Wine Festival: Blacksburg Fork and Cork

Blacksburg Fork and Cork

This past Saturday at Fork and Cork I had a great time hanging out with friends and tasting lots of new wines. Hands down my favorite "wine" of the day was the sangria from the Fincastle Vineyard and Winery. This sangria was heavily populated with fruit and sugar. I loved it. Fincastle Vineyard and Winery even mixed the sangria in front of us! I've only ever had sangria with white or red wine, so having it with a rose was a great change! If I was not a poor college student I would have I would have bought a pitcher of this to drink, but sadly it was $25.00 per pitcher! 

1. Name: 2010 Savoy-Lee Seyval Blanc

Varietal: Seyval Blanc

Price: $19.00

Winery Review: This crisp, white wine is a great choice for any time. Seyval Blanc is a fruity and dry wine with a slight citruswinge of lemon.

Your Review: This wine was a light yellow color and had a berry smell. It had a light tart flavor. 

2. Name: 2010 Savoy-Lee Chardonnay

Varietal: Chardonnay

Price: $20.00

Winery Review: Attractive, light straw-yellow color. Complex, elegant and woody nose, with hints of pineapple nuances. This wine is a well-married with honey and toasty notes. 

Your Review: This wine was light yellow in color. I couldn't really smell anything (it may have been since I had tried so many wines). It had a light, refreshing flavor. 

3. Name: 2006 Savoy-Lee Johnson Mountain White

Varietal: Cabernet Franc & Chardonnay

Price: $19.00

Winery Review: This blend of Cabernet France and Chardonnay is unique. The wine has a light smokey opening and then moves into a candied caramel apple center and then has a sustained honeyed finish. Pairs well with shrimp, seafood, and sushi. 

Your Review: This wine had a light yellow color and a very alcoholic smell. It was maple in flavor and had a very full-bodied taste. 

4. Name: 2006 Savoy-Lee Johnson Mountain Picnic Red

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

Price: $15.00

Winery Review: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is a wonderful, fruity, light red wine! It is terrific chilled and served with light fare on a hot day - GREAT PATIO WINE!

Your Review: This wine had a red, pinky purple color. It smelled very similar to the Mountain White wine. It had a pepper and spicy taste. 

5. Name: 2006 Savoy-Lee Cabernet Franc

Varietal: Cabernet Franc

Price: $20.00

Winery Review: A spicy aroma and taste is captured in a brilliant, shimmering dark cherry color. This wine provides a softy mouth feel with a full-bodied finish. Pairs well with dark chocolate and great with grilled food. 

Your Review: This wine was red in color and had a berry smell. It had a big oak taste. 

6. Name: Blanc de Blanc 2008 - Trump Winery

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Price: $25.00

Winery Review: Brut sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay, using the traditional French methode Champenoise. Nose of green apple, brioche and slight pear. On the mouth there is crisp acidity with citrus notes. Aged 22 months on the lees. Pair with mild cheeses, sushi, or serve as an aperitif. Jefferson Cup Best of Sparkling, Double Gold Finger Lakes International, Gold VA Governor's Cup "Governor's Case." 

Your Review: This wine has bubbles, which I loved! It was practically white in color and had a light berry smell. The flavor was berry with a lot of bite and the bubbles really added to the wine making it more than just your usual white. 

7. Name: CRU - Trump Winery

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Price: $28.00

Winery Review: 100% Chardonnay juice fortified with brandy, and then aged in bourbon barrels. Try it on the rocks or mixed for a sweet treat with a kick. 14% rs. Platinum Virginia Wine Lover Magazine, Silver New World International, Silver Monterey, People's Choice Award Virginia Wine Showcase. 

Your Review: I LOVED this wine, if you can even really call it a wine, since it was aged in Jack Daniels barrels. It was a clear wine that had a ripe smell. It had a bit of kick to it and tasted great; I could really taste the bourbon flavors. 

Food and Wine Pairing: At the festival I had Blanco Xoco, a white wine with Chocolate Essence. It was $16.00 from Horton Vineyard. The winery reviews it as "sweet chocolaty white wine made with Rkatsiteli, Vidal Blanc and Chocolate essence. Chocolate covered cherries gone wild!" The wine is practically clear in color and has a sickening, sweet smell. It tasted just like white chocolate. Since it was a dessert wine I decided to try it with the caramel corn that was being sold at the festival. This could not have been a more awful idea. The sugar on sugar pairing was absolutely disgusting. It did not enhance the wine. I had to chug water to get the taste out of my mouth. I think this wine would have been great with strawberries or raspberries. 

Tasting - "Rapidan River"

•Name: Rapidan River Peach 

•Variety: White Blend

•Region: Leon, Virginia

•Country: USA

•Year: NV

•Price: $9.99 (on sale!)

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: This delicious sweet wine is full of ripe Peach fruitness. Try this wine chilled with fruit-based salads, Southern BBQ, or other spicy dishes. 

