Local Wines at Olde Mill

Many of you may know that we are nestled among many great local wineries (both in VA and NC),  It has had a huge impact on our wine selection here at Olde Mill.  We are able to have close relationships with these talented neighbors, which allows us to have a better understanding of the quality put into these local gems.  For those of you who are not familiar with these, we would like to take the opportunity to introduce them to you now. We have provided the links to visit these select group of local wineries. 

www.villaappalaccia.com , www.chateaumorrisette.com, www.foggyridgecider.com , www.oldnorthstatewinery.com

We would recomend setting aside some time on your next trip to Olde Mill to visit these outstanding local wineries.

Chef Ed

     One of our most exciting projects of 2010 is the nature trails and parks.  This is going to enhance the amenities of Olde Mill Resort as well as add to the overall mountain experience when here on the Blue Ridge.  Bo and I are lucky enough to be involved in the initial stages of development.  That basically means we get to hack our way through thick brush and briers to find all those hidden spots of beauty and solitude along our riverbanks. 

      It is perfect weather for any outdoor activity, and the water already is tempting for a icy cool dip.  Alright, it may be too early for a swim but it wasn’t too early to experience the wonders of mother nature.  We have some beautiful views of gentle rapids, rock formations and wildlife.  The wild turkeys were out today and there were plenty of deer frolicking through the woods.  We also admired the work of some very busy beavers on the fallen trees near the riverbanks.  We were accompanied, or supervised if you will, by Abagail and Mocha (my two Labradors).  They spent many an hour retrieving sticks in the river and enjoying all the scents of wildlife.  It really is doggie heaven up here.  

      We have a lot of work ahead, and our grounds crew is going to be creating even more things to improve our beautiful getaway in the mountains.  They are in the process of clearing underbrush near our riverbanks for family picnics and fishing access.  We also plan to have one heck of a course for tubing!  There will be bridges for crossing the river safely and play grounds for the kids.  Of course this is just the beginning of what’s to come.  We are all working hard to make Olde Mill a mountain paradise.

      Stay tuned for further updates on all the exciting things happening at Olde Mill Resort.

 Chef Ed

Hello again everyone from the snow covered Blueridge Mountains in God’s country.  I have been taking some time to seek out some delicious winter juice for you to enjoy these last few months of winter.  I have had a pretty wide sampling of reds but there were two that really stood out to me and I would like to share my impressions with you here today. 
 
Davis Family 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
A big juicy elegant wine with great weight.  you will pick up lots of dried fruit flavors like currant and cherry.  There is also an underlying cafe mocha spice going on that really makes this a complex delicious treat.  You can find this on wine lists at 90 to 100 dollars and in wine shops from 50 to 65 dollars.  Well worth the asking price.  Share it with some friends or loved ones whenever you can.
 
Ramey Claret 2005, Napa Valley
This is a Bordeaux style blend that includes  54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 7% Syrah.  It is a fresh medium bodied food wine.  You can drink it with most anything in my opinion if you are a red wine junkie like me.  It has some oak and cedar notes with dried pit fruitiness.  A great value at 30 to 40 dollars wholesale and around 65 dollars at your favorite restaurant.  Parker scored it an 88 and I give it a bit more at 90 points.
 
If you are able to try one or both of these, feel free to let me know what you think of them.  I personally have reordered them this week and look forward to a few more glasses with some friends on my birthday.  Have a great week and remember that life is too short to drink bad wine!
 
Chef Ed

Hello again my friends!
 
Today I wanted to take the time to talk about one of my favorite grape varietals, Zinfandel.  It is a great all around wine that can be paired with anything from roasted chicken to baby back ribs.  It also has a wonderful affinity for chocolate desserts!  Zinfandel’s usually have a rich fruitiness like that of blackberries.  They also have a luscious mouth feel and tend to finish with a spicy or even peppery flavor with some tannins.  Of course each label will have its own style but these characteristics seem to be consistent with this varietal.  California has really dominated this market even though it is a European grape.  And as far as California wines go, it is very affordable.  There are dozens of great wines under 30 bucks that drink like a much more expensive wine.  Here are a few you may want to check out.  Let me know what you think and be sure to try it with different types of food to see where it best suits your palate.
 
 
Rosenblum , Appelation Series 2007 , Paso Robles
Four Vines , The Sophisticate 2007 , Paso Robles
Ridge, Dry Creek Valley 2007 , Sonoma
Seghesio, Sonoma County Zinfandel 2004,  Sonoma
Layer Cake, Primitivo 2007 , Barossa Australia
Dashe, Dry Creek 2007 , Sonoma
 
Remember to celebrate each day because no one is promised tomorrow and what better way to do so than with a great wine, delicious food and great friends!
 
Chef Ed