Monthly Archive: March 2023

It’s a “Justin” Time “L’Aventure”!

We are so greatly fortunate that our Decanting Monterey Wine Pod partners like big Paso Robles wines.  As such, they share with us from time to time some incredible reds. Today I am presenting 3 reds we have tasted with them over the past few months. Two are from Justin and the third is from L’Aventure.  This was the first L’Aventure wine I have experienced.  I have expressed to my life partner that, now that we are (sadly) dog-free, it is time to get down to Paso to taste wines when we have a pickup from one of our beloved wineries.

The Decanting Monterey Wine Pod men in deep discussion!

About Justin Winery: “…We planted our first vineyard back in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, we’ve expanded both our knowledge of viticulture in this unique region as well as our acreage…Rich in fossilized limestone from eons of marine deposits, JUSTIN’s soil is ideally suited to creating big, Bordeaux-style reds. The limestone “stresses” the vines, producing grapes that fully express their varietal character…Paso Robles’ distinctive microclimate offers the widest day-night temperature swings of any grape-growing region in California. The hot days allow the grapes to develop intense flavor, while the cool nights create great structure and balance.” I have written about Justin before – just type Justin in the search bar. 

About L’Aventure: “Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L’Aventure Winery, began making wine in 1982, following his education at L’Ecole Oenologique de Macon, Burgundy, France. In that same year, Stephan established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux. He and his family later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin in the Cotes de Castillion, Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, Stephan developed into an artisan winemaker of fastidious craftsmanship and gained a reputation as a maverick vigneron. However, his true desire was to be more innovative than AOC law would allow. In 1996, this led him, his wife, Beatrice and his three children, including his daughter Chloé on a quest for a great terroir, where he could pursue his ideal as a winemaker. After searching for over a year among the world’s great wine fields, ranging from South Africa to Lebanon, Argentina to Napa, they found Paso Robles. Stephan and Beatrice immediately “fell in love” with the unique terroir of west side Paso Robles. The rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influences of the renowned Templeton Gap all combine to produce a world class wine country, with the potential to craft some of the world’s greatest blends. It is here, in Paso Robles, that Stephan and his family began their adventure, “L’Aventure” in 1998.

“The spirit of L’Aventure is most evident in Stephan’s “Paso Blends”, such as Optimus and Estate Cuvée. Both wines are Syrah/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Petit Verdot blends. In these wines, as well as in our Rhône blend Côte à Côte, the blending of premium varietals increases the authenticity, complexity, and balance of the wines. In this adventurous spirit, we find the future of Paso Robles wines… great, balanced red blends.”

2016 Justin Isosceles Red Blend, Paso Robles AVA, 14.5% ABV, $76 (#945)  85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot

Winery Notes from wine.com: “Dark ruby/purple core, lighter in color toward the rim. Moderate plus viscosity with slow forming, slightly stained tears. Highly aromatic with ripe black cherry and cassis fruit, vanilla and cinnamon spice with cedar, graphite, dried autumn leaf and licorice notes over an attractive toasted oak background.  Dry, full-bodied with ripe, complex black fruit of cherry and blackcurrants layered with baking spice on the entry. The mid palate has continuing ripe fruit with savory dried leaf elements, cedar, anise, camphor and a bit of cocoa surrounded with firm, chewy tannins and sweet spice notes that add complexity as the palate evolves. Sustained fruit, spice, and savory elements mix through a very long, complex and fresh finish with lingering tannins. The 2016 ISOSCELES is full-bodied, complex and balanced and pairs well with rich, full-flavored dishes. If you can, try cellaring some of your 2016 ISOSCELES to better experience the added complexity and finesse that only time can bring to this exceptional wine.

