Jason's Vineyard
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Jason’s Vineyard offers a unique wine experience. The tasting room’s tasting counter is built in the shape of an ancient ship making the connection between the name Jason’s Vineyard and the myth.
As the name might suggest, the theme at Jason’s Vineyard is all about the mythology involving Jason and the Golden Fleece. Jason Damianos, owner, has been fascinated with the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. In fact, while growing up, his family focused on mythology.
Vineyards
Approaching Jason’s Vineyard tasting room, visitors will enjoy driving past vineyards on the left hand side of the long driveway. The tasting room is set back from the driveway, which on the day of our visit had a small coating of snow. Despite the snow and cold, workers were busy pruning the grapevines, a demanding job that must be done before spring arrives.
The onsite vineyards consist of 20 acres. Grape varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Behind the tasting room many sheep greeted us. While in the tasting room we learned that Jason is saving the wool from the sheep for a brown knit sweater.
Tasting Room
Inside the tasting room, the tasting counter is in the shape of Jason’s ship. It even includes a mast and sail. To get the full affect of the style one should stand back and view the tasting counter in its entirety. One can imagine that in ancient times a similar ship was used in the mythological story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. Local artists create paintings that decorate the walls. Some of these are available for sale.
Wines
Golden Fleece, one the winery’s best sellers, was a light yellow. This wine was a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cayuga, Vidal Blanc and Riesling. The wine had a slight floral aroma. The taste was reminiscent of a fruit salad with yellow stone fruit, citrus, apple and a hint of honeysuckle. The finish was crisp and fruity. Chardonnay 2008 was aged in French oak for nine months. The dark yellow wine offered apple, pear and caramel aromas. The smooth, buttery taste had pear notes with hints of caramel. This wine was crisp and chewy. Sauvignon Blanc 2011 was a gold color and offered notes of grapefruit and lemon grass. The finish was dry.
Merlot 2006 was a dark ruby color with an aroma of cherries. The taste offered nuances of cherries, plums and tobacco. The finish with bold tannins had fruit notes yielding to tobacco. Meritage 2007, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec offered notes of dark fruit and was earthy. The finish was dry with bold tannins. Consider pairing with game or grilled steak.
Dessert Wine was dark purple with red hues. This wine was fortified with brandy. It had lots of fruit notes including black cherries and raisins – reminding one of a dried fruit mix. The taste was smooth, sweet and fruity. The wine dried on the finish and lingered on the aftertaste. Suggested pairings included chocolate.
When visiting Jason’s Vineyard, enjoy the unique tasting counter and learning the story behind the name.
Jason’s Vineyard
1785 Main Rd, Rte 25
Jamesport, New York 11947
GPS: N40º 57.161’ W72º 34.544’
Article written January 2013
