Grapes & Capes Episode #1: DC Fandome & Bogaty Family Winery

It's the first episode of the Grapes & Capes Podcast! Mike and Joey taste three wines from Virginia's Bogaty Family Winery. We also discuss our "origin stories" for becoming comic book readers and wine drinkers. Then of course we need to talk about the huge DC Fandome online event!

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Wine #1: "The Founder" White Blend (non-vintage) , wine in Virginia, what is Bordeaux

Comics #1: Our Origin Stories

How we became comic readers and wine drinkers

Wine#2: "The Founder" Red Blend (non-vintage), the history of vitis vinifera and phylloxera

Comics #2: DC Fandome

Wonder Woman 1984, (Bloodshot, Game of Thrones), The Suicide Squad (The Harley Quinn Show, Swamp Thing, Justice League Apocalypse), Flashpoint, (Batman '89), Zack Snyder's Justice League, Black Adam, (wrestling), The Batman

Wine #3: Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series Cabernet Franc 2019, grapes making babies, old wine, Truro Vineyards

Comics #4: What we're reading & misc discussion

The Spectacular Spider-Man, Superman: Blackout, Immortal Hulk, Secret Six, Undiscovered Country, Once & Future, Comically Speaking, comic book shops during the COVID Crisis, Newbury Comics, the return of Milestone

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Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series ~ Chardonnay 2019, Rosé 2019, Merlot 2019

In the four years that I've been reviewing wines by the Justin Bogaty / Bogati Family Winery out of Virginia, I've had some of their Chardonnays but never their Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series Chardonnay. The 2019 vintage is medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and tamed acidity. It's got a tropical classic aroma and flavor profile of pineapple and banana, and then of course vanilla. It's a good solid Chardonnay and I like it, but that Veramar Chardonnay (also made by Bogaty) is still on my mind. The 2019 Rosé continues to be juicy and fun with a melting pot of Jolly Ranchers. Sour apple, watermelon, and strawberry. Full bodied and, yeah, it's a little sweet but everybody needs to calm down with their fear of that word. I said it's fun. Have fun. The 2019 Merlot is just so amazing on the nose. Super spicy with black pepper and cinnamon, then plums and cherries. It's lighter on the midpalate than I was expecting, with also brighter acidity. Perky with tart unripe blueberries and almost like an apple skin thing going on. There's also plums, a nice minerality, and black tea. It's got such a great nose and it's so different and interesting on the palate. I'm thinking it would actually be pretty damn good with a grilled cheese.

Look for three more wines by the Bogaty Famiy Winery in the premier episode of the upcoming Grapes & Capes Podcast!

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Veramar Vineyard ~ Chardonnay 2019 & Cabernet Franc 2019

I have a long standing relationship with the Bogaty Family Wine Group out of Virginia, going back to 2014. I've done so many reviews of their wine that they even have their own label on the blog. As I do a rebrand from blogging as my main focus to a podcast (don't worry, I'll still blog) it makes me happy that I'll blog about 5 of their wines before I premier the podcast with 3 of their wines. These guys are so good. I love their wine, I love their appreciation of the online wine community, and I hope to continue working with them for years to come. Veramar Vineyard is one of Bogaty's labels. The 2019 Chardonnay is literally like drinking the juice on the bottom of the fruit salad bowl. Pear juice, pineapple juice, melon juice. It's so flavorful and... juicy! Barrel fermentation gives it a nice oakiness, too. And its bright and tart acidity gives it a lot of spunk. I loved it! Spunky Chardonnay! Moving on, you all know how much I  love Cabernet Franc and how much I've realized how good it can be in Virginia. This stuff... yo... this is AWESOME. It's medium bodied and it feels like it would have a silky mouthfeel if the tight grainy tannins and ethanol weren't so strong. (This is a nudge-nudge that you can let it sit to open up or age it). There's notes of plums, cranberry, tomato leaf, black pepper, and beach sand and/or ice melt. Wonderful. Just wonderful. Veramar does it again and makes me so damn happy!

