No. 4

My next pick for you to enjoy is a regional one. I lived in Roanoke, Virginia, in my early 20's. My mentor at the financial services firm that I worked for had a client who was at that time starting to plant grapes. Who knew that the resulting wine would become a rather acclaimed pick.

Valhalla Vineyards started as a hobby and has grown into a burgeoning brand. With fifteen wines now in the portfolio, one is surely to find something to please the palate; while either visiting or perhaps ordering online.

Their Syrah is the featured wine for this writing, and I want to point out a few key points about it. If you are a fan of "big" wines and "Peppery" Syrahs, then this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The owners describe the wine as one that will accompany any meal. Personally, my choice would be either lamb or steak. The dark red and ripe fruit give way to the note of white pepper; not as common in a Syrah, but definitely noticeable in this wine. It is meaty and displays spice notes, and is very round, focused and full in the mouth.

Valhalla was originally a winery that tastings only were the norm, but they now offer many estate events to enjoy. So the next time you are traveling down or up the Blue Ridge Parkway, take time to stop by Valhalla Vineyards, meet the kind doctor, and enjoy some of his fabulous nectar.