“Try the 2016 ISOSCELES right now with rich, full-flavored dishes like braised beef short ribs over polenta as easily as it does with a classic New York steak simply seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled over an open fire.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “Soft aromas of black cherry and smoked meat gain complexity thanks to hints of olive, tar and thyme in this Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. It boasts chiseled but firm tannins and a blackberry jam flavor that entices on the palate, while thyme, cracked pepper and soy tones ride out the close.” Matt Kettmann, 9/2020

My Review: Inky in the glass. Super jammy nose of raspberry and blackberry. Extra jammy palate of juicy berry fruits. Soft for a Cabernet. January 2023

2017 Justin Right Angle Red Wine, Paso Robles AVA, 16.1% ABV, $28 (#946)   76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Petit Verdot

K&L Wine Merchants Notes: “Justin’s classic Bordeaux-style blends may get the lion’s share of attention at this benchmark Paso Robles estate, but the winery also takes on the enjoyable challenge of turning out unconventional blends. The Right Angle is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine with a dash each of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Rich nose of dark berries and cassis Yummy, yummy, yummy. An in-your-face wine. March 2023

2016 L’Aventure OPTIMUS Red Blend, Paso Robles AVA, 15.4% ABV, $58 (#947) 50% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “The 2016 has balance, silkiness and length. The wine is big, super intense, rich and flavorful but at the same time is super delicate, pure and vibrant!” 95point – Jeb Dunnuck.

My Review: Inky in color. Dusty jam and leather on the nose – like a really big red wine. Dark berry jam of ripe fruit, rich and sweet (in a good way).  Cedar, mint and tarragon notes on the finish. January 2023

Experience the Exceptional at Justin Vineyards: “JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is more than a beautiful place to drink exceptional wine. It’s a unique viticultural microclimate. It’s a MICHELIN-starred restaurant. It’s world-class accommodations. It’s tasting rooms at the vineyard and in downtown Paso Robles, and more.”

Visit L’Aventure: “Take in views of our vineyard from our fully covered patio as you taste through the flagship wines of our latest release from Winemaker, Stephan Asseo. Tastings are conducted by appointment only, allowing us to create personal relationships with our guests as your Estate Educator guides you through a flight of four wines.”  Other options available.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!


Presenting Monterey Wines to the Carmel Rotary!

Several weeks ago, I got a text from the Vice Chair of the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society, Phil Arnold.  He also happened to be one of the presidents of the Carmel by the Sea Rotary Club. It went something like this: “Would you have any desire to do a presentation to our club on Monterey County wines?” It was short notice, but I have a presentation at the ready and, after some back and forth, Phil and I scoped it to 2 wines. I was given a generous budget to work with, making it easy to find wines within the price point. My husband and I took a quick trip to Carmel Valley Village for a very targeted tasting – on a mission. We selected two wines I have not presented before, making it a bit exciting under the time crunch.

Every winery visit, wine tasting and wine class has a story.  And, boy, is this a doozie.  

I had not previously done a Monterey County wine class for a local group – just East Coast wine education non-profit organizations.  I was concerned that I would be preaching to the choir, that audience members might question some facts and figures. I spent a lot of time on the historical timeline slide.  With lots of data provided by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, I tried to pick the most noteworthy points. I would wake up in the middle of the night with a blinding insight on the relevance of some of the information and keep changing this slide.

I wanted to be ready for this presentation.  To be sure I didn’t forget anything, I put a Post-it note on the inside of my front door:  laptop, charger, mouse, tasting room brochures.  As I left the house that morning, it was check, check, check, check, check. I was ready! I arrived at the Carmel Mission Inn and confidently strode across the parking lot – when I realized I had forgotten perhaps the most important thing – the wines! 😊  Luckily, my partner in crime was home and I gave him an excuse to get his car out of the garage and on the road.  We all had a good laugh about it.

In my presentation, I highlighted the rich local winemaking history, dating back to the Spanish missionaries who first plant grapes at the San Antonio Mission in 1770.  In the 1960s, commercial production really took off.  One of the most interesting data points I have is that in 1995, there were only 5 tasting rooms open in Monterey County. That seems hard to believe. Today’s number is about 65!  We’ve been wine tasting here for a long time, but even we can’t piece together exactly which 5 wineries they were. If you know, please share in a comment below! 

When I present a class on Monterey County wines, I also like to talk about the affordability of going wine tasting here.  Tasting fees tend to average about $20-$25 for a flight of 5 wines.  And it is very easy to get to most of our wineries. 

