Monthly Archive: February 2022

Hahn Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Decanting Monterey!

Now that in-person venues are reopening more fully, wine class is back!  I’ve signed up to present Monterey wines to 2 different organizations in June back in DC and Northern Virginia.  I like to represent as many of our sub-AVAs as I can – and definitely want the Santa Lucia Highlands in the mix.  I used a Hahn Pinot Noir in my 2019 class and felt it was about time I went back to do a full tasting.  Doggy Grooming Day provided the perfect opportunity.  As always, feel free to comment or “like” this post – engagement is welcomed!

We were warmly greeted by Coby Shammas and Bill Anderson in their Carmel Plaza tasting room.  Coby worked with me for my 2019 Northern Virginia American Wine Society class and Bill gave us a thorough tutorial on the winery, its vineyards, and the wines.  We felt very special! 

I am presenting 7 Hahn wines today. Winery vintage and tasting notes come from their website. I encourage you to read more about Hahn here: https://decantingmonterey.com/hahn-inspired-by-the-rhone-blends-of-southern-france/ and on their website.

2020 Hahn Rose, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.2% ABV, $24 (#624)  

Vintage Notes: “Vineyards planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands experience a long and dry growing season that results in wines with remarkable depth, complexity and ripe fruit flavors. Hahn’s SLH vineyards – Lone Oak, Doctor’s, Smith and Hook – are planted on a narrow bench at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Here, plentiful sun and well-drained soils aid concentration and flavor development.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Beautiful bright salmon in color, this Rosé opens with aromas of fresh raspberry, strawberry, citrus blossom, guava and hints of rose petal. Bright acidity highlights flavors of juicy strawberry and Bing cherry, which are complemented with clean mineral notes on a lingering finish.”

My Review:  Pink, almost orange in the glass.  Sweet citrus blossoms with a hint of tangerine on the nose. Balanced with good Pinot Noir flavors and minerality shining on the back end. Very smooth. I was planning on using this wine in one of my wine classes, but it sold out before I could seal the deal.  Now I am looking forward to the 2021 release! February 2022

2019 Hahn Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $25 (#625) 

Vintage Notes: “About average winter rainfall provided good soil moisture profile for the start of the growing season. Budbreak started the last week of February, mostly in younger blocks, with the rest popping out mid-March. Canopies were at arm’s length by the end of April with no signs of cap fall until the middle of May. Veraison started slightly later than normally, towards the end of July, which led to a later start of harvest. The weekend of 9/14, we had a heat spike, but after three days the weather returned to normal. The harvest started fast, but overall had a beautiful even pace with cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures throughout the end of season. The quality of the fruit was outstanding, resulting in wine with beautiful color, concentrated flavors, balanced tannins, round mouthfeel and soft acidity.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Lively aromas of citrus, orange blossom with hints of tropical fruit and butterscotch. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with a silky, smooth mouthfeel and balanced acidity. Flavors of lemon, pineapple and pear, combined with delicate butter notes and creamy minerality, lead to an elegant long finish.”

My Review:  Light golden in the glass. Butter, a hint of caramel and grilled pineapple on the nose.  Very balanced and not overdone – the toast on the barrels is just right. Minerality on the finish. This would also be a great example of a representative SLH Chardonnay for one of my classes. February 2022

2019 Hahn Winery Selection Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, 14.5% ABV, $30 (#626)    

Vintage Notes: “The fruit for this wine was sourced from our estate Ste. Philippe vineyard in the Arroyo Seco appellation. Located south of the Santa Lucia Highlands, this vineyard lies in a dry riverbed with sandy-loam soils affording excellent drainage. Arroyo Seco river stones, or “Greenfield Potatoes,” named for the adjacent town of Greenfield, CA, are unique to this region and integral to the soil as they store and release heat. Cool winds channeling South from Monterey Bay through the Salinas Valley contribute to an extended growing season, ensuring complexity and intensity of the fruit.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Aromas of red and black cherries, red currant, and strawberry with notes of violet and rose petals. On the palate, layers of red fruit and fresh berries, rhubarb pie with a touch of warm spices complemented by vanilla notes and integrated oak on a long delicate finish.”