•Your review: This wine was a light yellow in color. It was very sugary and peachy in smell and flavor. The sugar was almost overpowering and it really did not taste very good. I gave this wine one star. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Lobetia Tempranillo"

•Name: Lobetia Tempranillo

•Variety: 100% Tempranillo

•Region: La Mancha

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2011

•Price: $10.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

•Your review: This wine was a dark red color and had a great buttery smell. Yum! It seemed to have an oaky taste with a warm quality to it. This wine was one of the lighter tasting reds that I've had. I gave it three stars!

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone"

•Name: Reserve Gand Veneur Cotes du Rhone

•Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault

•Region: Rhone Valley

•Country: France

•Year: 2010

•Price: $14.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this full- bodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

•Your review: This wine was a deep red color and had a wonderful buttery and oaky smell. It had a wood flavor, but it did not taste oaky. It was not too overpowering. I gave this wine two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Lobetia Chardonnay"

•Name: Lobetia Chardonnay

•Variety: 100% Chardonnay

•Region: La Mancha

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2011

•Price: $10.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

•Your review: This wine was light yellow in color and had a sugary, syrup smell. It had a very light and almost bland taste. This wine was just okay. I gave it two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Trattoria Busca Alla Torre Da Lele"

•Name: Trattoria Busca Alla Torre Da Lele

•Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio

•Region: Veneto

•Country: Italy

•Year: NV

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

•Your review: This wine was light yellow in color and have a ripe berry smell. It was a sweet fruit (melon?) flavor that really bit you in the back of the mouth and cheeks. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Concannon Shiraz"

•Name: Concannon Shiraz

•Variety: 100% Shiraz

•Region: Central Coast

•Country: California

•Year: 2008

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the

palate.

•Your review: This wine had a dark red color with a musty, almost hay smell. It had a very, very big oak flavor (WOAH!). It was a well-rounded and full wine. I gave this wine two stars.  

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Ksana Bonarda"

•Name: Ksana Bonarda

•Variety: 100% Bonarda

•Region: Mendoza

•Country: Argentina

•Year: 2008

•Price: $9.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

•Your review: This wine was a dark red/purple in color and had a fruity and oaky smell. It had a very oaky flavor that really hit the back of my mouth. I gave this wine one star. I really wasn't impressed by this wine. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Black Ridge White Zinfandel"

•Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

•Variety: 100% Zinfandel

•Region: California

•Country: USA

•Year: NV

•Price: $3.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and

more.

•Your review: This wine was a blush pink color and had a very sugary smell. It was very refreshing and light with a good acidic bite. I gave this wine three stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Chandon Sweet Cuvee"

•Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvee

•Variety: Either Champagne blend or Pinot Noir (there was a bit of discrepancy over this at the Vintage Wine Cellar)

•Region: California

•Country: USA

•Year: NV

•Price: $9.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

•Your review: This wine had lots of bubbles! It was light pink in color and had a light, almost muted smell. It was an acidic and sweet flavor with a little tart undertone. I gave this wine two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc"

•Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

•Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

•Region: Central Coast, California

•Country: USA

•Year: 2010

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

•Your review: This wine was basically clear in color and had a berry smell. It seemed like a less intense Sauvignon Blanc, but still had a little bite in the back of my mouth. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Caprice de Bastor - Lamontagne"

•Name: Caprice de Bastor - Lamontagne

•Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle

•Region: Sauternes

•Country: France

•Year: 2004

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.

•Your review: This wine was a light yellow in color and had a fresh berry smell. It had a sweet, melon-y flavor when I first tasted it with an almost crayon aftertaste. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Torre Castillo Alegre"

•Name: Torre Castillo Alegre

•Variety: 100% Monastrell

•Region: Jumilla

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2010

•Price: $9.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: 4 months in new American oak barrels

Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.

•Your review: This wine was a deep red in color. It had a musty, barnyard smell. It had lots of bite and a strong oak flavoring. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Wilson Daniels Merlot"

•Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot

•Variety: 100% Merlot

•Region: Central Coast California

•Country: USA

•Year: 2010

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full- bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with

vanilla and toast.

•Your review: This wine was a dark red in color with a strong spice-y and berry smell. It had a warm quality to it and an oaky taste. I gave this wine two stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Bricco Dei Tati Rose"

•Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rose

•Variety: 100% Barbera

•Region: Piedmont 

•Country: Italy

•Year: 2012

•Price: $6.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers

•Your review: This wine was a light pink/peachy color and a wonderful buttery smell. It had a fruity, ripe taste with a little bite in the back. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc"

•Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

•Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

•Region: California

•Country: USA

•Year: 2009

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit

vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

•Your review: This wine was a straw yellow coloring with a strong berry smell. It had a light floral flavor with some berry hints. I gave this wine two stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Ruta 22 Malbec"

•Name: Ruta 22

•Variety: 100% Malbec

•Region: Patagonia
•Country: Argentina
•Year: 2011
•Price: $7.95

•Winery Review: Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

•My Review: This wine was dark red in color. It had a sugary berry smell with a fresh berry taste. It had a little aftertaste, but with no bite or acid. I gave this wine two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres"

•Name: Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

•Variety: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

•Region: Corbieres
•Country: France
•Year: 2010
•Price: $4.95

•Winery Review: Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins. 

