Winery Visit - The Winery at Bull Run

Thank goodness it's just a 10 min trip to visit this great place!

Luckily I had the last weekend of spring break to relax at home with my parents and take a trip to the new winery near my house! I guess the winery isn't exactly brand new, but I hadn't been there since turning twenty-one. I easily convinced my mom to go with me, because persuading her with some wine wasn't too hard. My younger sister who tagged along (and drove us) was slightly harder to convince, since she would obviously be missing out on the wine tasting aspect. Luckily we packed a delicious snack tray full of hummus, artichoke dip, cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and an assortment of bread and crackers. After a short ride in the car, we arrived at the Winery at Bull Run and even made it in time for some live music.

My mom and I

The winery opened in 2012 and prides itself on being the closest winery to Washington D.C. The vineyard sits on the 21-acre property and grow Norton grapes.  The Hickox Family are the proprietories and farmers and the vineyard is adamant on creating a family farm-oriented winery. The executive winemaker at the winery, although not part of the Hickox family, has been in the Virginia wine industry for over 23 years. The winery embraces the cultural heritage of a Virginia past, yet brings some present and fine wines from the region.

For being such a new winery, the wines produced have won many awards. At the 2014 Dallas Morning New & TEXSOM Wine Competition their 2012 Lilly's Viognier was a Gold Medal Winner. Their 2012 Norton came in a close second and won a silver medal. Additionally, the Northern Virginia Magazine ranked Bull Run one of the "Top Wineries" 2012.

My mom and I chatted with the owner and decided that the pick of the day was going to be the 2012 Pinot Gris. It was 100% Pinot Gris and aged in 100% Stainless Steel. The winemaker's tasting notes explained the wine ," apricot, pear, and citrus is apparent on the nose of this wine. it has a crisp light mouth feel with a linger of green apples on the palate. Pairs well with fruit, cheese, seafood in butter, cream, or red bell pepper sauce." This wine was exactly how it was described and it had a wonderful balance. It was light and crisp and paired great with our spinach and artichoke dip! The wine also had a smooth texture and when it was paired with the monterey jack cheese an unbelievable explosion of flavor coated my palate. There were so many different fruit varieties, but they all blended into a perfect fruit salad with a slight tang.  For $26 it was obviously more than our average grocery store purchase, but definitely worth it! This wine had 13.5% alcohol and 0% residual sugar. It won a bronze medal at the 2013 Grand Harvest and was told that it was an extremely popular type of wine.

The selected favorite

The other white wine options were very tempting, as they each have won a significant award

- 2012 Chardonnay: Bronze 2013 Next Generation
- 2012 Lilly's Viognier: Gold 2013 Wines of the South Best in Show!
- 2013 Delaney: Silver in 2013 Wines of the South

Overall, my experience at The Winery at Bull Run was a great one and I am definitely going to take advantage of this place being so close to my home over the summer. Because they are so new, there are so many cool events the have to pump up the winery experience, but I will need to schedule a special tour next time! I really enjoyed talking to all those that worked at the winery and can't wait to venture back there soon!

My lovely family members

Tasting - Rosemount Estate Moscato

Name- Rosemount Estate Moscato
Variety- Moscato
Region- n/a
Country- Australia
Year- 2012
Price- $12--> $3.95

Winery review: Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My review: This green-hued wine had floral and spring-time scents. Wonderful smells of fresh flowers and citrus juices surround your nose. On the palate, this wine tasted similar to most every other Moscoto and had a sweet and light body. I would pair this with fresh raspberries or any desserts. 

I tasted this on its own without food

Tasting - Ironstone Old Vin Zin

Name- Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 
Variety-  Zinfandel
Region-  Lodi, CA
Country- USA
Year- 2011
Price- $15-->$7.95

Winery review: Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses.

My review: I really enjoyed this ZIn. The dark blackberry scent was present, but not too overpowering. There were spices and it reminded me of fresh cooking and rose petals. On the palate, this wine did not disappoint. It had fruity and smooth flavors throughout and glided smoothly throughout the tasting experience. There were some hints of earthy and dry aspects, but it was nothing too intense. I would pair this wine with pasta with fresh steamed vegetables all with a light lemon sauce.  

