I recently made a reservation to do a two course lunch paired with wine at Old York Cellars in Ringoes. We did not know if it would be crowded and we wanted to kick back and relax with a view of the vineyards and the Sourland Mountains in the distance. With that in mind, we decided to reserve one of their cabanas. We picked a beautiful day, so the shelter and the firepit table were not necessary. However, the privacy, comfort, service, and view from the cabana were just wonderful. I even saw a fox running in the fields on the other side of the tree line. For much of our stay, the only sounds we heard were a persistent woodpecker in the distance and birds singing to one another.
We ordered our two courses, which came with wine, but since there were several new wines available to taste, we did a tasting before the food arrived.
Wine Sample #1 (“Favorites Tasting”)
- Riesling-A refreshing light and dry Riesling.
- Pinot Gris-This Pinot Gris has won numerous awards and continues to be one of the best New Jersey Pinots in the state.
- Chardonnay-Lightly oaked Chard with a hint of sweetness.
- Cabernet Sauvignon-Smooth cherry and oak influences. Winner of the American Wine Society’s Silver Medal.
- Merlot-Subtle hints of cherry; it has won several medals.
- Syrah-Ripe cherries and a little spice; smooth and enjoyable
Wine Sample #2 (“Reserve Tasting”)
- Vintner’s Blend White-Very enjoyable white blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Normally only available to members, but I’m glad I got to try it.
- Chardonnay Reserve-Nicely balanced with a bit of apple and peach on the palate and ample acidity.
- Rose Reserve-A delicious dry Rose with strawberries and cherries on the palate; made from 100% Chambourcin.
- Vintner’s Blend Red-Cab, Syrah, and Malbec, blended into a nice medium-bodied wine. Limited to members only.
- Merlot Reserve-Winner of the Silver Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle and Bronze Medal from the American Wine Society.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve-My favorite red in the tasting, with cherries and chocolate on the palate
Welcomed Additions to our Tasting
- 2021 Malbec-a new release and as good as (or better than) previous vintages. This wine is smooth, with ripe cherries and a bit of spice. At $23 per bottle, it is a bargain.
- Darryl Mack Cellars White-An off dry blend of Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Cayuga.
- King DMC Reserve White-Very good blend of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
- Darryl Mack Cellars Red-A red blend of Merlot, Cab, Cab Franc, Syrah, and Chambourcin.
- King DMC Reserve Red-A very good, full-bodied red blend of Merlot, Cab, and Malbec.
Note: The Darryl McDaniels Cellars (DMC) wines are a collaboration between Old York Cellars and Darryl (from Run-DMC fame). I like that Dave Wolin (owner) and Scott Gares (winemaker) are always looking to collaborate and try something new. I also like that some of the proceeds from their What Exit wines go towards charities.
The Food
I chose the Spanish meatballs with rice for the first course. This was served with the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. For the Second Course, I chose the Paella Del Chef (Chicken, shrimp, grouper, and chorizo). This was paired with their 2022 Pinot Gris.
My wife chose the Chicken Empanadas for her first course, paired with Vidal Blanc. The 2021 Vidal Blanc (new release)-Definitely one of the best versions of this popular hybrid white wine I have tasted. She also chose the Paella del Chef (described above) and also served with the wonderful Pinot Gris.
In the future, I would love to try their taps and perhaps a three course pairing (though the portions are very generous and we’d need to bring a cooler for a large doggie bag)! We both totally enjoyed the food (and of course, the wine).
Our Take Aways from left to right below are: 2021 Pinot Gris (2); 2021 Malbec; and 2021 Vidal Blanc.
We will definitely be back again soon-perhaps for dinner and some music. If you haven’t tried the cabanas, I heartily recommend them as an upscale way to enhance your experience.
Coming Attractions
- Salem Oak Winery
- Balic Winery
- My Highlighted New Jersey Wine of the Week
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