Last month I was invited to participate in a virtual wine tasting on Twitter called #VirtualVines featuring wines from Old York Cellars. This was the second opportunity I have had to sample wines from Old York Cellars, located in New Jersey. Please read “Tasting Old York Cellars on #VirtualVines” to learn about Old York Cellars 2012 Oaked Chardonnay and 2013 Merlot. Wine is produced in all 50 states. If you have never tried wine from New Jersey here is your opportunity. Mark your calendars for the next #VirtualVines virtual tasting on May 28 at 6pm CST. For more information visit the Virtual Vines web site and to catch up on the wines I am reviewing below here is May’s winemaker tasting notes video featuring Sommelier Laurin Dorman and Winemaker Scott Gares. Furthermore, so that you can try Old York wines too, they offer 20% off their featured Virtual Vines wines; see below to order.

Old York Cellars 2013 Pinot Gris: This wine poured a pale yellow with green flecks into the glass and opened with soft aromas of minerality, fresh cut herbs, and stone fruit. On the palate the flavors were very mineral driven, crisp and clean, with Granny Smith apples, melons and a touch of marzipan as it warmed in the glass. It had a refreshingly light body with well-rounded acidity and a lovely dry finish that left the palate watering. Its very light color was due to no skin contact. This wine won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Old York Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine poured a rich dark ruby into the glass and opened with aromas of dark red fruit and spice. On the palate this big, bold red delivered flavors of dark black cherries, black berries, spice, licorice and dark chocolate, all with a heavy oak influence. This Cabernet Sauvignon was rich in concentrated fruit, very full body with round acidity and tannins. At 15.6% alcohol this Cab was not for the faint of heart. This wine would pair well with steaks on the grill, lamb, brisket and bison or elk. This wine won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

During Virtual Vines I paired these wines with delicious Cabot Sharp Cheddar Cheese topped with fig preserves, Stilton blue cheese topped with Tupelo honey, Capocollo and Sopressata, and crackers. The wines were lovely pairings with these snacks. These wines are a great combination for your summer food enjoyment. Begin your evening with the Old York Cellars 2013 Pinot Gris with your hors d’ouvers, then serve the Old York Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon with your main course of meat that you prepared on the grill. Furthermore, Old York Cellars has made this pairing easy! These wine are not yet available to the public but use the link below for a special offer to purchase BOTH of these wines for only $31.20! That is a fantastic price! Offer good through the end of June so do not delay!

Virtual Vines May Online Tasting Package Special: 2013 Pinot Gris and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

$31.20

Order Yours Today!

From the Old York Cellars web site: Framing scenic views of the Sourland Mountain range, Old York Cellars boasts 25 beautiful acres of preserved farmland and 13 acres of rolling vineyards. Planted in 1979, these vines were the first to produce wine under the New Jersey Farm Act of 1981 (the legislation that continues to facilitate New Jersey’s growth into a booming wine region). Amidst these fields of established vines sit three new and newly renovated estate buildings that offer guests a broad range of winery experiences.

Old York Cellars offers a full calendar of fun events throughout the year. They offer a variety of wine tastings each day of the week as well as wine and art picnics throughout the week, yoga and wine classes that includes a one hour yoga class outside by the vines followed by chocolate and wine tasting (SIGN ME UP!), as well as wine and cheese and wine and honey classes. This summer they host Friday nights wine and music under the stars. They also have special events planned for Father’s Day and Independence Day. Additionally, they host special festivals throughout the year. If you are in the area make sure to check out Old York Cellars or plan a trip to visit them. Old York Cellars is part of the Garden State Wine Trail so while there check out some of their neighboring wineries. Old York Cellars winery has so much to offer; they are certainly making wine fun! Visit the Old York Cellars web site to learn more about their winery, view their calendar of upcoming events, view their entire portfolio of wines and order wine.

My Song Selection: Since Old York Cellars is located in the great state of New Jersey I decided to pair a song from a New Jersey artist with these wines. One song for two wines that are so different is a challenge; however, you can never go wrong with Bon Jovi! Old York Cellars and Winemaker Scott Gares are making the wines they want to make and they are rockin!

Get your own bottles of Old York Cellars 2013 Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers!