002020-04-28T14:08:15.694-04:00Coronavirus and Wine<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been joking with many people that wine is the perfect beverage for consumption during the coronavirus quarantine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I maintain that wine is based upon fruit and therefore is a healthy choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a liquid and helps to prevent dehydration, and</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of all, if you drink enough wine you no longer care about coronavirus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please note, I do not say this to undermine responsible drinking or social distancing, but rather to get people to smile and try to think of something other than the virus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Generally, I am successful in my effort. Most people smile at least. Some laugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So let me propose a toast to good health and responsible wine consumption while we are complying with the stay-at-home orders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be well, stay safe, and drink responsibly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-28468613466401321162020-03-30T21:41:00.000-04:002020-03-30T21:41:27.159-04:00Wine for Social Distancing<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a difficult time for the country--and for everyone in it as we face the daily coronavirus news. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That does not mean, however, that we need to deny ourselves some of the better things in life, specifically wine to help us meet the challenges of the day and maintain a sense of normalcy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, since we should no longer gather together for things like Happy Hour how can we use wine to help maintain contact while practicing good social distancing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6YZJsb1IgOYwp0a7Ufx2d5AEMkf7j7JBZz1Oyo3OvpcAEsE9OoFmhgqfXHWXx6d6wrTyMB7AfUHr9UoG5R4b_grJHKlCRvnrtlV3xdwdcaMAWuC-c-YHQRndz2QwoyVY2nulKU41MuI/s1600/IMG_4661.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6YZJsb1IgOYwp0a7Ufx2d5AEMkf7j7JBZz1Oyo3OvpcAEsE9OoFmhgqfXHWXx6d6wrTyMB7AfUHr9UoG5R4b_grJHKlCRvnrtlV3xdwdcaMAWuC-c-YHQRndz2QwoyVY2nulKU41MuI/s320/IMG_4661.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">2018 Donnachiara <br />Falaghina Beneventano IGT</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is an idea--use a video calling app, like FaceTime, or Google Duo, or Skype and call a friend. Pour a glass of wine, have some apps handy and converse--just like you would if you were together in person. Call it the new normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maryland instituted a stay at home order today and so connecting with others in a safe manner is essential. And wine can be a critical part of the social distancing equation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other night, Chris and I enjoyed a solid, yet inexpensive white. It was a 2018 Donnachiara Falanghina Beneventano IGT from Campagnia, Italy. It lists for $15 but we were able to find this bottle at Total Wines for $12. It had nice minerality, some fruit, peach with a bit of apricot and a hint of thyme. It went very nicely with the cheeses we had for Happy Hour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">During this time of staying at home, do not be afraid to try new wines and spend an hour enjoying the flavors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine also went well with Jeopardy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-1005771208421941522020-03-16T19:19:00.000-04:002020-03-16T19:19:06.443-04:00Sauvignon Blanc - Big Cork Pre-release<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Cork 2019 Sauvignon Blanc</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday, March 15th, the Ides of March, I risked a personal confrontation with the coronavirus and attended a wine party at Big Cork Vineyards. One of the highlights of the event was sampling the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc which will be released on April 11th for the Easter holiday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine is simply excellent. I have recently enjoyed some very nice Sauvignon Blancs from the Marlborough District of New Zealand and this wine compared very nicely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine was light and had the grassy nose which was inviting. It was solid and had the classic crisp, elegant and freshness that a Sauvignon Blanc should have. It kept calling me back for more! Standing in a large room with huge windows overlooking the pre-bud break vineyards this wine just screamed SPRINGTIME to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While the pricing for the bottles were not released, the 2018 vintage had a roughly $20 price point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-83692714125548038062020-03-08T08:35:00.001-04:002020-03-08T08:35:06.599-04:00Barboursville Octagon 2008<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other evening, Chris and I attended a birthday party for our 12-year old grandson. The main attraction for the adult crowd was the opening of a 12-year old bottle of <a href="https://www.bbvwine.com/wine-shop/octagon">Barboursville Octagon</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Octagon is the flagship wine of <a href="https://www.bbvwine.com/">Barboursville Vineyards</a>. We have visited the winery on many occasions and even enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of how the wines are selected for Octagon, which is a blend. It is reported that Octagon is one of the wines that has been served at State Dinners and in the White House. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This particular bottle of Octagon had been purchased at the winery during a visit a few years ago and it seemed perfect that it would be opened to celebrate the birthday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1270314&searchId=85B51B08%23selected%253DW1270314_1_Kefe177f88bd0c16f5f5c6fc50b49e812">Cellartracker</a>, the optimal drinking period for the Octagon 2008 was 2013-2017, and so this being 2020 it was possible that the wine would be hopelessly over-the-hill. The wine was opened about an hour before we were to drink it and, well, we were pleasantly surprised. I did not notice any visual signs of a wine that is past its time. The nose was, however, slight and the fruit flavors were very subdued but still recognizable. The tannins were gone and the mouth feel was very smooth, but unremarkable. The wine was past peak, the layers and complexity were gone, but it was still very drinkable and enjoyable. While the remaining bottles of this vintage likely do not have many months left, this bottle was consumed by adoring fans!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-14514796559390891962020-02-23T09:03:00.001-05:002020-02-23T09:03:17.594-05:00Fabbioli Cellars<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabbioli Cella's Entrance<br />Leesburg, VA<br />February 22, 2020</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a fantastic February Saturday, meaning it was a great day to go on a wine expedition. