May 2, 2014 - Stone Pillar Vineyard

May 2, 2014 - As luck would have it, the same day I was planning to take a half day was also the nicest day of the week.  Friday brought hope that spring was indeed here and the sun shone brightly as we headed to Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery.  At last year's Winesong at Riverfest event, we had sampled a few of Stone Pillar's wines and were even more intrigued when we realized they were in Olathe, just a 30 minute drive from home.

Once we stopped at the Woodland Road intersection, we saw the Stone Pillar Vineyard sign on their lot corner.

 

Rows of vines were just beginning to bud as we drove up the gravel drive. 

 

The entrance to the tasting room was guarded by Norman. 

Norman followed us inside and was kind enough to lead us to the sampling area by jumping up onto the bar.  Kristen, the winery's wholesale manager introduced herself and told us about the new tasting procedure.  The wines were divided into $8 flights of four wines a piece: Off the Wagon (semi-dry whites), Home Sweet Home (sweet and dessert whites),  Prairie Sunset (sweet reds), and Red Barn Party (dry reds).  There was an additional flight called the Vintner's Choice that was $12.  Each sample would consist of a 2 ounce serving. Kristen also explained that they do offer free smaller samples.  Visitors can choose four wines from a limited assortment of their less expensive varieties.

 

We looked over the choices and reflected upon what we normally enjoy.  Ultimately, we opted to pick a flight of the sweet whites and the dry reds.  For us, sweet whites go well with seasoned poultry or can serve as an apertif while the dry reds complement steak and grilled vegetables.  Taking a cue from Winesong, we asked Kristen if we could share each other's flight.  She willingly obliged and began to pour out the Sweet Riesling.  It was slightly effervescent, but pleasantly so.  It had a smooth, softly sweet flavor with mild apple and pear notes.

Next we had a sample of the Melody.  It had mild/subtle floral aromas and a calming honey smooth taste with a crisp metallic finish.  It was sweeter than the Sweet Riesling, but we thought the Melody might pair well with spicy or Asian dishes.

Kristen then poured out the Vignoles.  It had deep, rich amber color unlike any other Vignoles we had previously seen.  It tasted of peaches and honeysuckle with a watery finish.  The Vignoles was much sweeter than the Melody and reminded me of a Moscato.

Lastly, we sampled the Late Harvest Vignoles from its narrow bottle.  Kristen explained it was harvested as late as possible to allow it to gain more sugars and sweetness.  She also informed us that the Late Harvest Vignoles was 2-3 times sweeter than the regular Vignoles and best enjoyed as a dessert wine.  As we tasted it, the flavors and sweetness were honey-like and provided a mouthful of super sweetness.

Kristen then cleared the glasses and reached for the bottles of the Red Barn Party flight.  She chatted amiably with us about how the Hoff property grows about 6 acres of grapes, but in addition receives about 8 acres of grapes from a farmer in Atchison, KS.  The owners also proudly displayed copies of the original deed for the property from when the family first came to Kansas in 1865.  

Kristen also mentioned that the vineyard was going to restart hosting live music with catered dinners on Fridays, beginning that night.  We declined and indicated that we were going to go out for dinner closer to home.  It would be fun, but we didn't want to be out too late for our babysitters or try to make a drive back on unfamiliar roads.

The Red Barn Party flight began with the Joceaux (pronounced Joe-ko).  It was smoothly smokey on the pallet with vanilla and semi-sweet berry flavors.  Next we sampled the Chambourcin.  It had a grassy aroma and tasted of Merlot-like berries with soft tannins.  The Chambourcin was slightly less sweet than the Joceaux.

Kristen rinsed out our glasses with water and then poured in the Baurenhof Red.  It had a dark, plum color to it and was a blend of Cabernet, Chambourcin, and St. Vincent grapes.  It was smokey on the tongue with a slightly leathery texture that finished with stronger, but not unpleasant tannins.  It was drier and had a tart, bing cherry sweetness.

Lastly we sampled the Prairie Fire.  Kristen explained it was their Syrah-like wine.  It had a flavorful, tobacco smokiness to it.  It was a also a blend, but this time had was a combination of Chambourcin, St. Vincent, and Merlot.  Taking another sip, we noted its  smooth black cherry flavors and its peppery, spicy finish.  Kristen said that she liked to pair the wine with buttered popcorn.  I didn't understand it at the time of the sampling, but in some ways, it might be similar to how some people enjoy eating overcooked microwave popcorn.  Perhaps the smokey, buttery, spicy flavor would be an interesting flavor combination to try.

After finishing the flights, my wife and I pondered which were our favorites.  She picked the Melody, because it seemed to be a less sweet version of Les Bourgeois's River Boat White.  I picked the Prairie Fire to pair in the future with KC strip steaks and asparagus, one of our favorite special meals.  Feeling the effects of the wine, we went outside to the porch chairs and enjoyed the summer weather.

Not surprisingly, after sampling the wine, my wife and I needed to use the restroom before heading home.  Who knew it would turn into an adventure!  Porta Potties were conveniently located on the side of the building in preparation for the evening live music and catering event.  While waiting for my wife, I heard her cry out "Ern, Can you come over here?  There's a wasp in my pants!!"  She opened the door of the Porta Potty a crack and handed me her pants.  I valiantly shook the wasp out and stomped on it, thoroughly grinding it into the ground.  I handed her back the pants and she asked if anyone saw it.  I told her "no," but that I could include the story in my wine blog post.