Wine Dogs Find Hot Stuff in the PC Cellar

Philip Carter Winery of Virginia
Hume, VA

It turned out to be a day of wine and roses as the Wine Dogs stopped in for a Father's Day barrel tasting at the Philip Carter Winery.

Charles Carter - who could be called the father of winemakers in Virginia, having produced award winning wine in the 1700s - would be proud of the efforts of his decendent, Philip Carter Strother. Philip and wife Danielle purchased Stillhouse Vineyards last year. While the first PC Wines were introduced last May, the 08 vintage will be the first under the complete control of the new owners.[For bargain hunters, the final bottles of Stillhouse are a steal at $5/bottle.]

Prepare to be impressed. Based on what Munchkin and Pomeroy tasted, winemaker and vineyard manager Seth Chambers has some hot stuff going on in the PC Cellar. Seth, one of a growing list of proteges of Chris Pearmund in the Virginia wine industry, is the sole full-time employee at Philip Carter. That keeps him busy on a property that grows all its own grapes except the vidal (and is planting more), and which bottles 1,000 cases of wine a year, with plans to grow to 2,800.

Seth started by pouring the Vidal, followed by a Chardonney which exhibited a citrusy (apple-crispy) and oaky flavor with hints of butterscotch produced by a slow malolactic fermentation.

The real treat was the Cab Franc, an elegant vintage heightened with 5 percent Petit Verdot and aged in 50 percent neutral oak. Roy told Munchkin, "Cab Francly, my dear, this will be a wine to watch."

The Meritage, which will be bottled in February, features 80 percent of the same outstanding Cab Franc grapes, mixed with 18 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 percent Petit Verdot.

All in all, the Wine Dogs are excited about the latest developments at Philip Carter, and look forward to watching this new winery, and its wines, mature.

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What a wonderful blog. Thank you so much. It is so good to have the support of you all. My best,

Philip

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We always enjoy your visit! Thank you for the cutest blog!

Regards to all,

Donna Johnson
Tasting Room Mgr., Events Coordinator
Philip Carter Winery

It's a Mystery to the Wine Dogs

Munchkin and Pomeroy meet Virginia Wine Country mystery writer Ellen Crosby at Philip Carter Winery. The Wine Dogs enjoyed the Merlot Murders and Chardonney Charade, and can't wait to lap up the Bordeaux Betrayal and Reisling Retribution. The books are rich in details about winemaking in general, and the Blue Ridge wine country in particular.

Memorial Day 2009

Lots of big happenings out in Virginia Wine Country for Memorial Day Weekend, and the Wine Dogs will be making the circuit.

We'll be reporting for duty at wineries along the Generals' Wine and History Trail (see right).

Two of our favs -- Barrel Oak and Philip Carter -- are celebrating their one-year anniversaries, and a very successful year it has been.

And out at Cooper Vineyards, it's Lucy's weekend. James River Cellars will join in this annual benefit for the Richmond SPCA, honoring Cooper's found hound and mascot, Lucy. Leashed four-legged friends and picnics are welcome. There will be fun, food, music, wine and adoptable pets. Check out the blessing of the animals on Sunday at 1 PM.

See you on the trail. And eight paws up to all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of this great nation!

Chow Now at BOW... Wow!

Barrel Oak Winery

Delaplane, VA

During their most recent visit to Barrel Oak Winery, the Virginia Wine Dogs ran into the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel meet-up group. In addition to BOW's always wonderful wine, Munchkin and Pomeroy were treated to tasty tidbits from the folks at Chow Now in Marshall, Virginia. These true pet lovers have whipped up a yummy "farm to bowl" raw food diet. Munchkin took home a tub, which her Mom gently sautees to warm up before serving. She loves it, and is finding she is much less ravenous between meals. Pomeroy, a very picky eater, has become a member of the clean bowl club since his Dad began using Chow Now to spike his kibble.

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Well Munchkin! What a great blog that you and Pomeroy have put together - you pooches are quite busy! Thank you for the four paw review - we're thrilled that you two love it. We'll see you again soon, we hope. Come see us Memorial Day, 5/25 at BOW! We'll have your pool all ready for you . Thanks again! Say hi to your mom!
Best,
Carole (Chow Now)