Sips and Tips Tasting (Bergenfield, South Plainfield and Hackettstown Stores)

As vacation season 2013 draws to a close and we all try to grab a last taste of the Summer, we've lined up 4 selections that would make for a great season send-off via your deck...pick up a couple of each of these and invite the neighbors...you'll be the wine all-star of the neighborhood!

J Lohr Vineyards and Wines

As one of the pioneering winemakers of California's Central Coast, Jerry Lohr in 1972 unveiled his first vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, an area reknowned for having the state's longest growing season because of it's cooler heat index, providing the perfect conditions for the development of world-class Pinot Noir and Riesling.

J Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling

With an inviting honeysuckle aromatic, this clean and bright selection would make for an excellent apertif as its rich fruit fills the tongue with flavor.  That honeysuckle smoothly transitions into a touch of lycee fruit, with a tangerine essence and the pulpiness of blood orange citrus.  Consider this an ideal choice for Thai Chicken, Teriyaki-Grilled Vegetable Skewers, or the season-ending toast to another great Summer!

J Lohr Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir

Named for the Falcon that inhabits the lone Pine Tree in the vineyard, this delicious selection is a classic example of the potential Monterey has for producing versatile and richly-flavored Pinot Noir that can relate to delicate or full-flavor wine consumer.  The exuberance of the pulpy cherry fruit is enhanced by blending 24% Valdigue, or Napa
Gamay grape, a very fruit forward variety, while the richness and depth are due in large part to the Pommard and Dijon clones of Pinot Noir used in the vineyard, two French varieties of Pinot Noir well-known for their fuller body and flavor.

This Pinot is rich enough for grilled tender meats, but would pair best with grilled Alaskan King Salmon.

Carmen Winery of Chile

Founded in 1850, Carmen was Chile's first wine producer, maintaining a continuous production history of 160 years and sold in 50 countries around the world.  A landmark in its prodigious history was the 1994 rediscovery of Carmenere in Carmen's Merlot vineyards.  That discovery changed the course of Chile's wine industry, giving it a wine which is distinctly its own.

Carmen Gran Reserva Chardonnay

This is a Chardonnay lover's dream...slightly oaked nose with a nice dose of inviting vanilla, butterscotch, and figgy spice.  The flavor delivers a big texture of dried fruit flavors and ripe pineapple, with the juicy tropical acidity to balance the touch of creaminess on the finish.  Pair this with a big Summer grill food like Swordfish Steaks.  It will stand up to the best of Napa Carneros' Chardonnays at twice to three times the price!

Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere

Considered to be a Cabernet-family variety, Carmenere was traditionally part of the blends of the best Bordeaux wines.  Today, it is almost exclusive to Chile, having been mistaken for a Merlot clone for a long time...until it was isolated in 1994 at Carmen Winery, it is believed that this variety is what made Chilean Merlot so unique.  This wine is the perfect grill match for the Aussie or Napa Cab lover...Full body, brambly, wild, diverse fruit flavors, hints of clove and bell pepper, and a touch of earthiness that lends beautiful character.  While it certainly matches to big grill meats, it also generates such great aromatics and flavors that it can be savored on its own...think cool late summer evening, with the first nip of Fall in the air!