A fun little Thanksgiving Post for you all today, including a wine from Los Altos Hills!
When I heard “the Domies” were having their 50th reunion, I was all in. While I had seen the UC Davis domes over the years, a chance to attend one of their reunions had always eluded me. My husband was one of about 2 dozen people who work on the project to build the domes back in 1972. The reunion was very well attended, with most of the former hippie-esque originals in attendance. It was a great weekend of memories and rekindling of old relationships and making new friends.
My Review: Very dark ruby in color. A dark cherry nose. Black cherry on the rich, tasty palate, with a touch of yeastiness on the finish. This is my favorite to date of the Hippie Syrahs! Can’t wait to taste the 2019! June 2022
What I did not really expect to see at this reunion was Central Coast wine! I captured 2 true “Central Coast” wines the first night we were there.
2021 Hitching Post Pinks Dry Rosé Wine, Central Coast
2009 Yáñez-Chin Winery Chardonnay, Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara County
The very first wine served as the Hitching Post Pinks. I was a bit surprised to see it up in Northern California. I’ve written about Hitching Post wine before.
The second wine was much more obscure. On the first night of the Dome Reunion, I met Luis Yáñez, the engineer who was the senior managing consultant on the Domes construction project and a part-time instructor at UC Davis. He oversaw the design and construction of the utility core elements of the domes: kitchen, bathroom, plumbing and electrical. He continues to play a role in innovative technologies and solutions.
A very sweet and friendly fellow, Luis also dabbled in wine making for a while, as the owner of the Yáñez-Chin Winery in the Los Altos Hills and brought a case of his award-winning 2009 Chardonnay for us to enjoy. He produced Chardonnay from 2008-2010 from a nearby property where he planted 127 vines of Chardonnay and built an impressive home.
I don’t know much about the Los Altos Hills wine growing region in Santa Clara County. Wineries nearby include Portola; Thomas Fogarty; Neely Winery; and the new Madsen located in Los Altos Hills. More wineries are just to the south, including historic Murrieta’s Well and Felloms Ranch, a source for grapes by our own Ian Brand.
I did find an article about residents making their own wines in “Our Town: The Official Newsletter of the Town of Los Altos Hills” from June 2017: Los Altos Hills Wine Country. It indicates that there were 112 vineyards in town at that time! There is also an annual Vines & Wine Event in Los Altos Hills with dozens of local winemakers!
2021 Hitching Post Pinks Dry Rosé Wine, Central Coast AVA, 13% ABV, $18 (#862)
The Hitching Post Pinks is made by Hartley Osini Vintners, Santa Maria, CA.
Winemaker’s Notes from their website: “A clean and softer version of our typical style of Hitching Post Wines Pinks Dry Rosé. Using our staple blend of 80% Valdiguie from French Camp Vineyards in San Luis Obispo County and 20% Pinot Noir from Quinta del Mar Vineyard.
“Lightly peach colored with an almost rusty hue. Soft tropical notes drawing out slight watermelon rind, and strawberry. An easy sipper for hot days, the acidity gives enough amplitude on the palate to bring out a cactus pear flavor. A fun wine to accompany a cheese and charcuterie board that is balanced and repeatable to drink.”
My Review: Rich pink in color. Aromas typical of a Pinot Noir-based rosé. Very tasty. I would have this again. The Valdiguié is a nice switch up from our usual Pinot Noir-driven Central Coast rosés! I would buy this. October 2022
2009 Yáñez-Chin Winery Chardonnay, Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara County, 12% ABV, $45 (#863)
Luis brought a case of his 2009 Yáñez-Chin Chardonnay to share with the group. 90 cases were produced. He indicated this wine won third place out of 35 wineries in a Los Altos Hills wine competition, likely the Vines & Wine Event mentioned above, about 5 years ago. At that time, the wine should have sold for about $45, although Luis mostly gave it to his family and friends.
My Review: Amber in color. A little cloudy. Caramel on the palate with fig notes, a touch sweet like a vermouth. I would have liked to taste it 5 years ago! October 2022
Another dog grooming day = another Carmel-By-The-Sea wine tasting. I finally got to experience the “new” Talbott tasting room! This visit was long overdue, as I had not tasted Talbott wine since their original tasting room location on Carmel Valley Road. We used to go to Carmel Valley where we could taste Durney wines at Heller and then Talbott wines in the same building! So long ago…
I was impressed by the spaciousness and the beauty of both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Talbott tasting room. Outdoor was rustic, yet very nice and large enough for a crowd. Indoors, I felt I was at a fancy private event. I could see a special occasion event here.
