Notes From the Field (Part Two)

You’ll recall that last week we were in the Virginia countryside visiting wineries. I recommend the 2005 vintage in general and the Linden, Avenius, and Fox Meadow vineyards in particular. Oh yes, and the One Block West restaurant in Winchester, Virginia, where the owner actually accepts emailed menu suggestions (mine were razor clams, and he put them on the menu for us, which I though was pretty amazing).

The next day we continued tasting and went straight to Oasis Winery for some of their famed sparkling wine. Unfortunately, they were all sold out so we headed for Rappahannok Winery. Their Cab Franc is quite good with a full body and brilliant finish. Aside from that, a couple of glasses of Voignier was about all the drinking I could fit into my trip.

I did bring back some Fox Meadow Cab Franc and some Linden Cab Franc. Traveling brings up a nice segue because being outside the mid-west offers a chance to try wines which are not available at home. For example, there is not a single Cab Franc to be had in the FM area. Also, the sparkling wine selection seems to be very limited. Does anyone have any sparkling wine recommendations? I’d love to hear them.
Someone recently asked me if wine tasting was done for the purpose of becoming intoxicated. I told them that having a taste for wine meant that it was actually inconvenient to become drunk because then you open the expensive bottles you have been trying to save, much too early.

I’ve recently been on a quest for Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon but it does not seem to be sold in this area. Apparently it is quite good and since wine retailers sell Columbia Crest here in Fargo, I would imagine that it would be not too difficult to order some. Anyway, I’ll be sure and let you know if I find it or get some ordered. Not too much happening on the wine front right now…

Editor’s Note: Dominic’s holy grail, Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, is apparently available online, http://www.shoppersvineyard.com, from Shoppers Vineyard, in Clifton, New Jersey, for $13 + shipping. Phone: 973.916.0707. Be careful to specify the 2005 vintage. Some retailers will ship the 2006 instead as both vintages are out there in circulation.