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Wine Review: James Charles Riesling 2017

May is Riesling Month on TheWineStalker.net!

Bogati Family Winery is back on the blog, baby! When Riesling Month came together I had to get in contact with my favorite  guys in Virginia to get their James Charles Riesling involved! So here it is, and it's closing out an entire month of Riesling rated reviews!

Bogati Family Winery has four labels: Bogati Bodega, Veramar Vineyards, James Charles, and the winery exclusive Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection. To read the other reviews I've written on all three of their labels, check out their very own Bogati label for the blog (yes, I've reviewed that many of their wines for them to have their own label).

This is a dry style Riesling from Virginia inspired by German Trocken. It was fermented and aged in stainless steel with an 11.2% ABV and 0.28% residual sugar. I really don't know anything else about this wine so I'm just gonna go ahead and drink the shit out of it. Sound good? Let's go!

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Wine Quickie: Veramar Vineyard "Pink Chicken" Rosé 2018

Ahhh, the first signs of Spring! Robins and Rosé! Virginia's Veramar Vineyard is part of the Bogati Family Wine Group and I've reviewed many of their wines. Their "Pink Chicken" Rosé is made of 100% Chambourcin and it sure is delicious and lively! It's a fuller bodied Rosé with a rich mouthfeel and high acidity. There's aromas and flavors of juicy watermelon, lime, grapefruit, and a pinch of sea salt. On the finish it transitions into a lot of strawberry candy bringing a touch of sweetness, and lime bringing mouthwatering tartness. This is a fun Rosé for those who want more expressiveness, juiciness, and body out of their pink wine.

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Wine Quickie: Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series Rosé 2018

The Bogati Family Wine Group is a very good friend of the blog and I've reviewed many of their wines. But today rather than writing a full review, I'm just enjoying the new vintage of their JB Rosé, which is a winery and tasting room exclusive. And holy Jolly Rancher! There’s sour apple, watermelon, and strawberry candy all over this, with a wonderful cracked stone minerality. It’s a fuller bodied rose that’s super juicy and a little sweet with bright acidity and tartness. I am really loving this rosé from Virginia.

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Wine Reviews: Best of Fall 2018!

Yesterday was the first day of Winter, so here's the best wines that I reviewed for this Fall season!

***SPOILER ALERT*** For the second season in a row, Proemio nabs the top spot!

#5. Suhru Shiraz 2013

Region: North Fork, Long Island, New York, USA
Review Release: November 25th, 2018

The wine is a dark garnet in color. There's aromas of raspberry, blackberry, chocolate, spearmint, and white pepper. On the palate it's medium bodied with a lush mouthfeel, finely grained tannin, and a perky acidity. There's flavors of raspberry, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla, and spices. Then it finishes dry and crispy with tart raspberry and chocolate.

This is very much done in the Shiraz style of Australia with some pep and brightness rather than a burly and hearty Syrah, and I'm really enjoying it. It's my favorite by Suhru so far!

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $23

Rating: 4.5/5 = Recommended / Highly Recommended(what does that mean?)

#4. High Valley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Region: High Valley, Lake County, California, USA
Review Release: October 10th, 2018

The color of the wine is a veeeeeery pale yellow. The nose is just an explosion of clementines, followed by pears, honeydew melon, cilantro, and hay. I am in love with this nose. On the palate it's a fuller bodied Sauvignon Blanc with a slick mouthfeel with a bit of a chemical feel to it, moderate acidity, and a dollop of sweetness. There's flavors of pears, melon, orange zest, lemon zest, and spearmint. Then it finishes dry on the tongue but with a coating of fruity goodness over your teeth and the sides of your mouth.

So, it's fantastic. I love it. Perfectly rounded to perform well all on its own and also with a ridiculous amount of dishes from salad, seafood, pasta, grilled veggies, pork, dessert, etc. Is it a surprise that, from a predominantly red wine producer, it's a white wine that I have loved the most?