I tasted this on its own without food

Tasting - Librandi Ciro

Name- Librandi Ciro
Variety- Rosso Classico
Region-  
Country- Italy
Year- n/a
Price- $15 --> $5.95

Winery review: Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.

My review: The pale red gave a wrong first impression and the scent came with a kick of rich berry scents. On the palate, this wine contained great strawberry flavors. The subtle dry finish completed the easy flowing body. I would pair this wine with something spicy to tackle the dry finish and heavy tannins. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Angove

Name- Angove
Variety- Viognier
Region-  South Australia
Country- Australia
Year- 2009
Price- $15 --> $5.95

Winery review: Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork.

My review: The nose on this wine was very inviting and had floral and fruit aromas. The taste was different from how I anticipated the wine to taste and had a rich body. The citrus flavors combined with the floral scent created a nice complementary style. I would pair this wine with some tough meat like steak. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Yealands Estate

Name-  Yealands Estate
Variety- Sauvignon Blanc
Region-  Seaview Vineyard
Country- New Zealand
Year- n/a
Price- $21 --> $7.95

Winery review: This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.

My review: On the nose, this wine resembled green pepper flavors and some grassy notes. The wine was very acidic and had some sour and tart characteristics. It was a soft wine, that wasn't too overbearing. I would pair this wine with a creamy seafood dish that balances the mineral taste.

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine

Name-  Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety- Riesling 
Region-  n/a
Country- Germany
Year- 2012
Price- $9.95

Winery review: This drier-styled Riesling is bright, fruity and floral with crisp acidity and
clean flavors of apple, pear and peach that compliment its stony minerality and earthy complexity. It serves well as an aperitif and matches a wide variety of foods, like lighter salad dishes, shellfish, cream sauces and also anything with a touch of spice.

My review: On the nose, this wine wasn't too distinct. There were delicious flavors of tree fruits and some sweetness combined with earth tones. For being a Riesling, the balance was perfect and it wasn't too sweet. I would serve this wine with light and airy foods or things like a pasta dish with rose sauce. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres

Name-  Atlas Cumbres
Variety- Cabernet Sauvignon
Region-  Mendoza
Country- Argentina 
Year- 2012
Price- $15 --> $6.95

Winery review: Intense red color with violet highlights, with clean, fresh and complex aromas
of berries, plums, figs and pepper. Strong personality is in perfect balance with a medium body and pleasant tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses and strong sauces.

My review: This wine had a deep burgundy color and lots of flavors. The mixtures of dark fruits on the nose was perfect. The strong tannins created a very nice wine and the aftertaste was dry, yet refreshing. I would pair this wine with some nice steak.  

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Georges DuBoeuf

Name-  Georges DuBoeuf
Variety- Beaujolais Nouveau
Region-  n/a
Country- France
Year- 2013
Price- $14--> $3.95

Winery review: Balanced and lightly creamy, offering pretty flavors of plum sauce and
raspberry coulis threaded with hints of ground spice. Elegant, with a floral finish. Drink now.

My review: This wine had a deep and powerful plum aroma. I really enjoyed this wine and the raspberry and blueberry aspects of the wine were perfectly combined into a nice blend. There was some heat to this wine, but I don't think it was overdone. I would pair this with bbq chicken. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati

Name-  Bricco dei Tati
Variety- Rose
Region-  n/a
Country- Italy
Year- n/a
Price- $7.95

Winery review: Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries and rose petals. This is ideal
with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with appetizers.

My review: This nicely tinted wine had scents of light berries and cherries. It was refreshing and had lots of floral notes throughout. I would say this wine was very light and had floral hints similar to lilies. I would pair this with a chicken salad sandwich or something light and munchy.  

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Frascati Volpetti Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco

Name-  Frascati Volpetti 
Variety-Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco
Region-  n/a
Country- Italy
Year- n/a
Price- $7.95

Winery review: Straw yellow in color with a soft, delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry and harmonious taste. Perfect with appetizers, soups, fish.

