Molon Lave is situated out past Warrenton in picturesque countryside. The vineyard presents nice scenery and there is a pond on the property.
Molon Lave Vineyards is open for wine tastings from 11 AM until 6 PM daily. The tasting fee is $5.00 per person. The fee normally covers a 10 wine tasting. Molon Lave was sold out of their popular Autumn Nectar though. So we tried 3 whites, a Rose, and 6 reds. We also had a sneak peek of the new Chardonnay. We met Katherine again on this trip too. Katherine is the owner's daughter who explained the new wines to us, especially the Kosher ones, and what has been happening at Molon Lave since out last trip.
It took us a while to remember Karen, on the tasting room staff at Molon Lave. She looked familiar to us and we looked familiar to her. We finally figured out we had attended a Virginia wine party at her house. She is a friend of a former Virginia wine blogger we know. It was nice seeing Karen again. Karen took us through the Molon Lave tasting, with friendly commentary by Katherine.
Both the 2010 Riesling ($18) and the 2010 Vidal Blanc ($21) are totally dry, and the Riesling is Kosher. The Rose is the 2007 Kokineli ($18), which has a pine-like flavor. I liked this wine better than on our last visit, and it was definitely better with some cheese. I am still not sure about it though.
The 2010 Katie's Charm ($20) is made from Chambourcin, but is fermented and aged in stainless steel. They served it chilled. I liked this light red wine. It had good fruit flavors, mostly raspberry and strawberry, and had a nice finish. This is one tasty wine. I would treat this wine more like a rose than a red wine. This one came home with us.
The 2010 Merlot ($24) was also very nice with distinct cherry flavor, nice mouthfeel and restrained oak. The American oak-aged 2007 Chambourcin ($22) was full-bodied and had a bit of spice.
The next red was a new wine for us. The 2010 Noiret ($19) is made from grapes developed at Cornell. This wine is also Kosher. The 2010 Cabernet Franc ($26) and the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29) rounded out the tasting menu.
If you visit Molon Lave, tell them you read about them here.
Molon Lave Vineyards
10075 Lees Mill Road
Warrenton, 20186
540-439-5460
Going this weekend adn will say you referred us. Thanks for the write up!
ReplyDeleteI cracked open the 2007 Merlot I have had for quite a while. Its really good. Aging has benefited it. That pine-tasting Rose is an acquired taste, so be warned. I really liked the Chambourcin and friends liked the Chardonnay.
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