Just Brane

While I am talking about them. If you speak French check out Just Brane the Brane Cantenac blog.

Blackjack Vertical

I've managed to acquire bottles of 1961 and 1982 Brane Cantenac. I already have a 2003 bottle, so I am planning a Blackjack Vertical (you know, because the vintages are 21 years apart :)) in the very near future.



The average age of the vines in the Brane Cantenac vineyard is 35 years, its strange to think that the vine that helped produce the 1982 vintage may also have contributed to the 2003 vintage.

Wine Versus Beer

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras?

Breaux Vineyards and Vintage 50 are teaming up for a wine versus beer dinner (link is a PDF). Its a 5 course meal with each course paired with a Breaux wine and a Vintage 50 beer. There are only 10 slots left for the dinner, so if you are interested, give them a call. Dinner is $79.99

If you just want to stick with wine, Fabbioli is pairing up with American Flatbed in Ashburn for a wine dinner. 4 courses with 4 great wines from Fabbioli for $50.

Martha Stewart and Breaux Vineyards

As a general rule I don't link to Martha Stewart, but I feel compelled to point out the following in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living:


Breaux Vineyards' Lafayette (2005, $19) is a nicely balanced Cabernet Franc made from grapes grown in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Northern Virginia. It has appetizing tannins, moderate oak, and flashes of red currant and black pepper.


This is from an article about hosting a wine-tasting party. Some well-deserved recognition for a great wine.

Valentine's Day Fun

Looking for something to do on Valentine's Day today?

• Breaux is doing their Chocolate and Cabernet tasting both Saturday and Sunday, tickets are $20.


• Barrel Oak will be rocking the winery with their Chocolate Lab and Sparkling Spanish wines served with homemade chocolate and live music. Entrance to the loft is $45.


• Philip Carter Winery will be pairing their wines with chocolate from Chocolaterie Wanders and they'll have roses for sale -- a Valentine's trifecta!