Category: Wine Blog/Reviews

Talbott: High End Burgundian Wines Right Here in Carmel-By-The-Sea!

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.

2017 Talbott Diamond T Chardonnay, Monterey AVA,   14.4% ABV, $60 (#857)

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

2019 Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block 48 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.9% ABV, $75 (#859)

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

2018 Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Block 22 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $75 (#860)

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.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Wrath Releases Its 2018 Syrahs!

Wrath’s San Saba Vineyard

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

2018 Wrath Destruction Level, Monterey AVA,  13.1% ABV, $39 (#854) 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache

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

2018 Wrath KW Vineyard Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.6% ABV, $49 (#856)

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. 

Visit Wrath! 

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.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Let’s Give Paso Robles Some Blog Time!

This is another short blog post about a few wines from Paso Robles which we tasted this Spring.  The Vino Robles was from a Spring trip to DC – another great find at Cairo Wine & Liquor (aka The DC Wine Guy) in Dupont Circle, Washington DC. The two Justin wines were from our Decanting Monterey Wine Pod partners’ private collection. After the May 7th Monterey Winemakers’ Celebration – we went back to our friends’ house where they opened the Justification. Why we felt the need to open more wine after that event remains a mystery to this day. Alas, no notes were taken, but a good time was had. The Tempranillo was also consumed at their house in May, when we ended up being invited for an impromptu dinner. Really, I was just trying to deliver lemons.

About Vina Robles: “We are growers and makers of expressive, approachable estate wines from Paso Robles, California. “

“Vina Robles is the result of a unique personal trajectory, one that led founder Hans Nef from a rural village outside Zurich, Switzerland to the rugged terrain of California’s Central Coast.

“As a child in Switzerland, Nef learned to appreciate his rural surroundings and the blessings of agriculture. It was this special appreciation that lead him to expand his interests into agricultural land in the southern United States in the early 1990s. At the same time, he leveraged his passion for fine wine into his own wine import business, furthering his appreciation for California wines.

“Each time Nef traveled to the U.S., his desire to grow his own wine became more intense. He discovered Paso Robles in the mid-1990s and quickly became enamored with the emergent wine country. Here, where the Pacific coastline unfolds into rugged ranchlands and cowboy ambiance, a new generation of California winemakers was turning Paso Robles into one of the world’s most dynamic winegrowing regions.

“Nef was inspired to embark on his own idea for a Paso Robles winery, one that would honor his European roots while embracing the unique growing region in order to pursue his dream of producing world-class wines.

“In 1996 Nef selected longtime friend and business associate Hans – R. Michel, a Swiss expatriate, as managing partner. A year later, the duo planted the first of what would later become six vineyards in Paso Robles, and soon thereafter Vina Robles was born. Winemaker Kevin Willenborg joined the team in 2012.”

About Justin: “Our Philosophy At JUSTIN, we combine traditional Old World methods—like hand-harvesting and small-barrel aging in French oak—with New World technology. For example, the “Air Knife”, an ingenious New World process invented by our winemakers, boosts grape quality and efficiency. Once the grapes are harvested, our winemakers—some of the best in the business—gather to sort, select, age, taste, blend, and decide what goes into every bottle.

“Our Vineyards 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.

“Our Soil 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…

“Meet Our Winemaker After creating award-winning wine in Napa Valley for 13 vintages, JUSTIN Winemaker Scott Shirley took on the challenge of an entirely new appellation: Paso Robles. He combines a scientific background with an artistic approach, and greets each harvest like a painter facing a blank canvas with endless possibilities.”

Today, I am presenting just 3 Paso Robles wines. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2019 Vina Robles Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, Central Coast, 14.5% ABV, $29 (#847)

Winery Notes: “Petite Sirah is a classic variety grown in California for more than a century, and is well

suited to the limiting soils found in our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The fruit for our 2019 Petite Sirah was handpicked in the early morning and sorted to ensure quality and uniformity of ripeness. The clusters were further sorted at our new state of the art winery, gently destemmed, optically berry sorted and crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where pumpovers took place regularly to extract color and tannins from the skins. After pressing, the wine was racked into barrels to complete

malolactic fermentation and aging. While the majority of this vintage was aged in French oak barrels, a portion went into American and Hungarian oak barrels to add complexity. Upon extensive blending trials after eight months of aging, the final lots were selected and blended for overall synergies – structure and minerality from Creston Valley, along with silkiness and expressive fruit from Jardine. The blend was then aged for an additional 12 months in barrels to fully integrate before bottling. The result is a wine displaying complexity, structure, richness and balance.

“Tasting Notes: Color: Opaque garnet Aroma: Boysenberry and vanilla with hints of fine tobacco and white pepper Taste: Full-bodied with juicy dark fruits, vanilla and a lively yet creamy finish.”

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Dense aromas of elderberry and tar meet with wet wood and fresh mushrooms on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The lavish tannins are silky while structural on the palate, framing tarry flavors of baked fruit and smoked kelp.” Matt Kettmann, April 2022

My Review:  Inky in the glass. upon opening, oak and vegetal notes on the nose.  Extremely rich and smooth dark blueberries and blackberries on the palate with an oaky finish. I liked this wine. April 2022

2015 Justin Justification Red Blend, Paso Robles AVA, 15% ABV, $60 (#848) 52% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot

Winery Notes from wine.com: “Twenty-five years ago, Justin realized that the elegance, structure, and superb flavors of the winery’s Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes justified a wine that showcased those qualities. Thus was born JUSTIFICATION, a blend inspired by the celebrated “Right Bank” wines of France. Vibrant ruby in color with complex notes of ripe fruit, anise, and vanilla, JUSTIFICATION is delightful now and will age beautifully in your cellar.”

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “Soft red-cherry aromas meet with dark spice on the nose of this 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot blend. Framed by firm, sticky tannins, the medium-bodied palate shows flavors of red currant, cedar and oak.” Matt Kettmann November 2018

My Review: No notes.

2016 Justin Reserve Tempranillo, Paso Robles AVA, 15.5% ABV, $40 (#849)

Winery Notes from the Bottle: “The Tempranillo grape, a classic Spanish varietal, flourishes in the hot, dry climate of Paso Robles. Offering generous aromas of spicy fruit and toasted oak, along with deep flavors of ripe cherry and black currant, our Reserve Tempranillo pairs beautifully with a wide range of cuisines.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “There’s a compelling density of aromas in the way of blackberry, dark cocoa and savory charred meat on the nose of this bottling. The palate is deep and ripe yet balanced by a dry structure, offering flavors of black cherry, black currant, cocoa and espresso bean.”  Matt Kettmann December 2019

My Review: Ruby in color. Rich and delicious. Having recently returned from a Tempranillo tour of Spain, we super appreciated this wine. May 2022

Tasting Vina Robles Wines:  Open Daily | 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. “We offer wines from both our Estate Series and Limited Estate Collection. These selections showcase the diversity of varieties we grow in our estate vineyards while highlighting winemaker Kevin Willenborg’s distinct talents and passions.” You can make a reservation here.

Tasting Justin Wines: “JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is more than a beautiful place to drink exceptional wine. It’s a unique viticultural microclimate. It’s a Michelin-recommended restaurant. It’s world-class accommodations. It’s tasting rooms at the vineyard and in downtown Paso Robles, and more.” They have a variety of wine tasting experiences at their estate at 11680 Chimney Rock Road Paso Robles, CA, where they are open 11-5 daily. 

You can also taste their wines at JUSTIN Downtown. “Conveniently located on Downtown City Park, experience JUSTIN’s world-class tasting bar and cozy dining room. Relax and enjoy a wide selection of JUSTIN wines by the glass or by the bottle, accompanied by our chef’s small bites or full menu.” 811 12th St, Paso Robles, Sunday – Thursday 12:00pm – 6:00pm; Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Family Reunion Yields More Santa Barbara County Wines!

