Monthly Archive: August 2022

Windy Oaks: Les Deux Grands Crus and More Pinot Noir!

We stopped in briefly at the Windy Oaks tasting room in Carmel Valley Village last February where we met knowledgeable Kerry Winslow, Wine Educator for Windy Oaks, who let us sample some pretty incredible Pinot Noirs, including some made from Burgundy clones of distinctive heritage.  We finally got back to the tasting room on a busy Saturday for a full tasting (sorry, Kerry – we should have come in on a weekday but it was a target of opportunity!).  Despite the busy environment, Kerry ensured each table received his full attention and shared his in-depth expertise with each of us, making it a very special tasting for us. Nothing short of perfect. We are self-admittedly not the biggest Pinot Noir fans, but those Burgundy clones are impressive. 

I have previously presented only a single Windy Oaks wine: https://decantingmonterey.com/windy-oaks-estate-premium-wines-grown-in-unique-terroirs/. You can also check out their website here:  https://www.windyoaksestate.com/.

Here’s what Jim Schultze, Founder & Winemaker, says about their wines on their website: “Our goal is to create wines which elegantly reflect their terroir — wines with balance, complexity and harmony. One wine writer described our approach as “extreme minimal intervention” where we try to do as little as possible in the winery to manipulate the grapes. We want our vineyards to speak for themselves!”

Today, I am presenting 8 Windy Oaks wine, most from the July tasting, but also a couple from our brief tasting in February. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors in my recollection of what Kerry told us are solely mine.

February 2022 Tasting Sheet
July 2022 Tasting Sheet

With this posting, we cross the 800 mark for wines I have reviewed during COVID, not all of them within the scope of Decanting Monterey. Wow. Who would have thought a temporary COVID hobby I started to entertain family and friends would turn into this!!

2017 Windy Oaks Old Vines Estate Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.8% ABV, $45 (#800)

Winery Notes: According to Kerry, the Miller Vineyard is located close to the summit.  Also known as the “4-barrel Chardonnay,” 18 months in 25% new oak barrels. This wine received a little lees stirring and rested on the lees.

My Review: Beautiful golden in color. Must and chicken tamale (a very familiar scent) on the nose.  Tropical and buttery, with margarita rim notes on the finish. July 2022 (No buttery, no oak)

2021 Windy Oaks Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $34 (#801)

Winery Notes: “The brand new Estate Grown Barrel Fermented Rosé of Pinot Noir was picked early to keep freshness and vitality all from etate vines. The grapes were crushed and allowed to soak for about four hours before pressing to used French oak. Matured for close to 8 months this Rosé has depth, loads of flavor and exceptionally elegant mouthfeel.” Only 2 barrels were made.

My Review: Dusty rose in the glass. Watermelon on the palate.  Very tasty with good acidity.  Perhaps a tad sweet. A nice summer patio wine. July 2022

2019 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.5% ABV, $45 (#802)

Winery Notes: “The main estate Pinot Noir comes from various parcels and a full selection of clones fermented mainly with native yeasts and partial whole cluster. Then it was aged 18 months in French oak with 35% new barrels used, then bottled unfiltered. 350 cases made.”

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Lovely fruit concentration and vibrant energy that showcases the harmony of the vintage and the vineyards. Medium full palate of luxurious red fruits, racy acidity and elegant French oak nuances. Expressive layers of black cherry, raspberry, strawberry and tangy plum fruits that rush at you in the mouth with a hint of rose petals on the nose, that fades nicely into a slight spicy and toasty note while lingering on the finish with an opulent creamy/satiny feel.”

My Review: Transluscent pale ruby in the glass. A light nose of cherry and black tea, carrying over to the palate.  Easy to drink.  A little sweet with a slightly bitter finish. July 2022

2018 Windy Oaks Les Deux Grands Crus Special Release Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.7% ABV, $105 (#803)

Winery Notes: Only 2 barrels were made of this wine from grapes grown from two well-known and respected Burgundy vineyards.

My Review:   Transparent ruby in color. Light cherry on the nose, but a richer palate of cherry and wood. Earthy and elegant. This is a lovely wine and my favorite of the tasting.  Even I really like this Pinot Noir! February & July 2022

2019 Windy Oaks Limited Release – Wood Tank Fermented Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.6% ABV, $64 (#804)

Winery Notes: “The Wood Tank Pinot was fermented in our French oak open top wood (tank) fermenter that adds dimension and textural richness. This vintage was aged close to 24 months in French oak barrels.”

