Winery and Wine Reviews
We are not just in the wine business, we are wine lovers!
Here, you will find OUR favorites. It's a place for us to express our love for various wines and wineries.....not just Chateau MerrillAnne. The wines could be anything, white, red, rose', sparkling, fortified...whatever we love or are inspired by. The wineries could be in Virginia or literally anywhere in the world. We love and appreciate both wine and all those who endeavor to produce the finest beverage in the world...WINE!
Kenny's Dinner Wine Recommendations
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
In the Northern Neck of Virginia there is a small winery which, despite its out of the way location and modest appearance, offers both great Petite Verdot and incredible, friendly service. I'm not even sure if the vintage is important here as every one I have had is excellent. Rich flavor and firm tannin are a recurring theme with The Hag
In the Northern Neck of Virginia there is a small winery which, despite its out of the way location and modest appearance, offers both great Petite Verdot and incredible, friendly service. I'm not even sure if the vintage is important here as every one I have had is excellent. Rich flavor and firm tannin are a recurring theme with The Hague's PV and they are the perfect foil to steak or lamb chops. Everyone there is first class and event coordinator Cheryl Reamy is a model of what Virginia Winery hospitality looks like.
The Captain/Honah Lee
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
The "Captain" is the flagship red blend from Honah Lee vineyards in Orange county. The blend will change somewhat from year to year but usually features Tannat along with a couple of Bordeaux varieties. Great tannin, full flavor. The wine has a wonderful, lingering finish. Awesome with all red meats. Owners Eric and Brandy Hopwood are as
The "Captain" is the flagship red blend from Honah Lee vineyards in Orange county. The blend will change somewhat from year to year but usually features Tannat along with a couple of Bordeaux varieties. Great tannin, full flavor. The wine has a wonderful, lingering finish. Awesome with all red meats. Owners Eric and Brandy Hopwood are as nice as they come and will make you feel right at home. Honah Lee is certainly a "must visit" Virginia winery.
Meritage/King Family
Petite Verdot/ The Hague
Meritage/King Family
This is without a doubt one of my favorite Virginia wines. Year in and year out it is consistently great. Red fruit flavors, solid tannins, great barrel notes and layers of interesting nuances. For Emily and I one of our "Go To" wines. Created by Matthieu Finot it is a very traditional, Bordeaux style wine, perfect with fatty foods. While
This is without a doubt one of my favorite Virginia wines. Year in and year out it is consistently great. Red fruit flavors, solid tannins, great barrel notes and layers of interesting nuances. For Emily and I one of our "Go To" wines. Created by Matthieu Finot it is a very traditional, Bordeaux style wine, perfect with fatty foods. While I do not personally know the gentleman I am a huge fan of his work. King Family is absolutely one of the best in Virginia.
2022 Cab Franc/Woodbrook
2020 Petite Verdot/Effingham
2022 Cab Franc/Woodbrook
Who doesn't love a great Cab Franc? I know I certainly do and one of my favorites comes from Woodbrook in Orange county. It TASTES like a Franc should...without being TOO Francy. Great with food or as a sipper this is a great bottle of reasonably priced heaven. All of their wines are good and every person there is a joy to work with. You will definitely want to check them out.
Trevillian/Keswick
2020 Petite Verdot/Effingham
2022 Cab Franc/Woodbrook
Sometimes you need an easy drinking wine that will go with anything. Like that old ride or die friend who is up for anything Keswicks "Trevillian" goes with the flow. Whether its being paired with a meal, snacks or as a sipper this one never lets you down. A great all purpose wine.
2020 Petite Verdot/Effingham
2020 Petite Verdot/Effingham
2020 Petite Verdot/Effingham
Being a huge lover of Petite Verdot I always appreciate the grape and those who use it. Effingham Manors 2020 Petite Verdot is a classic Virginia PV. Solid tannins, upfront fruit and tons of nuances. Great with all red meat its the perfect sidekick for anything from prime rib to lamb chops.
Kenny's Winery Visits
Chateau O'Brien
Chateau O'Brien
Chateau O'Brien
There are few things vinophiles enjoy more than getting recommendations about wine and then following up with self investigation. Today, Saturday December 2nd, 2023, we headed to Chateau O'Brien based on reviews received from our friends Rob and Wendi.
When we arrived we did not have a reservation but a lovely lady working there was quite accommodating and whisked us away to the tasting bar. The wines were all quite good, the surroundings charming but the highlight of the tasting was our server. Unfortunately I did not get her name but this Boston native was well educated in wine, armed with a great sense of humor and filled with an enthusiasm for wine that was both entertaining and refreshing. We got info on the wines as well as some very interesting historical anecdotes. She was truly a joy and gave us one of the best tastings I have ever had.
While we were there we ran into friends and sat down and chatted over wine. The surroundings were relaxing and it was a great visit all around. Thanks for a spot on recommendation Rob and Wendi, we would absolutely go back.
Aspen Dale
Chateau O'Brien
Chateau O'Brien
Its always sad to hear of a Virginia winery closing, especially when its one of your favorites. In November we heard that Aspen Dale at the barn would be closing in December. It was important to us that we make one last visit. As always, everything was great, particularly the ambiance, service and people. We enjoyed a couple of flights and cheese as we said goodbye to one of the most inviting barn tasting rooms in Virginia.
While the wine we took home will fortify our memories of this place for the short term we know we will never forget the relaxing atmosphere or pleasant hours we spent there. This place inspired us to do what we have done at Chateau MerrillAnne. We hope the owners have a long, enjoyable retirement. They certainly earned it with their fine work at Aspendale. Well done, you will be missed. Need something fun to do? Get out and hit some Virginia wineries. They will appreciate the support and you will have a wonderful time and make a lifetime of memories. Cheers, peace and good health!