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| The Wine Harvest sells a variety of wines |
The Potomac location is tucked away in a strip mall adjacent to Harris Teeter on Potomac Parkway (Exit 4 off 270). ts I walked in the door I realized how spacious the terior was. Near the cash register is a bar with long counter to enjoy the store's wines and menu items; tables for four patrons were strategically placed in the room. Most of the seats at the bar were occupied on the Tuesday evening we visited.
Once we settled in at our table we were given menus to peruse. We asked if we would like to participate in the evening's wine tasting event featuring Arrowood Winery. We said yes and were glad that we did because a few minutes later we met Arrowood's winemaker, Heidi von der Mehden. Arrowood is located in Glen Ellen, California. The grapes used in its win(yes primarily from the nine acres of land it resides; other gapes are sourced from the SaraLee Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Arrowood produces about 18,000 cases of its biggest sellers, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, per year.
We chatted with Heidi briefly about the growing presence of women winemakers and sommeliers. Heidi suggested that we taste several of the Arrowood Wines featured.
We tried:
- Arrowood Cote de Lune Blanc 2008 (41% Marsanne, 40% Rosanne, 19% Viognier) - My colleague and I liked this wine. The wine was served well chilled. I think this wine could be served a little warmer to allow the blend of grapes to be more nuanced. I would serve this wine with sweet or savory appetizers and dishes that require a dry, but smoother wine (e.g. lobster, cream based dishes).
- Arrowood SaraLee's Vineyard Viognier 2011 - I liked this wine more than colleague did. This young wine has a crisp, green taste. I think this wine could be served with an antipasto platter or perhaps a spicy foods or sipped on its own. To me it was reminiscent of a verdejo.
- Sonoma County Chardonnay 2011- My colleague and I liked the chardonnay. This crisp, but subtle wine could be poured for sipping or served with dishes such as seafood salad, quiche Lorraine, tarragon roasted chicken with asparagus.
- Arrowood Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - I liked this wine more than my colleague. She felt the wine was as too tannic and dry for her taste. I liked the richness of this wine and thought the tannic presence made the wine more complex. I think this wine could be served with heartier dishes year round or a spicy dark chocolate.
- Arrowood SaraLee's Vineyard Syrah 2005 (96% shiraz, 4% Viognier) -my colleague tried this wine. She liked the smooth taste and minimal tannin presence. I did not try this wine. Based on my colleague's comments, I would guess that this wine could be paired with dishes such as chicken provençal, eggplant parmigianno, and butternut squash ravioli finished with just a touch of olive oil.
Only one of one of the wines featured that evening retails under $20 - the Arrowood SaraLee's Late Harvest White Riesling 2008, which we did not try. The retail price range for the wines we tasted was $23.99 to $40.99.The Wine Harvest has several options on its menu including soups, salads, and cheese plates. We tried the Wine Harvest plate. It featured pecans, kiwi, a good sized portion of sliced bread, as well Manchego, cottswold and gorgonzola cheeses.
Service was efficient, attentive and polite. Customers are encouraged to ask questions and linger. Staff was available to assist customers, but the vibe was low key. We wrapped our report review discussion, My colleague purchased a bottle of the Arrowood Sonoma County Chardonnay.
The Wine Harvest is a nice alternative to County Liquor stores and package stores.
Driving is recommended as the closest metro stop is not within walking distance. Free parking near the shop is limited to one hour and subject to towing. Paid parking is available in the strip mall's underground parking lot.
Be well,
Technicolor girl
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