My Review: A nice, translucent ruby. Cherry and black tea on the nose.  Rich cherry on the palate leading into a darker finish. While flavors are very typical of a California Pinot Noir, this wine is very elegant and smooth. July 2022

2019 Windy Oaks Proprietors Reserve Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, $65 (#805)

Winery Notes: “Top top barrel selection of the vintage, coming from our old estate vines. Always beautifully structured this new release Reserve was aged close to 24 months in French oak barrels with a selection of close to 50% new wood and bottled unfined & unfiltered.” (from the tasting sheet February 2022)

My Review: My only notes for this wine tasted back in February were that I liked it.  February 2022

2018 Windy Oaks Rodnick Vineyard Old Vines Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA, 13.7% ABV, $49 (#806)

Winery Notes: New release. 24 months in French barrels, 25-50% new. 

My Review: Bubblegum on the nose and palate, with chalkiness shining through its long finish. This is a lighter and more subtle Pinot Noir. July 2022

2019 Windy Oaks Vaccaro Family Block Estate Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#807)

Winery Notes: “The cool climate, singe acre, Estate Syrah is an elegant and peppery medium bodied version of this grape with classic northern Rhone character. 100% de-stemmed berries, native yeast fermented, and aged in used French barrels for 25 months, only 140 cases made.”

My Review: This was the last wine we tasted that day and the palate did not seem very Syrah-like.  Lots of different spices on the palate, but not ones we’d usually think of in a wine. I’d like to taste this wine again as a stand-alone. July 2022

All of Windy Oaks tasting rooms are open:  at the winery, in Carmel-By-The-Sea, and in Carmel Valley Village.  Check here for the details: http://www.windyoaksestate.com/.  Please call 831-724-9562 for reservations and other pertinent info.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Parsonage Showcases Its Powerful Wines to the Monterey AWS!

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) asked if I had any ideas or connections for one of their First Friday WinedUP.  I recommended Parsonage and reached out to Summer.  After some consultation (due to the potential size of our group and the after-hours time we wanted to visit), they agreed to have us. And I think everyone is glad they did!

Parsonage’s exceptional tasting room staff, Summer and Linda, welcomed the Monterey AWS with their big smiles and expertise!

While we planned to use their outside seating, the wind had kicked up – and they accommodated us indoors instead.  It was perfect.  We got to choose between the regular tasting and the reserve tasting.  We, of course, did both since we are wine club members.  And Parsonage showcased some “extra” wines, as well – their rarely-made Chardonnay and reserve Petit Verdot.  Lucky us!

But before we get to those, I have another story.  In December 2019, I was in the Parsonage tasting room when they informed me that they were having a big sale on their large format wines, specifically a 3-litre bottle of the 2005 Carmelstone Syrah from their estate.  This is one of my all time favorite wines (please don’t tell Rocco).  Normally $500, this large bottle was on sale for $265. We had a family reunion slated for Easter of 2020 and, after many texts back and forth with my husband, we decided to buy it for that event. And then COVID happened, meaning no reunion.

The 2005 3L bottle compared to the 2006 750 ml bottle!
We opened this bottle with a Durand Corkscrew – just in case the cork was tricky – but it was in perfect condition!

I wondered how this bottle would hold up – and whether we would ever get to serve it.  With no reunion in sight, what we would do with it? Fortunately, we were able to have the reunion in Spring of 2022. We had this wine the first night and it was spectacular. We all agreed it was the best wine of the weekend.  No offense to all those other great wines we had.  And we had no problem finishing off the bottle in one night – it was a lot of people and we do love our big reds!

Today, I am presenting 12 Parsonage wines – mostly from that July 1 event, but also a few others we served at our family reunion back in April.  Winery notes come from the Parsonage website, as usual.

I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here:  https://www.parsonagewine.com/.

2021 Parsonage Chardonnay, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 15% ABV, $36 (793)

Winery Notes: “A true outlier! No oak bombing. Never been a Chardonnay quite like this one. A white flower melange of jasmine and elderflower with tropical fruit hints of perfectly ripe kiwi, pineapple, and guava, followed by subtle lemon zest. The opulent mouthfeel suggest a presence of honey owing to the wine’s slow passage across the palate which creates a lengthy and dramatic finish.”