From the Corral Wine Co website: “Corral Wine Company is a production of Bell Family Vineyards. In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast. We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.” This is the first time I have presented a Corral wine in a wine education class!  Finally!!

About Parsonage: Bill and Mary Parsons planted the seven-acre Parsonage Village Vineyard in June 1998, with their first harvest in 2000. The vineyard is planted to 3 ½ acres of Syrah, 2 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 acre of Merlot and 1/2 acre of Petit Verdot. Starting at a meager 200 cases back in 2000, annual production today is in the 1500-2000 case range. The Parsons were the first to plant Syrah in Carmel Valley and their wines are the reason I am now a big Syrah fan.  Their wines are mostly big and bold reds. 

Today I am presenting just the 2 wines.  As usual, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the winery website, or tasting room staff. Any errors are mine or mine alone.

2020 Corral Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.4% ABV, $28 (#943)

Winery Notes: “Vibrant aromas of guava and grapefruit dominate with fresh cut hay, lemon blossom and wet stone.  Racing acidity with a pleasant minerality.”

My Review: Golden and viscous in the glass. Grilled pineapple, citrus blossom and guava on the fragrant nose. Rich palate of tropical flavors, a touch of sweetness, with minerality on the finish – very nice. February 2023

Parsonage 2019 Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $48 (#944)

Winery Notes: “Our specialty varietal, full of dark fruit & white pepper with a robust palate…2-week fermentation, 30 months (longer than usual due to supply chain issues) in 9 medium plus toast French oak barrels, 2 new. 2 barrels of the final blend were from “Carmelstone” and the rest, lower Syrah plantings, including 1 barrel with lots of Rocco (reserve) fruit. Pretty exquisite.”

Parsonage Estate Syrah Vines

My Review: Inky red, almost purple in color. Spice on the nose with white pepper and Concord grape notes. Super rich palate of dark fruit, delicious, jammy fruit, with some eucalyptus on the finish. February 2023

You can taste and purchase these wines at their respective tasting rooms located next to each other at  19 East Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley Village.  For the latest on hours and reservations, please check their websites:

Corral Wine Co Tasting Room

Parsonage Tasting Room

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!

Valentine’s Celebration at Twisted Roots!

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society wanted to do something a little special for its members:  food and wine!  Self-catered by their wonderful Board Member Anita, we celebrated an early Valentine’s Day at Twisted Roots, on February 3, 2023.

Monterey AWS members chat with Josh Ruiz, co-owner and winemaker, Twisted Roots.

We’ve always been fond of Twisted Roots for its signature Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs, as well as the occasional special red blend.  Winery co-owners Josh and Julie Ruiz, and Matt and Whitney Pridey bring us these wines mostly from their Lodi vineyard, established in 1918.  Why have a tasting room in Carmel Valley?  The Ruiz’s have relocated to Carmel Valley and his wife’s family owns the vineyard in Lodi.  A great marriage! And we were fortunate to have both of them and their awesome tasting room manager Shannon present for this event.

About Twisted Roots: “Twisted Roots is the work of five generations of family, dedicated to growing wine grapes following sustainable growing practices. While our family’s vineyard was established in 1918, it wasn’t until 2005 that we began producing our own wines. Our commitment to hand crafted, Sustainable & Green, small-lot wines, allows for the utmost care and attention to detail as we strive to produce premium-quality, consistently delicious wines…

“The name Twisted Roots comes from the deep and twisted roots of Lodi old vine Zinfandel found in Julie Ruiz’s childhood vineyard, where vines date back to the early 1900’s.  While excavating vines one day, her beloved uncle remarked “Those roots are really twisted, that would be a great name for a winery.”  This would be a day both Julie and her husband Josh would never forget.  This is the day the winery was truly born.

“Both Josh and Julie have an incredible love for agriculture, community and friendship.  Josh’s mission was to cultivate community around wine, a beverage that wasn’t common in his home growing up.  As an entrepreneur, Josh was determined to create a winery that was tied to the original roots of Lodi Vineyards, and share those wines with his now home in the Carmel Valley. 