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IMz-ak5sLTi0pAm_Q__dbJdFD1Zl9qG_q6xCyOHB38qvtn0jWHAW5Sjp92CZO0eNHKYvG6aM_lddU9tpV5mNbH1CeVNVzbXasCnR1E4nBY0PusOSPLErBZx5PEJqZSsfnyudZ4TM8m0/s1600/IMG_4571.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IMz-ak5sLTi0pAm_Q__dbJdFD1Zl9qG_q6xCyOHB38qvtn0jWHAW5Sjp92CZO0eNHKYvG6aM_lddU9tpV5mNbH1CeVNVzbXasCnR1E4nBY0PusOSPLErBZx5PEJqZSsfnyudZ4TM8m0/s320/IMG_4571.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Pouring into Fabbioli Wineglass<br />February 22, 2020</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We realized that it had been a few years since we visited <a href="http://www.fabbioliwines.com/">Fabbioli Cellars</a> and we decided that we should check out the wines while updating our notes. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hcp7SOjE2ft3DrSHwGuCHULlidTSisLRCgO-8Rcr9m-ijuq5IjgeM6uD3uHG2_HRwNSKBplM7bvOh4u8RLgpPaYfQLucJi9hcev5Kb8QVYDeucFjCA185BatiwBeC_uSB-sJkQZ8UcQ/s1600/IMG_4572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hcp7SOjE2ft3DrSHwGuCHULlidTSisLRCgO-8Rcr9m-ijuq5IjgeM6uD3uHG2_HRwNSKBplM7bvOh4u8RLgpPaYfQLucJi9hcev5Kb8QVYDeucFjCA185BatiwBeC_uSB-sJkQZ8UcQ/s320/IMG_4572.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Rack in the Fabbioli Tasting Room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right up front, let me say, we were impressed. The new, within the past three years, tasting facility is magnificent and highlights the quality wines produced by the Cellars. The tasting was conducted in a small group of six around an individual table and we were treated to the enthusiastic Brian and Melissa who provided an informative and entertaining tasting experience. The real stars of the tasting, of course, are the wines which were all well done and balanced. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_wpCCIUykZk_1HL2sOSIHh-mm96tQmC_zHnDFrYDdYpojBIjjKNYKHVl3_wSq-m1AiAx0zHkHGJQfqhjcJnW9-fPs0VhvlFnEBhyphenhyphenOYfX4hs_AL9tsijuSoUwDq-aSYj8Y8Ftq_-286o/s1600/IMG_4573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_wpCCIUykZk_1HL2sOSIHh-mm96tQmC_zHnDFrYDdYpojBIjjKNYKHVl3_wSq-m1AiAx0zHkHGJQfqhjcJnW9-fPs0VhvlFnEBhyphenhyphenOYfX4hs_AL9tsijuSoUwDq-aSYj8Y8Ftq_-286o/s320/IMG_4573.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabbioli Tasting Room Ceiling<br />An Interesting and <br />Visually Stimulating Experience</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The unique thing that Fabbioli does is to provide sample morsels to pair with the wines. Not just cheese and chocolate, but small culinary creations that highlight the beauty of the wines when combined with food. For instance, one of the morsels was Port wine cheese, apple slice, 34 Degrees natural crisp, and red jammies. The tasting costs $15, but the creative combos make it definitely worthwhile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As for wines, they are moderately priced with a good price point for the value. The prices were in the $18-$24 range, with the exception of the Carmenere, which was $45. The highlights of the tasting were the Carmenere and the Chambourcin. The other wines, including two whites and a pear wine, are all worth tasting and experiencing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recommendation: Visit this winery! It is worth the trip off the beaten path and on the dusty backroads to get there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-62129631087087129642020-02-10T20:27:00.002-05:002020-02-10T20:27:38.902-05:00What We Are Drinking - Cabernet Franc<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFaiH8Jum1hrk2JUFUU21mZbLO4Gg8YkssWPSlkR1nqQUurkKYmABwtaj9MTbEb9GLAQFRZ2a9YeMk1yz77UXsQqBzt5mNQJjK7e9WeKCcIHscVqVBHp7104zwB0wdUPGIb9hoxYxdbc/s1600/IMG_4500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFaiH8Jum1hrk2JUFUU21mZbLO4Gg8YkssWPSlkR1nqQUurkKYmABwtaj9MTbEb9GLAQFRZ2a9YeMk1yz77UXsQqBzt5mNQJjK7e9WeKCcIHscVqVBHp7104zwB0wdUPGIb9hoxYxdbc/s320/IMG_4500.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our favorite Maryland winery is Big Cork near Rohersville. Chris and I are members and visit there every few months and sample new wines sand pick-up our wine shipments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other night, we enjoyed a 2017 Cabernet Franc. The wine has an 89 rating from <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3353102">Cellar Tracker</a>.We found it to be one of the most full-bodied Cabernet Franc wines produced in the entire mid-Atlantic region. The 2015 vintage of this wine won Best in Class at the Maryland wine competition. The 2017 is also a flavorful and fantastic drinking wine. The flavors of plum and dark berries with earth combine to make a very special wine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine is available from the winery for $47. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but definitely worth the effort for a special evening. This Cabernet Franc holds up to red meats and is also good for pork dishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-65718115373966721972020-01-27T20:53:00.001-05:002020-01-27T20:53:03.948-05:00What We are Drinking - Italian Red from Puglia <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOAuXZAW4e170HLD3sAPgHH6JlyORinQaq57UiWOudDLbQHTKK8kgmhvUOfcaekAYYDCSlYD1B2iPvSz6d57pFuM4-4R8iX6XGqJfYCKEBgAxi93TUWjyW_rWhDgd3s-3UQkIvIQmYs4/s1600/IMG_4495.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOAuXZAW4e170HLD3sAPgHH6JlyORinQaq57UiWOudDLbQHTKK8kgmhvUOfcaekAYYDCSlYD1B2iPvSz6d57pFuM4-4R8iX6XGqJfYCKEBgAxi93TUWjyW_rWhDgd3s-3UQkIvIQmYs4/s320/IMG_4495.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine is </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/marchesi+borgo+sole+rsrv+salice+salentino+puglia+italy#t2">Marchese di Borgosole Salice Salentino Riserva.</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is from Puglia, Italy. We found it at <a href="https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/negroamaro/marchese-di-borgosole-salice-salentino/p/176651750-1?glia=true&s=304&pid=cpc:Shopping+US+MARY+ENG+SPART:::google:&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsbrxBRDpARIsAAnnz_O4kUnZWRx0LpgtCmYa0qbZpJg98WZhoSX4bMsnYqUA70KVM47Q4gYaApqlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Total Wines</a> for about $13 and it turned out to be a great buy and a very nice wine. Of course with coupons, it can be bought for less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chris served it with salmon, asparagus, and Caesar salad. It was a perfect compliment to the meal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vGtgW_B99uKGvNj_JjSplv_Ni9egxFXEry-9y7WKv1gcdG14yMn8QfU8CjLMzpbBJ3RwWTT9myA7tRUN0kNvWECAsbmNyyYCyn1TSx5azrCZYEeEFMQ-5odDPjgXHloSKNBOFiIPWDk/s1600/IMG_4496.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vGtgW_B99uKGvNj_JjSplv_Ni9egxFXEry-9y7WKv1gcdG14yMn8QfU8CjLMzpbBJ3RwWTT9myA7tRUN0kNvWECAsbmNyyYCyn1TSx5azrCZYEeEFMQ-5odDPjgXHloSKNBOFiIPWDk/s320/IMG_4496.