My Review: Full malolactic fermentation, all stainless steel. Very tropical nose with melon notes.  Rich on the palate – a touch sweet, full of ripe tropical flavors. July 2022 (No buttery, no oak)

2021 Parsonage Grenache Rosé, Arroyo Seco AVA, 15% ABV, $29 (794)

Winery Notes: “A perennial warm weather favorite. And a surprise to everyone who thinks they don’t like Rosé! Made with Grenache grapes. Owner Bill Parsons’ tasting notes: Another spectacular bouquet of candied violets, star anise, bubble gum, and your favorite perfume. Delicious mouthful of ripe strawberry, mulberry, red currant with a hint of orange zest in this off-dry marvel!”

My Review: Brownish tint to the pink juice. Tropical nose. A little sweet on the palate with a slight metallic taste on the finish. July 2022

2019 Parsonage Estate Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $42 (795)

Winery Notes: “A vibrant nose of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate and wildflowers. The gorgeous red fruit is full, round and rich on the palate with a hint of Darjeeling on the long, lovely finish.”

My Review: Ruby in color.  Jammy nose of berries and cherries. A lot of fruit on the palate and a touch tart – like a dark cherry Jolly Rancher – in a good way.  Black tea on the finish.  I like this wine. July 2022

2019 Parsonage Cyrano Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $28 (796) 70% Merlot, 30% Syrah

Winery Notes: “Our versatile red table wine easily pairs with a variety of different foods. We think it goes especially well with pizza and spaghetti with red sauce. This vintage is full bodied. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Syrah. Rich, ripe and voluptous. The Cyrano is one of our best sellers.”

My Review:   Pretty ruby in the glass. Yummy dark fruit on the palate and a lot of oak on the dry, slightly minty  finish. New release – perhaps young still.This was left extra time in the barrels thanks to COVID (2.5 years). Let this one sit a bit more in the bottle. July 2022

2019 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $90 (797)

Winery Notes: “Exemplary of our house style of making wine from grapes at the pinnacle of perfect ripeness, this Pinot has brilliant notes of black cherry with dried rose petals, cola, and English breakfast tea. The rich, round, elegant palate adds raspberry and currant to the dominant black cherry compote with the tea tannins driving the vibrant finish.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Very lean and sophisticated, more like a Burgundy. This reserve wine was lighter than the 2 previous wines – I’d like to taste it again in a different order. July 2022

2018 Parsonage Wild Card Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $38 (533)

Winery Notes: “As wild and crazy as they come, Frank’s seven varietal blend is to winemaking what a crazy quilt is to sewing. The magical blend, in no particular order, is Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It’s an intriguing mélange of perfumed raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, plum and cranberry on a medium palate with a lively finish.”

My Review: This review is a complete rewrite from the tasting I did in October 2021.  Rich, dark ruby in the glass.  A jammy nose. Complex tannins and layered, jammy fruit.  The 7 varietals have melded very nicely together in this vintage – this is a winner! July 2022

2018 Parsonage Syrah, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $48 (535)

Winery Notes: “Big and rich, our flagship varietal. Pairs well with anything grilled or barbequed. The 18th iteration of our signature wine is deep, rich and savory with dark berries, mocha and umami that synergistically form the delicious Parsonage terroir. This vintage has a little something different that is thought-provoking and downright cerebral. There’s a fascinating component that asks you to take a moment and attempt to identify its nature. Then you can’t resist reflecting on just what is that mysterious essence? It’s quite compelling. If you figure it out, please let me know.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Sophisticated nose of berries, followed by huge palate of berries, with menthol and black pepper on the finish. Grapes sourced from their estate, Cedar Lane, and Coastview vineyards. July 2022

2018 Parsonage Rocco Reserve  Syrah, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $90 (536)

Winery Notes: “In a single word – MAGNIFICENT!  The Rocco Estate Reserve Syrah is our flagship wine, the wine that put us on the map. All of the Rocco vintages have been big, opulent, and complex world class Syrahs. The 2018 has these attributes and more. This Rocco possesses a mysterious nature that calls out for a moment of palate reflection. It’s something about the interface of perfectly ripe fruit and savory flavor. There’s all that beautiful dark fruit colliding with grilled tenderloin and exotic spices/herbs backgrounded with mocha and hints of umami. A wine for the ages, simply MAGNIFICENT!!!”