“As luck would have it he joined forces with a few of his very special friends to create a dynamic winery and hospitality experience with a diverse selection of wines you won’t typically find in the area; Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Hard Cider to name a few.  All produced in small batches carefully selected from unique sites in an effort to maintain quality and allow for attention to detail shine.  We invite you to visit our charming and newly renovated tasting room, the perfect spot for enjoying the most important things in life, the people.”

When I present a class on our local wines, I like to talk about the affordability of going wine tasting there.  This winery is a case in point:  great wines for a $15 tasting fee!

Today we got to taste some additions to the usual big reds – a real treat.  I am presenting 5 wines, plus a bonus wine I knew to ask about.  As usual, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the winery website, or tasting room staff. Any errors are mine or mine alone.

NV Brut Rosé, California, 13.5% ABV, $35 (#937)

Winery Notes: “We are excited to release our first Rose! A Pinot Noir based sparkling, with lots of bright red berries. Great for all of your summer events!” The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine come from Alexander Valley.

My Review Powered by Terravenos: Dusty salmon in the glass. Warm on the nose with nice tiny bubbles. We detected rose petal, rainier cherry, and apple cider with a slightly brioche quality on the nose. ENO: high acid, medium alcohol, medium minus body. Creamy mousse with a medium plus finish. Well integrated. Flavors of melon, under ripe strawberry, white peach, rainier cherry. February 2023

2021 Albariño, Terra Alta Estate, Lodi, $35 (#938)

Winery Notes: “A delicious Spanish varietal, Albariño is a great every day white wine. It pairs perfectly with all of your summer time activities.”

My Review: Citrus, pineapple, mango, with acidity and tropical notes on the nose, Meyer lemon and pineapple, a nice palate with good minerality, including peach and sweet, tropical notes. Balanced.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, 14% ABV, $40 (#939)

Winery Notes: “This is not the typical “Napa Style” Cabernet. Our Cabernet is soft and subtle, with all the fruit of a Cabernet but without that harshness!”

My Review: Rich, dark Cabernet color in the bottle. A rich, dusty bouquet. Lots of oak and berries wrapped in high alcohol upfront. It’s not very Cab-like, but it has a nice spice on the finish. It’s made more in the style of a Zinfandel, more like a fruit bomb. Soft, yet chewy, tannins with a touch of harshness on the finish.

2017 Petite Sirah, Lodi, 15.5% ABV, $40 (#940)

Winery Notes: “The biggest of our red wines, with lots fruit up front, followed with some light tannins, and soft finish.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Big, bold flavor, Fruit-forward with big, bold blackberry and raspberry flavors. Wow. A big … red wine.  Well integrated and downright yummy.  I took some home and half has already disappeared! 

2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, the 1918, Lodi, 14% ABV, $40 (#941)

Winery Notes: “If you’ve ever wanted to know what wine from 100 year old vines tastes like, you’re in luck!! Planted in “1918”, these are the vines that started it all for the Twisted Roots Family. After 3 generations of family farmers, we are now able to bring you this special wine!”

My Review: Dark, dark ruby in color, sweet dark berries on the palate, caramel and vanilla on the nose  Very nice .

2020 Ross’s Cherry Road Red, Lodi, 14% ABV, $60 (#942)

Winery Notes: This is a special blend named after Julie’s beloved Uncle Ross, available to wine club members only. 85% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

My Review: Raisins, with lots of cherry and dark fruit. Very big, with prune flavors.

Taste Twisted Roots Wines: “Wine is an experience meant to be shared with others. Stop by our beautiful, newly renovated tasting room and let’s share it together.” Located at 12 Del Fino Pl, Carmel Valley, CA 93924. Open 12-5pm, Thursday-Sunday. Reserve online or at 831- 594-8282. You can also buy their wines on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!

Blue Fox Cellars: Blue Bottles, Great Wines

My friend and I were attending an event in Carmel Valley and decided to go early to check out a winery.  We parked near our event and saw the Blue Fox tasting room.  I had been wanting to go there for quite some time, so we dropped in.