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The grape was a new one for us--we are closing in on about 300 different wine grapes. This one is the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Negroamaro. According to <a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-1480-negroamaro">wine searcher</a>,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <strong>Negroamaro</strong><span style="background-color: white;"> is a dark-skinned grape variety that has been associated with the </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-puglia" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" title="Puglia Wine Region">Puglia</a><span style="background-color: white;"> region in southern Italy for at least 1500 years. Most commonly found in a blend, alongside </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-391-primitivo" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" title="Primitivo Wine Grape Variety">Primitivo</a><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-265-malvasia-nera" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_self" title="Malvasia Nera Wine Grape Variety">Malvasia Nera</a><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-432-sangiovese" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_self" title="Sangiovese Wine Grape Variety">Sangiovese</a><span style="background-color: white;"> or </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-283-montepulciano" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_self" title="Montepulciano Wine Grape Variety">Montepulciano</a><span style="background-color: white;">, Negroamaro is valued for its deep color, medium-full </span><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/technical-wine-terms-q-t.lml#tannins" style="color: #154bca; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_self" title="'Tannin' definition">tannins</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and dark berryfruit flavors. The variety can also add earthen tones that can cross over into slightly medicinal flavors. It is mildly aromatic and can produce complex wines that show characteristics of ground brown spices such as clove, cinnamon and allspice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine went very nicely with dinner and food. It was well balanced with just the right amount of complexity to compliment, but not overpower the food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made a conscious decision to begin working through a variety of Italian wines before our upcoming trip to Italy. While we are more focused upon Tuscan wines for our trip, we picked up this red to give it a taste. And we were not disappointed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob And Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-29027709318905598572020-01-20T08:09:00.005-05:002020-01-20T08:09:56.441-05:00What We Are Drinking - Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fwn-VTz_R8oHvDvIHaY72Ej4FTY8zU3PS64UxZ1f685ZuwHN8KqL36O9dvSrdoQnu8rUaaYmCs2FyLZBzhP4nqVITgGTOVdETSUZh_hq1oLoM1j5_t7M8wEpn4ofxkcV13xOqaljwKQ/s1600/IMG_4480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fwn-VTz_R8oHvDvIHaY72Ej4FTY8zU3PS64UxZ1f685ZuwHN8KqL36O9dvSrdoQnu8rUaaYmCs2FyLZBzhP4nqVITgGTOVdETSUZh_hq1oLoM1j5_t7M8wEpn4ofxkcV13xOqaljwKQ/s320/IMG_4480.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During the cold winter months, people often turn their tastes towards full-bodied red wines to fight off the cold. But, sometimes there are good reasons to enjoy a nice white wine, even during the winter months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris is one of those wines that can stand upon to the cold by adding a splash of excitement to the tastebuds. The wine retails for about $17 per bottle--I have seen it advertised from $15.99 to $19.99. The 2017 vintage is still available in some areas, but the 2018 is the current vintage and more widely available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.wvv.com/index.cfm?method=pages.showPage&pageID=30991CD5-050C-2EAE-45C5-C09300F464BF&sortBy=DisplayOrder&maxRows=6&&page=2">wine makers notes</a> for the 2018 vintage:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f2efed;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Aromas of nectarine, tangerine, lime zest and elderflower lead to a medium-bodied palate revealing fresh flavors of green apple, lychee, honeydew and pineapple. The wine features a beautiful balance between fruit flavors, refreshing acidity and a satisfying crisp, lingering finish.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, don't be afraid to change things up and try a white, even during the winter months. It will bring some excitement to your palette.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-82562055693424831442017-08-23T20:39:00.000-04:002017-08-23T20:39:11.704-04:00Wine of the Week - August 23, 2017<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWe-AwAOKnNd5UGAxIUyTGKpNpmYIt5jrjerV1VrnUpWdPxTcqWto-6kD5dOp5pXc-Nsexflyi-eSbJkEoW92CpTyMxvMmSVN_4viexYoDqd2CtisLjZi8fvt6V52g0kAm5ijhoQjiLc/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWe-AwAOKnNd5UGAxIUyTGKpNpmYIt5jrjerV1VrnUpWdPxTcqWto-6kD5dOp5pXc-Nsexflyi-eSbJkEoW92CpTyMxvMmSVN_4viexYoDqd2CtisLjZi8fvt6V52g0kAm5ijhoQjiLc/s320/IMG_0700.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are going to revive our blog and do a better job documenting the wines that we enjoy. In addition to the vineyards and wineries we visit, we are going start designating a wine of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wine of the week is a 2009 Keswick Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We chose this bottle because it is now 8 years old and we decided it should be at the peak of flavors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was, The color was a rich ruby with no hint of brown around the edges. It was clear and bright. The nose was rich with currants and dark fruit and hints of leather and oak. The mild mature tannins were a joy in the mouth and the wine was a complete mouth experience. It is such a pleasure to experience a mature wine with well rounded flavors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This wine still has a few years left before it will be over the hill and that is why we lay wines down, so that we can experience truly good wines at the peak of their flavors!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
<br />Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-89911090057159140232017-03-09T06:06:00.000-05:002017-03-10T05:55:48.261-05:003rd Annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition - Winner's<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDMVNN1KadBHX9b6kZhRfExQCSAX-YJ8ujfGukCAGudGOMuPn8_Df6-fpT7vDkjb_U8mdz4EBf7om2rOvkHQTs-H2sHdmdcef2Y9A9ribaVZkzuGNq0l97BUQJin8NDONsnEonnaXL7E/s1600/12512702_10153802965971142_9214317441402847059_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDMVNN1KadBHX9b6kZhRfExQCSAX-YJ8ujfGukCAGudGOMuPn8_Df6-fpT7vDkjb_U8mdz4EBf7om2rOvkHQTs-H2sHdmdcef2Y9A9ribaVZkzuGNq0l97BUQJin8NDONsnEonnaXL7E/s400/12512702_10153802965971142_9214317441402847059_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As an update to our blog about the <a href="http://www.wine4yourlife.com/2017/02/3rd-annual-fauquier-county-wine-tasting.html">Fauquier county Wine Tasting and Competition</a>, the winners were announced and the list is presented below. It can also be found on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=fauquier%20county%20wine%20tasting%20and%20competition%20at%20airlie">wine competition's Facebook site</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to the winners.</span><br />