My Review: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one wine, this would be it. Dark, rich ruby in the glass. Cassis and dark berries on the nose.  Super huge palate of dark fruit, very smooth. Lots of oak on the finish. My all time favorite. July 2022

2017 Parsonage Rocco Reserve  Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (222)

Winery Notes: “Our flagship wine, this vintage is opulent. The ripe black, blue, and red fruit are immense in the nose and the mouth. The palate explodes in an essence of summer savory with exotic Asian spices wrapped in umami. The fullness and concentrated richness of the finish are suggestive of a high end Amarone.”

My Review: Hot buttered rum on the nose. Dark fruit and a touch of cedar as it opened up.  buttery bone marrow, leather, rosemary and figs on the palate.  Asphalt, pencil shavings and caramel on the finish. April 2022

2005 Parsonage Carmelstone Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, 3L Bottle: $500.00 (798)

One big, hefty 3L bottle!

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: Very dark ruby in the glass.  Raisin and cassis on the nose.  Rich blackberry with bubblegum notes mid-palate with a touch of smoke/tobacco on the finish.  Our favorite wine of the reunion weekend. April 2022

2018 Parsonage Xandro Reserve Red Wine, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (799) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah

Winery Notes: “A nose of ripe dark berries and wild flowers that creates its own unique perfume for this remarkable marriage of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at the peak of ripeness.

All of the beautiful dark fruit of the nose is joined by mocha and a bit of umami to create glorious hedonistic delights on the palate with uncommon continuity from beginning to end.”

My Review: Such a rich, dark ruby!  Lovely nose of dark fruit and carmel.  Super dark fruit on the palate.  A la Penfolds Grange. We liked this wine and took some home. July 2022

2018 Parsonage Bixby Reserve Petit Verdot, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (544)

Winery Notes: “The Bixby has always had a distinctly floral nose but the 2018 sets a new record for perfumed bouquet. We’re talking Chanel No. 5 here. And, no, we didn’t add any wildflowers to the fermenter. Honest! There’s delicious dark fruit on the nose and palate, mostly currant, black cherry, and huckleberry with a hint of mulberry. This is a very complex and age worthy wine that finishes with satisfyingly bracing tannins.”

My Review: Caramel on the nose and palate, mixed with bright fruit. Very tasty – not at all vegetal (which is how I used to think of Petit Verdot). July 2022

Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – click here for the details.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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I Brand & Family Release Party: Great People, Diverse Wines, Tasty Food, & Eclectic Music – a Fun Time for All!

I was tipped off by our Wine Pod partners that I Brand was having a release party in late June – the first one since COVID made its unwelcome arrival in Monterey County.  We made a quick plan to carpool there.

We have been to several past release parties where members and fans get to sample newly-released good wine, paired appetizers, and great music.  In short, really fun.  There were a lot of wines to try on this Sunday – some on the release menu – plus a number of library wines hidden in between.  It was kind of overwhelming – in a good way!  I felt rushed at first – and then just slowed down and got in the groove. We enjoyed the sliders, the pizzas, and the gourmet popsicles!  And more wine.  I truly appreciated the library wines, as a great counterbalance to the new releases.  These wines demonstrated the staying power of Ian’s wines – and made the case for holding onto more of his wines – which are so tempting to consume right away. Thank you so much, Ian, Heather, and the rest of the I Brand Family, for making this event possible once again.

I have 14 wines to present to you today from across all 3 labels of I Brand & Family, La Marea and Le P’tit Paysan – most tasted at the release party. I have presented the 2 Grenache wines before. And I added in a Syrah from our private collection. There was a lot going on at this event and we were moving a bit quickly, so I didn’t get the detailed tasting notes I might usually capture. I did go back to the tasting room in July to polish up a few of my notes – where I also got to taste the 2016 52-month Chardonnay – a bonus review for us at the very bottom of this post! Unless otherwise specified, winemaker’s notes come from the winery tech sheets or notes online.

2021 Piquette Nat, Arroyo Seco AVA, 7.4% AVA, $18 (#780)

Winemaker’s Notes: “A perfect summer sipper. Our Piquette Nat from California is Col Fondo process, an easy drinking blend of organic Zabala Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and hibiscus flowers.”

