Category: Wine Blog/Reviews

Grasings Astounds Wine Club at its Paul Hobbs Dinner!

In early May, my husband saw in The Pine Cone that Grasings Restaurant was hosting a wine dinner featuring Napa vintner Paul Hobbs. It was crazy expensive, but we were intrigued. We checked with the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod, but they couldn’t go. We debated what to do – looked over the menu and saw we would be tasting 2 of his Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, including a $500/bottle wine.  The conversation went: Should we just go buy a bottle of this wine and enjoy it – or go to the event, where we could see Paul Hobbs again, taste a variety of his wines, and have a nicely paired meal.  We chose the latter – and are very glad we did.

 While these wines are NOT from Monterey County, the wine experience is.  I will try over time to present to you some of the wine tasting venues outside of the typical winery tasting room experience.

Grasing’s hosts several wine events during the year. For the last two years, Eric Ewers has directed the wine program at Grasing’s, a long-time holder of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” and contender for their “Grand Award.” He has 36 years in the hospitality industry with the last 22 years in the role of sommelier or wine director. Certified through the Court of Masters and the International Wine Guild, he developed and directed two wine lists that achieved Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” recognition – most recently at the Broadmoor’s Penrose Room, the longest-running Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the world. You can join the Grasings’ Wine Club mailing list by providing your email at the bottom of this link. Their next dinner will be in October.

We first met Paul Hobbs around, when he showed up to the Addy Bassin’s MacArthur Barrel Tastings (a fundraiser in Washington DC hosted by one of the premier wine shops there).  That was our first exposure to Paul and his wines, probably the best of all the high-end reds we tasted at the event – very big, rich, smooth wines – we became fast fans. We think he came to that event for about 5 years, which afforded us the opportunity to buy his wines as wine futures. His wines achieved a cult status among our wine afficionado friends. “Ooh, Charlie/David brought a Paul Hobbs!!”

At the dinner, Paul shared with us how he got into the business (Where It All Began): from growing up as 1 of 11 children on his parents’ farm (where he actually helped his father convert from orchards to wine grapes), to pursuing medicine starting with a degree in chemistry from Notre Dame, to being persuaded by his father back to winemaking and a Master of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. He worked at Robert Mondavi, Opus One, and Simi before going on as a wine consultant and eventually pursuing making his own wines. The Paul Hobbs Winery debut vintage was in 1991. 

Here are the wines we tasting in May.  Most of the winery notes come from the Paul Hobb’s website here, amplified by comments that evening, unless otherwise noted. One of his local fans also donated to us a Paul Hobbs 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to top off the evening. Plus the food pairings were scrumptious, as you can see above. Our compliments to the chef!

2019 Hillock & Hobbs, Estate Vineyard, Dry Riesling, Seneca Lake, $37 (#735)

Winery Notes: “The inaugural vintage from our steep-sloped estate presents a delicate bouquet of spring white flowers and tangerine peel mingled with accents of wet slate. Elegant and inviting on the palate, crisp pear and lime zest highlights are underscored by bright acidity and lingering mineral notes that seamlessly glide into a clean and vibrant finish.” Filtered (Paul Hobbs wines are not filtered). Vines are on slate. 94 points, James Suckling

My Review: Straw in the glass. Gardenia on the nose. Crisp. Mellow floral notes on the light palate. Balanced acidity. Bitter citrus notes on the finish. May 2022

2019 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $48 (#736)

Winery Notes: “The wine is a vibrant blend delineated from the region’s cooling fog and warm afternoon sunshine to allow balanced ripening of lush varietal flavors and natural acidity that can be derived from our venerated vineyards.” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Viscous, light golden in the glass. Big nose with some robust mustiness in a good way. Honey, butter, floral, and citrus on the palate. May 2022

2019 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $52 (#737)

Winery Notes: “Carefully selected from the winery’s top vineyard sources that are defined by both their proximity to the coast and Russian River to allow cool morning, warm afternoon diurnal swings to develop fruit with purity, richness, and elegance.” (Pinot Noir (thin skinned) ferments twice as fast as Cabernet Sauvignon) 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Raspberry and sweet tobacco on the nose. Intense cherry and raspberry on the palate. Big and smooth. May 2022

About the 2018 vintage: 2018 was cold, wet. There were huge rains in the winter. The saltwater was cold and véraison was late.

