This week I will share four more wines that are either newly available, new vintages, or new to me (trying for the first time). I am hoping that the Pandemic and cold weather are on their way out, so that I can occasionally get back to some wineries in the central and northern parts of New Jersey. In the meantime, I will continue to occasionally explore breweries and distilleries (especially in South Jersey). While my main interest and passion on these pages continues to be New Jersey wines, I may from time to time share some discoveries from other neighboring states, as I have in the past. After all there, are no walls between the states and they, too, have riches to explore.
Before we get into these four wonderful wines, I wanted to share that my blog, New Jersey Uncorked, is now #50 in the Top 90 blogs about New Jersey, according to blog.feedspot.com. Just Google Top 90 NJ blogs. These blogs are about anything and everything New Jersey (from sports to cooking to childcare and health care and law to food and wine). Incidentally, #1 is New Jersey Magazine, so there are a lot of other great sites to check out in this space.
Now let’s get back to the stars of this blog-the NJ wines-where the Garden State is rapidly becoming famous for its wines, as well as its tomatoes, corn, and peaches…
Hawk Haven Vineyards
Hawk Haven is located in Rio Grande. I have had a previous vintage of Syrah, but the 2018 Signature Series Syrah is even better. In fact, I would say it is one of my two favorite Syrahs produced in the state (Unionville’s Syrah, being the other). Hawk Haven’s version is a deep garnet color (not that you can see that in the picture below). This is a delicious Syrah, with black raspberry, a subtle note of vanilla, and a smooth finish. The Syrah needed significant aeration before ready to drink, but the time and effort were more than worth it. It was wonderful with my wife’s tortellini and sausage soup.
Autumn Lake Winery
Autumn Lake Winery is located in Williamstown. Mark Hernandez, owner and winemaker, has made his first Coeur d’Est (Heart of the East). A Coeur d’Est is a unique blend of red grapes. They must be grown in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. The grapes may consist of a combination of two to six of these varietals: Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This one consists of Chambourcin (25%); Cabernet Franc (25%); Merlot (25%); Cabernet Sauvignon (25%); and Petit Verdot (5%). It is fruit forward with cherry notes and a very smooth finish. I have enjoyed many Coeur d’Est wines from many different wineries. The only one in recent memory that I may have liked as much was from Bellview Winery.
Cape May Winery
Cape May Winery is located in the lovely historic town of Cape May. Their Petite Sirah may have been produced in previous years, but I don’t believe I have had the good fortune of enjoying a bottle before now. The 2019 Petite Sirah is a deep purple in hue, with a medium + body, high in tannins, and medium acidity. I noted dark fruit and a hint of dark chocolate on the palate. My wife and I enjoyed it before, during, and after our meal of beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It was perfect with the somewhat fatty cut of beef. I’m certain this wine would cellar very well for several years. It is apparently unavailable right now, but I will search for the next vintage (if one is offered).
White Horse Winery
White Horse Winery is located in Hammonton, a veritable hotspot for wineries (and increasingly breweries and distilleries). I have had one or two of White Horse’s Roses before. They presently offer three Rose wines: a 2020 Painted Rose, Custom Series Sweet Rose, and their Estate Reserve Rose (pictured below). This Rose is a blend of Merlot and Syrah. It is a dry, salmon colored, medium-bodied wine, possessing good acidity, and a smooth mouthfeel. This is a terrific Rose!
Cheers!
The only place you can obtain a copy of my ebook, New Jersey Uncorked, is at the Apple iBook app. Use the coupon code, Winter21 and get $4 off! I always carry a few signed copies of the paperback version in my car, so if you run into me at a winery (or elsewhere) ask me about it.
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