My recent trip to Los Olivos reminded me that I have a couple of wines from my April 2022 family reunion still to post. I’m not sure who brought us the Greg Norman Estates wine, but a niece-in-law brought the Jonata wine.  While I was stuck at the older siblings table drinking a fine Burgundy (not my wheelhouse), the junior cousins were enjoying this delicious big red blend.  I almost missed out! 

Jonata was on my list of wineries to visit during my recent trip, but, while their wine came from Ballard Canyon AVA, their tasting room was closer to the coast.  I’ll put it on my list for next time. Be sure to check out their website below for all details. 

About Greg Norman Estates: “Greg Norman, known as much for his entrepreneurial spirit in the boardroom as his dominance on the golf course, is arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman. His unyielding approach to both golf and life earned him the nickname, The Great White Shark. Created from a family passion and strengthened by determination, Greg Norman Estates, founded in 1996, is a collection of fine wines sourced from stunning wine regions in California, New Zealand, and Greg’s homeland of Australia. The selected growing regions are appreciated for the incredible wines they produce and the personal influence they have had on the Norman family over Greg’s many years professionally touring the world. A strong believer in the role of wine as part of an active, easygoing lifestyle, Greg’s aim is to produce approachable yet bold wines to be enjoyed by family, fans and wine enthusiasts alike.”

About Jonata: “The Jonata name refers to an 1845 Mexican land grant, Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, which covers expansive territory across the Santa Ynez Valley. The winery’s estate can be found at the heart of this area…”

“…THE 30-MILE CORRIDOR of the Santa Ynez Valley offers up a diverse array of personalities for grapes and terroir. The warmer area in the eastern section—known as Happy Canyon—is producing revelation-worthy Bordeaux varieties. Meanwhile, on the east-to-west foothills of Buellton, the Sta. Rita Hills serves as a mecca for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But for Rhône varieties, there may be no better AVA than Ballard Canyon not only in the Valley, but perhaps anywhere in the United States. Ballard Canyon, running north and south, gets the best of both regions, with a cooling marine influence from the west blended with the moderation of the warmer Happy Canyon. The result of this mixed climate puts this region on the map as Syrah country. There are less than 20 Ballard Canyon wine estates: Some sit on limestone, some on clay, and some on sand (or a combination of the three). At Jonata’s 586-acre estate, the farm pastures are lined with goats, sheep, and chickens. Off of the ranch, 84 vines are planted to grapes on rectangular-shaped Careaga sandstone. Winemaker Matt Dees, a former plant science major at the University of Vermont, began making wine 20 years ago and traversed from Australia to Napa to New Zealand before he began working for Jonata Owner Stan Kroenke in 2004…” Click on About Jonata above if you want to read the whole Somm Journal article about Ballard Canyon, Jonata, and its winemaker Matt Dees.

Today, I am presenting just 2 wines. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. Sadly, my tasting notes are from my own memory and rather skimpy.  When 25 people are dining at your house for 3 days in a row, something has to give!

2017 Greg Norman Estates Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 13.9% ABV, $14 (#845)

Winery Notes: “Vivid aromas of fresh strawberry and ripe red cherry supported by sweet clove and forest floor notes. The palate is juicy with bright flavors that mirror the nose. The well balanced, lively acidity that is a hallmark of Pinot Noirs from Santa Barbara makes it an ideal partner with many cuisines.” 12 months in seasoned French oak and stainless steel.

My Notes:  I don’t recall much about this wine except that it seemed fairly representative of an inexpensive, Central Coast Pinot Noir. 

2016 Jonata Todos Red Wine, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Ynez AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.9% ABV, $50 (#846)

Winery Notes: “Lovely balance between savory and sweet. Blackberry and black cherry, Mesquite and black truffle. Notes of violets, pepper and five spice powder. Floral, fruit-driven and effusively aromatic. Smoky, sweet and decadent with a massive core of black fruit. Dusty tannins start early and slowly encompass the entire palate. Earthy and complex, but ultimately round and generous with tannins that stretch the fruit to greater lengths. Tremendous grip. Absolutely beautiful today with some air. A decadent and towering Todos. 50% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Viognier, 1% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Sémillon. 2,426 Cases Produced. Matt Dees, Winemaker  95 Points Jeb Dunnuck | 92 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.”

My Notes: Just from memory, I recall this as a big, voluptuous wine.  Resplendent with delicious dark, jammy berries, smooth on the palate.  I liked this wine. 

Greg Norman Estates, located in Paso Robles, has no opportunity for public tastings. 

Tasting Jonata Wines – check out the EXPERIENCES tab on their website.  Tastings are by appointment only: “JONATA wine experiences are offered at our sister winery The Hilt Estate in their new tasting room The Barn. The Hilt Estate is a dramatic property located within a 30 minute drive west of JONATA in Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA.  Located just miles from the Pacific Ocean near the intersection of the historic Highway 1 and Santa Rosa Road, The Barn at The Hilt Estate is ideally situated as the starting or ending point for a Santa Barbara wine trip.

“With wines from two renowned estates—JONATA and The Hilt—The Barn at The Hilt Estate offers one of the most diverse lineups of wine in Santa Barbara County.  From highly acclaimed pinot noirs and chardonnays from The Hilt to JONATA’s sought after Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and Rhône varietal syrah, there is something for every palate…”

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Impressive Corral Lineup for the Monterey AWS WinedUP Friday!

 Back in May, I received a call from Phil Arnold, the Vice Chair of the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society. He expressed I could be helpful to their WinedUP Friday wine tasting events because I know so much about our local wineries. The first one I organized was at Parsonage, which I wrote about here: .  The next one was at Corral, which I negotiated for 1 September, the Friday of Labor Day Weekend! I previously wrote about Corral here: https://decantingmonterey.com/come-say-hello-at-corral-wines-new-tasting-room/.

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.”

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

Corral Wine Tasting Room, which only opened in January 2022, has a very cool and relaxing vibe. Jessica Gatton, their awesome tasting room manager, and I were expecting quite a crowd and I wanted the members to be able to taste all the wines.  We weren’t really sure how it would go, as people arrived at different times, so no one was on the same wine at the same time.  And it was Jessica’s birthday – she had plans immediately after the event. On the verge of chaos, Corral reinforcements arrived, including their co-owners Skip and Dani Wilcox and co-owner/winemaker, Adrien Valenzuela.  The Corral staff all chipped in to pour the wines and the AWS group was very happy. The wine was greatly enjoyed and many purchases wrapped up the evening. Thank you, Jessica, Adrien, Skip, and Dani, for all your hard work, making this an exceptional event! 

As soon as Jacqueline Van Nes, Chair of the Monterey Chapter of the AWS, realized we had the winemaker in the house, she inquired if he would speak to us. Adrien readily agreed! We were thrilled that he was willing to address our group – an unplanned and very welcomed action. 

Corral Winemaker Adrien Valenzuela with Monterey AWS Chapter Chair Jacqueline Van Nes

Adrien shared with us his wine background and training.  A local from Salinas, he said he had left the area and had not planned to come back. He is written up as one of four up-and-coming winemakers in this September 5, 2019 Monterey Weekly article: Four young Monterey County winemakers talk about launching new labels in a time of uncertainty. Here is a quote from the article: “The career paths taken by Monterey County’s winemakers are not always predictable. Adrien Valenzuela studied biology and expected a career in nursing to follow – that is, until he did an internship at Estancia. He is now a winemaker for Constellation Brands in Gonzales, which owns almost 30 different labels, including Estancia and Robert Mondavi.” And now with Corral Wine Co.