My Review: Made from Sauvignon Blanc and hibiscus flower, this looks like a Brut rose, smells like licorice, and, to me, tastes yeasty like a fruity beer. Very popular and different. June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Pinot Gris, San Benito County, $30 (#781)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Ranier cherries and lemon-thyme on the nose. Pink grapefruit and cara-cara orange lead the attack on the palate. Lingering tannin structure balanced with medium acidity and distinctive minerality contribute to a bright and festive Summer glass, perfectly suited for a wide array of food pairings.”

My Review:  An orange wine – the wax on the bottle is a huge hint!  Year over year, this is an excellent wine, light on the palate, crisp and tasty. We like this wine. June 2022

2021 La Marea Alternate Cut Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey County, $30 (#782)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Green pears, lanolin, almond blossom and brioche on the nose. Tart mango and honeysuckle lead the attack on the palate. Mild tannins balanced with mellow acidity contribute to a well-rounded white with a complex bouquet.”

My Review: Honeysuckle and citrus rind on the nose. Slightly funky palate of buttermilk and citrus rind, with a lingering creamy finish. The alternate cut makes for a heavier mouthfeel to this ever so slightly sweet Albariño.  June 2022

2014 Le P’tit Paysan L’Apiculteur Cedar Lane Vineyard Viognier, Arroyo Seco AVA, $42 (#783)

Winemaker’s Notes from wine.com: “Late ripening Viognier from the alluvial benches above the Arroyo Seco River fermented in a combination of stainless steel, neutral barrels and twice used barrels. Soaring honeysuckle aromas, flavors of pear and crushed stones, partial malolactic fermentation for focus and composition.”

My Review: This “library” Viognier was a bonus wine – this is an excellent representation of Central Coast Viognier – honeysuckle yet lean. The age on this bottle made it more complex and interesting. June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Arneis, Vista Verde Vineyard, Paicines, San Benito County, $30 (#784)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Jasmine flower and lilac on the nose. Dried apricot and quince lead the attack on the palate. Medium to full body finishes with notes of bergamot.” 133 cases produced

My Review:  Another atypical varietal that Ian likes to work with.  This is the second vintage of this wine that I have tried. This one is really special – a funky, earthy nose, followed by a light and tasty palate, especially after tasting the library Viognier. June 2022

2021 Le P’tit Paysan Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, 13.7% ABV, $24 (#785)

About LPP Sauvignon Blanc : “Paysan Sauvignon Blanc comes from Zabala Vineyard – located on a large holding on the Arroyo Seco floodplains that was part of land granted to the Zabala family before California’s statehood. It was first planted in the 1970s and has grown to encompass over 1000 acres. Zabala Vineyard is one of the rockiest vineyard I Brand works with, full of what is locally known as ‘Greenfield Potatoes’, which are the rather inedible round river stones that dominate the soil and have been collected into piles and walls at every property in the basin. This vineyard is located directly in the path of the daily Salinas Valley winds, which control sugar development and retain natural acidity. Certified organic grapes.”

Winemaker’s Notes: “The bouquet is an explosion of white peaches, gooseberries and perfumy passionfruit. This translates over to the palate with more gorgeous and concentrated white peach bursting to the front and evolving into hints of trailside strawberry. Bright acidity. Crisp, tart and refreshing. Lingering finish that has a subtle creaminess returning to tropical passionfruit.” 145 cases produced

My Review: The LPP Sauvignon Blanc comes from one of my favorite vineyards in Arroyo Seco. Very pale in the glass. Yummy butterscotch and tropical notes on the nose. A flavorful palate dominated by lime cloaked in honeysuckle, with a citrusy, buttery finish. Very balanced and tasty. June 2022

2019 Le P’tit Paysan Jacks Hill Chardonnay, Monterey County, 13.2% ABV, $20 (#786)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright, with orchard fruit giving way to an intense minerality. The wine is produced predominantly from a few vineyards at the base of Jack’s Hill, planted on the distinct iron oxide granite that dominates the east side of the Salinas Valley, directly east of Sleepy Hollow North.”