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<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Fauquier County</span>’s Third Annual <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Wine Tasting</span> & <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Competition</span> attracted 500 wine connoisseurs and 14 local wineries to <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Airlie</span> on Saturday, February 25th. Attendees tasted wine & food pairings and voted for their favorite wines in the "People's Choice" <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Competition</span>. During the public event, three certified wine judges tasted those same wines, and voted for their own favorites.<br />
THE RESULTS ARE....</div>
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....PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS....</div>
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• BEST RED<br />
Chateau O’Brien Winery<br />
2012 Limited Reserve Tannat</div>
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• BEST WHITE<br />
Blue Valley Vineyards<br />
2015 Estate Sauvignon Blanc</div>
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• INDUSTRY/WINE BUYERS BEST<br />
Blue Valley Vineyards</div>
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• BEST IN SHOW<br />
Chateau O’Brien Winery<br />
2012 Limited Reserve Tannat</div>
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....PROFESSIONAL <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">COMPETITION</span>....</div>
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• BEST IN SHOW<br />
Chateau O’Brien Winery<br />
2012 Chateau O’Brien Limited Reserve Tannat</div>
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• BEST WHITE WINE<br />
Desert Rose Ranch Winery<br />
2016 Desert Rose “Uncork the Cure” Cancer</div>
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• HONORABLE MENTION - BEST WHITE<br />
Vint Hill Craft Winery<br />
2015 Vint Hill Traminette</div>
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• BEST RED WINE<br />
Chateau O’Brien Winery<br />
2012 Chateau O’Brien Limited Reserve Tannat</div>
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• HONORABLE MENTION - BEST RED<br />
Aspen Dale Winery<br />
Non-vintage Parris Country Blend Merlot</div>
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• BEST ROSE’<br />
Blue Valley Vineyard<br />
2015 Blue Valley Rose’</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></div>
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Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-66611726732441022032017-02-26T20:03:00.003-05:002017-02-26T20:03:55.222-05:003rd Annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_x38YjQL_JHqmgktsyqkT_gx_7ccGc7LQ8pGe1m1Mt0xA4sjWXs4pLQKEb-Q0kwcoGkGTAPBBHhg-iB6XvtHspW2uweTf1aUn-LzyVYE2FRrqXVtm5FneuxztNtaR3Oj2Jv7xLtf5Nk/s1600/IMG_6695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_x38YjQL_JHqmgktsyqkT_gx_7ccGc7LQ8pGe1m1Mt0xA4sjWXs4pLQKEb-Q0kwcoGkGTAPBBHhg-iB6XvtHspW2uweTf1aUn-LzyVYE2FRrqXVtm5FneuxztNtaR3Oj2Jv7xLtf5Nk/s320/IMG_6695.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Program for the<br />3rd Annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting<br />and Competition</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the second year in a row, we attended the now <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/151702725345778/">3rd Annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition</a> held at the beautiful <a href="https://www.airlie.com/">Airlie Hotel and Conference Center</a> in Warrenton, Virginia.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgr0YbPN6IehljvoOQ_qFN1o7TsAkr1fWk1F5cG9gZIKBPsVAgSzqEg80g-_XGJIhnnVJJh8F9AF7tLojBJLyMmDvRNFXPdrv9B1lM-LSdWPLYJkgWr6HaISWMvkp0vR0qQks_SXXJlo/s1600/IMG_6692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgr0YbPN6IehljvoOQ_qFN1o7TsAkr1fWk1F5cG9gZIKBPsVAgSzqEg80g-_XGJIhnnVJJh8F9AF7tLojBJLyMmDvRNFXPdrv9B1lM-LSdWPLYJkgWr6HaISWMvkp0vR0qQks_SXXJlo/s320/IMG_6692.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Food in the Upper Ballroom</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a beautiful mid-Springlike day at the end of February and the drive from near Baltimore was easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like last year, the venue is superb with two floors of the conference center devoted to the tastings. Coupled with two timed sessions, the crowd size is manageable and it was easy to visit the tables of each vendor and converse with the winemaker about their wines and experiences. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcPmFG9wCxTTy8jQ_vUjcKivS2t6BVWXT7yTSiWlgN7LUlMZd9GFc9Oy7dVWCfgBdTiQR9w6AkN9WkLsixMhyOehNRhrAEZr51lreK7RQUv0t0JXHZvk02ZpSw7mxUDVSwnYUcDslXjU/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcPmFG9wCxTTy8jQ_vUjcKivS2t6BVWXT7yTSiWlgN7LUlMZd9GFc9Oy7dVWCfgBdTiQR9w6AkN9WkLsixMhyOehNRhrAEZr51lreK7RQUv0t0JXHZvk02ZpSw7mxUDVSwnYUcDslXjU/s320/IMG_6693.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Rose Ranch & Winery<br />Uncork the Cure</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The light food fare and music on each floor add to the ambiance and made for an enjoyable early afternoon. We attended the 12:30 -3:00 PM session. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A nice selection of Fauquier County wineries and one cidery were represented. The wines showcased some of the best produced in Fauquier County. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wineries and cidery competing in the competition this year:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://arterrawines.com/">Anterra Wines</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aspendalewinery.com/">Aspen Dale Winery at the Barns</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.barreloak.com/">Barrel Oak Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bluevalleyvineyardandwinery.com/">Blue Valley Vineyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://chateauobrien.com/?doing_wp_cron=1488122551.0707700252532958984375">Chateau O'Brien Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cobblermountain.com/">Cobbler Mountain Cellars</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.desertrosewinery.com/">Desert Rose Ranch & Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.molonlavevineyards.com/">Molon Lave Vineyards</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mountainrunwinery.com/">Mountain Run Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nakedmountainwinery.com/">Naked Mountain Vineyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://narmadawinery.com/dir/">Narmada Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pearmundcellars.com/">Pearmund Cellars</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pcwinery.com/">Philip Carter Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.vinthillcraftwinery.com/">Vint Hill Craft Winery</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One winery participated in the event, but did not have any wines in the competition: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://effinghammanor.com/">Effingham Manor Winery</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The exciting part of the day was voting for our favorite red and white wines.