He also shared the Corral story and trajectory. Their first vintage was in 2018, with a mere 500 cases, with fruit sourced from Monterey, Paso Robles, and Gilroy.  This past year, that number reached 1400 cases and now they are expecting 2600!  Nice!  While some of what they produce comes from Bell Ranch in the Carmel Valley, they have been fortunate to obtain fruit from some notable Monterey County vineyards (Zabala in Arroyo Seco, KW Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and Massa in Carmel Valley). And they are expanding their acquisition of fruit from specific areas of Paso Robles, as well as from the Enz Vineyard in San Benito County. 

Phil Arnold got up to say a few words about the Monterey Chapter of AWS, a young chapter that started in January 2020, right before the pandemic. It is a great group of people interested in learning more about wine.  In addition to the first Friday WinedUP events, they host an annual BBQ, wine judging and other events. If you are interested, you can join them by becoming a member of the national AWS here:  https://americanwinesociety.org/.  The AWS is “America’s largest community of wine explorers”! Then you can join the Monterey Chapter. Membership is quite affordable and they are a non-pretentious and friendly social group. 

Today, I am presenting 8 Corral wines from the AWS tasting event, 2 of which have been presented here before, with expanded tasting notes. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. You can read more details about some of these wines on their webpage here. 

2019 Corral Zabala Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, $28 (#604)

Winery Notes: “Bright, vibrant aromas of tropical fruit, such as guava and grapefruit dominate along with some fresh cut hay, lemon blossom, wet stone and racing acidity.”

My Review:  Very light, pretty in the glass. Grapefruit, guava and grilled pineapple on the nose. Yummy palate of lychee, mango, papaya, sweet grapefruit and hay, with some minerality on the finish. Love Zabala VIneyard and find this to be a very attractive and sophisticated wine.  I’d like to feature this wine in a future class! March/September 2022

2020 Corral Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, $26 (#605)

Winery Notes: “Bright and fresh aromas of strawberry and orange blossom, with nice, bright acidity.”

My Review: Dusty rose (“ballet slipper pink”) in color.  Sweet bouquet of white peach, with a light palate of white peach and honey and a touch of smoke on the finish.  This is a 2020 rose (fire year), afterall. A classic pool wine. Only red wine they made from 2020. March/September 2022

2021 Corral “Pancho’s Chard” Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.1% ABV, $36 (#839)

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Winery Notes: “Crisp & refreshing acidity, with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle.”

My Review:   Light in color, with the scent of “Melon de Bourgogne” and lemon on the nose. A bit of a wine spritzer look and taste in the glass. Fairly lemony palate – “like a lemon bar! This is such a new release that they don’t even have the labels yet! September 2022

2019 Corral Pinot Noir,  Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $52 (#840)

Winery Notes: “Composed of two different clones from two vineyards in the heart of The Santa Lucia Highlands, this Pinot Noir shows off a lighter body, bright, red fruit and earthiness.” From the Highlands Ranch & KW Ranch Vineyards.

My Review: Transparent dark ruby in the glass.  Perfume on the nose.  Palate laden with alcohol.  This wine seems young and not ready for release – might need to open up more or settle down. September 2022

2019 Corral KW Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $58 (#841)

Winery Notes: “Rich flavors of cherry, plum, and nutmeg. Elegant and lasting finish.”

My Review: Inky ruby in the glass.  Smells like dark fruit, almost raisiny.  Very bold on the palate – big and smooth.  I’m not a Pinot Noir lover, but I truly like this wine! As with the 2018, I would not have guessed this was a Pinot Noir if I were doing a blind tasting.  This is one of my favorite wines from today’s tasting. We thought we had this wine at home, but it was the previous vintage, so I will have to rectify that! September 2022

2019 Corral Enz Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, 14.8% ABV, $48 (#842)

Winery Notes:  “Light-medium body, old vine Zinfandel. Red fruit and spices.”

My Review: Beautiful dark ruby in the glass.  Nose of dark fruits, pepper and violets.  Very jammy, mocha (cocoa powder), with some licorice on the finish. I’m a long-time Zinfandel fan and took one home! On a previous visit, Larry Bell played mystery wine with this wine with me – while I suspected Zinfandel, I didn’t think he was making one.  And he did – and it is good! September2022

2019 Corral “See What You Can Do” Red Blend, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $62 (#843)

Winery Notes: “50/50 Cabernet & Syrah blend with notes of cranberry, pine needles, and all spice.” 50% Cabernet from Massa Estate, Cachagua (Carmel Valley AVA); 50% Syrah from Zabala Vineyard (Arroyo Seco AVA) 75 cases produced.

My Review:  Inky in the glass.  Mocha, plum, dark berries and vanilla on the nose.  Palate of sharp berries and spearmint with vanilla and anise on the finish.  This wine is very young for all this big fruit from some of the best vineyards in our area. Recommend cellaring for a year or more – if you can resist!  One of our favorite Corral wines. September 2022

22019 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $52 (#844)

Winery Notes: “Ripe black fruit: blackberries, blueberries tobacco, black pepper, and toasted baking spices. Rich in flavor, full bodied with a long finish.”

My Review:  Beautiful dark ruby in the glass.  Smoke and alcohol on the nose – not a ton of fruit.  Palate is smooth and rich with dark berry flavors and yummy.  This is my favorite, current Corral wine – we keep buying more because we keep opening it at home! September 2022

We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA!  Hours are Sunday, Monday and Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00ish pm; and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. They have two tastings:  The Cellar Rats (referring to Larry and Skip) ($20 for 4 wines) and The Maker (referring to their winemaker, Adrien) ($25 for 6 wines). 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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At Rombi, It is More than Just the Exceptional Wine!

A visit to Rombi Wines in Carmel Valley is always a good time.  Sal Rombi treats everyone like a best friend – he is full of stories and such a gracious host while we enjoy some of the biggest wines made in all of Monterey County.  And our visit with him in July was no different.  We were fortunate to have him all to ourselves.  We were able to catch up, hear some stories, and taste his current releases, most of which I have had the fortune to taste before.

 In May of 2021, I gave you a preview of Rombi wines to come here: https://decantingmonterey.com/rombi-a-preview-of-wines-to-come/.  Back in the tasting room in July 2022, I am happy to find these wines are now available for everyone to try!  I’ll be re-presenting those wines here, but also adding a few others – including some wines which would now be considered “library” wines from my own collection. 

The fruit from Sal’s Carmel Valley Vineyard is so flavorful, creating wines with up-front intense flavors. Rombi’s wines are very big and complex – highly recommend decanting to get the full fruit flavors.  Actually, we have been double-decanting and double-aerating them for best results…unless you really want to wait a day after opening. Who can wait? I mean, it is not like we decide at noon that we will have one of his big Cabernet Sauvignons after dinner.  It is usually an in-the-moment decision.

I exchanged a few dog-related texts with Sal in September. The last time we visited him in July, our dog messed up the extremely difficult dancing dog puzzle we had been working on. Separation issues. While we knew almost immediately he had eaten a few blue pieces, we didn’t know until we competed this now even more difficult puzzle that he had eaten 68 pieces. 68!!

But what I learned in our brief exchange of texts is the concern of our local vintners regarding this heat wave we’ve been having throughout the west. Harvesting at 115 degrees is not good. I found this informative article about Central Valley grapes from 2020. Fresno State Winemaker Tom Montgomery is quoted in that article as saying this: “Above about 90 degrees …the vines — the metabolism — starts to shut down. And that’s a protective measure for self-preservation. So they’re conserving water and not transpiring and not ripening fruit. Sometimes we see them stall in very hot weather.” We are all hoping for the best outcomes for the 2022 vintage. Sal did tell me later that everything is looking good for his grapes! I’ll be keeping my ear to the ground from our other local vintners as we make the rounds.