My Review: From our home collection. Pale golden in color. Tropical bouquet of pineapple and honeydew. Palate brimming with soft pineapple, with citrus notes. This is one of my favorite central coast everyday Chardonnays – def not buttery, oaky. June 2022

2020 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County, 13.67% ABV, $36 (#787)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Smoked chestnuts leading into dark cherry-cola on the nose. Ripe red fruits abound in the form of Bing cherries and Santa Rosa plum. Light body with very mellow tannin structure and soft glycerin finish which lingers and fades into petrichor.” 62 cases produced

My Review: Translucent, dark ruby in the glass.  Dark cherry on the nose and very smooth and tasty dark cherry on the palate. I prefer this to the previous vintage! June 2022

2014 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah, San Antonio Valley, 13.8% ABV, $42 (#788)

89 points – Wine Enthusiast : “Dried herbs, elderberries, peppercorns and a strong streak of gamy meat show on the nose of this bottling, which is less dense and more nuanced in style than many other Petite Sirahs. The gamy element extends to the palate, giving complexity to the black fruits and sticky tannins.” Matt Kettmann 6/2018

My Review: The grapes for this library wine come from Pierce Ranch – and this is a delicious wine.  Another reason to hold your I Brand wines. I would rate this higher than Wine Enthusiast did back in 2018. One of the wines I took home with me from this tasting! June 2022

2020 I Brand & Family Mourvèdre, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, 12.4% ABV, $45 (#789)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Saddle leather, and ripe huckleberries on the nose. Wild blueberries lead the attack on the palate transitioning into gorgeous and concentrated red ddelicious apple notes contributing to a bright and lingering finish. Medium to light body with pronounced yet balanced tannins finishes with redwood duff.” 34 cases produced

My Review: OK, this was another favorite from the release party.  Light cherry and pepper notes on the nose, following through on the palate. Grapey, smooth and delicious.  One of the finest Mourvèdres I have ever had.  Took one home. June 2022

2019 La Marea Grenache, Central Coast, 14% ABV, $30 (#635)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Aromas of red fruit about in this ripe and silky grenache with flinty undertones. Bright acidity leads the way on the palate allowing the lovely, light red fruit shine in the form of overripe strawberries and loganberries. California anise, white pepper, and mild tannins finish neatly.” 440 cases produced

My Review:  With grapes from Monterey and Santa Clara, this one gets the Central Coast label.  A pretty, translucent ruby in the glass.  Cherry, cranberry on the nose.  Dances on the palate with smooth cherry and red currant, with a lingering intensity on the finish. December 2021, June 2022

2014 La Marea Brosseau Vineyard Grenache, Chalone AVA, $68 (#636)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bing cherry, roasting lamb, clay. smoldering dry leaves, sea shells. Soaring aromatics. Palate opens with savory elements: garrigue, cigar tobacco, spearmint, overlaying the unmistakable elegant texture of vineyards planted on calcium-rich soils. Chaparral, menthol, red cherry and cranberry on the finish.” 124 cases produced

My Review:  Ruby in the glass.  Fresh cherry and raspberry on the nose.  This was quite yummy with fresh red fruits on the palate and darker flavors of currant and leather on the finish. These library wines show the staying power of Ian Brand’s wines – we loved them all. A hint to hold them a bit longer. December 2021, June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Escolle Vineyard Gamay Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 12.2% ABV, $42 (#790)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Telicherry peppercorn and carraway seed lead the bouquet, evolving into spiced black plum notes. The peppery and spice plum carries over to the palate attack and the finish is short, but exquisitely spicy for a light to medium bodied and chillable red. Pronounced yet balanced tannins. Finishes with notes of California garrigue; think sagebrush, manzanita and mugwort.” 95 cases produced

My Review:  Oh, the Gamay Noir!  What a way to top off the afternoon! Ruby, almost purple in the glass. Very grapey nose. Grapey, smooth, jammy, good!  I took one of these wines home, too! The challenge will be to hold it and not just open it and drink it. June 2022

2018 I Brand & Family Syrah, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, $42 (#791)

Winemaker’s Notes: The Graff Family Vineyard “…is a small 3 acre vineyard planted in 1989 to Syrah, Mourvedre and Melon de Bourgogne. The site has depleted, granitic soils and, combined with the elevation and exposure, it’s a perfect situation for producing deep, funky, expressive American Syrah.” 39 cases produced

