The property is beautiful - the walk from the parking area is across a patio, under wisteria-covered pergolas, and past a bubbling fountain. The tasting room has a more modern feel than I remembered from our last visit, in a good way, and the large fireplace makes it warm and inviting. The music was great and there are plenty of tables for sitting and sipping. While the flickering candles on each table were a lovely touch, the scent was overpowering and made the tasting a challenge. Our pourer was friendly enough and, while we were not ignored, he was rather distracted by a problem with his XM Radio account and its eventual resolution.
The $10 tasting fee is for 8 wines. We tasted five, starting with the 2012 Vidal Blanc ($22). 100% estate grown and fermented in stainless steel, it's bright and well balanced, with honeysuckle notes.
Chambourcin Gold ($20)- NV, "legacy" wine; slightly sweet - not my cup o' tea.
Reserve ($25) - another NV "legacy" wine; a light bodied Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
2011 Cab Franc ($29) - It's very light bodied; black cherry with hints of smoke on the nose that follow through to the palate; black pepper and spice on the finish. We opened one the other night and it was enjoyable; it showed promise.
2011 Genesis ($29) - a blend of 10% Tannat, 43% Cabernet Franc, and 47% Petit Verdot. The Tannat asserts itself in this blend. It's earthy and peppery.
The other wines available for tasting were:
2012 Chardonnay ($24)
2012 Chardonnay Reserve ($27) - 100% estate grown
2012 Serenity ($22) - 100% Vidal Blanc; 1.5% RS
All in all, it was a fairly pleasant tasting experience and the Cab Franc showed enough promise that we will definitely give it another try this year.
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