New Jersey. To many people, it means Bruce Springsteen, Snooki, and Tony Soprano—but quality wines? “The last thing people associate New Jersey with is fine wine, mostly because of negative pop culture images,” says Jim Quarella, owner and winemaker at-read more-
The nose is interesting, with blackberries, mocha, and a bit of tobacco leaf. The palate is interesting, too, with surprising cherry fruit in the lead, a background of blackberry, and hints of tobacco leaf. Very soft mocha shows upon the-read more-
A faint odor of green pepper wafts from the glass, giving a clear hint of the wine's origin. Flavors are true on the palate: blackcurrant, blackberry, coffee, and a bit of chocolate; however, tannins are dusty and harsh. Flavors are-read more-
Improving with every sip, gaining structure and depth with every extra minute of air, this is a beautiful baby that will, with time, mature into a gorgeous adult. Dark fruit (blackcurrant and mulberry) has a background of tobacco leaf and-read more-
Improving with every sip, gaining structure and depth with every extra minute of air, this is a beautiful baby that will, with time, mature into a gorgeous adult. Dark fruit (blackcurrant and mulberry) has a background of tobacco leaf and-read more-
Blended with 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot (in addition to the Cabernet), this is fairly straightforward with currant and blackberry fruit and subtle earthy spice. The oak is a bit overt on the finish, which is-read more-
Lovely warm nose of chocolate, violets, and blueberries, along with a hint of saffron. A bit tight at first and a tad more floral than one might expect, but it unfolds to a seamless melding of soft tannins with more-read more-
Somewhat disappointing on first taste with vegetal asparagus notes, but patience is rewarded. Those unhappy nuances float away into the ether once the major alcohol (14.8%) dissipates, replaced by a nose of ripe blackberries and spices—a hint of anise, perhaps.-read more-