In today’s post I will present 8 wines past and present! These include what he is currently pouring in the tasting room plus some wines from our home collection. I think we started collecting Rombi Wine with the 2010 vintage. I’ve presented Rombi Wines to you several times before – just type “Rombi” in the search bar!

Sal has always been generous to Decanting Monterey, whether it is replenishing my home stock or giving me new wines to try.  I will always let you know when a winery has comped me the wine – which a few have done.  Since this is an all-volunteer effort, it is small gestures like these that make operating my blog affordable – in an indirect way! One example is that I now possess the 2019 Merlot, which is not yet released – we’ll wait for the right occasion to open this one for a review. Another donation is noted below. These gifts don’t change my reviews – they are opportunities to taste unreleased wines, share with me more of a wine I really like, replenish my stock, or in some cases wines to present in my all-volunteer classes.

2018 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $65 (#326) (Tasting Room)

This was his 12th year of production.

My Review: Beautiful dark ruby, raspberry swirling in color. Intense berry and a little must on the nose. Mouthfilling tart dark berries on the dry palate. Very good and well balanced. If the 2012 is any indicator, I’ll try to put this away for years to come! March 2021/July 2022

2012 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $65 (#836) (Home Library)

We shared this wine with our wine pod partners in early August. I have to say, these “library” Merlots are drinking incredibly well. I think we all were extremely impressed. Just proving that it pays to hold onto these wines!

My Review: Super dark and beautiful in the glass. Nice bouquet of dark plum, cherry, sagebrush and graphite on the nose. Rich palate of dark cherry, dark black raspberry, olive tapenade, tarragon and some tannin. Drinking great, but could last another 10 years. July 2022

2017 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $85 (#328) (Tasting Room)

My Review: Deep ruby in color. Distinctive, intense berry, Cassis and caramel and vanilla on the nose. A classic Cabernet nose. Intense flavors on the palate. Graphite, lean “St Estèphe-like.” Dark, intense fruit on the palate. That’s pretty good. Tongue-coating. March 2021/July 2022

2016 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $ (837) (Tasting Room)

My Review: This was the first time we had tasted this new release, affected by the Soberanes Fire. Dark ruby in the glass, tastes a bit like BBQ ribs with some ash on the finish.  I like BBQ ribs…just sayin’.

2013 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, $65 (#838) (Home Library)

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Rich dark raspberry on the nose. Pretty rich and smooth dark berries on the palate with a very dry finish. While I retain a special spot for the 2015 vintage, the 2013 is one of his best we have tasted. We double decanted and double aerated this wine before tasting. January/May 2022

2011 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $85 (#100) (Home Library)

Sometime back, I asked Sal about the 2011 growing season.  He indicated it was a good season – one in which “nothing weird” happened.  This was also his 5th year of production, so he felt he was really hitting his stride.  I told him we really had to let this wine open up before we experienced the delicious, distinctive fruit we remembered from his 2015 vintage.  He reminded me that one must always, always decant his wines. 

My Review: Beautiful deep ruby color. After it opened up, plum and cassis backed by complex tannins on the nose.  Cherry and some tartness on the palate, with the acidity balanced out by lovely round, dark berry fruit flavors. It finishes dry, dotted with spearmint and tobacco notes. For our recent September tasting, we only single decanted and aerated this wine, but it would have benefited from being double decanted and double aerated. We should know better by now!  After it fully opened up and also on day 2, this was still drinking deliciously. July 2020/September 2022

2014 Rombi Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, 14.6% ABV, $75 (#260) (Tasting Room)

My Review: Deep purple-red in the glass. A very different nose with a touch of barnyard. Delicious, chalky, deep plum and cherry on the palate with a leathery finish. Drinking well. August 2020/July 2022

2018 Rombi Petit Verdot, Napa Valley, 14.4% ABV, $75 (#329) (Tasting Room)

This is Rombi’s first Petit Verdot! He shared with us the small fact that Petit Verdot is the last fruit to ripen. I likely had commented that I used to think Petit Verdot was a touch vegetal.  Perhaps others aren’t patient enough for the fruit to ripen fully!

My Review: Inky ruby/purple. Great nose of mocha and blackberries. Full bodied, with rich, dark berries and so smooth on the palate. Blackberry and blueberry with a touch of menthol tobacco mid-palate. Licorice dry long finish. Still the best Petit Verdot I’ve ever had! I like this wine. Sal gave me one to take home. March 2021/July 2022

Visit the Rombi Tasting Room: If you have not yet had the opportunity to taste Sal’s wines, I highly recommend visiting him on a Saturday or Sunday, 12-5 at One Center Street, Carmel Valley Village. You can learn more about his wines online at Rombi Wines.  You can also contact Kathy and Sal at kathy@rombiwines.com  or sal@rombiwines.com for more information about buying their wines. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Wrapping Up our “Sideways” Tour with Beckmen Vineyards!

This is the final post in my “Sideways” tour in Los Olivos.  I wanted to visit a couple of tasting rooms at their wineries for the true Ballard Canyon experience, but our time was extremely limited. And we had to drive to Buellton (yes, Buellton!) to spend the night. Luckily, Beckmen was kind of on the way! We drove from downtown Los Olivos along back roads and a long driveway to beautiful Beckmen Vineyards and their tasting room. I was grateful to them for being flexible on our arrival time (I probably changed it 3 times!).  We felt like total tourists, bumbling around the property trying to find the entrance to the tasting room. 

The tasting room has such a picturesque setting – with the outdoor seating area overlooking a pond. By the time we got there, it was extremely hot outside. We decided to taste indoors in the air conditioning, rather than outside, enjoying the view.  We were met by Tasting Room Associate Dannika, who was extremely knowledgeable about all the wines, the owner, and the history. She was very engaging and professional. I’d love to go back on a not-so-hot day and enjoy more of their wines – and the view from the deck. 

About Beckmen: “Beckmen Vineyards began after Tom and Judy Beckmen left their innovative electronic music company Roland Corp, US to become pioneers of California wine. With youngest son Steve as Winemaker, and oldest son Jeff joining as Director of Sales later on, Beckmen Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery. Since 1994, we’ve established ourselves as a benchmark Santa Barbara County grower and producer. Our consistent quality vintage after vintage keeps us a favorite of critics, tastemakers, and collectors. Our wines have filled the cellars and tables of the country’s finest restaurants and houses (including the White House).

“Beckmen wines are crafted almost exclusively from our two vineyards, the Thomas and Judith Beckmen Estate Vineyard in Los Olivos District AVA and Purisima Mountain Vineyard in Ballard Canyon AVA. Farming over 150 acres of vines, we view every vintage as another opportunity to grow our legacy as a world-class winery by creating wines that future generations will enjoy. Currently, we’re proud to be hosting wine lovers seven days a week, providing unforgettable experiences at our beautiful winery and tasting room in the Santa Ynez Valley.”

I learned some notable things about the Beckmens, part of the original Rhône Rangers. Dannika shared that the Beckmens were the first to make a Rosé and the first to bottle Grenache as a single varietal in Santa Barbara County, paving the way for many others who have followed. You can read more about the Beckmens in this Forbes article from 2019.

We recently received a newsletter from Steve Beckmen in honor of International Grenache Day. He was offering a special on 3 of his highly rated Grenache bottlings and said this:

“…For many vintages, our Block Eight Grenache was one of the most intense and exotic Grenache wines that we produced. That is not surprising given the smaller berries and clusters that this old head trained block produces. Sadly, the 2019 Block Eight Grenache might be one of the last bottlings of this wine as intense heat and drought have had an effect on these vines. If you’re a fan of Block Eight, you’ll want to take advantage of this opportunity.
 
