2020 has been a terrible year, with this horrible virus. However, in the wine world, we have been fortunate in New Jersey to start enjoying the 2019 harvests, as well as some older ones. I thought this was a good time of year to reflect on some of my new favorite wines. My criteria for choosing a wine for this list are: Tasting it in 2020, either offered for the first time or tasting for the first time. When you do a tasting you are usually limited to only five or so wines on the current menu. For much of 2020 traditional wine tastings were not even available. COVID19 has also limited my travel around the state and beyond. I know there are many other wines that I did not mention that are equally worthy of attention. That said, these are a few of my new New Jersey faves:
White Wines
- Old York Cellars 2019 Pinot Gris-I’m sure I have tasted a Pinot Gris at OYC in previous years, but none that wowed me like this one. This 2019 vintage was exceptional, with notes of pineapple and a little more body than many Pinot Gris. It took a Gold Medal with a score of 95 at the New York International Wine Competition and is my new favorite NJ Pinot Gris/Grigio.
- Hawk Haven Vineyards 2019 Signature Series Gewurtztraminer-This is a varietal I seldom seek out, but I’m glad I tried this one. Lemon and ginger notes and heavenly fragrance sold me. Simply the best Gewürztraminer that I have ever tasted.
- Hawk Haven Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay Clone 76 & 95-A limited production of a lightly oaked, delicious Chardonnay with medium plus body; creamy with apple notes.
- Auburn Road Vineyards Nu Blanc-A very good unoaked Chardonnay, new to their lineup in 2020.
- Cedar Rose Vineyards 2017 Vidal Blanc-Barrel-Aged in Acacia for 12 months. Smooth, floral and citrusy. This was a standout in a flight of whites in the fall.
- Terra Nonno Winery Traminette-Since Terra Nonno only opened their doors in 2020, most of their wines were new to me, but this was an exceptional, fragrant wine.
Rose Wines
- Hawk Haven Vineyards Signature Series 2019 Pinot Noir Rose-Delicious bone-dry, with strawberry notes and a beautiful color. I had tried their Flying Press Rose previously, but this was my first Signature Series Rose and it was terrific.
Red Wines
- Unionville Vineyards 2019 Silver Lining Cabernet Franc-A unique Cab Franc made with 100% Cab Franc grapes and unoaked. Fruit forward and a testimony to the 2019 vintage. Highlighted in Wine Enthusiast and elsewhere.
- Autumn Lake Winery Cagey NV-A multi-vintage, velvety smooth red blend of Cab Franc and Chambourcin. Unfortunately, now sold out.
- William Heritage Winery 2019 Five Gen- a Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot.(sometimes called “Baby BDX”). It does present as a lighter, less complex version of their BDX.
- Hawk Haven Vineyards Wintertime Red-Reminds me of the Flying Press Red, only a bit smoother and perhaps a bit more complex; delicious notes of black cherry. I hope this one returns to the menu next year, in large enough quantities to last longer than one season.
- Auburn Road Vineyards Peaceful Warrior-A fruit forward red blend (named after a yoga pose) with bright acidity; aged for 24 months in new American Oak. Delicious and a bargain.
- Terra Nonno Winery Blaufrankisch-One of the best versions in the state and another indication that this winery will be around for a long time.
- Sky Acres Winery 2018 Black River Red-A very good and reasonably priced version of Marechal Foch (a hybrid grape). Smoother and with more body than others I have tasted. It took Best in Class at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Sparkling Wines
My wife is not a big fan of sparkling wines and I don’t want to drink a bottle myself (though sometimes you have to take one for the team). I also have several friends who have volunteered to be of assistance, if needed. But, let’s be clear: That won’t be necessary!
- Bellview Winery Petillant Naturel (Pet-Nat)- A delicious sparkler that is both fruity and surprisingly dry and refreshing, especially given the Cayuga grapes that were utilized. Apples, tropical fruit, and plenty of acidity. Pet is short for Petillant (“sparkling” in Italian).
- Hopewell Valley Vineyards Villa Neri Spumante Secco-Actually purchased in 2019, we decided to celebrate starting today to kick out the old year early with this light and refreshing sparkler. My wife liked this one because it was a bit less carbonated. It was done in the traditional Italian method. Spumante means sparkling and secco means dry in Italian.
- William Heritage Winery Blanc de Blanc – I am saving this one for New Year’s Eve so if I have to wait until then to enjoy it. I will share this experience, more 2020 highlights and a look at 2021 next week.
Cheers!
A Gift to Yourself
You can still download your ebook copy of New Jersey Uncorked for $9.99 (until 12/31/20). Just go to the Apple iBook app and use the coupon code Fall2020.
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