Dallas Wright greeted us in the spacious and attractive tasting room.  He was very friendly and walked my friend and me through the wines.  Perfect. 

Dallas Wright, Blue Fox Tasting Room Manager

The tasting room is quite large, a great event venue. We posed doing an event there for the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society and have subsequently booked a group tasting there!

About Blue Fox Cellars from their label: “As a small producer based in Medocino County, California, we are dedicated to producing high quality wines tailored to the discerning consumer. Working closely with experienced growers to source only the highest quality of hand selected lots allows us to offer wines of refined distinction. We combine time-tested Old World styles of winemaking with modern technology which are rewarded in an impeccably balanced wine with varietally correct profiles resulting in elegance to be appreciated at any occasion.”

While their website contains little information about the winery or its owners, I found this wonderful article by Laura Ness, a “longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge” in Edible Monterey Bay: https://www.ediblemontereybay.com/blog/blue-fox-cellars-opens-in-carmel-valley-village/. Here is some information from that article:

“…Winemaker/owner, Edward Lovaas, whose heritage is Norwegian, named the brand, which he started in 2012 after many years of winemaking consulting, figured he couldn’t put red wine in a green bottle. Especially since the label sports a perky blue watercolor rendition of a slightly bemused blue fox. So, blue bottles you will find at the newly opened tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, in the former location of Talbott…” All their wines are aged in French oak.

Today I am presenting 6 Blue Fox Cellars wines from Mendocino. As usual, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the winery website, or discussions with tasting room staff. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2017 Blue Fox Cellars Chenin Blanc, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $25 (#931)

Winery Notes: “Crisp mineral acidity frame notes of lemon verbena, nectarine, and Asian pear.”  No malolactic fermentation, neutral oak, champagne, yeast, two years on lees.

My Review: Straw in the glass, peach and white citrus blossom, honeysuckle, and lychee on the nose. The palate is full bodied with peach, citrus and yeasty notes. February 2023

2021 Blue Fox Cellars Vermentino, Mendocino County, 13.3% ABV, $29 (#932)

Winery Notes: “Flavors of Shin Li pear, white peach, and crushed stone with a rich mouthfeel.” This wine underwent a quick fermentation.

My review: Pale in the glass. Sweet grapefruit on the nose. A tart citrus palate with a lime finish. A bit acidic and not quite balanced. February 2023.

2019 Blue Fox Cellars Rosé of Grenache, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $25 (#933)

Winery Notes: “Robust with exceptional mouthfeel. Peach and strawberry prevail.” A traditional, dry Provençal rosé with earth, oak, and complex flavors.

My Review: Pale salmon in the glass. Sweet nose with strawberry and cantaloupe notes. Balanced, flavorful palate of watermelon, strawberry, and a little licorice with a lime twist on the finish. February 2023.

2012 Blue Fox Cellars Grenache, Mendocino County, 13.3% ABV, $45 (#934)

Winery Notes: “Fruit forward notes of wild strawberry and blueberry with a finish of white pepper.” 3 years in the barrel 30% neutral oak 20%, new 80% old so figure it out what that means.

My Review: Delicious palate of red fruits. Sweetness of strawberry and raspberry on the tongue, balanced by the oak. Yummy. February 2023.

2014 Blue Fox Cellars Syrah, Mendocino County, 15.2% ABV, $47 (#935)

Winery Notes: “Flavors of plum, ripe raspberry, earth, spice and an elegant tannin structure.” 7 years in barrels sur lees.

My Review: Dark ruby in color. A spicy nose, predominantly, nutmeg, mouth, filling, rich, dark fruits. A big, well-aged wine, with dark cooked fruit, bordering on a port. I took one of these home. February 2023.

2014 Blue Fox Zinfandel, Mendocino County, 15.9% ABV, $49 (#936)

Winery Notes: “Fruity deep red berries finishing with spicy pepper and a soft tannin structure.” 30° temperature swing.  7 years in the barrel.

My Review: Translucent dark ruby. Sweet spice, black pepper, and dark fruit with vanilla – a smooth palate. A touch of rosemary on the finish. February 2023.            