“The 2020 Grenache Libre is the first vintage of this wine, produced from a new head trained block of Grenache combined with fruit from Block Eight with 35% whole cluster. In his 94 point rating, Jeb Dunnuck described the wine as having ” Châteauneuf-like notes of ripe red and black fruits, dried herbs, graphite, and loamy earth all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, fine yet present tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. 
 
“The Purisima Mountain Vineyard Grenache has been a fixture in our portfolio since the beginning. 2020 also garnered 94 points from Dunnuck. It’s a truly great vintage that he describes as “wonderfully balanced, with ripe, sweet tannins and the rare quality of Grenache that brings richness yet with no sensation of weight or heaviness…”

I also want to share this quote about why the Ballard Canyon AVA is so special for Syrah from a 2014 interview with Steve Beckmen in The Wine Write: “Ballard Canyon is a special place, and we’re extremely excited about the AVA designation.  We really enjoy working with the great group of producers and growers in Ballard Canyon.  We all believe that having California’s first dedicated Rhone (Syrah) focused AVA will help in the promotions of our wines.  Some of the most respected wineries and vineyards in Santa Ynez are within our Ballard Canyon group.  We have a few newly released wines with the new AVA on the label, and one of our new Syrahs uses the new Ballard Canyon bottle…response to those has been really positive.”

They also have a line of natural wines – 1NGREDIENT – which are single ingredient and aged in clay pots.  The only other place I have experienced this in the U.S. is with Wrath’s Falanghina.

I don’t want to leave our “Sideways” tour without mentioning our dinner at The Hitching Post 2. The menu was as expected, heavy on the steaks. Two of us meat eaters enjoyed delicious steaks (I have the smallest filet mignon) with all the fixings. It was quite a delicious meal. My steak was prepared perfectly. I would definitely eat there again. The restaurant is run quite efficiently and it was packed, which I found a bit surprising for a weeknight. We stopped to check out the bar on our way in and out, just to refresh movie scenes in our minds. 

Today I am presenting 7 Beckmen Vineyards wines. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise noted.

I’ll also add an 8th wine from dinner here – The Hitching Post Syrah (#835). I am not sure of the vintage or even that it was “BIG CIRCLE”. It might be fun to do a tasting of Hitching Post wines on a future visit. According to the winery’s website, “”BIG CIRCLE” is our Santa Barbara Syrah that features the fruitiness and acidity of our cool climate, combined with the body and broad flavors brought on by warm days during the ripening season, creating a full bodied and lively wine.” While our food at The Hitching Post 2 was out of this world, the house Syrah just could not compare to all the great wines we tasted all day. I don’t think I could even finish it – and that is all I will say. I’m sure they make some good ones – that glass just wasn’t it. 

2021 Beckmen Vineyards Purisma Mountain Vineyard Grenache Rosé, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 13.4% ABV, $29 (#828)

Winery Notes: “Bright lifted aromas and flavors of watermelon, cranberry, strawberry and citrus highlight the 2021 PMV Grenache Rosé. The cooler vintage provided great acidity that carries the impressive flavors on the very long finish. Our trademark creamy texture and the wines’ impeccable balance make this an epic vintage of our Rosé. Drink this now and over the next 2-3 years. Crafted from 100% certified biodynamic grapes.”

My Review: Brownish rose in the glass. A perfumed nose of gardenia and watermelon. Crisp, cold, refreshing.  An excellent rosé. Very enjoyable. August 2022

2020 Beckmen Vineyards Purisma Mountain Vineyard Viognier, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#829)

Winery Notes: “One of our favorite vintages ever for this wine, the 2020 is fantastic and everything we expect out of our Viognier. Outgoing aromas of apricot, honeysuckle, jasmine, white flowers, and a touch of white pepper show the full array of Viognier aromatics. The mouth balances richness and elegance, creaminess with a touch of acid, showing how truly great our Viognier can be. The flavors glide over the palate with stone fruits, apricot, white flower, and a mineral note that finishes incredibly long.

We cannot express how excited we are to release the 2020 PMV Viognier! It should continue to drink beautifully for the next 5-7 years or more. Crafted from 100% certified biodynamic viognier.”

My Review: Light golden in color. Nice perfume on the nose. A very tasty palate of honeysuckle and citrus.  Crisp and delicious. August 2022

2019 Beckmen Vineyards Estate Block Eight Grenache, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 15.2% ABV, $65 (#830)

Winery Notes: “There is always an exotic side to the Block 8 Grenache that separates it from our other bottlings. It is one of our most intense Grenache wines we produce, which is not surprising based on the smaller berries and clusters that this old, head trained, own rooted vineyard delivers. Complex aromas of candied orange, violets, white pepper, and red fruits are lifted and expressive. The mouth shows its usual richness and structure with red and black fruits, dried flowers, and spices that are deep and concentrated. A terrific vintage of Block 8 Grenache that should age for the next 12-15 years or more.” See the box above for more info – now is the time to snap this wine up!

My Review: Transparent ruby in the glass. ripe and bright due to the long growing season. Heavier than most Grenache. Pretty darn delicious. A cut above most Central Coast Grenache wines.  As it should be since Steve Beckmen was the first to bottle it as a single varietal. August 2022

2019 Beckmen Vineyards Purisma Mountain Vineyard Block Six Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.8% ABV, $75 (#831)

Winery Notes: “Block Six was the first section of Purisima Mountain Vineyard to be farmed biodynamically starting in 2002 and is the highest elevation block in the vineyard featuring significant deposits of chalky limestone. These factors contribute to a wine that has consistently been our finest Syrah bottling.

“Classic Block Six Syrah aromas of game, pepper, blackberry, chocolate, and mineral highlight the 2019 vintage. Another stellar year for this wine, the palate is packed with more spice, dark fruits, chocolate, and plum with amazing texture, fine tannins, and balanced acidity. Delicious as usual, the 2019 should age beautifully for the next 25-30 years. Crafted from 100% certified biodynamic grapes.” Vinous – 93 points

My Review: By now, it is getting late in our day. Rich berry and smooth – one of the top Syrahs I have tasted today. Very elegant and impressive. I took one home! August 2022

2019 Beckmen Vineyards Purisma Mountain Vineyard Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, $39 (#832)

Winery Notes: “The cool 2019 growing season produced a very savory vintage of PMV Syrah. Cured meats, game, roasted earth, pepper, blackberry, and coco highlight the aromas of the 2019. Elegant and rounded on the palate (reminiscent of the very successful 2015 vintage), the mouth shows off sweet black fruits, dark chocolate, game, mocha, and pepper with fine tannins that carry the flavor through the very long, savory finish. A bit young and tight upon release, the 2019 should be decanted or aged for the short term and will age beautifully for the next 15-18 years or longer. Crafted from 100% certified biodynamic syrah grapes.” Vinous – 94 points

My Review: This Syrah was good, but, to my overused palate, at first it tasted more like a Côte-Rôtie-style Syrah co-fermented with a touch of Viognier. Palate of berries and a touch of ash with a tart finish. It really isn’t fair to taste this at the end of a day of tasting and side by side with the Block Six. I’ll have to do a retaste of this 94-point wine. August 2022

2020 Beckmen Vineyards 1NGREDIENT Sauvignon Blanc, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, $50 (#833)

Winery Notes: “A natural wine, fermented and aged on the skins for 10 months in amphora, then hand bottled and hand labelled. Learn more about this wine and our natural 1NGREDIENT label.