I was warmly welcomed by Marcus Allen who stuck with me through my entire industry tasting. He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We shared Monterey wine facts back and forth.
Talbott is one of the “original” Monterey County wine pioneers. Robert Talbott and his wife Audrey established a luxury men’s tie business in Carmel in the 1950’s and began to dream about making high quality Burgundian wines. In the 1960’s, they purchased a 75-acre cattle ranch in Carmel Valley. In 1982, they planted the Diamond T. Vineyard in Carmel Valley. And in 1983, they built their first winery in the Cachagua area of Carmel Valley. In 1989, Talbott purchased a 125-acre ranch in Santa Lucia Highlands on River Road, site of current winery facility and River Road vineyards (28,000 sq. ft. winery building, 110 acres Chardonnay vines). At that point, Talbott sold its Carmel Valley winery to Ben Pon of Bernardus Winery. Talbott is only one of a handful of wineries that even had a tasting room in Monterey County in the 1990’s.
About Talbott: “The renowned Talbott Vineyards crafts estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir inspired by the traditions of Burgundy. With two estate vineyards located in Monterey County, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard and Diamond T Vineyard, Talbott offers a portfolio of exceptional wines to enjoy.
“For more than three decades, Talbott Vineyards wines have consistently garnered praise from wine critics and enthusiasts alike, including receiving a rare 100-point score in a Wine Spectator retrospective tasting for our 1990 Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay…”
About Sleepy Hollow Vineyard: “Our famed Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, was designated one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards by Wine Enthusiast in 2016 for its ability to produce exceptional wines year after year, even under challenging conditions. With rolling hills and mountains, lush green land and bright blue skies, this vineyard has remarkable beauty. First planted in 1972, the vineyard is comprised of 565 planted acres divided into three vineyard parcels, Sleepy Hollow North, Sleepy Hollow West and Sleepy Hollow South. Each grows exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.”
About Diamond T Vineyard: “In 1982, Robert Talbott hand planted Diamond T Vineyard in Carmel Valley. First planted with the Corton-Charlemagne Chardonnay clone, this 14-acre, tightly spaced vineyard grows on a 1,200-foot mountaintop. This vineyard is virtually soil free and contains chalky shale that allows for excellent root penetration with reduced yields. Due to the challenging growing conditions here, Diamond T Vineyard is a testimony to our founder’s determination to make the finest possible wines…” It falls in the Monterey AVA.
Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
Winery Notes: “Talbott Diamond T Chardonnay is made with a selection of the finest estate grapes from Diamond T Vineyard. Old world impeccable structure meets new world vibrancy in our Chardonnay. Toasty aromas of crème brûlée lead into notes of lush tropical fruit and Meyer lemon. A bright minerality reflective of the Diamond T Vineyard terroir stays on the palette in a lingering, creamy finish. Our well-balanced, cool climate Chardonnay puts a modern, refreshing twist on a classic. The 2017 vintage in Monterey County experienced significant rainfall. Summer heat quickened harvest, which finished in early fall. Diamond T Vineyard had slightly lower than average yields, producing exceptional quality Chardonnay fruit. Our traditional warm, breezy days and cool nights resulted in a long, even season for ripening. Overall, the vintage for this year was outstanding with concentrated flavors, ripe tannins and refreshing acidity.”
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Aromas of plump white peach, seared lemon and schmaltz make for a savory entry to the nose of this bottling from a vineyard above the Carmel Valley. There is a comforting richness to the sip, yet it’s cut by strong acidity, lemon zest and an engaging texture.” Matt Kettmann, 10/2020
My Review: Rich, golden color. Pineapple dominant on the tropical nose. Super big, tropical palate of grilled pineapple with a citrus twist with minerality on the finish. Very complex. September 2022
2018 Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block 50 South Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4% ABV, $60 (#858)
Winery Notes: “Sourced from the southernmost part of our Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, our Block 50 Chardonnay begins to beguile the senses immediately with aromatics that leap from the glass. Hailing from the top section of vineyard, this wine has a graceful aroma of white flowers, hints of brioche and Anjou pear. On the palate, a soft and opulent mouthfeel gives way to lively acidity with notes of lychee, Red Delicious apples and hints of vanilla. Block 50 is planted with many clones of Chardonnay—three of them have been blended together to bring dramatic layers to our Block 50 Chardonnay. We use our Mt. Eden clone for density and mouthfeel, Dijon clone 95 for fruit intensity, and just a dash of our Musque clone for intense aromatics and floral characters. Enjoy with scallops, sole and lighter fare, as well as your favorite soft cheese.” 40% new French oak, aged for 16 months. 93 points – James Suckling.
