I haven’t visited Amalthea Cellars since March. The Pandemic had just reared its ugly head. My visit consisted of a phone-in and pick up. It’s hard to believe we have all been dealing with this virus for nine months already. This time, my wife and I were able to get a couple of glasses of wine, some cheese and crackers and sit out in the sun on their patio. A positive step in the right direction.
We shared three glasses of wine:
- GDT (Green Dragon Tavern) Cabernet Sauvignon-A Cab made with grapes from another location (generally California). It is a full-bodied, Cab with soft tannins.
- Cantina Mas-A dry red blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chancelor. It is also the blend that they change four times a year and you can purchase a plastic jug and fill it up.
- Melange-A delicious dry red blend (the composition of which our server did not know-perhaps the winemaker’s secret).
We took home four bottles: GDT Cabernet Sauvignon, GDT Pinot Noir, 2017 Cabernet Franc Reserve and Chardonnay Sur Lie. We have had all of these before, except their Cab Franc. In addition, we also toted home a brand new jug of Cantina Mas. Our old jug has lasted several years and we decided it was time for a new one. Having enjoyed a shared glass of the Cantina Mas, we knew the new blend was a winner.
My only disappointment was that their GDT Zinfandel was out of stock. Fortunately, I still had a bottle of it in my cellar. I had it in mind when my wife told me what she had planned for dinner: Italian Drunken Noodles-Pappardelle Noodles, Spicy Italian Sausage, white wine, red, yellow, and orange peppers, and fresh herbs and spices. The GDT Zin is wonderful, full-bodied and smooth, yet able to stand up to the spice in this dish. The finished product is pictured below.
The dead soldier (GDT Zinfandel) is pictured below
A few final thoughts about Amalthea Cellars…
- If you have not visited them, you really owe it to yourself to do so.
- Become a VIP-for a one time fee of $25. It entitles you and three others that you name to receive a discount on most bottle purchases, monthly member only bottle deals, and exclusive tastings. There are no commitments to purchase wines quarterly (or on any other schedule).
- If you enjoy Bordeaux-style red blends you must try a couple of their Legends Series. Each of these beauties are created in an attempt to replicate a specific Bordeaux-style or Chateau (e.g. Margaux, Latour, etc.). The grapes are estate grown, not French. The finished products are exceptional, a few with high ratings from the BTI (Beverage Tasting Institute) and considerably cheaper than most Bordeaux wines.
Thanks to the good folks at Amalthea Cellars and to my wife for another great meal!
Cheers!
If you are interested in purchasing your e-book version of my book, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine – check out the Apple iBook App. If you purchase today, you can get it for $9.99 with the coupon code Fall2020.
Coming Attractions
- NJ Uncorked & Unplugged (another edition of celebrating local music and wine)
- Local Take-Out & NJ Wine
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