Big and intense upon opening with candied lemon, mineral and citrus aromas, this thought-provoking wine fills the mouth with citrus fruits and saline flavors. The extended skin contact brings youthful tannins and juicy acidity that provide the wine with ample structure creating an edgy mouthfeel which supports the intense flavors. The wine opens up with some air or decanting to show citrus fruits, saline, green apple, and Asian pear flavors and aromas with a broad more rounded mouthfeel as the tannins integrate into the wine. The wine’s amazing acidity carries the flavors on the long, complex finish. Surprisingly full and rich for its moderate alcohol, the 2020 1NGREDIENT Sauvignon Blanc is a step up in quality from the successful inaugural release from the 2018 vintage. It should evolve beautifully for the next decade or more. Crafted from 100% certified biodynamic grapes.”

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “Only one ingredient—Sauvignon Blanc grapes—went into this 63-case bottling, which was aged in clay pots. The intriguing result is a slightly cloudy, yellow wine, loaded with preserved Meyer lemon, crushed clay and baked orange aromas on the nose. The palate shows melon and nectarine as well as tangerine and grapefruit pith flavors. Unique.” Matt Kettmann 9/2022

My Review: Cloudy in the glass with a kind of yeasty weirdness.  I admire a winery that plays with clay pot fermentation and aging.  Would have been fun to try the others.  Another time! August 2022

2019 Beckmen Vineyards SYV Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, $39 (#834)

Winery Notes: “It is always tough to follow a great vintage, but the 2019 SYV Cabernet Sauvignon is a great follow up to the outstanding 2018 vintage. More focused on our estate fruit from the Thomas and Judith Beckmen Vineyard, the 2019 shows classic aromas and flavors of cherry, black currant, vanilla, tobacco, and earth. The mouthfeel is smooth, round, and elegant, with great acidity from the cooler vintage in 2019 that carries the fruit on the very long finish. Approachable and ready to drink now, the wine will age wonderfully over the next 12-15 years.” Vinous – 93 points

My Review: With a splash of Merlot, this wine was spicy and juicy. Dark plum and cassis on the finish. A very nice wine to finish our day of wine tasting! August 2022

Come Visit Us at the Winery: I highly recommend adding Beckmen Vineyards to your Los Olivos wine tasting adventure if you want to drive a tiny bit out of town. “Enjoy a flight of six pre­mier wines or pic­nic at one of our gaze­bos over­look­ing our pond.” 2670 Ontiveros Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441  Open dai­ly from 11am — 5pm, reser­va­tions recommended.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Stolpman Delivers a World Class Experience: “Sideways” Part 3!

This is the third installment of our August “Sideways” trip to Los Olivos in search of Ballard Canyon AVA Syrahs. But, before we start on the wines, I want to take a moment to highlight our lunch experience at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café!  My friend was being driven from Pasadena to Los Olivos for our little “Sideways” adventure. We decided to limit ourselves to 2 tastings after lunch, instead of pushing ourselves to 3. This was a smart decision, as we were able to enjoy our experiences and not feel rushed, including our lunch!

The menu at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café offers a great variety of options.  My friends split a pizza, while I enjoyed a California turkey sandwich on perfectly toasted bread.  Since they just arrived, they enjoyed a glass of something. I had already been to 2 wineries and stuck with an iced tea. We sat outside and had such a relaxing meal. I did venture inside and got a peek at the wines for sale.  I must say it is an impressive lineup from high-end Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to local wines. We then strolled over to Stolpman to begin our tasting.

If you can only stop at one place to taste wines in Los Olivos, I’d definitely stop here! We were given a large, shaded outdoor table and were greeted by Kim. The tasting menu was fixed, which at first disappointed me. However, more wines kept coming, so we ended up very satisfied with our tasting.  While I was disappointed that I couldn’t try the Hilltops Syrah, I did buy a bottle to try a home. It was a lot of reds in the end, and I was very satisfied with the professional presentation. And they recognized my industry status and generously comped us our tasting! I’d say it was the ultimate tasting experience.

Our presenter Kim was amazing – she had a wealth of knowledge about the winery and the wines, highlighting how it keeps its staff all year long and that they are treated like family, as opposed to hiring temporary crews just for harvest and other tasks. See the write-ups for the Para Maria and La Cuadrilla wines below. 

About Stolpman: Over 20 years ago, our Founding Partner, Tom Stolpman, discovered what we believe to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. We are committed to preserving this natural environment for our vines through conscious farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, we prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation.

“Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, we believe that we can create vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California.”

Stolpman also partners with their vignerons, Ruben and Maria Solorzno, to create the Para Maria wines.  “Ruben cherry picks the fruit for red and rose wines from the dozens of Santa Barbara County vineyards under his farming control.” In addition: “Stolpman Vineyards employs its dedicated, passionate vineyard workers year-round.  In an effort to provide further stability to their families, the crew “La Cuadrilla” receives the profits of their wine.”

Today I am reviewing 9 Stolpman wines – the 8 we tried during our formal tasting plus another one I found while visiting my daughter in DC. Searching for a good wine at Cairo Wine & Liquor, I immediately recognized the owl logo of Para Maria de las tecolotes.  The wine was was rated 94 points and was on sale! Winery notes come from their webpage above, where you can also purchase their wines.

2021 Stolpman Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 12.5% ABV, $22 (#819)   

Winery Notes: “Super sunny lemons and white flowers with an alluring tropical note below.  Pear and Nectarine weave into the profile through the mid-palate and give way to an airy, effortless finish.  The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc’s fruit profile and body dance on a tight rope through the crisp crunch and linger on through the sunset.”

My Review: Very light in the glass, barely even pale straw. Subtle tropical notes and grilled pineapple on the nose. Refreshing palate of bright citrus and lime twist on the finish. August 2022    

2019 Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#820)                  

Winery Notes: “Aromas of Asian pear and honeysuckle sprinkled with citrus tell the tale of a rich, indulgent Roussanne ready to coat the palette in full-bodied splendor.  On the nose, one can almost smell the rich texture and the mouthfeel doesn’t disappoint.  While opulence carries the day, complimentary notes of lychee, lemongrass, and jasmine bring a more delicate prettiness.  Aromas of white flower give further lift while golden hay – the only evidence of toasty oak barrels – brings the wine to a long, luxurious finish.”

My Review: Deep golden in the glass. Rich aroma akin to chicken soup with a touch of yeast. Sweet honey and caramel on the palate with vanilla bean on the finish. My friends really liked this wine. August 2022

2021 Para Maria de las tecolotes Rosé, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 12.5% ABV, $21 (#821) Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

Winery Notes: “Dense strawberry and melon fruit dives deep into a sunburst blast of energy on both the nose and pallet.  Fresh herb and wet stone compliment the beaming red fruit finished up with a spritz of lemon.  Taut, high-toned, and bone-dry, yet carrying texture and fruit from the front of the palate through the finish.”