My Review:  From our private collection. Dark ruby in the glass. Light cherry on the nose. Red fruits on the palate. This isn’t a huge Syrah – a bit lighter and more elegant, refreshing and tasty. Very nice on day 2.  May 2022

2016 I Brand & Family 52-month Chardonnay, Monterey, 15% ABV (#792)

Winemaker’s Notes: 52-months in a steel tank. Aged in the bottle one year before release. “Delicate & oxidative aromas similar to a beautiful Fino sherry. Palate confirms aromatics.  Nutty entry, candied pineapple & ripe tangerines on initial & mid-palate. Finishes with warm marzipan, toasted cinnamon, anie & cloves. Searing acidity throughout.” 41 cases produced

My Review:  I am not sure I would have guessed this was a Chardonnay. Toasted pineapple notes on the nose and palate, but an almost fortified or Sauternes-like quality on the finish – butterscotch and pineapple.  July 2022

The I Brand & Family Tasting Room is located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 6 pm.  Reservations are recommended – more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Taste Carmel Valley: A “Sweet Spot” for Wine Pairings!

In December 2020, we were hanging out with Sal Rombi when Gary from the Wine Trolley joined us.  He shared with us his new business concept for offering wine tastings from smaller or out of business wineries, as well as offering bakery items which he makes himself.  This became Taste Carmel Valley, also known as “The Sweet Spot” (http://www.carmelvalleysweetspot.com/).

Their sign outside boasts Boëté and Chock Rock wines.  We have been huge fans of both – long-time members at Boëté – and have missed Chock Rock since they closed their tasting room some years back. This is a great venue to taste the fabulous Boëté wines, since they closed their tasting room.

Taste Carmel Valley (aka The Sweet Shop) is a cute place.  It offers delicious family-made baked goods, unique wines, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and clothing.  First, you are welcomed by their “Golden Daschund” and then the friendly staff inside.  They let us know when Gary would be there to do a wine tasting for us and we came back.

On our big wine tasting weekend in June, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod stopped in to taste the Chock Rock Syrah. We found the tasting menu to be extensive.  The concept is to choose 5 wines for $14. The list includes Chateau Sinnet, Karlsen (Chock Rock), Carmel Hills, Rancho Carmelo, Boëté, and Mesa del Sol. These are smaller wineries which do not currently have their own tasting room or have stopped making wine.  As we pondered what to try besides the Chock Rock Syrah, Gary started pouring us wines.  About 10 wines later, we finally got the Syrah!

A bit about the wineries included in today’s post from his website and elsewhere:   https://tastecarmelvalleycalifonrnia.square.site/

Château Sinnet is no longer making wine and its Carmel Valley tasting room is closed (despite what you might find on Yelp, etc.).  The location is still there, used now as a storeroom.  Its unusual wines included a White Merlot, the Red Eyed Monkey and a Late Harvest Zinfandel.  We liked to stop in there from time to time and were fans of the Red Eyed Monkey – this red blend even had its own Facebook fan club page!

Carmelo Vineyards are adjacent to Parsonage and is where Frank Melicia resides – he is the winemaker for Parsonage, Silvestri and Carmelo, among other pursuits. 

“Karlsen Family Wines and Chock Rock Vineyard was established in 2006 by veteran winemaker, Dan Karlsen and his wife Kathleen. Chock Rock Vineyard produces wine from their estate vineyard and other unique vineyard sites in Monterey County, California. The wines of Chock Rock are absolutely handcrafted at their estate micro-winery secluded high in the Santa Lucia Mountains at the farthest reaches of the Carmel Valley. Great fruit from unique sites coupled with 30 years of winemaking experience ensure world class quality wines. Karlsen offers Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé and Syrah.” There is a lot more to the story – check out Karlsen here: https://www.karlsenwines.com/ and Chock Rock here: https://www.chockrock.com/.

“Deep in the heart of Steinbeck country, nestled between the Arroyo Seco Gorge and the Ventana wilderness, lies Mesa del Sol. The historic stagecoach stop and organic winery showcases the best of Monterey County’s rugged landscape and elegant wines. Mesa del Sol produces Old Vine Zinfandel, Grenache, Syrah, and Sangiovese. We love the “Prima Rosso” blend of all four wines.”