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $30

Rating: 4.5/5 = Recommended / Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#3. Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Tannat 2017

Region: Virginia, USA
Review Release: November 8th, 2018

The color of the wine is purple. On the nose there's a cloud of flora with rose pedals and violets above aromas of chocolate, raspberries, anise, and cardamom. On the palate it's medium to full bodied with sweet tannins and an acidity that does a great job at brightening the fruit. There's flavors of juicy plum, blue raspberry, cardamom, a chunk of earth, and a piece of 2x4. The finish is incredibly long with plum, PEZ candy, and dirt.

I'm loving the crap out of this. Here I was expecting to have a big-ass astringent Tannat that I would need to let sit forever to open up because it's only a year old, and instead I'm greeted with a delightful juice-bomb that still has a gritty earthiness, is ready to drink now, and just has the personality of being a happy wine. Get what I'm saying?

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $35

Rating: 4.5/5 = Recommended / Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#2. Left Coast Vineyards White Pinot Noir 2017

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
Review Release: October 28th, 2018

The color of the wine is yet again a light copper. On the nose there's aromas of apple, apricot, orange blossom, lemon zest, and little bit of a peppery kick. It's full bodied with a lush and silky mouthfeel, and there's a nice tart acidity but not as powerful as it was in the 2016 vintage. There's aromas of peaches, lemon, oranges, and chives. Then it finishes with lemon, orange pith, and white pepper.

Again, Left Coast KILLS it with their White Pinot Noir. I'm going to even up the score over last year's because they SLASHED that little bit of sweetness and SAWED IN HALF the tart acidity. This is perfectly rounded with everything playing wonderfully together and nothing standing up SCREECHING for attenting. I enjoyed this wine so much that, dare I say, it could make me commit... MURDER??? MWAHAHAHAHA!!!! Have a Happy Halloween! Don't do anything stupid, ya knucklehead.

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $24

Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#1. Proemio Reserve Syrah Garnacha 2015

Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Review Release: September 27th, 2018

The color of the wine is an incredibly vibrant violet purple. On the nose there's aromas of licorice, intense violets, plums, and baked apple crisp with vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate it's light to medium bodied with a juicy mouthfeel, high acidity, and finely grained moderate tannin. There's flavors of plums, strawberries, cooked apple, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Then it finishes with plums, strawberries, cinnamon, and ethanol.

This is a wonderful expression of these two varietals who were meant to be together, and it is a $20 slayer. Through the hoop, nothing but net. Not only is it perfectly balanced to stand on it's own but the versatility for food pairings is through the roof. Pork chops, pizza, tacos, beef stew, grilled vegetables, chocolate cake... and I can't even imagine how great this would be with a good old garlic rubbed ribeye steak. Honestly, this is what you should want when you drop a Jackson on one bottle of wine.

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $20

Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

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Wine Review: Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Tannat 2017

Wine by Virginia's Bogaty Family Wine Group is back on the blog! I've reviewed a bunch of wines by them and I like to think of them as good friends. James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

They've got four labels: Bogati Bodega, Veramar Vineyards, James Charles, and the winery exclusive Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection. To read the other reviews I've written on all three of their labels, check out the Virginia label for the blog. Today I'm reviewing their winery exclusive 2017 Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Merlot and on Thursday it's their 2017 Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Tannat. So yeah, these are only available at the winery.

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Wine Review: Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Merlot 2017

Wine by Virginia's Bogaty Family Wine Group is back on the blog! I've reviewed a bunch of wines by them and I like to think of them as good friends. James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

They've got four labels: Bogati Bodega, Veramar Vineyards, James Charles, and the winery exclusive Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection. To read the other reviews I've written on all three of their labels, check out the Virginia label for the blog. Today I'm reviewing their winery exclusive 2017 Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Merlot and on Thursday it's their 2017 Justin Bogaty Winemaker Selection Tannat. So yeah, these are only available at the winery.

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Wine Review: James Charles Cincinnatus 2017

A wine by Virginia's Bogaty Family Wine Group is back on the blog! I've reviewed a bunch of wines by them and I like to think of them as good friends. Hey, Bogaty! Give Coy a raise! He's great!