My Review: Dusty rose in color. Sweet watermelon and licorice on the nose. Dry palate with watermelon flavors – a great pool wine. August 2022                                                                            

2019 Para Maria de las tecolotes, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $22 (#822) 80% Syrah, 20% Petit Verdot      

Winery Notes: “Taut blue and red plums spin seamlessly into high-toned, fiery red brightness. A winning combination of freshness and ripe depth.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “This affordable blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petit Verdot always impresses. Expertly captured aromas of berry juice, pepper and thyme are savory yet soft on the nose. The palate is tense in structure but ripe in fleshy dark-red-fruit flavors, all elevated by touches of cracked pepper and lavender.” Matt Kettmann, 3/2021

My Review: Dark and purple in the glass. Deep berry on the nose. Smooth berries with a tannin kick on the palate. Dark cherry on the finish. Yum. Matt Kettmann was right on this one! August 2022                                                                                   

2021 Stolpman Vineyards La Cuadrilla, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $24 (#823) 75% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 10% Sangiovese               

Winery Notes: “2021 Cuadrilla opens up with dark ripe plum highlighted with bright fresh red berries.  Deep and supple with fine chalky tannins already married with a smooth, polished texture.  An alluring otherness of wet stones, mint, and mocha prevail from the nose through the mouth captivating the senses beyond just the magnificently pleasurable profile.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Red and black berries on the nose. Grenache dominates the palate. August 2022                                                                    

2019 Stolpman Vineyards Sangiovese, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County,14.5% ABV,  $36 (#824)                 

Winery Notes: “The seamless, uber-aromatic 2019 sings a beautifully lifted “spirit note”.   Misty wild red fruit streaks over woody forest and then washes over malt and fine chalky tannins.  The wine is a journey, from the high-tone red fruit, to the forest depth, integrated tannin, and then yet another layer of deeper, riper red fruit.  The most refined and compelling Sangiovese we’ve turned out over the past 20 years.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Dark, smooth berries on the nose. Rich palate of red and dark fruits. I liked this wine. August 2022

2020 Stolpman Vineyards Estate Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV,    $32 (#825)     

Winery Notes: “In the glass, the 2020 Estate Grown Syrah possesses a deep black center with a bright red rim.  On the nose, boysenberry fruit sits above black olives.  Fine tannin melded into the smooth flesh carries into the finish already married with bright red acidity.   Just a hint of Syrah wildness adds nuance to the beautiful opaque wall of fruit.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Delicious berries on the palate, fruity and smooth. A little taste of Sweetarts on the finish. This was a tasty wine.  Would be great with Friday night burgers or pizza. August 2022

2020 Stolpman Vineyards Angeli Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $72 (#826)      

Winery Notes: “Booming red fruit intensity sounds the alarm for a rogue wave of coating, decadent, luxurious texture overwhelming the brain’s pleasure center.  Even in its youth, the wine has no rough edge to soften although there is still an energetic tangerine zip on the finish in its youth. An absolute all-star, gorgeous Angeli bottling, making Mama Angeli proud!”

My Review: Very inky in the glass. Intense berries, rich and smooth on the palate.  A tannic, slightly sour finish. This is a high-end Syrah – cellar this one a bit and try again. August 2022

2019 Stolpman Vineyards Hair of the Bear Red Wine, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.3% ABV, $65 (#827) 75% Petite Syrah, 25% Rousanne

Winery Notes: “Inky purple in the glass and with a nose that pierces into pure hedonism.  Thick and ripe but well-structured and youthful.  The purple-blue-black fruit purity will evolve and continue to gain even more flesh to reach new heights in 2-3 years (2023-2025).  As one of our biggest, richest cuvees, Hair of the Bear delivers the refined 2019 vintage in its own expression, rewarding with its largess – yet finely balanced and age-worthy. With an hour of air, hints of mint and basil begin to build onto the thick-cut fruit showing nods of sophistication to this Wild West cowboy wine.”

My Review: Deep ruby in color. Ham, berries and spice on the nose. Intense berries and tannin on the palate, with notes of Sweetarts on the finish. August 2022                               

Visit: You can taste Stolpman wines at their tasting room in the center of Los Olivos: 2434 Alamo Pintado Avenue. You can make a reservation on-line on their website or give them a call at 1-805-688-0400.  I reserved on-line and it was very easy! We sat on a picnic bench in the shade and were quite comfortable despite the warm day. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Tensley: The Ultimate Los Olivos Syrah Tasting: “Sideways” Part 2!

Today we are continuing our Sideways tour with Stop Number 2 – Tensley. I previously posted about a Tensley Syrah we purchased through K&L Wine Merchants which I reviewed here: https://decantingmonterey.com/santa-barbaras-tensley-get-out-of-the-way-and-let-the-vineyard-speak-for-itself/. I was very excited to stop in for a Syrah tasting and had just enough time to enjoy Tensley before my friends arrived.  Since they were white wine fans, I felt I should get this almost pure Syrah tasting out of the way! 

My experience in the tasting room was exactly what I needed – Sabrina understood my mission and didn’t try to distract me with other wines. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.  I was able to try (and buy 😊) all the Syrahs, store the wine in my car, and get to Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café for lunch with my friends with 5 minutes to spare!

At Tensley, it is all about the Syrah, which was the whole point of my little “Sideways” jaunt to Los Olivos. They also grow and bottle Marsanne as a single varietal, which is pretty rare to find. And I got to try one Joey Tensley wine, as well, their more entry-level line of wines.

About Tensley Wines: “Established in 1998, the first release of Tensley totaled just 100 cases. In 2015, our production reached 5,000 cases and included five single-vineyard Syrahs, the most in Santa Barbara County. Though we’ve grown in size, our philosophy has never changed – source the best fruit possible and let the vineyard speak for itself…Truly a family owned and operated winery. We look forward to seeing you soon.”

Their website summarizes it in this succinct statement: “Tensley Wines is a family owned and operated winery focusing on vineyard designated Syrah within Santa Barbara County.” Check out my previous post (above) or click here to check out their website for more information.

I have 5 wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their webpage above, where you can also purchase their wines.

2021 Tensley Laird Vineyard Marsanne, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $32 (#814) 

Winery Notes: “A very rare varietal that only a few wineries produce and this is our second vintage. It was the coolest vintage in over a decade thus resulting in a fresh mineral based version of Marsanne. We did a bit higher percentage barrel fermentation to round out the middle pallet and give weight to the wine. In all I am very excited about this fun white wine. A great that will pair well with so many dishes but the one that excites me the most is raw oysters! Look for saline, minerals, quince, star fruit and a slight nuance of almonds. Hint…. The almond flavor will evolve and show more with bottle age.” 169 cases produced.

My Review: Almost an orange glow in the glass. Apple and honey on the nose and palate. Rarely bottles as a single varietal, this was crisp and appropriately acidic. August 2022   

2021 Tensley Syrah, Santa Barbara County, 14.5% ABV, $32 (#815)                

Winery Notes: “This year’s Santa Barbara county Syrah is truly representative of the Santa Barbara county appellation. This blend brings together the best that Santa Barbara County’s diverse microclimates have to offer. The grapes come from five different vineyards: Zaca Mesa, Nolan, Laird, Thompson and Tensley. These different vineyards come together to produce a wine that is velvety and structured. Look for notes of blackberry and pepper to be balanced by bright, fresh notes of raspberries and juicy plums. This wine has a solid structure and long finish. Drink this blend now or age it up to 7-10 years.” 2100 cases.

My Review: Inky in the glass. Bouquet had a familiar, slightly off-putting aroma – I call it the “Central Coast funk.” Smooth, dark berries on the palate with a kind of yeasty finish. Took one home to cellar for a bit and try again in a few years. August 2022                                                                           

2020 Tensley Syrah, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, 14.5% ABV, $38 (#816)

Winery Notes: “The sandy soils of Steriti give the wine a complex and savory nose with pepper, herbs and a touch of salinity. The well drained vineyards give the wine medium body on color and texture. Then, you take into consideration the cool climate and you have a fresh acidic finish that makes your mouth water leaving you wanting more. The acidity makes this wine one of our favorite food friendly wines. Best to drink this wine in 6-7 years from vintage, but you can enjoy it in its youth as well.” 175 cases.

My Review: You got me on the nose of this one – such a contrast to the previous wine. So much intense berry I can’t believe it is a Syrah! The berry aromas carry over to the palate, reminiscent of a berry-forward Zinfandel more than a Syrah. Took one home! August 2022

2021 Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County, 14.5% ABV, $48 (#817)                                

Winery Notes: “Coming from one of the coolest vintage in a decade the wine has a serious freshness. With that said the extremely low yields of 1.7 ton per acre the texture is what the wine is all about. When you put your nose in the glass think of cracked pepper, black currant and raspberry with a touch of vanilla on the finish. The finish will last a long time from the high level of acid and tannin. Drink now, but probably best to wait a few years and for those who like aged wines don’t touch for 15-20 years!” 1670 cases.

