Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, is a real treasure for anyone who loves vinifera grapes made into classic dry wines in the Old World style. They produce a wide array of serious wines for the wine lover. Of those it was probably their Chardonnays that first put them on the map in the wine world. In past years they have produced four different Chardonnays, from their four different vineyards. They are no longer making their Mountain Road Chardonnay. But have no fear their Pheasant Hill Chardonnay is still the star of the show and still showing why with its 2015 vintage. It is a gem with lemon accents in a subtly oaked wine with depth and complexity. Save this one for a special event. It received 89 points from the Wine Advocate.
Their 2016 Fox Chardonnay is a blend of their three estate vineyards. It is a wonderful wine with a bit of apple on the nose and a nice creamy finish. At $17.95 per bottle we couldn’t resist bringing home a couple of bottles. (Pictured above)
The 2015 Unionville Home Vineyard Chardonnay is another terrific Chardonnay, which also received 89 points from the Wine Advocate.
I also got to taste Unionville’s 2018 Pinot Grigio. A decent Pinot Grigio, light and fruity with good acidity.
The 2015 Dry Riesling-This is a very refreshing Riesling with all the acidity you would expect and hope for, without skimping on the apple-led fruit. A good unoaked dry Riesling.
Before we leave the whites for those reds, just beckoning me-I want to single out one more stand-out white.
Several of Unionville’s wines are made from grapes more typically found in France than here in New Jersey (or on the East Coast of the United States). Case in point, two of their whites, Marsanne and Rousanne, roll off the tongue beautifully. Of course it helps if you have a few years of French in your background. But whether you do or not, these two beauties are combined in one of my favorite wines here, Mistral Blanc. This wonderful blend is made of Viognier (50%); Marsanne (25%); and Rousanne (25%). A recent rating by The Wine Advocate of 87, while very positive, significantly underrates the merits of this gem in my book. It is so well-balanced and equally delicious paired with food or on its own merits. It is a medium to full-bodied white with a lush mouth feel. (Pictured above).
Another grape with a French heritage is their wonderful red grape called Counoise. Typically they use this as a blending grape, especially in their Mistral Rouge (an amazing blend that I strongly recommend). This is doubly true this year, as their Counoise was so special this year that they decided to release it as a “stand-alone” varietal with a very limited production. Unfortunately for me and most of you they sold out within a couple of days. I believe the Mistral Rouge will soon be available. Can’t wait for that one.
My two favorite red wines made at Unionville Vineyards are their Pinot Noir and their Syrah. The first time my wife and I visited, I remember how impressed we were with the Syrah (pictured above). We wound up purchasing a bottle to enjoy with a cheese plate and lingered for quite a while in their unique, rustic, but incredibly charming tasting room, staring out through the window that revealed rows of barrels of goodies below. The 2015 Pheasant Hill Pinot Noir, however, surpassed even their great Syrah for me. No longer available, but I was very fortunate to snag one of the last ones (pictured above). It is one of my favorite Pinot Noirs from any vineyard.
I recently “discovered” their Revolutionary Red (pictured above). Perhaps more accurately it knocked me over. I know I have probably tasted this one before. However, being out of a couple of wines, I was forced to be more creative in my choices. With a happy result. The Revolutionary Red is an excellent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%); Cabernet Franc (25%); Pinot Noir (25%); and Syrah (6%). At $17.95 per bottle, this wine is a steal! Again the bargain hunter in me decided to kidnap a couple of these for my cellar.
One would expect that a winery that specializes in French grapes with and Old World approach to wine-making would offer a Bordeaux-style blend. Again, Unionville does not disappoint. Their most acclaimed wine in this category is their Big O, a terrific blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%). This is a wine that will continue to age very nicely, if you have the patience. If not, it is already a delicious blend with distinct, but smooth tannins.
You can’t (and probably shouldn’t) try them all so I passed on the Fields of Fire “not-too-sweet” blush wine and the first of the dessert wines, their 2017 Cool Foxy Lady. One must occasionally say no. It is a 100% Vidal Blanc that I vow to try next time, despite my affinity for their fine dry wines. But…
You can’t go home without trying their Port-style wine. For this visit, we got to taste their Vat#24 Port. I love the way they do these “solera-style”-blending vintages from barrels from 2005-2016. Their Port-style wine is not-to-be-missed. I believe it is one of the best I’ve tasted west of Portugal.
What a great visit! Thanks to Barbara (our server) at our recent visit and John Cifelli for his great memory and thoughtfulness!
Cheers!
Spring is a great time of year to explore the vineyards of New Jersey. Want a book to guide your way? You can purchase my paperback, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine here: store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked or the e-book at Apple’s iBook App.
Coming Attractions
- Some interesting winery activities/entertainment
- New Jersey Rose
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