THE STORY
Today’s story seems simple on the surface: a Parsonage wine pickup and more 2021 releases to taste. We enjoy our wine pickups – a chance to chat up the staff, hear what’s new, taste new releases, retry some favorites, and hand select our final allocation. But the deeper story reflects what I am tasting and hearing at our local wineries: the impact of the missing vintage.
The 2020 wildfires ravaged much of Monterey County’s vineyards – both the Salinas Valley and Carmel Valleys were hit hard, meaning most vintners had to completely scrap their red wines. And, since many of our wineries are quite small, this means the 2021 and 2022 red wines are being released sooner than expected. It’s something to consider when you taste these wines that probably need more time in the bottle. I’m not referring to any of the wines in today’s post. But it is something to keep in mind.
My last post about Parsonage was here: Parsonage: From the 2008 “Snosrap” to the Latest Rocco! Let’s just jump into these wines!
THE WINES
Today I’m bringing you just 2 new releases from Parsonage’s 2021 vintage. Winery notes come from their website, newsletters or tasting room. Some of these are so new that tasting notes aren’t even yet available! Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2021 Parsonage Cyrano Red Wine, Central Coast AVA, 15% ABV, $32 (#1522)
Winery Notes: “The Cyrano, a blend of Merlot and Syrah, is one of our best sellers. Quite the dazzling bouquet of black, blue, and red fruit (in that order) wrapped in allspice and vanilla. Remarkably complex and delicious palate of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, currant, and exotic spices. The mouthfeel is elegantly structured with perfect acid-tannin balance. What a beautiful finish!”
My Review: Pretty garnet in the glass. Orange, violet, dark red plums, cranberry, red cherry, with a hint of bubblegum on the nose. Medium palate of bright cherries balanced with dried cherries, with the Syrah giving it a spicy finish. February 2025
2021 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $90 (#1523)
Winery Notes: “SCRUMPTIOUS!! What a crazy word to describe Pinot Noir. I also could have said yummy or delicious. But those descriptors are so inadequate. This Hawk is a true outlier, reminiscent of the epic 2012 version, for those who remember that vintage. The 2021 is barely recognizable as Pinot Noir. The bouquet hints at Pinot with its cherry and floral essences. But there’s a mysterious opulence to this Hawk that is mystifying and compellingly addictive. In a word, scrumptious!”
My Review: Mint and cherry on the nose. Light cherry and spice on the palate. An improvement over most Central Coast Pinot Noir wines – no metallic taste! A tasty wine. February 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Hooray! We are open for both indoor and outdoor wine tasting daily.”
19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village
Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm, Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm.
“Reservations can be made here or by phone. Please call us at 831-659-7322 for same day reservations.”
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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