My Review: Gold with orange hues and viscous in the glass. Caramel on the nose. Really nice “California Chardonnay” flavors – buttery with caramel notes. September 2022
Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block 48 South Pinot Noir is a highly focused wine made with a single clone from a single place – clone 113 from a small block of Sleepy Hollow. Classically styled, our Pinot Noir offers a multi-faceted complexity that Sleepy Hollow famously delivers. Jewel tones of ruby and garnet with a light halo show in the glass, while aromas of ripe red fruit, black tea and earthy spice greet the nose. Notes of Bing and black cherry meld with raspberry, underscored by warm, toasted oak and rich butterscotch. The mouthfeel is opulent and round, leading to a polished finish with a kiss of sweetness.”
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Aromas of stewed cherry, mace and dried ginger make for a very inviting and bold nose in this block-designated bottling from the historic vineyard. Flavors of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon take center stage on the palate, where the tart red-cherry core holds down the fort.”
My Review: A touch cloudy yet translucent dark ruby in color. Cinnamon and floral notes on the nose. Quite a tasty palate – not quite cherry, but perhaps red currant, cranberry, and floral, with a touch of smooth tobacco on the finish. September 2022
Winery Tasting Sheet: “A symphony of clones 113, 115 and 667 come together to create spectacular balance and concentration in our 2018 Block 22 West Pinot Noir. These clones grow on 8-year-old vines located in an ideal parcel in the center of a slope in Sleepy Hollow Vineyards. Situated in the shadow of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Sleepy Hollow offers the vines a rare combination of protection from the elements and cool climate from the nearby Pacific. Like clockwork, marine breezes roll up to the vineyard around 1 pm, thickening the Pinot Noir skins and producing the deep, saturated color of the wine. Layers of wild blueberry and blackberry deliver an uncommonly rich, powerful mouthfeel straight through to the finish. With only 6,600 bottles produced, Block 22 West truly is an exclusive, special wine.” 94 points – James Suckling.
My Review: A fruitier nose with dark cherry aromas. A bigger palate – more intense fruit – red and black currant, and a richer finish. This is more of a “Sharon” wine. September 2022
2018 Talbott Diamond T Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.6% ABV, $75 (#861)
Winery Tasting Sheet: “The 2018 Diamond T Pinot Noir is a luxurious wine crafted exclusively from the five acres of Pinot Noir in the Diamond T Vineyard, which is famous for producing low yields of pristine fruit. This Diamond T shows deep ruby hues in the glass before opening to reveal aromas of crushed dark berries and ripe fruits. An abundance of silky, ripe tannins delivers a refreshing, mouthwatering palate with layers of ripe Bing cherry, raspberry and blackberries wrapped in ribbons of rich cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla. With a big flavor presence and round mouthfeel, Winemaker David Coventry calls Diamond T “one for the record books…a delicious Pinot Noir.” Only 750 cases were made.”
My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass. Much more red fruit (red plum and berries) on the nose than the other Pinot Noirs. Very, very different palate, as well. Refreshing, yet intense at the same time. Very nice fruit with soft tannins. Very drinkable. If I were blind tasting this wine, I might not peg it as a Pinot Noir. September 2022
Talbott’s Tasting Room: “We are now offering two tasting flight options daily: our Estate Flight and our Signature Flight. You will have the option to select the flight when you arrive at the tasting room, not at the time of booking. For more information about tasting experiences or assistance booking your reservation, please call 831-659-3500.” Reservations are required.
We check in often at Wrath’s tasting room in Carmel Plaza to see if there is a new Syrah or a new Pinot Noir special clone wine to taste. On a pleasant August afternoon, we finally got lucky!
I’ve experienced their EX line before – years ago I caught their Sauvignon Blanc on sale and used it in one of my wine classes. Now they are also making a more affordable Syrah as well! Oh, make me happy! For years, their San Saba Syrah has been a go-to favorite. Now they also make a Syrah from KW Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands. So hard to choose!!
About Wrath: “Wrath produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc from our estate vineyard and respected properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Our production is small, our distribution is limited and our wines reveal attitude, passion, and an inherent respect for what a vineyard can give us.”
About Today’s Vineyards: I encourage you to visit this vineyard link to read more about their own vineyard and the other vineyards they use. Today I’ve included a snippet on San Saba and on KW Ranch.