For a lot of these wines, I will not be able to find winery notes. And, to be frank, this was our third stop for in-depth tasting, so note-taking was not so great by this point. And Gary was very entertaining. I’d like to go back in the future and do individual winery tastings here – lots to work with. OK, here we go…

2008 Château Sinnet Manatee White Merlot, $18 (#769)

Winery Notes: A Gold Medal winner from the Florida Grape Growers Association.  Named for the vintner’s beloved manatees from his Florida home. Has its own Facebook fan page.

My Review: We actually really liked this wine and would consider buying it or serving it.  It was very tasty. Not too sweet, as pleasant wine. June 2022

2020 Karlsen Rose of Pinot Noir, Monterey County, $28 (#770)

My Review: Caramel popcorn on the nose.  Light on the palate with mild apple, pear and concrete notes. June 2022

2020 Carmelo Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, $28 (#771)

My Review: Butterscotch on the nose. Smokey on the palate (this was the year of the Carmel Fire). June 2022

Karlsen Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey County, $36 (#772)

My Review: We liked this Sauvignon Blanc – crisp. Regret we didn’t get better notes on this one. June 2022

2015 Mesa del Sol Zinfandel, Arroyo Seco, $32 (#773)

2014 Review by Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “A more mineral-driven style of Zinfandel, this bottling starts with aroma of gravel and baked earth along with exotic strawberry, red plum and sandalwood. The palate offers dried red fruits, hibiscus and carnation-like flavors, framed by a rocky sandstone-flecked minerality, proving mellow and elegant.” Matt Kettmann

2019 Carmelo Vineyards Estate Grown Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, $44 (#774)

2018 Review by International Wine Report – 90 points: “This 2018 Pinot Noir from Carmelo Vineyards, shows a bright aromatic profile with aromas of fresh strawberries, cherry, dried spice, dark chocolate, cured meat, vanilla blossom and earthy nuances that jump from the glass. On the palate there are lovely flavors of red berries, plum, currant and sour cherry throughout. The finish is long with live acidity. This is very enjoyable today and will age for the next 5-7 years.”

My Review: Very nice bouquet and good flavors on the palate. Bright, with a little earth, brambly with a hint of raspberry. “The perfect Pinot.” June 2022

2016 Carmelo Vineyards Estate Grown Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, 14.2% ABV, $30 (#775)

2017 Review by International Wine Report – 88 points: “The 2017 Pinot Noir from Carmelo Vineyards offers aromas of dark cherries, currant, dried rose petals, dark chocolate, fig, and dried herbs. On the palate this is medium-bodied with lots of freshness and acidity that lifts the flavors of sour cherry, blood orange, strawberries, and spice box. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.”

My Review: I am not sure I would guess this was a Pinot Noir.  Could definitely pick up smoke (Soberanes Fire year). June 2022

2015 Chock Rock Syrah, Arroyo Seco AVA, 15.6% ABV, $25 (#776)

My Review: This was the wine we went there to taste. By then, we had had so many wines. Still delicious on the palate with alcohol notes and not as much fruit as I would have expected. I would like to go back and taste this again, as this was our favorite Chock Rock wine in the past. June 2022

2004 Château Sinnet Red Eyed Monkey, San Antonio Valley (#777) 45% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Zinfandel, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah

Winery Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.”

My Review: This was presented as a “Mystery wine.” We found it to be very drinkable – smooth, dark fruit.  Many years ago, we had purchased this wine and we still really like it – more than our Wine Pod partners did. June 2022

2014 Chock Rock Pinot Noir, Monterey County, $28 (#778)

Winery Notes: “100% Estate grown, a balanced wine with texture and mouth feel.”

My Review: Something seemed off with this wine.  It smelled like a fortified wine, over the hill. Perhaps we needed a new bottle opened – we did not request one. I don’t think it was a proper representation of this wine. June 2022

2017 Château Sinnet Late Harvest Zinfandel, 16.2% ABV, $25 (#779)    

My Review: OK, this was our last wine. And it tasted like a very done late harvest Zinfandel.  These grapes were picked “as raisins.” June 2022

Taste Carmel Valley is located at 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 101, in Carmel Valley. The Sweet Spot is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays.  Check with the staff or call (831) 624-1700 to inquire when wines will be poured. You can also order a variety of sandwiches and salads, even charcuterie plates!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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