I have to compliment . . .

[dananne]

Wolf Mountain Vineyards, in Dahlonega, GA.

Anne and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this weekend, and I worked in a surprise private renewal of vows at their gazebo overlooking the vineyards, with the Appalachian Mountains as a backdrop. It was done as a surprise to Anne, and Wolf Mountain was not only generous in allowing use of their gazebo, but they also arranged a winemaker tour and tasting for us (which was my ostensible reason for getting her up there). We had a light lunch at their cafe, and tasted through all of their whites and reds, all of which were commendable. All of their wines are blended, mostly using Vinifera, but with some white hybrids.

Of the whites, we preferred a wine called Chanteloup, which is a dry, medium-bodied Chard/Viogner blend that has nice balance and finishes with a nice, crisp acidity.

Our favorite of the reds is called Instinct, which is a medium-to-full bodied field blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Syrah and Touriga Nacional. Also fermented dry, it showed nice blackberry fruits and a nice structure.

They also make a fine Sunset rose, again fermented dry. Brilliant pink color, and some interesting floral tones to the nose, it has some peppery spiciness to the finish in the style of a Rhone rose. It uses the same field blend as the above Instinct. It'll make a great sommer BBQ/picnic wine.

A highlight was a Seyval Demi Sec, which is not only nice as a dessert quaffer, but could also be a good choice for hot Thai food and the like.

We brought back a mixed-case, with some other goodies from their gift shop thrown in. At any rate, a lovely afternoon on Saturday. I highly encouorage a visit for those in the area.

[This message has been edited by dananne (edited 06-12-2005).]

[Thomas]

Sounds like it was great. Nice to hear you liked the Seyval.

[wondersofwine]

Congrats on your tenth and the renewal of vows.

[winoweenie]

Congrats you ole sentimental bubba! Sounds like a marvelous way to spend a week-end. WW

[dananne]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

I forgot to mention that we got home and enjoyed a smashing Canadian icewine from Reif Estate -- the '99 Niagara Peninsula Icewine. Don't remember enough to provide a proper tasting note in the appropriate forum, but my notes in my log the following morning said "Lick the glass," so I think it was good [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Anne brought it back as a gift from a trip to Banff, Alberta, so I have no idea what it cost or it's availability here in the states, but those that live/travel in Canada (Engineer? Capocheny?) may want to give it a look-see if they stumble across it.

And, Foodie, the Seyval was really a treat. If we decide to bring some wines to the offline, I may toss one into the wine-carrier to share with others some evening in Washington.

[This message has been edited by dananne (edited 06-13-2005).]

[Capocheny]

Dananne,

Congratulations on the renewal of your vows! Ain't life wonderful??? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Good food, good wines, and a GREAT mate! Gotta love it! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

As for the Reif Icewine... it's readily available here at the BCLB stores. If you want more... just let me know and I'll look into getting some down to you.

My wife and I will be in San Fran in October... (if that helps.) [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

So many wines... so little time!

Cheers

[dananne]

Thanks, Capocheny, for the thoughts and also the offer!

I'll let you know if Anne is able to pick any up on her next trip.

[Capocheny]

Danne,

Okay... thought I'd throw it out at you! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Have you ever had the Inniskillin Icewine? It's quite tasty as well!

So many wines... so little time! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Cheers