My Review: Inky, deep ruby/purple in color. Some alcohol on the nose. Intense berries with bubblegum notes on the palate. This is a refined Syrah and continues to be one of my favorite Santa Barbara County Syrahs! I absolutely took one home. August 2022                                       

2019 Joey Tensley Fundamental Red, Central Coast AVA, $18 (#818) Petite Syrah, Syrah, Mourvèdre, 1.3% Viognier  

Winery Notes: “Syrah is the rock of this complex blend, bringing weight and color, but in 2019 Grenache also became a star as we added more than ever before to lift the floral notes in the nose and bring a bright, garnet hue to the color. We once again added Mourvedre to bring an earthy, savory aspect to the dance, and, of course, Viognier to keep exotic notes of honeysuckle and tropical fruits in play. This wine is both intense and light on its feet, offering freshness and lift as well as deep notes of blackberry, currants, bacon, and espresso, At its price point, it can easily out-value any wine in its category. This red blend pairs easily with any dish from fish to red meat. It can be enjoyed now or easily age over the next 8 to 9 years.” 2850 cases. 91 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Inky in the glass. A distinctive bouquet of dark fruit and Central Coast funk.  Very approachable, if not a touch sweet after tasting all those Syrahs. A great value at $18! August 2022                                         

Visiting Tensley Wines: “The Tensley Tasting Room is located in the scenic town of Los Olivos in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country.” They are open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 2900 Grand Avenue Suite B, Los Olivos, CA 93441.  Give them a call and let them know you are coming!  (805) 688-6761

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Bien Nacido Estate: First Stop on Our “Sideways” Tour!

I haven’t been outside of Monterey County to do wine tasting in the U.S. since I started Decanting Monterey. Planning a trip to my north San Diego County home town for a reunion, I conjured up a great idea:  Why not stop in Santa Barbara County in search of Ballard Canyon AVA Syrahs on my long drive down?  When I mentioned this to my friend who was also heading south, she said she had just rewatched the movie “Sideways” and thought we should make an adventure out of it.  She arranged for a friend to drive her over so we could make the rest of the trip south in one car. 

I booked us wine tastings in Los Olivos based on reviews of their Syrahs. I was able to do 2 quick Syrah tastings in the morning before I met them for lunch.  After lunch, we did 2 sit-down tastings at places that also served whites (their preference).  We made hotel reservations in Buellton and even ate at 2 restaurants from the “Sideways” movie – the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café for lunch and The Hitching Post II for dinner.  Great wine, great company and good food. 

Over the next few posts, I will be presenting you the wines we tasted on this quick trip, starting with Bien Nacido Estate.  I have experienced some incredibly fabulous Syrahs made from Bien Nacido Vineyard grapes, so why not taste at the vineyard’s winery!

About Bien Nacido Estate from its website:  “World-Renowned Vineyard, World-Class Estate Wines”

“As the heart and soul of Santa Maria Valley wine country, the iconic Bien Nacido Vineyard is a coveted source of exceptional Burgundian and Rhone grape varieties and elegant estate wine. With the influence of the Pacific, the reliable California sun and incredible viticultural and winemaking teams, our vineyard consistently yields world-class fruit, resulting in a portfolio of highly acclaimed estate and client wines alike.”

“A California Icon in the Heart of the Santa Maria Valley

“One of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations, Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-glass grapes and estate wine since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller.

“Meaning “Well Born” in Spanish, Bien Nacido was planted on the historic site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant, a plot of land that was granted to Tomás Olivera in 1837, when California was still a part of Mexico. The Olivera Family’s adobe, built in 1857, still graces the estate today – a majestic sentinel looking after the vines.”

In January 2021, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Bien Nacido Vineyard one of the 10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines:

“Located on California’s Central Coast, Bien Nacido dates to 1837. However, it didn’t arrive on many wine lovers’ maps until the Millers, a fifth-generation family of California farmers, purchased it in 1969.

“Their dream was to shepherd a vineyard that rivaled those of the great estates of Europe. Many people believe that dream has been realized.  

“Bien Nacido lies in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County. It’s one of the coolest growing sites in the state due to the ocean influence and transverse (east-west orientation) Santa Ynez mountain range. The vineyard is planted to 900 acres of vines and supplies grapes to many high-end wineries in California.”

I had called ahead to let Bien Nacido know I was coming to taste their Syrahs. Maya, the tasting room presenter, figured out who I was right away. “You must be Sharon!” My trusty notebook was a dead giveaway. I kept this first tasting very short and focused on 3 red wines. Bien Nacido also makes award-winning whites and are worthy of a longer visit. Winery tasting notes come from their website or the tasting sheet, unless otherwise indicated.

2021 Bien Nacido The Bench Red, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 13.5% ABV, $45 (#811)   50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre

Winery Notes: This is a newer release than posted on the website.  Maya called it a “Netflix and chill” wine.   

My Review: Purple hue. Dark, grape aromas on the nose plus a little something slightly off-putting I call the “Central Coast Funk”. The heavy Syrah component gives it a nice, jammy palate with lots of berry and cherry flavors and a lingering finish. Yummy. I took one of these home with me. August 2022

2019 Bien Nacido Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $60 (#812)

Winery Notes: “A classic expression of Bien Nacido offering aromas of fresh violet and white pepper with flavors of blueberry pie on the palate.”

My Review: Dark ruby/purple in the glass. Spice, jam and caramel on the nose. Intense dark fruit, tobacco and spice on the palate – a bit over the top. Would pair well with a rib-eye steak!  A wine to lay down and revisit. August 2022

2018 Bien Nacido The XO Reserve Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 13% ABV, $100 (#813)

Winery Notes: “Our XO Syrah is crafted exclusively from our famed X Block, the source of cool-climate California’s first Syrah plantings. Named in honor of The Executive Officer (the XO), second in command of a naval ship, this exceptional wine consistently exhibits incredibly concentrated flavors, a deep inky color and distinct elements of espresso, meat and sage. The XO Syrah spends 18 months in 25% new French Oak barrels, resulting in tight-grained tannins. With only select grapes used to harvest this wine, The XO Syrah is consistently one of our most sought-after small-lot wines, with some vintages yielding as few as 44 cases a year…

“Concentrated flavors, deep color and the prestige of coming from cool-climate California’s oldest Syrah vines make it no surprise that this exceptional wine is one of the most coveted produced from Bien Nacido Vineyard.”

Wine Enthusiast – 96 points: “This Syrah expresses leather, tobacco, and smoked meats on the nose. The palate has an unbelievable density with clove and white pepper giving way to brooding tannins and excellent length. The intensity displayed in this wine will unwind in the coming years.”

My Review: Dark ruby/purple in the glass. Spice, jam and caramel on the nose. Intense dark fruit, tobacco and spice on the palate – a bit over the top. Would pair well with a rib-eye steak!  Another wine to lay down and revisit. I was very lucky to be able to taste this members-only wine.  August 2022

Tasting Bien Nacido Wines in Los Olivos: “Our tasting room offers the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Bien Nacido Estate, with a variety of ways to explore our portfolio. Enjoy a tasting flight featuring both Bien Nacido Estate wines and the wines of our sister winery, Solomon Hills Estate. Consider upgrading your tasting experience by pairing your flight with some charcuterie and cheese. Stop in for a glass of our current selections or join some friends for a bottle to share.” Located at 2963 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441.  Make a reservation on their website or call them at 805-318-6640.  They are open Sunday, Monday and Thursday 10-5 and Friday and Saturday 10-6.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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