Honey, we're not in Virginia anymore..... oh wait, yes we are!

I love my state, don't get me wrong. But I don't typically favor its wine. Yes, I know that Virginia is "up and coming" and can "hold its own" in the wine world, but I tend to believe that when Virginia is mentioned in this fashion it is the Charlottesville area of Virginia to which one is referring; not my "northern" Virginia area.  

 

No doubt, the number of Virginia wineries are increasing - 46 in 1995; 107 in 2005 and almost 200 now.  Only California, New York, Oregon and Washington have more wineries than Virginia. But as I've said many times before in this blog, it's not about quantity with me; it's about quality.

 

Virginia is known for their native grape, Norton, Vioginer and Cabernet Franc; all of which I could do without and still survive just fine.

 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Virginia as one of the 10 best wine travel destinations for 2012. My lovely state is one of only three domestic destinations to make the list of wine regions that are ideal for wine lovers to visit, along with regions in Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Spain, France and two regions of California.  Keep in mind, it's not just the fantastic wine produced in Virginia, but the rich history and natural beauty that exists here which makes it a wine travel destination.

 

At this point, I'm sure I've already ruffled some feathers and that's fine. Again, this is MY blog and will represent my views and opinions. If you don't like it, you can start your own or easily enough just stop reading now.

 

 

One of my favorite wineries in Virginia (and when I say Virginia, I mean "my area" of Virginia - Loudoun County, Fauquier County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County), is Chateau O'Brien in Markham (Fauquier County).  I have other wineries in these areas that I frequent and enjoy for various reasons but Chateau O'Brien, by far, has THE best reds that I have ever had in this area.  Chateau O'Brien also has miraculous, picturesque views, a well-known and intelligent owner and, I didn't know until this last visit, a magical, fantasy-land cellar for private tastings!

Such welcoming colors! I can almost taste the wine and feel the sunshine just looking at these pictures again!

 

oh how I'd love to just frolic among these vines!

 

 

ahhh what a view!

Last month, the Evil Red Genius and I decided to do the private reserve cellar tasting at Chateau O'Brien. It had been on our list of things to do for a while and we had heard numerous raves from people!

 

While we were waiting for Howard (the owner), to beckon for us, we were offered the white wine tasting. Neither of us had tasted their white wines before so we agreed to try them out.

 

For a winery that is known for their reds, their whites pleasantly surprised us! The Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay were both very refreshing and easy to drink. While, I am not a Rose fan, I'll always try them in hopes that one day I'll find one that I can fathom. Chateau O'Brien still didn't convince me but it truly was different than any Rose I've had in the past. The Petit Manseng, one I haven't had in quite a long time and most Virginia wineries have on their list, started off sweet and then ended with a burn.

All in all, I was impressed with the whites, considering this is a revered red winery.
Not too shabby, Howard!

 

 

 

When wanting to take a photo, the lovely tasting assistant asked us which was our favorite white, gave us another glass, took the picture and then escorted us out to the deck with panoramic views while we waited for our cellar adventure to begin!
 

 

 

 

Now it was time to go down into the cellar. By the looks of the door that led us downstairs, I felt as if I was going into a dungeon and you can imagine the look on my face at this point. 

 

However, once we got to the bottom and Howard was there to open the door for us, I think both of our mouths fell to the ground. What a beautiful dungeon it was! Ok, a private wine cellar.

 

Holy Wow, people!!

 

I had been to Chateau O'Brien many times before but never even knew such a beautiful and magical underground room existed here!!  My regret is that I didn't take more pictures and that I didn't bring my Nikon.

 Next time.... and yes, there WILL be a next time.

6 exclusive wines on the private cellar wine tasting menu


The Evil Red Genius and I sat next to each other on a cozy but comfortable bench with a plethora of delights in front of us to imbibe on while Howard told us story after story and answered any of our questions.  We were able to enjoy each delicious wine that he provided us and relaxed as if we "belonged" down there.
 I'm still in awe!

artisan meats and cheeses

warm bread and olive oil dipping sauce

Our first tasty wine was a 2010 Malbec.

Chateau O'Brien is one of the only wineries I have ever been to in Virginia that has a Malbec. I am used to Argentina or Chile Malbecs and while this did not taste like those, it was absolutely delicious. Almost more like a Pinot to me in a way.

 

Next was the 2010 Cabernet Franc (pronounced Fraw-unk, not Frank)

I tend to not enjoy Cab Francs and naturally, it is easy to grow in this area, so it's on every Virginia tasting sheet. If it's blended with other grapes, I'm ok with it but on its own, no so much. Usually it overwhelms me with green pepper which I don't care for; however, Howard's Cab Franc was not this way at all.

Excellent!

 

 

 

The 2010 Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red that I also tend to think is a bit too "rich" for me but enjoy when it's blended with other grapes.  However this one is quite luscious with broad tannins coupled with dark lingering fruit and subtle spice accents.

 

 

 

Only 50 cases of the 2010 Limited Reserve Tannat were produced.  I have a bottle of the 2009 Limited Reserve Tannat from my last trip to Chateau O'Brien in my cellar at home waiting for a special occasion.

By far one of my absolute favorite reds here, it is complex with black fruit flavors and the silky smooth finish is definitely crave-worthy!

 

 

And then there was the one that got away.....

 

2009 Northpoint Red

 

Ahhh... while this entire two-hour adventure was marvelous, this wine is the one that was worth it all to me.

Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, it is a blend of 40% Merlot, 20% Cab, 20% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec, 10% Cab Franc

Howard believes it is the best wine they produced during that year and I must agree. While it is the first wine produced that sells over $100 in Virginia, and that is remarkable in itself, that fact alone was the only reason why a bottle didn't come home with me....
I didn't sleep well that night though, I'll tell ya that, wondering if I should have bit the bullet and brought one home to savor.

Absolutely divine.

 

Last on our tasting was the 2011 Late Harvest Tannat

 

One would compare this to a port-style wine but it is not fortified. 18% alcohol and has a subtle sweetness to it. Very nice to sip on for an after dinner drink, but honestly at this point, I'm still not over my love affair with the Northpoint Red.

....and at this point, the photos are getting blurry. Good thing it was the last wine to taste! ha!

 

 

I cannot even begin to explain what a fabulous time we had during this exquisite experience at

Chateau O'Brien. Everything was balanced so nicely - the mouthwatering wines, the intriguing but relaxed conversation, the elegant but comfortable atmosphere, and we even went over our one-hour time limit! Spoiled? Maybe but definitely appreciative!

Maurine, Howard and me

If you enjoy good red wines and want something special to do or have a celebration in mind, I highly recommend setting up a time for this special cellar tasting with Howard. At only $35 a person, with an exclusive tasting for you and at least one of your friends, it is a must do in Northern Virginia wine country! If Chateau O'Brien has anything to do with it, Virginia will definitely be rising to the top in the wine world! They are already on the top of my list!

For just a moment of time, you'll actually, sit back, relax, enjoy and forget that you are even in Virginia!!

 

"Wine is the pleasantest subject in the world to discuss. All its associations are with occasions when people are at their best; with relaxation, contentment, leisurely meals and the free flow of ideas."
-Hugh Johnson