Today, like most Sunday afternoons, we’re headed out to visit a few wineries. Our destination is part of the WNC Wine Trail, specifically the Tyron area wineries, previously reviewed during NC Wine Month. We’re taking a different approach today as I plan to make live updates (as cell service allows).
Our first stop is Mountain Brook Vineyards where we will be joining up with some friends for a birthday celebration. From there we plan on going to at least two other wineries, possibly three, ending at Parker-Binns Vineyard to relax with hot woodfired pizza.
Keep coming back for more updates!
A veiw of Mountain Brook Vineyards
Stop #1: Mountain Brook Vineyards
Jeanne was there to welcome our group and sample some wines. The 2012 Chardonnay alone makes this worth the visit. The pleasant oak notes are well balanced and the wine has a decent amount of acidity. Also notable is the Magis, their red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This full bodied red is heavy on the dark fruits and offers a lingering finish of cherries and spice.
The winery at Overmountain
Stop #2: Overmountain Vineyards
We don’t make it by here enough. Overmountain Vineyards offers mostly dry wines, mostly estate grown (except the muscadine) and all of them are very nicely made. Sofia, the assistant winemaker, was doing our tasting. The 2013 Petit Manseng had a great balance with an ample amount of tropical fruits with a nice balance of acids. The 2013 Patriot Red, a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, was a differentiator here. The delicate balance of fruit, acids, and oak made this wine stand out. Also of note are the two fortified wines. The blackberry has a persistent acidity that leaves you wanting more, while the fortified Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and robust with a pleasant finish.
Russian Chapel Hill Vineyards
Stop #3: Russian Chapel Hill Vineyards
We made it! For a few months now, we have been trying to stop by here. Finally we made appearance. Andrey greeted us at the door with open arms. Our tasting included a sampling of the grapes they grow on site. The Chardonnay was a nicely oaked wine with hints of Apple and peach. The Sauvignon Blanc was the most unique Sauvignon Blanc in North Carolina, showing a bright and fruity palate with hints of a delicate acidity. After our tasting, we took a tour of the Russian Chapel that was built on site. Keeping with tradition, the chapel was constructed without using any nails or fasteners. The serene setting provided an harmonius escape from the dealings of everyday life. In the works, Andrey has a Super Tuscan (Merlot and Sangiovese) that should prove to be delicious.
Parker-Binns Entrance, picture from September 2014
Stop #4: Parker-Binns Vineyards
Our final stop for the day. We ended on a good note with pizza and wine. Their new Chardonnay is 100% stainless, with notes of Apple an pear. Also new is their Cabernet Sauvignon. This was smooth and velvety and could easily hold up for another 3-5 years. Good luck holding on to it as when you first taste it, you’ll want the whole bottle right away. Sunday pizzas are definitely on the list of things to do again.
