With sunsets arriving ever earlier, temperatures diving in the evening, and the beginning of some color in our foliage, we are experiencing the closing of the curtain on summer. While I always mourn the end of summer, I am very thankful for such a wonderful summer-full of celebrations, beach time, and gatherings with family and friends. But, “To Everything There is a Season.” In this spirit, my wife and I recently enjoyed the last of our New Jersey peaches in a great Sangria from Sharrott Winery, called Just Peachy. Served with a little ice, a slice of fresh peach, and a bit of mint.
The closing weeks of summer and the beginning of fall are also a time at many wineries for picking up allotments for members and a great time for wine tastings.
William Heritage Winery
On Thursday, my wife and I decided to pick up our allotment and take advantage of our member perks (our free flight tasting and free glass of wine). It was a very quiet, cool, and relaxing late afternoon. We both chose the Classic Flight consisting of Select Rose, Select Chardonnay, 20th Anniversary 2020 Red Blend, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
My faves in this flight:
- William Heritage 2022 Cabernet Franc was very good-more body than many others, but very smooth.
- William Heritage 2022 Merlot-A good, smooth Merlot, with notes of ripe cherries. Definitely one of the better versions in New Jersey.
Later, we enjoyed a couple of terrific Veggie sandwiches, to go along with our free glasses of wine. I chose the Cab Franc, mentioned above, while my wife chose the Cabernet Sauvignon (which was not in the tasting, but was in the allotment). It is quite good-bold and full-bodied.
Our allotment consisted of the following (pictured below from left to right): William Heritage 20th Anniversary 2022 Red Blend, William Heritage Select Chardonnay, and William Heritage 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hawk Haven Tasting and Allotment
In addition to the three wines in our allotment (Signature Series 2023 Gewurtztraminer, Signature Series 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, and Signature Series 2019 Cab Franc) we got to taste a few bonus wines: Signature Series 2023 Albarino, Signature Series 2021 Cab Franc, and 2020 Talon). I love doing tastings with the winemaker. It really adds a lot to the experience.
My personal highlights (there was not one that I didn’t like, but these three were standouts):
- Signature Series 2019 Cabernet Franc-In a state that makes some wonderful Cab Francs, this is perhaps the best in New Jersey. It is certainly one of the very best.
- Signature Series 2023 Reserve Chardonnay-A perennial favorite with refreshing lemon notes and a hint of vanilla.
- 2020 Talon-A delicious blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. It had tasty cherry notes, with a medium plus body, and silky smooth tannins.
After the tasting, we decided to take advantage of the food truck (Hit the Road Jack). We enjoyed our tacos (Mahi Mahi and Bang Bang Shrimp) with a bottle of the Signature Series Albarino. Great pairing!
Our takeaways from here are pictured from left to right below: Signature Series 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, Signature Series 2023 Gewurtztraminer, Signature Series 2023 Albarino, 2019 Cab Franc, 2020 Talon, and Flying Press Red, and Proprietor’s Red (hidden behind three of the Flying Press Reds.
Turdo Vineyard
Finally, it seemed fitting to stop by for a visit to Turdo Vineyard, which we never expected to be able to do again after the sale of their vineyard had fallen through. In the interim Sal and his son, Luca, have continued to work at harvesting, winemaking, and bottling their wines. We were fortunate to have a chance to see and talk to Sal for a few minutes during our visit. Despite the huge let down with the deal falling through, Sal maintained a philosophical approach to continue making the best wine he can and hope for a good outcome.
We also were glad to see our friend, Ed, who has been working at Turdo Vineyards on weekends this summer. Ed is personable and knowledgable about wine, and he will take good care of you. We did a mini-tasting to refresh our memories and make a final decision on what wines to bring home. Our take home group is pictured below. From left to right: Luca’s Rosso, Turis Sangiovese, Turis Cabernet Sauvignon, Persara, Turis Nero d’Avola, and Turis Barbera. I’m already regretting that I did not get any of their Pinot Noir, but perhaps we will get back at least once more before they close. These are very special wines!
Coming Attractions
- Auburn Road Vineyards
- Beneduce Vineyards
- The Finger Lakes 2024
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