Valhalla Vineyard

Valhalla Vineyard Wine Tasting

6500 Mt. Chestnut Road
Roanoke, VA 24018

540-725-WINE (9463)

Description:
This is my favorite vineyard. Granted I have only been to 3 so far (Shelton Vineyard, Chateau Morrisette, and Valhalla Vineyards.) Valhalla is located just outside of Roanoke on a steep mountain top. About a mile from the top, you begin a steep assent to the vineyard. When you arrive, you're immediately in awe of the exposed Roanoke Valley. You get a fantastic panoramic view and can see all the way across to Sharp Top Mountain. That in itself is a reason to visit. But if you still need to be persuaded, check out the wines below.

I’m just going to rate these wines out of 5 ( 5 being the best, 1 the worst)because if I could afford it, I would have taken all of them home!

(1)
Name: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Color: rich red
Smell: rich red fruity smell
Taste: deep, rich fruit – long finish
Price: $22

Rating: 5++ This was amazing! Great big Cab! I would have said this was the best wine I’ve ever had except, I got to try the 2001. Although I can’t describe it to you, the 2001 was the icing on the cake.

Comments:

Here is what Valhalla has to say… "Our Cabs set new marks in Virginia for ripeness and tannin maturity. Harvested in late October or early November, they spend 40 months in barrel before bottling. These dark luscious wines show dark cherry fruit, cedar, spice in layers with a 60 finish. Really special Cabernets! Set these wines down for 10 years if you want to see how a great wine improves with age. “

(2)
Name: 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Smell: rich red fruity smell
Taste: deep, rich fruit – long finish, full body
Price: $27

Rating: 6+ As you can see from my blog, I’ve tasted about 35 wines since the beginning of the semester. This was THE BEST wine I’ve had so far. I regret not buying it, but it is a little out of my price range for now.

The 2005 vintage is listed above. It is interesting to note that the younger wine gives you a fruitier taste on the front of your palate and the 2001 reserves the taste for the finish, on the back of your tongue. This is one of the distinct differences.

Comments:
This tasting was part of Valhalla’s 13th Anniversary celebration. Their first wine was made in 1998. When they first began, Deb and Jim decided to hold on to a portion of their wines, in their Library, to see how they would age. Once the wines reach 10 years, they offer them as part of their “reserve wine tasting.”

(3)
Name: 2006 Yummy Blend
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Smell: tobacco
Taste: peppery, dry
Price: $18

Rating: 5 – I really enjoy that smoky, tobacco taste in a big red.

(4)
Name: 2005 Syrah
Grape: Syrah
Smell: rich red fruit, cranberry, boysenberry
Taste: peppery, cranberry,
Price: $20

Rating: 5+

(5)
Name: 2005 Gotterdammerung
Smell: blackberries
Taste: bold midpalate
Price: $18

Rating: 5

Comments: This is Valhalla’s most award winning wine variety.

(6)
Name: 2001 Gotterdammerung
Grape: Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend
Smell: blackberry, dark cherry
Taste: raisin finish, full body
Price: $18

Rating: 5

Comments: “Compare this wine to your favorite French Bordeaux”

(7)
Name: 2004 Norton Tarnhelm
Smell: rose pedals and lavender/lilac
Taste: delish! Roses
Price: $16

Rating: 4

Comments: “All organically grown fruit.”

(8)
Name: 2001 Norton Tarnhelm
Smell: most distintly rose pedal
Taste: potent in a balanced, full way
Price: $19

Rating: 5 – I want to try both of these again. The rose pedal was elegant.

(9)
Name: 2005 Alicante Bouschet
Smell: intense black fruit, cigar
Taste: rich, full, dry strong finish
Price: $17

Rating: 5+ I should have gotten this one too.

Comments:
Here’s what Valhalla had to say about this one… “We are the only producer of this Italian varietal outside of California. Amazing dark in color, with tons of dark black fruit aroma and taste. Great gift for that wine snob friend ‘cause they will not have tried this one. Great with cigars or as an after dinner drink. Try with venison or lamb.