San Saba: “Our Estate San Saba Vineyard is sheltered in a nook just below the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, roughly 25 miles southeast of the town of Monterey. Our climate is heavily influenced by the morning fog and afternoon winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This is a cool site with little rainfall and one of the longest growing seasons in the world. Our unusual climate allows us to produce ripe, concentrated wines of exceptional balance…”
KW Ranch: “KW Ranch is located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, southeast of McIntyre Vineyard and just northwest of Gary’s Vineyard. Planted to both Pinot Noir and Syrah in 2000 by Kirk Williams, the site features a well-exposed, gently-rolling hillside with gravely loam soils. Wines from KW Ranch tend to be intense and highly aromatic.”
Winery notes come from their website here. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2019 Wrath EX Syrah, Monterey AVA, 14.4% ABV, $27 (#853)
Winery Notes: “This wine shows the savory side of our estate-grown, cool-climate syrah clusters. Black peppercorn, rosemary, cola and blueberry aromas show on the nose, while the palate has more of the same along with cracked pepper, ripe olallieberry and dried meaty flavors. It is a slightly younger, less oaky version of its bigger brother, San Saba Vineyard Syrah.” 10 months in French oak, 20% new. 208 cases produced.
My Review: Beautiful dark ruby in the glass. Dark berries and spice on the nose. Smooth dark fruit on the palate. The finish has notes of cooked fruit, as though the grapes were left to hang a bit too long. This new release is very drinkable now. It’s a fine everyday wine. August 2022
Winery Notes: “In antiquity, the wrath of a victorious army often left cities burnt to the ground. Thousands of years later, these events show up as dark carbon-filled strata, or destruction levels, in the archaeological record. The subtle smoky quality that permeates Wrath Destruction Level Rhone Blend is an ode to the smoke-filled smell of victory that greeted the victorious armies of the ancient world. This red Rhone blend is composed of Syrah and Grenache from colder sites in Monterey County. Inky and intense, this blend is upfront with mulled dark fruit, soy and earthy undertones. The palate is generous and seamless with mulberry, cola and a long lively finish.” 10 months in French oak, 40% new. 160 cases produced. 93 points – Vinous.
My Review: Some spice on the nose with light berry flavors. I’ve enjoyed this wine over the vintages and this is no exception. We first tasted this vintage last May, when our daughter and her friend picked up a bottle after doing a tasting in Carmel. August 2022
2018 Wrath San Saba Vineyard Syrah, Monterey AVA, 14.5% ABV, $39 (#855)
Winery Notes: “While the impenetrable color would suggest a wine of epic power, this Syrah is surprisingly elegant and graceful. The aromatics include blackberry, leather, graphite and peppercorns. The palate is rich, concentrated and structured thanks to the firm natural acidity and seamless tannins. As with its predecessors, the 2018 San Saba Syrah is a reflection of the minerally soils, strong afternoon winds and cool ambient temperatures of our estate vineyard.” 285 cases produced. 93 points – Vinous.
My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Strong coffee or olive on the nose. Palate is tasty with lots of jammy fruit. We took some home to see how it shows up over time. August 2022
Winery Notes: “In keeping with our focus on sustainability, grapes are hand harvested and brought to our winery (only six miles down the road) for hand sorting. All our single vineyard Syrahs use the small whole cluster fermentation and oak regimen. This helps highlight the individual personality of each vineyard. The 2018 KW Ranch Syrah is wildly aromatic with flashes of black pepper, smoked meat, blackberries, leather and cassis. The palate is thick, powerful and succulently juicy. Even though the tannins are bold, the wine is still nimble, elegant and approachable.” 131 cases produced.92 points – Vinous.
My Review: Inky, almost purple in the glass. Slight nose of dark berries. Rich mouthful of intense berries and spearmint. Very smooth – our favorite wine of the day! August 2022
You can buy these wines directly from Wrath via their website or tasting rooms.
One of the very special ways to taste Wrath wines is at its Winery Tasting Room, way down River Road. It is an experience! And you can bring your picnic lunch, which is a smart idea, since there aren’t any cafes out there. “Located at 35801 Foothill Road (at the junction of River Road) in Soledad, CA, 5 minutes west of Hwy 101. Open Fri-Mon from 11-5pm, closed Tue-Wed-Thurs. Direct: 831.678.2992”
The easier way (and still very special with indoor and outdoor seating) is at its Carmel Tasting Room: “Located in Carmel Plaza, downtown Carmel at the corner of Ocean Ave. and Mission St., ground floor. Open Fri and Sat from 11-6pm. Open Sun through Thur from 11-5pm 831.620.1909”
Both the winery tasting room in Soledad and the Carmel Plaza tasting room are open for outdoor and limited indoor tastings! Check out this link for more details: https://www.wrathwines.com/Visit.
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