The Law of the Land

Talk to anyone for any amount of time about Virginia wine and the name Jim Law inevitably gets mentioned. Founder of Linden Vineyards in Northern Virginia, Jim has been growing grapes and making wine since the early eighties. To put another way, in less than a decade after the Judgment of Paris that gave legitimacy to California wine, Jim decided to make a go of it in Virginia.

Since that time, Jim has developed a veritable coaching tree of Virginia winemakers that includes some of the best, brightest and most talented winemakers in the state - if not the country or the world. Jim Dolphin of Delaplane Cellars, Jeff White of Glen Manor Vineyards! Rutger de Vink of RdV Vineyards among many others got their start under Jim's tutelage before gaining recognitions for their wines in their own right.

Jim has developed a reputation - some would say a curmudgeonly one - for being constantly in pursuit of creating better and better wines. Eschewing the weddings, bachelorette  parties and bus tours that are becoming more and more common in Virginia - and provide wineries with both exposure and revenue - Jim maintains a modest tasting room, limited to small groups and dedicated almost entirely to the tasting experience rather than the total sensory one.

A locally-sourced Bordeaux-style wine in every respect. Will the day come when some wines are considered , "a Virginia-style blend?" Only time will tell.

Once someone tastes Linden's wine, you understand that Jim's single-minded focus pays off - and the knowledge he has passed on to other winemakers can only help the state as a whole.

Recently, we opened up a bottle of Linden's 2009 Claret -  Bordeaux-style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere. Without knowing what the wine was, on smell alone, one could confuse the Claret for a wine from Bordeaux with the earth, spice and dried fruit dominant. The medium-bodied, ruby-hued blend demonstrates that more than being varietal-driven, Virginia's real promise comes in blends. Cinnamon, fig, spicebox and a little tobacco were noticeable and left you wanting to try another sip to see what else might lay in store.

While Jim Law doesn't need additional praise - having fans in both the Washington Post and the UK's Jancis Robinson, you can't help but become an admirer after trying some of his wine and be optimistic on what the future holds for Virginia's wine industry.

This Valentine's Day: Movies and Wine

Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and "Netflix and Chill" is a thing now, Vivino recently posted an article that pairs classic romantic movies with wine. 

If you haven't discovered Vivino, it's a game-changer as far as wine goes. It lets people photograph and "cellar" wines they have tried, offer great deals on rare, unique and compelling wines from around the world as well as a real sense of community and news for online wine lovers. Needless to say, I'm a fan. I am also a fan of many of the items in their "news" section. 

The clock is taking to make tomorrow special, or at least better than your average Tuesday... 

Thanks to Vivino and the two authors, Courtney Schiessl and Joel Caruso for their great recommendations. I hope you don't mind me lifting your suggestions. 

Top 10 Valentine's Day Movies + Wines to Match

People tend to overthink Valentine’s Day. And let’s be honest, there’s not much romance in an overpriced prix fixe menu at a packed restaurant or a frigid February carriage ride around a park. Cuddling up on the couch with your beloved, a bottle of wine, and a romantic film? Now that will get the sparks flying. And for those of you flying solo this year, we’ve got you covered too.

We teamed up with FandangoNOW to develop movie and wine date night pairings so perfect, they’ll melt your heart.

FandangoNOW asked several thousand film fans for their top picks for Valentine’s Day date night movies, and Vivino’s partner sommeliers Courtney Schiessl and Joel Caruso picked the wines to match, with a little “he said, she said” twist. Check out FandangoNOW’s full playlist of romantic classics to rent or buy on-demand, and read on for wine tasting notes.

Now just decide what Valentine’s mood you want to to set— from funny, to seductive, to tearjerking—and use our guide to pick the film and bottle (or two). As for dinner, takeout, of course! We’ve got wine ideas for that, too. You’ll be feeling the love and reciting your favorite lines from these classics in no time.

The Notebook + Moscato d’Asti

Courtney says: A date night viewing of The Notebook? Oh boy, things must be getting serious! This heart-fluttering classic needs a wine that’s also close to being sickeningly sweet, but ends up holding its own. Sweet but fresh Moscato d’Asti from northern Italy is just the thing, and while your date might not admit that he likes the wine OR the movie, I’ll bet you can catch him shedding a tear during the final scene.

Joel says: Do we have to? At least the wine is delicious. I only hope I go into a sugar coma before you catch me crying when they hold hands.

Pretty Woman + Malbec

Joel says: We all like dipping our toes in the fancy end of the pool. No movie speaks more to this desire for some of us than Pretty Woman. Is it Julia Robert’s incorrigible forthrightness, Richard Gere’s charm? It’s everything. This is a pairing that needs some sass; Malbec is sass in a glass. It doesn't care if it was invited to the party or not, it knows it will be the one everyone is talking about.

Courtney says: Sass in a glass? You know me so well. And after a few glasses, I may be ready to challenge Julia for that Rodeo Drive shopping spree.

Dirty Dancing + Tempranillo

Courtney says: Dirty Dancing was the first romance movie I ever saw. For me and most others, it will forever be a classic. Despite the fun going on behind closed doors, that staff definitely needed booze to get through family summer camp. Something lush, seductive, and sexy like Tempranillo from Rioja encapsulates all of that electricity between Johnny and Baby onstage (and at every other point, for that matter). Plus, by the end of the bottle, you and your date will think you’re really good dancers. Just don’t try the lift—safety first, of course.

Joel says: Ok, why not, for the 100th time. What if I tempted you with Crazy Stupid Love? Ryan Reynolds reenacting THE water scene with Emma Stone?!

Crazy Stupid Love + Gamay

Joel says: How do you match the quirky sexy chemistry of a movie so cocksure and aggravatingly self-aware? Keep it casual, fun, and the possibility of a future open. Gamay suits the bill perfectly. While easy enough for a one night stand, this grape shows it is capable of commitment, too. Beaujolais is the obvious choice, but more California producers are jumping on the wagon. We’re sure to see a rise in the popularity and staying power of this grape over the next handful of years. It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?

Courtney says: Swoons! If you were wondering about the way to a girl's heart, this is it. More of all of this always.

Titanic + Cabernet Sauvignon

Courtney says: No matter what James Cameron says, Jack and Rose definitely could have shared that door-raft. To get through this epic (and epically long) movie, reach for a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and channel warm thoughts to poor, freezing Jack. Who knows—enough wine might have kept the icicles away long enough for the rescue ship to arrive. Oh, farfetched hope that the ending will magically change, I’ll never let you go!

Joel says: Heavy. Heavy Heavy. Maybe if James Cameron wasn't so busy trying to fill his plot holes, I could get around this ending. That door was big enough for sure. Pour me a glass, Boo, I'm getting frustrated.

The Princess Bride + Merlot

Joel says: Something as classic as The Princess Bride calls for nothing less than a respectable noble variety like Merlot. A timeless film, light and heavy-hearted, this movie is brilliant, but it took most of the world years to accept it. Merlot has fought its fair share of popularity battles, but like a true classic, it isn't going anywhere and just keeps getting better. The movie strikes an impeccable balance between serious and fun, any good Merlot will do the same. “Farm-boy, fetch me that pitcher (of Merlot).”

Courtney says: I see your reasoning, but this choice might be a little dangerous, what with all of the spill-inducing outbursts of laughter. I hope you don't mind some Merlot on your couch as much as you'll mind me reciting the entire movie from memory.

Love Actually + Pinot Noir

Courtney says: Many have tried to replicate the perfection of Love Actually, but to this day, it remains the one and only truly great use of the iconic interwoven storylines model. The same goes for Pinot Noir; many try to imitate the one and only Burgundian Pinot Noir, but they never quite equals the original (to me, you are perfect). That doesn't mean that Pinot Noir from other areas isn't worth trying, of course; find a bottle that flows as seamlessly as these storylines do because who knows—the next great love story may be just around the corner.

Joel says: The storyline about the little drummer boy and his girlfriend gets me every time. Like a good Beaune, makes me want to cry happy tears.

Deadpool + Cabernet Franc

Joel says: Deadpool for date night? Did I win the lottery? What could you possibly pair with sarcastic wit and morbid hilariousness? Cabernet Franc comes to mind, with its underdog mindset and dominant presence. Made in all different styles all over the world, it's as unpredictable as Ryan Reynolds in that weird red zentai suit. We know it's red, we know it's a bit more lighthearted than its Cabernet Sauvignon counterpart, we know it's always entertaining, everything else is up in the air. At least we know we aren't going to have a bad time.

Courtney says: You picked one of my favorite wines to go along with one of my favorite guys, Ryan Reynolds. I'm definitely making it through this movie.

Silver Linings Playbook + Albariño

Courtney says: How can you not love the pairing of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook? The movie is quirky and strange, but so fun and lovable at the same time—plus, dance scene! Albariño, an odd Spanish grape that’s found a corner of the white wine spotlight with its fresh and fun-loving nature, is a perfect fit. And while the family at the center of the plot favor beer over wine, they definitely would approve of Albariño's affordable price tag. Depending on how well you know your date, you may want to avoid the Cooper-inspired trash bag and sweatshirt outfit, though.

Joel says: Ok you got me. B-Coops and J-law? Not sure I could say no to either. Bring on the Spanish wine; this is going to be a good night!

50 Shades of Grey + Montepulciano

Joel says: Did date night just get really hot again? A wine pairing for a movie like this needs to be quite flexible and...accepting. For me, this screams Montepulciano. Much like Grey, these wines can be powerful, dominate, and a little intimidating at times, but the soft, approachable nature of the grape always shines through, alluring even the most innocent wine drinkers. Like Ana, they can seem meek at first, but the sensual depth and capacity might surprise you. With the capability of voluptuous, ripe fruit, dirty, sexy earth, and tantalizing floral elements, these wines will take you to places you never knew you liked.

Courtney says: This pairing is perfect because both Montepulciano and 50 Shades are things you may pretend not to like... but secretly can’t resist. I won't tell!

Courtney Schiessl is a Brooklyn-based sommelier, wine writer, and consultant. She is a full-time Sommelier at Marta in Manhattan and has spent time working the wine harvests in both Portugal and Bordeaux. Courtney will be spending Valentine's Day with Ryan Gosling (in her dreams) and a whole lot of delicious Champagne (in reality) but will consider better offers.

Joel Caruso is Beverage Director at Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa, California. Joel has expertise and an appreciation for all things wine, beer, spirits, and hospitality. He is WSET level 3 certified and was named Orange County’s Best Bartender in 2015 by OC Weekly. Joel will be participating in Single’s Awareness Day by mixing wine cocktails for Orange County’s finest and hosting readings of his 50 Shades of Grey Montepulciano pairing.