By Jeff Maisey
50th Anniversary
Cabernet Sauvignon
California
After our Fall Arts Preview issue featuring Virginia Opera’s 50th Anniversary on the cover, I decided to uncork my bottle of Caymus 50th Anniversary for a private toast to life and the quality of the arts in our region.
Before dinner, I had a glass that poured a deep purple. To my blank palate the liquid was light bodied for a Cabernet with very subtle flavors of boysenberry and strawberry on a backdrop of leather. Rather pleasant overall for the relaxed patio setting on this breezy, pre-storm evening.
With dinner, which starred a most delicious spicy hot grilled sausage sautéed in tomato sauce with yellow, orange, and red peppers, the wine took on a surprising plum taste, still light bodied, but altogether different.
Because of the unexpected food pairing, the Gold Anniversary Cabernet proved more impressive than as a stand alone sipping wine.
Chatham Vineyards
Church Creek
Steel Chardonnay
Virginia
I first met vintner Jon and wife Mills Wehner in the very early 2000s, not long after they planted the vines, imported from France, and started to harvest and produce wines on their Church Creek Estate on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Harrison Wehner, Jon’s father, drove me around the vineyard in a vintage pickup truck to meet up with his son, hard at work “dropping fruit” not worthy of using as a crew of grape harvesters were making their way down each row.
This fond and lasting memory necessitates a certain loyalty within me to ensure I serve Chatham Vineyards’ delightful Steel Chardonnay with family and friends seated around our Thanksgiving dinner table.
The Steel Chardonnay pairs well with the white meat of warm turkey breast with my traditional favorite sides — Virginia-ham seasoned collards, fresh sweet potatoes, sliced-n-baked acorn squash, sautéed green beans topped with almond slivers, cured Edwards ham, and thinly sliced sections of canned Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce — indeed, a guilty pleasure once a year, but a must.
The unoaked Chardonnay is pleasing to most palates for its full-bodied, crisp, and refreshing mineral elements, reflective of this distinct land.
A complete Southeastern Virginia/Eastern Shore cornucopia of flavor.
Brown Estate Vineyards
2022 Zinfandel
NAPA Valley
One way I discover new wines is by dining on Wednesday evenings at Coach House Bar & Grill when the locally-owned Norfolk restaurant offers half-off bottles of wine.
Normally, I opt for a Pinot Noir when ordering the Faroe Island Salmon entree, which varies in preparation based on the season.
I had been spying the Brown Estate 2022 Zin on the menu for several weeks, priced normally at $89/bottle, but on wine night a deal at $44.50.
Our waitress advised it was a popular selection amongst wine enthusiast guests, and so it was a no-brainer for me to explore.
I was immediately taken with its very silky texture and nice fruited flavor. What surprised me was its unexpected semi-dryness, which I found most pleasing.
Highly recommend.
