Have I told you that we love Silver Decoy Winery? Tom and I discussed what to do on his birthday and he wanted to go to Silver Decoy. We’ve been here on my birthday too and the day before Christmas Eve. It’s become our special occasion place. Actually, the first time we went here was on Valentine’s Day a few years ago. I like going here on our own special occasions rather than holidays and events, because we like things a little quieter. They do handle big events really well and I’m glad that they have special events because that way more people become familiar with this wonderful place.
The Atmosphere
In my second post I described the atmosphere of Silver Decoy in more detail. You can read more details here. On this particular day, Russ was serving tasters at the bar. We love Russ, which we’ve said before. He has a great sense of humor, he’s friendly, and has unique character (in a good way). We’re glad he was there to help us. As we walked in I saw the table of glasses on the right. Knowing the deal, I grabbed two and we walked up to the bar. I endeavored to try wines I didn’t write about last time. There were a few different groups of people tasting at the bar, but still plenty of room for us all. As we approached the bar, Russ said, “Here, everyone has to start with some Traminette.” And he poured us a sample. “We bottled it today”, he said. It was delicious. Oh, I’m jumping ahead. What I wanted to tell you about was what it was like this day. Overall, it was quiet, but a steady flow of people kept coming in to the winery to taste and sit outside soaking up the sun, sitting with a glass of wine, and enjoying the natural views of rows of vines. The doors were open in the front and back of the tasting room, allowing for a comfortable natural breeze to blow through. Silver Decoy Winery was a perfect relaxing way to celebrate Tom’s birthday.
The Wines
Last time we visited, I wrote about the French Oaked Aged Chardonnay, Ugly Duckling White, Ugly Duckling Red, Sangiovese, and Sunrise Blush. This time we started with…
Traminette 2011 – With some wines I have a good overall idea what the wine would taste like based on its usual characteristics. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Traminette. I’m glad that Russ offered us a taste before I even decided what I wanted to try. This wine was delicious and just bottled! I’m glad to have been one of the first to try it. I should have bought some bottles of this, but financially, we’re limited on how many bottles we could buy. Everyone that was visiting bought bottles of Traminette. I think this will be one of their more popular wines this year. It was light, sweet, but not too sweet. I really got the hint of apricot. I had a glass when we finished tasting. This was delicious and I want more!!!
Riesling – Their Riesling is good too. I debated about also getting a glass of this. It was light and I could taste the hint of pear and apple.
Merlot 2009 – It has a deep, rich smell, and tastes smooth, a perfect Merlot. Tom said it’s just as good as any big name you would find in the store.
Ugly Duckling Red – One of our favorites! I know I wrote about it before, but it’s so good I have to write about it again. Ugly Duckling Red has sweetness to it, but not in the way of sugar added, just natural fruit sweetness. It also offers spiciness. Overall, it’s the perfectly balanced wine in every regard. We bought 2 bottles of this to take home. Drinking this while I’m writing, I’m trying to break its perfection down a little more. You taste the mild sweetness on the tongue and experience the peppery quality on the finish as it goes down your throat. Perfection served chilled.
Note: We didn’t try the Blueberry, but it was being bottling this weekend. If you will be going here soon, be sure to try this one.
Tom and I are always comparing Chardonnays. Many places provide a steel barrel fermented chardonnay and an oak aged chardonnay. Traditionally, the steel brings out the fruit flavors more and the barrel provides a buttery quality. We usually try both to determine which we prefer.
Stainless Chardonnay 2011 – Provided a clean, fresh fruity taste.
Barrel Chardonnay 2010 – This Chardonnay was part of their premium selection. 4 wines have been grouped into their Premium taste selection. It’s only $3 to taste 4. Tom preferred this Chardonnay. He liked the buttery quality and he said he tasted the alcohol more. I’m not sure which I preferred. I think I’d need a glass of both to be certain. I will try them again next time. Tom ended up having a glass of this one.
Other Premium Wines
Sangiovese 2010 – This is one of their best wines, worth writing about again. It’s a Chianti style wine with a hint of cherry. I thought it came across a little spicy and smooth. It’s good. Red drinkers will like this. Tom said this would make good sangria. Challenge accepted.
Syrah – Is a rich wine. It tasted dark and peppery. Another that I think red drinkers would enjoy.
Retriever – A red drinkers red. Retriever is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. If you like red, this would probably be your wine. Rich taste in the mouth and rich and bitter on the finish. It’s a quality wine.
With other NJ wineries, there are usually 1 or 2 bottles that are good or really good. At Silver Decoy, just about each wine is really good. They really got it down and could rival France and California. If I had to put a winery, out of all the east coast wineries that I’ve been to, in an International contest, it would be this one.
Tom says that one of the best things about Silver Decoy is that there’s something for everyone. The quality and taste of their wines is perfect for each type of wine drinker. If you haven’t been to Silver Decoy Winery yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. It’s a really enjoyable experience. The staff is really nice and the establishment is lovely and relaxing. It’s comfortable and the guys there also make you feel that way. Bring friends; bring family, even the dog, or a baby in a stroller. There is something for everyone and I think everyone will like it.
Rating
5 Wine Glasses! (Out of 5)
I’ve never visited this winery even though I’ve lived in NJ for over 20 years! Excellent review – definitely inspired to pay a them a visit esp. since I too am fond of Chardonney.
oops – chardonnay! caught the spelling error as soon as I hit submit
Please let me know about your experience when you go!