I was eager to revisit Autumn Lake Winery. My wife and I wanted to hear Nicki Sbaffoni, enjoy a barbecue dinner and try a couple of the new wines we’ve been wanting to taste. We lucked out with the weather. The recent dog days of high temperatures and humidity took a vacation and the thunderstorms never materialized. We brought our chairs and positioned them in the shade of the receding sunlight. Autumn Lake had three available areas for seating: the patio, adjacent to the barrel room; the overlook area (overlooking the lake from above; and the stage area (near the music). We chose the stage area. As a closet guitarist myself, I like to be close enough to appreciate the guitar work.
The Music
Sbaffoni specializes in “Eighties Music.” As she tells her audiences, I’ll just keep playing the music of the eighties unless you give me your requests. She has a fairly extensive repertoire (and not just from the eighties). Among the covers that were highlights for me: Tears for Fears, Crowded House, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, and Joni Mitchell (at my request). One of the more recent tunes was an Ed Sheeran song (Castle on the Hill). I was impressed with the sound coming from a single small Bose speaker on a tripod. We enjoyed the music and agreed that this was the mood enhancing combination of wine and song we needed.
The Food
We visited JR’s BBQ Food Truck and were glad we did. My wife and I both chose the sausage sandwiches with sautéed onions and we split a large order of fries. Though the menu was small, the food was good and the prices were reasonable ($6 for the sandwich and $4 for the fries). Next time, I’ll try the pulled pork sandwich, though I really enjoyed the sausage.
The Wine
- My wife and I wanted a good sipping wine to enjoy before we ate our dinner. The 2019 Albarino more than filled the bill. It is dry, yet very fruity and refreshing.
- Anticipating the barbecue fare, I requested that the Barrel Reserve Chambourcin Free Run 2017 also be opened. This terrific wine is aged in oak for two years and bottle aged for one year. Free Run refers to the first wine to leave the press. The result is a full-bodied red with a bolder taste of fruit and distinctive notes of cherry and vanilla.
- To take home, I chose a bottle of their 2019 Chardonnay, always a good buy-dry with great acidity. Very food-friendly.
- Finally, I added a bottle of their new red wine they call NV Cagey (a delicious red blend of Cab Franc and Chambourcin). We put that to good use on Saturday night, pairing it with grilled coulotte (top sirloin) steaks. A great match! Velvety smooth.
The artwork for the bottle of Cagey features a fox. Mark Hernandez (owner and winemaker) told us that the artwork was done by Roger Hall. He has done other work for Mark, including the beautiful label on their bottle of Tortuga. They have the same business arrangement for each one he does (a case of the wine in payment for the artwork). They are both happy with this arrangement and the results of both creations are beautiful.
The Tour
Mark was kind enough to offer a tour of the finished tasting room. It is gorgeous and ready to go as soon as the Governor says indoor tastings are allowed. The photos below give you an idea of what is in store for patrons, with a fireplace, beautiful wood floors and extensive views of the lake from the large windows facing the lake. There is a small balcony area alongside the tasting room (which also overlooks the lake). The balcony features another fireplace to provide warmth on cooler nights. There are also multiple levels of terraces outdoors which will afford additional seating.
We even got to see the basement where the oak barrels are stored. Here there was another item to look forward to-Blaufrankisch (in a Bourbon barrel). I am stoked to try that one when ready!
I want to thank Mark Hernandez (bottom right above) for his time and expertise in sharing his plans for the future, as well as shedding much light on the wines we enjoyed while there.
Cheers!
Don’t forget if you want more info about the wineries around the state you can download the ebook at Apple’s iBook app (good on iOS devices). Get it now for $9.99 with the Coupon code Summer20.
Coming Attractions
- Sky Acres-An update with tastings from home
- NJ Uncorked & Unplugged III
- Outdoor Dining in South Jersey
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