My Review:  Garnet in the glass.  A sweetness on the nose with red raspberries and chocolate.  Some good fruit on the palate, with a traditional Pinot Noir finish.  We heard this is called “the yummy Pinot.”  February 2022

2018 Hahn Winery Selection Grenache, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $35 (#627) 

Vintage Notes: “The year started with about a half of the average rainfall amount and most of the pruning was finished by the end of January. March storms brought some more rain and all blocks had some sign of budbreak by the end of the month. Blooming season was longer than average due to cooler weather and heavy marine layer influence. Consistent and mellow summer temperatures ensured slower fruit maturation and provided more time for development of flavors, color and depth, which led to another outstanding vintage in the Santa Lucia Highlands.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “This medium-bodied red is dark ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, strawberry and notes of vanilla and spice. A delicate mouthfeel features further flavors of dark fruits, black currant and strawberry with hints of spice and toasted oak accompanied by silky tannins and a persistent, lengthy finish.”

My Review:  Beautiful ruby in the glass.  Hint of cranberry and red berry on the nose.  Cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry with a tang on the finish – not cloying.  February 2022

2018 Hahn Winery Selection Highlands Cuvée Red, Central Coast, 14.5% ABV, $35 (#628) 

Vintage Notes: “Varying microclimates and soils throughout the Santa Lucia Highlands naturally make different varietals excel in this remarkable appellation. With this understanding, we set out to craft a true Santa Lucia Highlands blend, featuring superlative varietals within this AVA. This blend of Grenache (72%), Petite Sirah (14%) and Syrah (14%) makes for a full-bodied, perfectly balanced wine.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Enticing aromas of black cherry, strawberry mousse, white pepper and hints of vanilla. A delicate mouthfeel features further flavors of red berries, black cherry and strawberry with a touch of violets and spice on an elegant medium finish.”

My Review:  Rich ruby in the glass. Touch of sweet, smoke and spice on the nose, like a BBQ.  Rich red and black berries on the palate.  We liked this wine and took some home. February 2022

2018 Hahn Malbec, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $30 (#629) 

Winery Notes (from our tasting):  100% Malbec grown at 1200 feet in the Sant Lucia Highlands in that sweet spot of the Hook Vineyard, where these other big reds come from.  A somewhat surprising spot in the otherwise cooler, shadier Santa Lucia Highlands!  16 months in the barrel, 60% new oak.   

My Review:  Dark ruby in the glass.  A subdued nose and super dry on the finish.  Smooth and mild.  I would have preferred to taste this before the cuvee! February 2022

2018 Hahn Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $40 (#630) 

Vintage Notes: (See Grenache notes above)

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Our 2018 Syrah displays rich and expressive aromatics of dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries, white pepper and violets. The palate mimics the aromas adding rich texture and intrigue with silky tannins and a gentle toasty finish. Rich and luscious, it rounds out with chewy, thick tannins and a long finish.”

My Review:  Jammy, plum and yum!  We tasted this wine at home. This is a surprisingly good Syrah from a rare, warm, high altitude vineyard in SLH.  I would like to get more of this! Our Decanting Monterey wine pod partners also enjoyed this wine. My husband stood alone.  February 2022

Hahn Tasting Rooms are located a their estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands, as well as in Carmel Plaza.  You can find more information and make a reservation here. 

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Odonata Remembrance: “Buy a Bottle, Do a Little Big Thing”

It’s been almost a year since the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod toured the River Road Wine Trail down the Salinas Valley.  I remember after visiting them – our third winery of the day – stating that we really needed to come back to Odonata with a picnic lunch – and as the ONLY winery we visit in a single trip. Spring is almost here – se we need to get this idea into a plan soon!  Meanwhile, we recently opened the 2015 Odonata Remembrance.

About the Remembrance from the bottle: “All Proceeds from this wine are being donated equally to three important causes.1) Alzheimer’s Research 2) Cancer Research 3) Our local Women’s shelter.”