James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

They've got three labels: Bogati Bodega, Veramar Vineyards, and James Charles. To read the other reviews I've written on all three of their labels, check out the Virginia label for the blog.

Now how about we sip some dessert wine from Virginia? This is a fortified dessert wine made from the hybrid Seyval Blanc. Unfortunately that's all I really know about it, because as of right now there's issues getting information from their labs. But hey, it really doesn't matter. The final result does!

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Wine Reviews: Best of Spring 2018!

Today is the first day of Summer, so here's the best wines that I reviewed for this Spring season!

#5. Bogati Malbec 2016

Region: Virginia, USA
Review Release: April 26th, 2018

The color of the wine is a deep, dark garnet. And holy moly the nose is gorgeous! There's a calming minerality that lurks above the bold aromas of cherries, prunes, and a bowlful of lollipops. I could smell this all night! It's medium bodied with a slick mouthfeel, bitter tannin, and a tart acidity. In fact, it all gets a bit tart and bitter. There's flavors of tart cherries, raspberries, plum skin, and orange mandarin tea. The finish seems to go on forever with tart cherries and bitter orange. This is just so very different and so very good.

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $28

Rating: 4/5 = Recommended (what does that mean?)

#4. Domaine de Magnaut l'Esprit Passion Tannat 2014

Region: Gascony, France
Review Release: May 25th, 2018

The color of the wine is a deep burgundy with a twist of purple. Licorice and pre-lit, but stomped out, tobacco are the first aromas to hit your nostrils. Then there's blackberries, black olives, and vanilla. On the palate it's full bodied with a high acidity that's balanced off with strong, fine-grained tannin. There's flavors of cherries, plums, black olives, and mocha. The finish of plums and mocha go on for awhile but it's that finely grained tannin that shines. It's there, and it wants your attention, but it doesn't suck the saliva right out of your mouth.

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $21

Rating: 4.5/5 = Recommended / Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#3. Morgan Monterey Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Region: Monterey, California, USA

Review Release: April 8th, 2018

The color of the wine is a very pale yellow. On the nose there's aromas of lemon, passion fruit, and a combination of buttery and floral aromas that brings images of buttercup flowers to my head. I mean, I think I remember as a kid knowing they were called buttercups because they were buttery. Right? Am I right or am I just an old fart making things up? I dunno. Anyways, I immediately thought of buttercups and then pieced together why afterwords. Fight me.

On the palate it's medium bodied with a slight creaminess in mouthfeel from the little time in oak that it saw. There's loud and jumpy flavors of lemons, limes, and yellow pears. A very simple but lively and absolutely delicious midpalate. Then it finishes with lemons, a blade of grass, tart acidity, and a slight dusting of fine minerality.

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $18

Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#2. Domaine de Magnaut Equilibre de Manseng 2014

Region: Gascony, France
Review Release: May 13th, 2018

The color of the wine is a vibrant pale yellow with a slight hint of green. There's aromas of peaches, melon, and honey. It's full bodied with some sweetness and balanced acidity. There's flavors of apricots, peaches, pear, and honey. And it all continues on to an insanely long finish.

Holy shit this is amazing. I freakin' love it. It's so rounded in body and mouthfeel and succulent with its fruit. This is not a crisp quaffer, this is a sip-and-savor. It's recommended as an aperitif to be paired with fois gras, but I'd prefer it for dessert with whatever pie you've got available.

And it'll only cost you TWELVE DOLLARS! Crap, man. This is a steal. I have no choice but to give it a perfect score. Highly recommended!

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $12

Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

#1. Godelia Godello-Doña Blanco Bierzo 2015

Region: Bierzo, Spain
Review Release: April 19th, 2018

On the palate... SUCCULENT LEMON! But I'm getting ahead of myself. It's medium bodied with what I think would be a creamy mouthfeel if it wasn't pushed aside by such an aggressively tart acidity. And... STRAIGHT-UP SUCCULENT LEMON! Goddamn, it's so good! Fun and juicy and alive! And DANGEROUS! I could probably down this whole bottle in five minutes. And here's the thing: it's not some low quality thirst quencher that you can down in five minutes. Those are awesome too. This is a damn good quality thirst quencher that you can down in five minutes.