My review: On the nose, this wine was light and fruity. After tasting the wine it was floral and was very smooth. The slight aftertaste was very tasteful and the perfect amount of dryness. I would pair this with so grilled white fish. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Toso Moscato

Name-  Toso Moscato
Variety-   Moscato
Region-  n/a
Country- Italy
Year- n/a
Price- $9.95

Winery review: This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal. The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG.
Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes. It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles. Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing.
Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries

My review: Just like any great Moscato this wine was sweet on the nose. There were floral hints and pear flavors. The bubbles were a nice touch that made the wine extremely refreshing. This would pair perfectly with all and every kind of dessert, especially chocolate.


I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab

Name-  El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab
Variety-   Tempranillo/Cab
Region-  Valencia
Country- Spain
Year- 2011
Price- $7.95

Winery review: Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak.

My review:  This beautiful deep crimson colored wine had plum accents on the nose. This wine had some great texture and some hotness. There were zesty aspects and the wine had some great body. A great combination of the two types of grapes collaborate beautifully together. I would enjoy this with smoked salmon. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Omo Ze Bel Merlot

Name- Omo Ze Bel 
Variety-  Merlot
Region-  Scicilia
Country- Italy
Year- 2011
Price- $6.95

Winery review: This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily. It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.  Exceptional value.

My review: This wine had subtle cherry aromas, but strong flavors. Some earthy and textured body throughout created an interesting tasting experience. There were dark berries and strawberry flavors that created a perfect combination in this wine. I would try this with teriyaki grilled chicken.  

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Atlas Cumbres Torrontes

Name- Atlas Cumbres Torrontes
Variety-  Torrontes
Region-  Mendoza
Country- Argentina
Year- 2010
Price- $5.95

Winery review: Yellow colour with greenish nuances. Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches. Fresh in the mouth. Light and easy to drink. Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.

My review: On the nose this wine was very powerful and had rich summer fruits. The wine was light and crisp with flavors of nectarines and pears. There were also some hints of floral and bright earth tones.  I would pair this food with great seafood like shrimp linguine. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name- Avery Quinn Chardonnay
Variety-  Chardonnay
Region-  Napa,CA
Country- USA
Year- 2011
Price- $6.95

Winery review: The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).

My review: On the nose, this wine definitely had a creamy style and calming aromas. Hints of light fruits and fresh cut grass were on the nose and also in the flavor of the wine. This wine was medium-bodied and very refreshing. I think the balance throughout this wine and sweet tang combined to create such a delicious wine that I would eat with roast chicken. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Bellafina Pink Moscato

Name- Bellafina Pink Moscato
Variety-  Moscato
Region-  N/A
Country- Italy
Year- 2008
Price- $9.95

Winery review:  A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.

My review: This light pink color was inviting and on the nose there were floral scents. The wine was very light and full of sweet and tart fruits. This tasted like any other Moscato wine and there wasn't anything too special. I would enjoy this with fresh fruits. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Weinert Carascal

Name- Weinert Carascal
Variety-  40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot
Region-  N/A
Country- Argentina
Year- 2008
Price- $13.95

Winery review:  Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016.

My review: I really enjoyed this rich wine. On the nose, hints of vanilla and oak-like scents were apparent. The flavors were very earthy, yet soft. The mixture and perfect combination of the flavors came together to form a great bodied wine. Berry flavors and dry texture made this wine quite delicious. I agree with the wine review and think that the wine tastes much more expensive than it is. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Santa Julia Malbec Sustainable

Name- Santa Julia Malbec Sustainable 
Variety-  Malbec
Region- N/A
Country- Argentina
Year- 2012
Price- $8.95

Winery review: The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My review: Deep berry smells on the nose paired perfectly with some apple and cherry scents. The taste embodied the same rich flavor and strong tannins. Many plum and raspberry flavors slowly lead to toffee and fig flavors. This wine had great body and I would pair it with a grilled flank steak. 

I tasted this on its own without food. 

Tasting- Gougenheim

Name- Gougenheim
Variety-  Torrontes
Region- Chilectio in La Rioja
Country- Argentina
Year- 2012
Price- $9.95

Winery review: The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now.

My review: This wine had a soft floral nose. It was a welcoming aroma with some orange and citrus scents. I enjoyed this wine and the flavor was surprisingly stronger than the nose. Many sudden burst of flavor came through, especially orange and tart fruits. The sharp flavor subdued and then embodied lasting tastes of dried apples. I would pair this with pork with an apricot sauce. 

I tasted this on its own without food.