About Odonata: “Winemaker Denis Hoey released his first commercial vintage when he was 21. He now blends old world methods with new world technique to make nouveau-style wines. He strives to produce wines that are rich, textured, and balanced, and that respect terroir and varietal character. His success is based on careful attention to detail and the purposeful use of each step in winemaking: grape sources, fermentation technique, pressing regiment, barrel selection, and aging program. The result is clean, focused wines…In 2014 Hoey and his wife, Claire, bought the Marilyn Remark Winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands where they are raising their family, and running the Odonata Winery. Their property includes a 2-acre vineyard, production facility, tasting room, and a welcoming patio where visitors can enjoy their unique wine.”

I am occasionally asked if I am related to Dennis Hoey – ah, the difference one letter can make.  Alas, no…

2015 Odonata Remembrance Red Wine, Central Coast, 14.5% ABV, $28 (#621*)

From Red Wine Cats: “Odonata’s 2015 Remembrance ($28) is a luscious blend of 75% Petite Sirah and 25% Grenache. It’s one of those bottles you open, pour, and immediately enjoy. Full, round body, opaque in the glass, and an easy sipper on its own. If you like big reds without too much tannin astringency, similar to jammy Zinfandels, you’ll love this delicious bottle. You’ll also love that proceeds go to important causes.”

My Review: Almost purple in the glass. Black and blueberries on the nose. Spicy on the palate with a base of blueberry and mocha (the Petite Sirah) with a slightly touch of sweetness on the finish – it’s the Grenache talking here! We enjoyed this wine and it disappeared quickly. “A pleasant wine.”

Visiting Odonata (from their website): “Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata winery and tasting room. We hope you will stop by our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.”

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Don’t Miss the Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage New Release!

In January, I received an email from Alex Lallos the manager at Chesebro informing us that they have finally released the 2014 La Montagne Sauvage. We made a bee-line for the tasting room!

Mark Chesebro’s wines have impressed us since we first “discovered” them out in Carmel Valley.  Great, delicious wines at affordable prices – what’s not to like? And their wines come from Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley, my two favorite parts of Monterey County. The Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage Rhone blend has long been one of my favorites. I presented an earlier vintage of this wine at my very first Washington Wine & Cheese Seminar.  As a fan of our local wines, I felt compelled to expose others to our Monterey wines.  I’ve also presented their Las Arenas at a couple of classes in the past, including at the Northern Virginia American Wine Society.  Their wines are always a big hit. 

After our tasting (and a thorough re-tasting of the La Montagne Sauvage at home), I decided to purchase a case and get my next DC class on the schedule!  Right now, June 14th, for all my DC readers. Thank you, Alex, for making this happen for me!

Today I am presenting 5 Chesebro wines from our January tasting.  Winery notes come from their tasting.  I will admit, we were deep in conversation with Alex and I didn’t capture detailed tasting notes of my own! And his detailed tasting notes say it all. 

I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them.

2019 Chesebro Vermentino, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $23 (#614*)

Winery Notes: “Vermentino is a variety most often associated with Sardinia, Corsica and Liguria.  Alluring aromas of pine and citrus with a smooth palate balanced, by mouthwatering acidity.  Late ripening in this cool site allows the development of complex and elegant flavors.  Refreshing and vibrant.”

My Review: Light in the glass.  Floral on the nose and palate.  A very pleasant wine. January 2022

2017 Chesebro Grenache Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#615*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant, almost transparent light-gold in color with a kaleidoscope of aromas including white peach, grapefruit, citrus blossom and tangerine.  A subtle hint of vanilla and butterscotch round out the nose. On the palate, citrus and stone fruits.  Round yet refreshing through the finish.”

My Review: Light golden in color with caramel on the nose. January 2022

2016 Chesebro Chardonnay, Soledad Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#616*)

Winery Notes: “Pale yellow gold in color.  Exotic aromatics with white flowers, lemon verbena and ever so subtle vanilla bean.  The palate is fresh and vibrant, almost Chablis-like in its cut and precision.  Each sip has amazing energy and tension balanced by the inherent richness of the ultra-clean Chardonnay fruit.”