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlnpWVTjMov6kWMhyznxEcyWU8mitc7hFjIuaFj4Jb1WEFQMV6LPXnzUxT0JCaj87uLqQPp9zRRG5FqWcVbabUE26hPI8ofAy-OkU9HyamO6rNEMu8lkae3tgpqmIAUI7LFC52BeIYio/s1600/tannat-limited-reserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlnpWVTjMov6kWMhyznxEcyWU8mitc7hFjIuaFj4Jb1WEFQMV6LPXnzUxT0JCaj87uLqQPp9zRRG5FqWcVbabUE26hPI8ofAy-OkU9HyamO6rNEMu8lkae3tgpqmIAUI7LFC52BeIYio/s320/tannat-limited-reserve.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limited Reserve Tannat<br />Chateau O'Brien<br />2011 Vintage Pictured</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our favorite white was Uncork the Cure a white blend from Desert Rose Ranch & Winery. With a price point of $22 this newly released wine, complete with a donation to a cancer society to be determined was light, bright and with good mineralogy and acidity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The favorite red was the 2012 Limited Reserve Tannat from Chateau O'Brien. With a price point of $79, it is definitely not an everyday drinking wine. The wine was deep and dark. No light escaped. The layers of black fruit flavors rolled over the tongue with a silky texture and it had a nice long finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we write this, we have been unable to determine which wines actually won the competition. Hopefully they will be posted to the Facebook page soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We highly recommend this event and will definitely plan on attending the 4th Annual event next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">-- Bob and Chris Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-82333265377070367702016-12-31T08:44:00.001-05:002016-12-31T08:44:37.905-05:00Back on the Wine Trail<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have been away from blogging for a bit--but that does not mean that we have stopped drinking or appreciating wine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">During 2016 we visited many new wineries and have made many great new friends--on both coasts. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeTDe3EVe0qXhyphenhyphenegOXPww9qMUVTutFbQiugafMqliKddjxBRmqcJdBOs2kUt0SvyXGahVQzzBuYCnsUhnPx7Fd59b-rgu5PouMFPvGdTNKfQyqYyUO0y1fR2TrIJNuecrKmOi4QYd2h0/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeTDe3EVe0qXhyphenhyphenegOXPww9qMUVTutFbQiugafMqliKddjxBRmqcJdBOs2kUt0SvyXGahVQzzBuYCnsUhnPx7Fd59b-rgu5PouMFPvGdTNKfQyqYyUO0y1fR2TrIJNuecrKmOi4QYd2h0/s320/IMG_6262.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaux Vineyards<br />Waiting for Summer to Return</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we have been out, we have collected a great deal of information about wine and winemakers and are going begin getting the information published. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let us begin with our most recent adventure. Just the other day we accomplished a three winery excursion within one hour of our home near Baltimore, MD. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a fun afternoon of wine tasting we recommend:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bigcorkvineyards.com/">Big Cork Vineyards</a> in Rohrersville, Maryland</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.maggiemalickwinecaves.com/">Maggie Malick Wine Caves</a> in Purcellville, Virginia</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.breauxvineyards.com/">Breaux Vineyards</a> in Purcellville, Virginia</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Important safety tip: </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">During the winter months be sure to check to operating hours of the wineries and vineyards because they may not be open every day of the week and their hours may be reduced.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngjOTwK0w_U4mjMAVQPbESVPWxEJNOghUvxUbrk1QuR6CA6_iRN7MKyB2NHZlN_rEirV4tWBCoQ6BQq0d2Fb9L5Mg5svSzv52rpkF7rbICPGNLgODnpaAsLHAOJzDGMTwYr2EFWp6evo/s1600/black-cap-port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngjOTwK0w_U4mjMAVQPbESVPWxEJNOghUvxUbrk1QuR6CA6_iRN7MKyB2NHZlN_rEirV4tWBCoQ6BQq0d2Fb9L5Mg5svSzv52rpkF7rbICPGNLgODnpaAsLHAOJzDGMTwYr2EFWp6evo/s320/black-cap-port.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Cap Port</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Big Cork Vineyards</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Big Cork is, in our opinion, one of the very best vineyards in Maryland. They have a wide variety of wines and continually develop new blends to delight the palette. During our recent visit we found an exceptionally tasteful dessert style wine named <a href="http://www.bigcorkvineyards.com/product/black-cap-port/">Black Cap Port</a> which won a double gold in the 2016 Maryland Governors Cup Competition and also won Best in Show. It was luscious and enjoyable and well worth the $46 per bottle price. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From Big Cork, a short 20 minute drive brought us to the Loudon County, Virginia, wine region and we had time to visit two vineyards. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjgDxvkonvglwUDknAeBgS5q53m05WFAVvEXgxQz2QLwynQ0pvg8II0faAD8wPmN96hwgxi2NkNQFd-dJZJ-eTh5hYcmazhnN2ukR9eEPxtG87yPGxEc2L-RHlpcJDg7kAOwuoTvFoFo/s1600/IMG_6270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjgDxvkonvglwUDknAeBgS5q53m05WFAVvEXgxQz2QLwynQ0pvg8II0faAD8wPmN96hwgxi2NkNQFd-dJZJ-eTh5hYcmazhnN2ukR9eEPxtG87yPGxEc2L-RHlpcJDg7kAOwuoTvFoFo/s320/IMG_6270.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Maggie Malick Wine Caves </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Maggie Malick Wine Caves was a delightful stop and an introduction to some very interesting wines. The tasting room also serves as the barrel room. The drive to the tasting room is, fortunately, well marked. While the tasting room is not as glamorous or elegant as either Big Cork or Breaux Vineyards, Maggie Malick's represents a hobby turned business that produces very nice wines. We tasted all 10 of the wines currently on the tasting sheet and were also treated to the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve which is just being released. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional and represents some of the very best in Virginia wines. The price point for these wines is excellent and we found that the 2014 Melange Blanc was an exceptionally enjoyable wine and a great buy. </span><br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Breaux Vineyards</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our final stop of the afternoon was at Breaux Vineyards, which is an exceptionally large and beautiful tasting room. Driving onto the property through the vineyards is an enjoyable experience even during the winter months when the vines are leafless. The scenic vista is enjoyable and we will definitely revisit the vineyard during the spring and summer months to enjoy the view and the outside seating. The wines are very enjoyable as well. We found a very nice Rose--the Equation, which was a delightful wine. The 2013 Heritage was the star of the tasting and it won a Gold Medal in the 2016 Virginia Governor's Cup competition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a winter holiday afternoon visiting wineries is a great way to capture that summertime feeling. We highly recommend getting out and doubt--weather permitting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-82996048411708359902016-04-15T09:18:00.004-04:002016-04-15T09:18:46.860-04:00Saving the Grapes<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSG5YVxSytZqTDSe3vc-62-0D962AtC-lsmxB7JvjC4p7DfUdz6Wxe-qa7z6lvzXOguCiX72bBV0pruSB7BofvACI4Ar_y475jorBYWoIYDb74Jmq3we89XLM0f7B6y_Fpiz1MZgiy14/s1600/12976820_10206612672059636_1484559273172387782_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSG5YVxSytZqTDSe3vc-62-0D962AtC-lsmxB7JvjC4p7DfUdz6Wxe-qa7z6lvzXOguCiX72bBV0pruSB7BofvACI4Ar_y475jorBYWoIYDb74Jmq3we89XLM0f7B6y_Fpiz1MZgiy14/s320/12976820_10206612672059636_1484559273172387782_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keswick Vineyards Preparing for the Cold</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During our recent early April weekend to the Charlottesville, Virginia, area; home to the <a href="http://www.americanwineryguide.com/regions/monticello-ava-wineries/">Monticello AVA</a>, we discovered the extreme measures to which vineyards resort in an effort to save the vines in advance of freezing temperatures.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Breathing Machine</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All too often, we as wine drinkers forget that wine making is agriculture and as such the growers are subjected to the extremes of the environment and the weather. When adverse weather arrives, without intervention, the crop might be lost. That would be catastrophic for many wineries. In that case, desperate measures are adopted. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Propane Windmill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHa4YGTEYXQkunylNpIMBViLAoIDMETLHb9tfg371BMEL2TVyaoHsIX9nRquTJd5lruP8_j14P_pcMp86-WiDoaDGV3e17-DVa_-ZGg4i5DtE8EM_vO4O22YVMxCyfkmBBe9cH7peG8/s1600/12984032_10206616397112760_673275438572909877_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplHa4YGTEYXQkunylNpIMBViLAoIDMETLHb9tfg371BMEL2TVyaoHsIX9nRquTJd5lruP8_j14P_pcMp86-WiDoaDGV3e17-DVa_-ZGg4i5DtE8EM_vO4O22YVMxCyfkmBBe9cH7peG8/s320/12984032_10206616397112760_673275438572909877_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helo over Keswick Preparing for Nightfall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As oenophiles become more knowledgeable about the difficulties facing grape growers, we can appreciate the final product more and understand that great wine is neither an assured outcome nor an accident.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAsBNWIW_OK0H19PZnXLfZHyfKpWoQoOT_S86gYt57HS4aZzbjAdxKO6kTeLwWdnYq8-magiJY8tTbMRS9slNOw_Ipy-wRj93k48SQd9YrpErP5WcISHpuyUbS1WfHMsG88Sc0MR80no/s1600/11205044_10209507438745879_200811142459337840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAsBNWIW_OK0H19PZnXLfZHyfKpWoQoOT_S86gYt57HS4aZzbjAdxKO6kTeLwWdnYq8-magiJY8tTbMRS9slNOw_Ipy-wRj93k48SQd9YrpErP5WcISHpuyUbS1WfHMsG88Sc0MR80no/s320/11205044_10209507438745879_200811142459337840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Battle Lines Combatting the Freeze</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We want to thank <a href="https://www.facebook.com/keswickwinery/">Keswick Vineyards</a> for giving us the insight into the hard work that it takes to try to protect the vines from frost damage. The owners and staff pulled a number of "all-nighters" as did the owners and staffs of many other wineries in the region to save the wines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We found it interesting that just 90 miles north, bud break had not occurred and the vineyards were not particularly worried about the cold weather. What a difference a few miles can make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully the too cold weather is over and we will be able to enjoy some very nice 2016 vintage Monticello AVA wines in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-15307568868077565952016-04-12T06:06:00.000-04:002016-04-12T06:18:11.898-04:00Finding Consensus<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;" />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdXhG4N0xWg5SJ4lU53RD40DBcVruavEVdoSkrQExEnUdu6R97NfjFdjLwDXUXS0tcnJfjSZ5so93Ne2wucWjqWgBr1F6EsOrFFVh5_8APu2ev1j_SEjnJEJyegrNiqoGOgSuoIqOlJ_D/s1600/IMG_5309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdXhG4N0xWg5SJ4lU53RD40DBcVruavEVdoSkrQExEnUdu6R97NfjFdjLwDXUXS0tcnJfjSZ5so93Ne2wucWjqWgBr1F6EsOrFFVh5_8APu2ev1j_SEjnJEJyegrNiqoGOgSuoIqOlJ_D/s320/IMG_5309.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center;">Cindy Schornberg Holding the<br />
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/keswick-vineyards-takes-best-in-show-at-2016-virginia-governors-cup/2016/02/24/36a94610-daa3-11e5-925f-1d10062cc82d_story.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Virginia Governor's Cup for the Best Wine in Virginia for 2016</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time for the annual trek to <a href="http://www.keswickvineyards.com/">Keswick Vineyards</a> to compete in the 2015 Consensus blending event arrived last weekend. Our intrepid team gathered at the vineyard during Saturday's late morning hours to blend an award winning wine. You may be wondering why it is the 2015 Consensus blending event and not the 2016? Because the wine will be a 2015 vintage.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif;" /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: medium;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJF5XTs_w_uPDdQhsslQrndXaKwOJQY7lC4NrIjxkBxn2YLbZPcobGkbSHL9bmMLu_btxffEbXi14XAnNVBygd2S76M7oQoE343uyuRCZvzuEiMdNiAfEssvSQLk_GtN0-Fv6Nug9t70S/s1600/IMG_5315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJF5XTs_w_uPDdQhsslQrndXaKwOJQY7lC4NrIjxkBxn2YLbZPcobGkbSHL9bmMLu_btxffEbXi14XAnNVBygd2S76M7oQoE343uyuRCZvzuEiMdNiAfEssvSQLk_GtN0-Fv6Nug9t70S/s320/IMG_5315.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steven Barnard the Winemaker</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Helping the Teams</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Blending wines from raw material is both a fun and sometimes frustrating experience. This year's selections were all 2015 wines from Keswick and consisted of Merlot, Chambourcin, Touriga, and Norton. There were limits, however, the final blend could contain no more than 20 percent Chambourcin and 25 percent Norton. The Merlot and Touriga were unlimited.