The last time I had off from work, I really wanted to spend my 4 day weekend in wine country.  Visiting vineyards, popping in to tasting rooms, meeting with tasting room personalities and catching up with some new friends.

Between visits, I stuck my head into Roanoke Vineyards on a Saturday during their “Wine till 9” days.  They only do it on Saturday and when the summer comes the fire pit in the side yard will be blaring.

I made it a point too because Roanoke has just released there Blend 2 and Blend One.  They are currently featuring a blended tasting menu, focusing on their mighty fine blended wine.  The wine I am tasting today is Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Blend 2 ($34).  Blend 2 is a blend of 31% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is unfiltered and unfined.  It spent 16 months in French oak.

This time I decided to try something different, instead of tasting at home, I decided to taste at the source.

Henry, one of the Four Poursmen,  was running the tasting bar that day and he did a mighty fine job explaining the wine and wines to the guests and to me as well.  Henry did explain to me that this wine was open for the better part of the day, so it had ample time to decant and get comfortable.

On the nose,I was picking up cherry, raspberry and juicy blackberry.  It was almost like a mixed berry baked pie with subtle baking spice and fruit woven together.

The taste was where it came alive; Loads of exotic spice layered with fruit and black pepper.  There was some dried herbal elements.  There was some nice acidity along with soft subtle tannins.

The finish was quite long with a hint of some fresh coffee and coca.

I really enjoyed this wine and it made me want to try another glass just to be sure I did not miss anything.

If you are out east and you are into blended wine, make sure you check this out.  I have enjoyed blended wine’s lately, and this is on the top of my list.