My wife and I recently visited Terra Nonno Vineyards in Millville. It had been over a year since our last visit, so I was eager to taste any new vintages and see what was happening. I remember enjoying the reds last time, but this time I found the white wines to be quite good, too. The grounds were immaculate and the interior shifted to reflect the season (though the fireplace was lit, given the cool temperature). We decided to do a couple of flights, anticipating a new vintage and perhaps a new wine on the list.
The Wine
White Wine Flight
- 2023 Oaked Chardonnay-A very nice, gently oaked version.
- 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay-A good unoaked version that was not fruit forward, but definitely revealed more of the apple notes on the finish.
- 2022 Traminette-Perhaps our favorite in our tasting. One of the most fragrant wines I have ever had. Very good!
First Dry Red Flight
- 2021 Cab Franc-Smooth oaked version.
- 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon-A good oaked Cab with tasty dark fruit flavors.
- 2017 Chambourcin-An oldie, but goodie version of this popular NJ hybrid.
Second Dry Red Flight
- Freedom-Nice, smooth, easy drinking red.
- 2022 Godfather’s Blend-Good, full-bodied blend.
- Trinity-About a third of the blend is made from their Baufrankisch. Very nice. After we found out this, we asked for a taste of their Blaufrankisch. They were kind enough to let us try that one next…
- Blaufrankisch-Very good; a nice full-bodied version with bold dark fruit.
Take Aways
We really enjoyed our visit and since our cellar was light on white wines, we decided to take home a bottle of their wonderful Traminette, pictured below.
Cedar Rose Vineyards
We couldn’t resist driving the mile or so between Terra Nonno and Cedar Rose. Initially, I thought maybe we would just pick up a couple of our favorites, but ultimately decided to do a brief tasting of three reds and three whites.
Whites
- 2022 Albarino-Definitely one of my favorite Albarinos in the state! Citrusy and fruit forward.
- Traminette-Another excellent Traminette! Not quite as floral as the one we just had at Terra Nonno, but every bit as tasty, with a little more body.
- 2022 Chardonnay-A nicely balanced Chard, with notes of green apples.
Note: The picture below was taken shortly after we finished the first two white wines (Obviously)! Sometimes, we can’t restrain ourselves.
Reds
- 2022 Capelli Merlot-Sourced from Capelli Vineyard in Mullica Hill, it is a smooth, fruit forward Merlot.
- 2021 Estate Cab Franc-A tasty, earthy version.
- Thundergust-Named after Thundergust Lake in Marvin State Park. My favorite red in the tasting. A very good, full-bodied blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc.
Our Takeaways
Below from left to right are our takeaways: Albarino, Viognier, Thundergust, and Norton.
I have written about their Norton several times before. Their Norton is the best (and one of the few Norton wines made in the state). It is awesome. We brought home the last bottle they had of this great wine from their 2016 vintage.
Coming Attractions
- Springtime at Old York Cellars
- Auburn Road Vineyards Spring 2025
- Bellview Winery Spring 2025
- Turdo Vineyards Still Open!
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