<br /><br />There were 11 teams competing on the last day of the six days of competition. The winning wine of the day will compete against the other five daily winners to become Keswick Vineyards 2015 Consensus Wine.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZPDEm70n3b2hVq8rFXJh50MMUgUjF_4_lA_VQybw2BwI6vAbEY3DyzKsyhh8Xi7af7mo47BgDuzmn2uMsOaysG1vbrE7qJYjShKcUiBLuVlzQJiYpUgfgrvtG1ypWf-MtdwYbuwIKtkZ/s1600/IMG_5314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZPDEm70n3b2hVq8rFXJh50MMUgUjF_4_lA_VQybw2BwI6vAbEY3DyzKsyhh8Xi7af7mo47BgDuzmn2uMsOaysG1vbrE7qJYjShKcUiBLuVlzQJiYpUgfgrvtG1ypWf-MtdwYbuwIKtkZ/s320/IMG_5314.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our Team</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Of course, the first requirement of blending is to taste and describe the raw ingredients. Each of the wines were tasted and our team assessed its strengths and weaknesses. As a group, all of the wines this year had good color--and obtaining a nice, deep color was not a problem as it had been in other years. <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1eBNOmGMHhqgu8xRkZzQYtaqOJxl93WJmKLLul486m3O5oYfYdG-YlxsF2ir3ZDt6iOcbh-sDKcVH-hmcidOIMKbHVsf0lgxxrRXwF7X2Ojy3Yq1aQrOcTllJ7Gnp20IElILou_vKb7t/s1600/IMG_5313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1eBNOmGMHhqgu8xRkZzQYtaqOJxl93WJmKLLul486m3O5oYfYdG-YlxsF2ir3ZDt6iOcbh-sDKcVH-hmcidOIMKbHVsf0lgxxrRXwF7X2Ojy3Yq1aQrOcTllJ7Gnp20IElILou_vKb7t/s320/IMG_5313.jpg" style="border: none; padding: 0px;" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Formula Sheet</span></td></tr>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The next decision was what to use for the base. Our team decided upon the Merlot and based upon the flavors we decided to use Chambourcin to help improve the Merlot. These wines together were a bit acidic and we added Touriga for balance and some Norton at the end to increase the whole mouth experience. The team's final blend, after only two hours of blending was 77% Merlot, 15% Chambourcin, 6% Touriga, and 2% Norton. I know the image would suggest that a different blend was the final winner, but that was a final check before deciding to go with an earlier blend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The team took a slight detour and worked with a Touriga base for a couple of blends, but decided that the Merlot based wine was a better approach. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti5q8IlDEv_IYVIE5zHzrwaFyOiNCQi9gsJrrrI7I7_Uu4itP4h_XmR4IKbip7xAaOoApK6BmNuINjhOrLfJMTFn-aqqnz5Vs_IunR6gducKq7VtnD8sMRGsgP4pnZ8EumdkE8P-aVF6m/s1600/IMG_5310.jpg"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a> <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti5q8IlDEv_IYVIE5zHzrwaFyOiNCQi9gsJrrrI7I7_Uu4itP4h_XmR4IKbip7xAaOoApK6BmNuINjhOrLfJMTFn-aqqnz5Vs_IunR6gducKq7VtnD8sMRGsgP4pnZ8EumdkE8P-aVF6m/s1600/IMG_5310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjti5q8IlDEv_IYVIE5zHzrwaFyOiNCQi9gsJrrrI7I7_Uu4itP4h_XmR4IKbip7xAaOoApK6BmNuINjhOrLfJMTFn-aqqnz5Vs_IunR6gducKq7VtnD8sMRGsgP4pnZ8EumdkE8P-aVF6m/s320/IMG_5310.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Team in the Barrel Room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our final blend was very nice. It was a medium-bodied wine with a light fruity nose showing hints of summer berries and contrasted by some smokiness and cherries on the tongue. It had a persistent finish and a well balanced full-mouth feel. It was bit acidic but there were some mild tannins supporting the experience. This was not a wine to be cellared for many years, but to be enjoyed tomorrow, although a year or two in the bottle would have certainly helped it all blend together. We liked it.<br /><br />Suffice it to say, our wine did not win the competition as we had hoped. A Touriga-based wine was the winner of the blind competition. The winner was very dark and full-bodied with the ability to be cellared for a few years. Interestingly, the winner was our teams lowest rated wine. <br /><br />On this Saturday, our team was reminded that creating a wine that we like is no assurance that others will appreciate it. <br /><br />While we did not win the day, we had a lot of fun being together and continuing to expand our knowledge of wine making.<br /><br />-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD<br /><br /><br /> Cross post from <a href="http://www.abobslife.com/2016/04/finding-consensus.html">A Bob's Life</a></span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-84699915771871996952016-03-20T09:34:00.000-04:002016-03-20T14:36:17.364-04:00Fauquier County Wine Tasting & Competition<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We attended the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/218619391805373/">2nd Annual Fauquier County Wine Tasting and Competition</a> at the end of February 2016. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc59kXgZQvwwJYmA2aRmHzokEkIvCFAqKnA_8VpopvkskT52cZtMvaKmiA-ujiilmy4u7SX10FzYxUc4_58xf4tS2YP73J78Wn62JkhhTGLGrokCSqZRHcIBkb28h_WuEJAb8yrdfJ8o/s1600/IMG_5193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc59kXgZQvwwJYmA2aRmHzokEkIvCFAqKnA_8VpopvkskT52cZtMvaKmiA-ujiilmy4u7SX10FzYxUc4_58xf4tS2YP73J78Wn62JkhhTGLGrokCSqZRHcIBkb28h_WuEJAb8yrdfJ8o/s320/IMG_5193.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Program and Tasting Notes<br />
February 27, 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tasting and competition was hosted in the beautiful estate <a href="http://www.airlie.com/">Airlie in Warrenton, Virginia</a>. All of the wines represented were from within Fauquier County, Virginia. The drive from the Baltimore area was pleasant and fast for a late Winter's Saturday morning. The estate grounds were beautiful even though Spring had not yet arrived. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tKLCdM_cShJZ7U_uBxuL7YUZBRc_R4IQqXaGcnlkN0aEKexqX_UZVyPbaBG32SgqEVVtwQvRxLHmhWtQFnRfW44TznVhbfQ_jIZFqqFtaDtH276h-CoYirybv0NAOtn8im1myurF6rs/s1600/IMG_5124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tKLCdM_cShJZ7U_uBxuL7YUZBRc_R4IQqXaGcnlkN0aEKexqX_UZVyPbaBG32SgqEVVtwQvRxLHmhWtQFnRfW44TznVhbfQ_jIZFqqFtaDtH276h-CoYirybv0NAOtn8im1myurF6rs/s320/IMG_5124.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearmund Display and Munchies</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once we arrived and joined our friends who were already there, we enjoyed wines from 15 vineyards--one of which had not yet opened for business. We were impressed at the number of winemakers and owners who where there to discuss their wines and philosophy about winemaking. We especially enjoy talking to the wine makers about the wines and the challenges they overcame to create the finished product. Wine making is so much more than growing and picking grapes and putting juice in a bottle. Too many people forget the elements involved include the wildcard in all of it--the weather.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBLxGwn-vZ0IgEnrniBrplGJm7uTHDlv2JHVXhcTCR65sWCcccZTdf06lakiAqnC01PBqKLEtmUoxyMO444KbV58MH9FeK52QTf1hTk5sKWiX6I1ZExOGiB8FJbZscFSdQ0Qq3IrJLkA/s1600/IMG_0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBLxGwn-vZ0IgEnrniBrplGJm7uTHDlv2JHVXhcTCR65sWCcccZTdf06lakiAqnC01PBqKLEtmUoxyMO444KbV58MH9FeK52QTf1hTk5sKWiX6I1ZExOGiB8FJbZscFSdQ0Qq3IrJLkA/s320/IMG_0252.