Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there, especially our son, Sean!
Nice weather has enticed me to revisit a few wineries that I have not visited for some time (especially those that have expanded and beautified their outdoor settings. Blue Cork is a case in point. On previous trips we have spent all of our time and done our tastings indoors in their barrel room. Since our last visit, Blue Cork has done a lot to increase the beauty and functionality of their outdoor facilities. They have fire pits, a huge patio with attractive pavers and red umbrellas and all of the tables have a view of the gorgeous vineyards. Each row of vines is highlighted by a beautiful rose bush, blooming with red roses.
Blue Cork Winery is located in Williamstown. I couldn’t help remembering our first visit to Blue Cork, before they were open. Angelo Tantaros and his wife, Michelle were kind enough to let my wife and I tour the vineyards and point to the future site of their barrel room and tasting room. Angelo’s enthusiasm was infectious (and still is). Today, he beams with pride (rightfully) as he oversees all aspects of their operations. They have done so much to make their property beautiful.
Blue Cork offers flights of three wines in each of the following categories: dry whites, dry reds, reserve (reds), and sweet wines. My wife and I wanted to try as many of their dry wines as possible. We decided on doing three flights as noted below.
Dry Whites
- 2018 French Oak Chardonnay-My favorite white in the tasting; apple vanilla, and coconut notes. Delicious!
- Williamstown White-a refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
- 2019 Cabernet Franc Rose-Very good dry Rose.
Dry Reds
- 2018 Petit Verdot-lighter in color and body than some I’ve tasted, but tasty.
- 2018 Merlot-Very smooth with cherry notes on the nose and blackberry notes on the palate.
- 2019 Chambourcin-blueberry and cherry aromas and on the palate.
Reserve
- Cabernet Sauvignon-nice version with cherry and black cherry aromas and on the palate.
- Cabernet Franc-Light, but perhaps my favorite red here, with strawberry and raspberry notes.
- Williamstown Reserve-Full-bodied red blend aged in French Oak. Very nice blend.
My wife and I had a delightful time at Blue Cork. Below is our takeaway, which we will be enjoying with our dinner tonight (a wonderful chicken dish). We will definitely be stopping back this summer!
In the meantime, I’m feeling very lucky on this Father’s Day. FaceTime with our son and later with my sister and her husband, drinking wonderful wine, while listening to Cliff Eberhardt’s latest recording (“Knew Things”). Soon we will be enjoying one of my wife’s amazing culinary wonders that I love, paired with our Blue Cork French Oaked Chardonnay and watching PBS Endeavor.
Coming Attractions
- Wine, Women, and Song (and food )at Cedar Rose Winery
- NJ Summer Wine Suggestions
- Stokelan Winery
- Interviews with interesting wine professionals
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