The Blue Fox Tasting Room is located at 25 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley: “Experience the hospitality of Blue Fox Cellars in beautiful Carmel Valley.  Enjoy sweeping views of the mountains above from our outdoor tasting patio during a fun and educational tasting experience.  Your tasting will be conducted by our knowledgeable tasting associates or our winemaker.  Or sit and have lunch and a bottle of wine in our expansive courtyard, enjoy a game of Bocce Ball, or just time with friends and family.  We look forward to seeing you!” Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-5pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-6pm. You can also buy their wines on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!

A Taste of Monterey: “The Official” Regional Wine Visitors’ Center”

I thought I had the January tasting for the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society all arranged – until it wasn’t.  With very short notice, I tried to find another place in Cannery Row and, after a few panicked emails and phone calls, got connected with Jasmine Hernandez, the general manager at A Taste of Monterey.  We were expecting 25 people and she agreed to host us – with the condition we purchase wines by the glass instead of their usual flights. After a little back and forth, we agreed! Crisis averted!

We were quite pleasantly surprised that a good part of the tasting room had been set aside for us – like a private event!  Jasmine herself served us.  And some people even ordered food.  The options for wines by the glass were plentiful and everyone enjoyed the space.  We got there as daylight was waning – definitely need to go back on a summer evening for the amazing bayfront views. Jasmine has invited us back for a regular tasting sometime – we will take her up on that!

A Taste of Monterey is a great place to start if you don’t know much about our local wines.  It calls itself “”The Official” Regional Wine Visitors’ Center.” They have a huge wine shop in the front, plenty of tasting flights to choose from, and food pairings to accompany your tasting.  You will find wines from our established wineries, such as Pierce Ranch, Scheid, and Silvestri; as well as newcomers to the region including Kori Wines and Cru, all of which have their own local tasting rooms. In addition, you will find some micro producers who don’t have tasting rooms of their own.

My strategy was to try wines I couldn’t get in another tasting room.  The wines I chose, as I understand it, are made by the owner of A Taste of Monterey, sourcing grapes from local vineyards. As usual, winery notes come from their websites, the tasting sheet or discussions with tasting room staff.  Any errors are mine and mine alone.

NV Pot Belly Charlotte’s Red, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $22 (#929)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The Petite Sirah backbone leads the way with rich dark fruit characteristics including black cherry and black plum.  The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes with interesting hints of clove spice.  This medium-bodied red blend is then rounded out with a touch of Syrah. 65% Petite Sirah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah.” 

My Review:  Inky in the glass. Alcohol and dark fruit on the nose. Jammy dark fruit palate. This was a tasty wine. Would pair well with spaghetti or pizza. January 2023

2018 Mission Trail Friar’s Reserve Meritage, Carmel Valley, $45 (#930)

Winemaker’s Notes: “73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. Brilliant, very dark cherry garnet

color with a ruby rim. It is perfumed with deep spicy black cherry, cassis, anise, white truffle and cedar nose. Rich cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit is complemented with nuances of spicy anise, dark coffee and cocoa that finish with refreshing acidity and ample round, fine tannins.” 

My Review:  Blackberry and plum on the nose. Rich dark palate of black fruit and cedar. Delicious. January 2023

You can visit  A Taste of Monterey at 700 Cannery Row, Ste. KK, Monterey, CA – 93940. They are open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-7pm. You can also buy the wines they carry on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!

Decanting Monterey is a non-profit wine education effort to promote our Monterey wineries through social media and classes. If you would like to donate to the cause, please click the PayPal button below or visit the Decanting Monterey Make a Donation page for more information. All monies received will be used to defray the expenses of operating this website and offset travel expenses for Central Coast wine education classes.


SIGN UP HERE TO GET Decanting Monterey DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL!!

Don\'t miss a single exciting post about our Central Coast/Monterey wines! Enter your email address below for a free subscription to Decanting Monterey. Be sure to open the confirmation email and validate your subscription! See you soon!!

Verified by MonsterInsights