When I got up Thursday morning, I had two things on my mind: having a light lunch with a couple flights of wine and a visit at the Lobster House Seafood Market. So, I guess you can see that food and wine are often on my mind. Though my wife and I have had wine and tapas at Cape May Winery a few times last year (and enjoyed one of their wonderful Grill Nights), I haven’t done a tasting or flights for some time. We usually pick our favorite red and our favorite white from their offerings. On Thursday, I was determined to taste as many of their dry wines available, as possible, while sharing a nice charcuterie board.
Cape May Winery
Cape May Winery is located closer to the bayside than the ocean, on Town Bank Road. They have so many “mini-venues”within their property. There is a large formal tasting room, with a fireplace, plush sofas, and tables and chairs tastefully and comfortably spaced. The other primary indoor option is a somewhat smaller, less formal room where they offer tastings and flights from the barrel or the bottle. In addition, it also has a double-sided fireplace (visible in this room and the adjoining enclosed patio). The winery also has a barrel room where they do Port tastings and special paired dinners. In nice weather, there is also a large deck on this huge main building, where tastings and flights can be done. They also have another building where they do fermentations in clay pots and offer guided tastings. Finally, there is the great outdoor venue, with a large fountain in the center and numerous colorful umbrellas and numerous patio tables and chairs. In good weather, this is where the Grill Nights are held in the summer. There is also a stage just before you reach the vineyards (though the patio is also used as a stage for their featured acoustic musical guests). I love all of the options.
The Food
Our Mixed cheese & Charcuterie Board consisted of Serrano ham, Manchego and sheep’s milk Gouda, served with lavender truffle honey, apples, pipits, Marcona almonds, caper berries, cornichons, assorted olives, and sliced bread. It was delicious and enough to stave off our hunger, while offering pairing options with our flights.
The Wine Flights
White Wine Flight
- 2022 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay-A nice, gently oaked Chard
- 2022 CM Albarino-A very good version with floral notes on the nose and tropical fruit on the palate. Our favorite white in the tasting.
- Lighthouse White-Slightly sweet, it is a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Vidal Blanc.
Red Wine Flight
- 2020 CM Red-Our favorite red in the tasting; full-bodied blend of four grapes:Syrah, Chambourcin, Petite Sirah, Cab and Cab Franc. Just a terrific red!
- 2020 CM Merlot-Notes of cherry, with smooth tannins.
- 2020 CM Cab Franc-An excellent Cab Franc-medium body with dried red fruit and a smooth finish.
Mixed Wine Flight
- 2022 CM Rose-Bone dry, but complex, with strawberry notes. It is 100% Cab Franc driven.
- 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay-Apple notes on the nose and citrus on the palate.
- 2020 CM Syrah-a deep rich color, with notes of blueberries and chocolate.
Our Take Aways
Our three takeaways are pictured below. From left to right they are: 2020 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2020 CM Red, and 2020 CM Albarino.
Coming Attractions
- Terra Nonno Vineyards
- Plagido’s Winery
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