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">And the winner? Virginia wines were the winners. These wines represent some of the finest wines in all of Virginia and more than one wine had won a medal in the <a href="http://www.vawine.org/governors-cup/">Virginia Governor's Cup competition</a>. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVYEUcZnYOumAhIWjsS_7BdTcdeDTIwbM85FtWQstGb1-9u3vxKBfEZ81THPDPOdkggCnyTafjNHR1pyKkU5J5biHdRK94UROJikDy0e_b08HMYxXX5bNjVpwqybt9miRGw281cuWT2M/s1600/IMG_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVYEUcZnYOumAhIWjsS_7BdTcdeDTIwbM85FtWQstGb1-9u3vxKBfEZ81THPDPOdkggCnyTafjNHR1pyKkU5J5biHdRK94UROJikDy0e_b08HMYxXX5bNjVpwqybt9miRGw281cuWT2M/s320/IMG_0256.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The tasting was a simple format--walk around and taste the offerings from the vineyards and vote for the best red and best white. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The offerings were great. Each table offered at least two and often three or four wines to sample. The crowd control, with timed entry made the tasting manageable and Airlie provided ample and sumptuous munchies which paired with the wines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wineries and vineyards that were represented at the tasting and competition this year were:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.barreloak.com/">Barrel Oak Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bluevalleyvineyardandwinery.com/">Blue Valley Vineyards</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cobblercellars.com/">Cobbler Mountain Cellars</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.desertrosewinery.com/">Desert Rose Ranch & Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nakedmountainwinery.com/">Naked Mountain Vineyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.foxmeadowwinery.com/">Fox Meadow Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gh.wine/home.html">Granite Heights Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.greyhorsevineyards.com/">Grey Horse Vineyards</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.molonlavevineyards.com/">Molon Lave Vineyards</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://moraisvineyards.com/">Morais Vineyards</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYA6dh2jH_MV2J0zOCq4ARMoLPuJmFzOAfxd-Hnaf24cAIRbnhyphenhyphendToIkxucTq2sb8ljzbSo-L2sM-p9KuAXVirBjg7YGwKkrFGDAIkaic8vf5mCsnY0mWxR85civnzlsMGGh6FLcS_AU/s1600/IMG_0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYA6dh2jH_MV2J0zOCq4ARMoLPuJmFzOAfxd-Hnaf24cAIRbnhyphenhyphendToIkxucTq2sb8ljzbSo-L2sM-p9KuAXVirBjg7YGwKkrFGDAIkaic8vf5mCsnY0mWxR85civnzlsMGGh6FLcS_AU/s320/IMG_0258.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://effinghammanor.com/index.htm">Effingham Manor Winery</a> <i>(Opening Spring 2016)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://narmadawinery.com/dir/">Narmada Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pearmundcellars.com/">Pearmund Cellars</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pcwinery.com/">Philip Carter Winery</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.vinthillcraftwinery.com/">Vint Hill Craft Winery</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why did we list the wineries? Because they provide easy access from the Baltimore-Washington, DC, area and spending a day or two visiting them is definitely worthwhile. As always, check the websites in advance for times and instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy visiting Virginia wineries and vineyards!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span>Bob Doanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11116036040290084010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891199280331456716.post-65679608648891515772016-02-16T18:27:00.000-05:002016-02-16T18:27:19.684-05:00Chateau St. Jean 2004 Reserve Merlot <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dbH7v7pvblU8MxYtqlOHj53uPU3MspV_wCAhUp2LwCOk_lJ5r8bj5hBNZlb28q4FCoH0fToED8q56qDX5wfpWOpzu36XU43OV7lnRBeefL061PjJV707DB7xr3s5I03YuwXja5LbnE/s1600/IMG_5085+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dbH7v7pvblU8MxYtqlOHj53uPU3MspV_wCAhUp2LwCOk_lJ5r8bj5hBNZlb28q4FCoH0fToED8q56qDX5wfpWOpzu36XU43OV7lnRBeefL061PjJV707DB7xr3s5I03YuwXja5LbnE/s320/IMG_5085+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's Day Dinner</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was Valentine's Day! We celebrated at home because, to be honest with you, I hate fighting crowds and waiting forever for a table only to be rushed out to make way for another couple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been celebrating at home for four years now and the highlight of every meal is picking a very special wine from the wine cellar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The selection we chose this year was just that, VERY SPECIAL!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bob and I were in Sonoma several years ago on our first real wine vacation and found <a href="http://www.chateaustjean.com/age-gate/">Chateau St. Jean</a> to be one of our favorite stops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The winery is beautiful and the wine is delicious. We tasted this Merlot and knew immediately it would stand the test of time. So we did what many do and purchased this wine for $75. It was and still is one of the most expensive wines we have purchased. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH8NV4r5qxCi3DAGlQKRT35xyoAf-1JSYmeGc0QvncEmzhHxBBT6LAn-9TKlvwKo6F1ar-UC67iDIjOlfBvghJvFxzXoTLeTSbrpwEsjFY6eXJ33V5rIrWQwVh5Dxepf7F95LNBkMFOo/s1600/IMG_5082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH8NV4r5qxCi3DAGlQKRT35xyoAf-1JSYmeGc0QvncEmzhHxBBT6LAn-9TKlvwKo6F1ar-UC67iDIjOlfBvghJvFxzXoTLeTSbrpwEsjFY6eXJ33V5rIrWQwVh5Dxepf7F95LNBkMFOo/s320/IMG_5082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We brought it home and determined that we would save it for a special occasion. The problem then becomes, when is special, special enough for such an exceptional wine? Well, we keep track of all our wines through <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/">Cellar Tracker</a>. One of the features of Cellar Tracker is that it lets you know when a wine is at it's peak. This one came up as a drink now and that's what we did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This Merlot is fantastic! Merlot is my favorite varietal, which makes me a bit old school. The wine has a wonderful color with a great nose and a taste that lingers reminding you that sometimes you just have to spend the extra money because, well, you are worth it. It is smooth with hints of dark cherries, a hint of vanilla and mature tannins. If you like reds and are looking for a special wine this is one I would definitely recommend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-- Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD</span></div>
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