•My Review: This wine was a dark red color. It had a musty, ripe smell. The flavor was light, yet full-bodied, oaky and rich with a warm quality. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Cresta Azul"

•Name: Cresta Azul

•Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

•Region: Aguja
•Country: Spain
•Year: NV
•Price: $5.95

•Winery Review: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo
Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly
bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.

•My Review: This wine was fabulous. It had a light yellow straw coloring and a light, sweet berry smell (maybe strawberry). The flavor was sweet with a little bubble and nice round flavoring. I gave this wine four stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Veleta Tempranillo"

•Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

•Variety: 100% Tempranillo

•Region: Granada
•Country: Spain
•Year: 2010
•Price: $3.95

•Winery Review: Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy.

•My Review: This wine was a rosy, light pink in color and had a combination of a sweet raspberry and sugary maple smell to it. The taste was rich and had a little bit of a buttery aftertaste. The wine was a bit hard to place overall. I gave this wine two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado"

•Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

•Variety: Sparkling Brut Blend/Tempranillo (there was some discrepancy when I asked about the variety at the Vintage Wine Cellar) 

•Region: Granada
•Country: Spain
•Year: NV
•Price: $3.95

•Winery Review: Rosé salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that forms “lace” and “rosary”. In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.

•My Review: This wine had a light pink/peachy coloring with a pear and berry smell. It was bubbly when poured and had a tart taste. It made me pucker and was fizzy - it really hit me, but was not too sweet. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz"

•Name: Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz

•Variety: 100% Shiraz

•Region: South Eastern Australia

•Country: Australia

•Year: NV

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: A relatively light, fresh style of sparkling Shiraz, with berries and hints of chocolate picking up just a touch of sweet vanilla on the finish.

•Your review: This wine was red in color and had bubbles! It had a sweet, oaky smell, which was misleading when I tasted it. I thought it was a slightly sweet flavor, but the fizz over powered the flavor a bit. I gave this wine three stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Picture from: http://www.debortoli.com.au/our-wines/our-brands/emeri/listing/view/emeri-sparkling-shiraz.html

Tasting - "Tres Ojos Garnacha"

•Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha

•Variety: 100% Garnacha

•Region: Calatayud

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2011

•Price: $6.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality.This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness. Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses etc.

•Your review: This wine was dark red in color with a ripe berry smell. It had a thick and rich oaky flavor with a hot quality. I gave this wine two stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Picture from: http://jrnet.com/graphics/labels/Tres-Ojos-2011.jpg

Tasting - "Montebuena"

•Name: Montebuena

•Variety: 100% Tempranillo

•Region: Rioja

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2010

•Price: $8.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting' it's an excellent value for well a with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja. 

•Your review: This wine was a dark red/purple in color and had a delicious buttery smell. The taste was oaky with a good bite. I gave this wine two stars.  

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Picture from: http://www.raveassociates.com/demosite/images/featured/wines_red/montebuena/Montebuena2010_label_HQ_2.jpg

Tasting - "Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence"

•Name: Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence

•Variety: Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault

•Region: Provence

•Country: France

•Year: 2011

•Price: $8.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Bright salmon pink; typical of the fresh but warm Provence style. Refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes, Dry and crisp, with a delicate flavor and full texture.

•Your review: This wine was a peachy color and had a crisp and dry smell. The taste was tart and acidic, but surprisingly did not have much bite. I gave this wine two stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Picture from: http://timelesswines.com/images/cache/france/f0ee130011rrs-220x561.gif

Tasting - "Canyon Road Chardonnay"

•Name: Canyon Road Chardonnay

•Variety: 100% Chardonnay

•Region: California

•Country: USA

•Year: 2011

•Price: $6.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Medium-bodied wine with notes of crisp apple and ripe citrus fruit with a hint of cinnamon spice. Delicious complement to grilled chicken, lighter pasta dishes or mild cheeses. 

•Your review: This wine was light yellow in color. It had a crisp, fruity apple smell. It had no fizz or pucker or bite when I tasted it. It thought it had a light flavor with a slight oaky taste to it. I gave this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Picture from: http://ei.isnooth.com/multimedia/2/d/7/image_2521589_full.jpeg

Tasting - "Potluck Sweet Malbec"

•Name: Potluck Sweet Malbec 

•Variety: Malbec

•Region: Mendoza 

•Country: Argentina

•Year: 2010

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins.

•Your review: This wine had a red, orange, purple coloring and smelled a lot like juice! It tasted sweet, but was not overly sweet and had good fruit flavors. I gave it two stars. 

•Did not consume with food.