WineFan at Otium Cellars

It has been said, “Seek, and you shall find.” Just west of Purcellville, Virginia, we found Otium Cellars, and the wine there is phenomenal. The care and artistry put into producing the wine there result in juices that are among some of the finest in the state.

Otium Cellars is actually part of Goose Creek Farms and Winery. Outside of growing vines, the farm breeds and raises world-class Hanoverian horses. They are known for producing horses suited for jumping and dressage events. They only breed horses with exceptional traits. Once you have tasted Otium’s wines, you will know that they take the same care with their grapes.

The star of the show is the Blaufränkisch, a grape native to Austria. Blaufränkisch means blue Franconian, and with it’s beautiful deep color, it is truly a unique wine to be grown here in Virginia. We had the opportunity to try both the 2009 and 2011 vintages. The different growing seasons produced two truly unique wines. They both exude cherry flavors, however the 2009 provides you with smooth tannins that roll over the palette, while the 2011 gives you more pepper to go along with cherry flavors. Both are a must try.

For you white wine drinkers, the Chardonnay, this WineFan can honestly say: Not only is it one of the best in the state, it ranks up there as one of the best we’ve ever tasted. Yeah, it’s that good! Great wines to go along with a great venue and great people. Thanks Otium Cellars!

Notes from our WineFan app follow. Cheers!

At the Otium Cellars in Purcellville, Virginia on 9/5/2013, tasted six extraordinary wines:

89 Points for the 2010 Pinot Gris
Great fruit flavors. Pear melon and apple. 2/3 stainless aged 1/3 French oak.

91 Points for the 2012 Chardonnay
Butter, vanilla, with a touch of oak. Great with lobster.

88 Points for the 2011 Pinot Gris
Riesling style. 1.5% residual sugar. Apple and citrus notes

92 Points for the Blaufränkish
Blackberry an cherry flavors. Smooth tannins that roll over the palette.

86 Points for the 2011 Blaufrankisch
Cherry and pepper flavors. Great purple color

88 Points for the 2011 Doenfelder
Velvety texture. Great balance. Plum, blackberry, and cherry flavors.

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