My Review: Pale gold in color. Earth on the nose. Both tart and sweet tangerine flavors on the palate with lemon and vanilla notes. January 2022

2016 Chesebro  Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $27 (#617*)

Winery Notes: “Our Southern Rhone (Chateauneuf du Pape) style blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Aromas of cranberries and blackberries over a background of coffee and a hint of white pepper.  Smooth and velvety with a long finish.  Enjoyable now with a long life ahead.”

My Review: Dark ruby in color.  Earth and dark plum on the nose.  Plum and tobacco on the palate with a touch of sweetness along the bitter finish. I like this wine. It is also one of my favorites to showcase in wine classes.  January 2022

2014 Chesebro  La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley, $35 (#618*)

Winery Notes: “Grown on our estate in the Upper Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils at 1500’ elevation, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of cassis, dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice.  Blockbuster with a long lingering finish.

My Review: Rich ruby in the glass. Pleasant nose of fresh berries.  Palate of berry jam, eucalyptus and chocolate with red currant and anise flavors on the finish.  Super delicious. My very favorite of all the Chesebro wines. January 2022

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room. Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for me. 

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Law’s Intrepid: “A brilliant representation” of the Adelaida District’s Terroir!

In January, our COVID Wine Pod partners invited us over to celebrate their daughter receiving a final job offer in Washington DC.  After appropriately celebrating with Champagne, a mystery wine appeared. 

First, we did a proper toast with real Champagne. Then, we played Mystery Wine.

One of our favorite games to play in the pandemic has been Guess the Mystery Wine. This wine had already been decanted, no label in sight. We guessed New World. It was very familiar on the nose, but we couldn’t place it.  It didn’t taste like a Cabernet Sauvignon – more like a Zinfandel, Syrah, or Petite Sirah.  My guess was Petite Sirah. Our host’s better half guessed Syrah – bingo, she was right!  A Law Estate Syrah from Paso Robles!

I have presented Law Estate Wines here twice last April.  https://decantingmonterey.com/law-estate-rose-the-perfect-wine-for-an-unexpectedly-hot-coastal-afternoon/ and https://decantingmonterey.com/law-aspire-an-entrancing-red-blend-from-americas-rhone/.

About Law Vineyards : “We are committed to making exceptional wines through sustainable and organic farming practices with minimal inputs. Located above Peachy Canyon Road on the west side of Paso Robles, the vineyard is one of the highest in the area at 1,600 to 1,900 feet. It is planted in high density, small-lot blocks. The extreme slopes, limestone soils, and multiple aspects create the distinct canvas and palette from which we work.”

2017 Law Intrepid Syrah, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 16% ABV, $99 (#611*)

About the 2017 Intrepid from the winery: “The Intrepid’s dense purple juice presents an alluring nose of brown sugar, fleshy, dark fruits, black pepper, violets and baked blueberry pie. It maintains a sense of finesse, through the balance of course tannins, juicy acidity and mid palate weight. Despite all the decadence it offers, it never seems over the top; a humble extrovert if you will. It stays flawlessly balanced, has a lively, ample texture, and delivers a moreish finish. Not just for the Northern Rhône crowd, it’s a brilliant representation of this terroir that will keep for years.” Jeb Dunnuck rated this wine 98 points!

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast: “Those seeking wines of tremendous power and unctuous oak will enjoy this booming bottling, which was aged in 71% new barrels and begins with aromas of milk chocolate, cassis, maple butter and purple flowers. It’s thick and lush on the palate, where caramelized black-fruit, creamy cappuccino and bold baking-spice flavors go big.” Matt Kettmann, 5/2021

My Review:  Very dark and dense ruby in the glass.  Black fruit, cardamom and vanilla on the nose.  Intense dark fruit and cassis on the finish, with a touch of menthol and a lot of vanilla on the end, representing its high alcohol content. Still a bit more like a Petite Sirah to me! We enjoyed this wine. January 2022 

You can purchase Law wines from the winery on line or at their tasting room.  Check it out here. Tastings are daily except Wednesdays from 10-4, by reservation only.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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