I love this. I don't want it to end. I want a case of this stuff right now. I want to pour it in a bowl of Fruity Pebbles and eat it until I pass out. PERFECT SCORE! Mark it up!

READ THE FULL REVIEW / WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $17

Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)

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Wine Review: Veramar Vineyard D'ora 2017 Virginia Dessert Wine

Veramar Vineyard is part of the Bogati Wine Family and I've reviewed a bunch of wine by these guys. Just at the end of last month I reviewed their 2016 Malbec and 2017 Vidal Blanc. To learn more about Bogati and see my other reviews, check out the Virginia label for the blog.

I've got to make this review quick so let's get to it! The 2017 D'ora is a 14% ABV dessert wine made from Vidal Blanc; a hybrid grape made from the Vitis vinifera variety Ugni Blanc and another hybrid grape called Rayon d'Or. Harvest was pushed back as far as they could, sugar was increased where needed, and it did not see the development of any noble rot.

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Wine Review: Bogati "Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series" Vidal Blanc 2017

I've been very lucky to have a great relationship with the Bogati Family Wine Group from Virginia for over two years now. They have three labels with Veramar Vineyard, James Charles Winery & Vineyard, and Bogati Bodega & Vineyard. I've reviewed a bunch of their wines and you can read them here by looking under my Virginia labels. Whelp, they're back for more with two more wines starting with their 2017 JB Vidal Blanc and then their 2016 Bogati Malbec. And from what I hear there will be a bunch more on the way soon! I'm really looking forward to it.

James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001 and this wine is from his small batch Justin Bogaty Winemaker Series, which is only available to wine club members.

Vidal Blanc is a hybrid grape made from the Vitis vinifera variety Ugni Blanc and another hybrid grape called Rayon d'Or. It was bred to withstand cold temperatures and still produce high sugar levels and acidity. The very first wine that I reviewed by Bogati was their 2014 Seyval Blanc and that is a hybrid as well, and if you want to learn more about hybrids then I suggest you head on over and read that review because it's a really good one!

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Wine Review: Bogati Malbec 2016

I've been very lucky to have a great relationship with the Bogati Family Wine Group from Virginia for over two years now. They have three labels with Veramar Vineyard, James Charles Winery & Vineyard, and Bogati Bodega & Vineyard. I've reviewed a bunch of their wines and you can read them here by looking under my Virginia labels. Whelp, they're back for more with two more wines starting with their 2017 JB Vidal Blanc and then their 2016 Bogati Malbec. And from what I hear there will be a bunch more on the way soon! I'm really looking forward to it.

James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

Well well well! A Malbec from Virginia! Look at you! As soon as I heard that Bogati was releasing this guy I just had to try it. So here it goes! No time to waste!

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Wine Review: James Charles 2015 Petit Verdot

Last year I reviewed three wines by the Bogady family, and now they're back with two more! I just reviewed Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2015 Viognier the other day and now I'm on to James Charles 2015 Petit Verdot. In February of 2016 I reviewed Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2014 Seyval Blanc, James Charles 2014 Viognier and Veramar Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc.

James Charles Bogady's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards. Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

NOTE: In advance of moving to a new house and the arrival of a new baby, the reviews for March, April and May were all written in February and may be much quicker and to the point than you expect from this blog. Foolishness will return this summer.

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Wine Review: Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2015 Viognier

Last year I reviewed three wines by the Bogady family, and now they're back with two more! Today I'm reviewing Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2015 Viognier and in a few days I'll publish a review of their James Charles 2015 Petit Verdot. In February of 2016 I reviewed Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2014 Seyval Blanc, James Charles 2014 Viognier and Veramar Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc.

