Last Thursday was the return of Virginia Wine Chat (Frank took April off). This time our intrepid host was in the Northern Neck, sampling wines from Dog & Oyster, General’s Ridge, and Good Luck Cellars. As is usual, there was a great conversation at the winery (check out the video embedded below*), and on Twitter (check out the hashtag #VAWineChat).
2013 Dog & Oyster “Oyster White” -Â $25 SRP
Made with 100% Chardonel grapes, this wine featured pear and green jolly rancher flavors with a tart start and and a surprising roundness on the finish given that the wine was fermented in stainless steel – even more surprising with the golden color of the wine. The wine also featured a bit of saltiness on the finish that I think would make it pair wonderfully with some oysters.
2014 General’s Ridge Viognier – $18
Made with 100% Viognier, I picked up melon on the nose and tropical flavors of apple and banana in the mouth. The wine had a slight roundness to it thanks to spending some time in neutral oak, but it’s by no means overwhelming and really just adds character without giving the wine too much body and taking it away from being a nice refreshing sipper that’s a good pick for the summer.
2010 Good Luck Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – $22
Aged for 18 months in French Oak, the wine had a smokey nose with notes cherry and black tea. Light ruby red in the glass, the wine was light in the mouth and showed herbs and soft cherry flavors with a nice smooth finish and hints of earth and pepper towards the finish. I really liked this wine, and at $22 I think it’s a steal, and one that you should snatch up as soon as you can.
Thanks to Frank at Drink What YOU Like and everybody at Oyster & Dog Winery, General’s Ridge Vineyard, and Good Luck Cellars. Next month Frank will be at Early Mountain, so don’t forget to follow along.
*Note: At the time of this being published the video hasn’t been uploaded. I’ll keep an eye out for when it is and upload it at that time.