Viognier originated in France's Rhone Valley. Even though it's seeing great success in California, it's become the pride and joy of Virginia viticulture and winemaking. Virginia has the longest history of winemaking in the United States of America (Texas and California made wine much earlier but weren't a part of the USA until much later). Wine from the native species' of grapevines had been made there since the early days of English colonization. Many attempted to grow vitis vinifera (the European species for making wine) but the vines just kept dying. Thomas Jefferson (drinker, collector and "America's first wine expert") planted vinifera at Monticello in Charlottesville. He failed. Since it was discovered that the culprit was the phylloxera aphid, Virginia has blossomed into a gorgeous vinifera wine country.

NOTE: In advance of moving to a new house and the arrival of a new baby, the reviews for March, April and May were all written in February and may be much quicker and to the point than you expect from this blog. Foolishness will return this summer.

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Wine Review: Veramar Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Franc

"Decanter Magazine awards the family its seventh consecutive medal for Cabernet Franc, competing against the best wines in the world." That's what the Veramar Vineyard's website (http://www.veramar.com/) has to say about their Cabernet Franc. And, as somebody that reads Decanter far more often than the other wine rating and news sites, I'm impressed. I'm also a big fan of Cabernet Franc so I'm a little giddy. I've been looking forward to this one.

Veramar Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc is the final portion of a three-part Virginia wine series. The other ones are Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2014 Seyval Blanc and James Charles 2014 Viognier. All three of those guys (James Charles, Bogadi and Veramar) are products of the Bogady family. So far their other wines have been amazing. Crap, this entire month has been a home run for wine reviews. Everything has been received a 4 out of 5 or more. I highly doubt that the month will end on a bad note. Right? Right????

James Charles Bogady's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards. Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

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Wine Review: James Charles Winery & Vineyard 2014 Viognier

Is Viognier the best wine with lobster? It's gotta be, right? I say it is. Some say that a buttery Chardonnay is, but you're already having butter with the lobster so why would you go with a buttery Chardonnay? Sounds redundant and stupid. Viognier. Best wine with lobster. Remember that.

It's also the pride and joy of Virginia viticulture and winemaking. From what I've read, it makes not only the best wine in Virginia but possibly the best Viognier in the country. Viognier's hometown, however, is Rhone Valley in France. It's safe to say that it's native to Rhone but there's reason to believe that it was brought there by the ancient Greeks. But whatever. It's killing it in Virginia now. They even share a first letter! It was meant to be!

James Charles 2014 Viognier is the second portion of a three-part Virginia wine series. The other ones are Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2014 Seyval Blanc and Veramar Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Franc. All three of those guys (James Charles, Bogadi and Veramar) are products of the Bogady family. James Charles Bogady bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards. Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001. James Charles Winery & Vineyard was started by Justin in honor of his father.

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Wine Review: Bogadi Bodega & Vineyard 2014 Seyval Blanc

Virginia is for lovers. And for strongholds in uprisings against governments. It's also got the longest history of winemaking in the United States of America (Texas and California made wine much earlier but weren't a part of the USA until much later). Wine from the native species' of grapevines had been made there since the early days of English colonization. Many attempted to grow vitis vinifera (the European species for making wine) but the vines just kept dying. Thomas Jefferson (drinker, collector and "America's first wine expert") planted vinifera at Monticello in Charlottesville. He failed.

The reason was phylloxera, that little bug that I've mentioned half a billion times, before anybody knew it even existed. It's native to the eastern United States and it likes to munch on the foliage of the native grapevines (like vitis labrusca and vitis rupestris), but for whatever reason it can't eat the leaves of vitis vinifera. So instead it attacks the roots and slowly kills the plant. That's why the English colonies couldn't grow vinifera wine while the Spanish were growing it like crazy in places like Mexico, Texas and California.

Before the solution of grafting vinifera trunks onto labrusca roots was discovered in the 1870's, there was a period of hybridization. Artificial selection and modification of our crops and animals is what we humans do best, right? So we took vinifera and various American species and created hybrids. The varieties involved were chosen carefully for what flavors were wanted or what conditions it had to face. After grafting, the creation of hybrids cooled off but they were still made for various reasons. One of those after-grafting hybrids was tonight's subject: Seyval Blanc.

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