2018 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley, $105 (#735)

Winery Notes: “We are proud to carry the Coombsville appellation on our label after becoming a pillar of our cabernet sourcing in Napa Valley. The inaugural release presents a deep ruby with violet highlights and scents of wild blueberry, dried lavender, and mocha. A beautiful entry envelops the palate and features generous layers of red currant, black fig, and subtle notes of fresh sage and leather. Fresh acidity wraps around fine-grained tannins providing tension towards the finish, revealing a crushed rock minerality that confers the region’s inherent rocky soils.” 94 points – James Suckling

My Review: Deep ruby in color. Delicious smooth Cabernet bouquet. Smooth, tongue coating rich dark fruit, a hint of spearmint, with cassis notes on the finish. I like this wine. May 2022

2018 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley, $570 (#739)

Winery Notes: “The legendary vineyard situated on the Oakville bench is farmed by both row and vine so we can endow the fullest expression of the site. Presenting finely sculpted layers of cassis, cocoa, and graphite with an endless finish adorned with velvety yet stately tannins.” Alluvial soils. 98 points – Robert Parker

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Oak and alcohol on the nose. Super intense berry on the nose. Really tight and powerful. Tannic on the finish. Way too young for us to be drinking. May 2022

2009 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $99 (#740)

Wine Spectator Notes: “Big yet nuanced, with tiers of cedar, dark berry, black licorice, gravel and road tar, this is intense, chewy and tannic, with an underlying measure of finesse and detail. Drink now through 2024.” 93 points

My Review: Dark ruby in glass. That Napa smell, balanced by fruit on the nose. Dark fruit on the palate. Balanced. Lean. May 2027

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Decanting Monterey Heads East to Spread the Word!

Last week, I went back to DC to visit with family and friends – and to present Monterey County wines to one of the long-established wine groups there.  As a member of this self-run, informal group, I’ve been able to present Monterey wines to them over the years. I’ll be back in the fall presenting 8-10 of our fine wines to one of the Northern Virginia AWS chapters.  

The format for these classes is straightforward: 5 wines, plus bread and cheeses – all within a budget at varying levels.  The challenge is to find exceptional wines at affordable prices that demonstrate the diversity of the region and the prowess of our winemakers. The group seemed very pleased with the Monterey wines I shared with them – I am invited back!

This is the group that got me interested in wine education and certification, eventually leading to this blog. This is all done on a volunteer basis, but has given me a way to deepen my relationships with our local wineries.  In return, I often get to enjoy industry discounts and, on rare occasions, the wineries donate wines for me to sample/review or, even better, wines to present in my classes! These classes are operated on very small budgets – every little bit helps!

For this event, the wineries rolled out the red carpet.  Bernardus donated both cases of their wine to the cause (one was donated in 2020 for a class canceled due to the pandemic), Chesebro gave me a great discount and free shipping, and Bunter Spring gave me their distributor’s rate.  I cannot thank them enough.  

I usually start out explaining where Monterey County is on the Central Coast (not everyone knows – can you believe it?!?); our winemaking history; our unique, cool climate due to its proximity to the deep, frigid waters of the Monterey Bay; plus the diversity in terrain and soils – from the “engine room” of the Salinas River and valley to the rugged mountains of Cachagua and “Greenfield potatoes” of Arroyo Seco. 

And we have frank conversations about the devastating impact of the wildfires on the vineyards, the wineries – the livelihoods and homes of our vintners – it is not just a crop statistic (wine grapes were ranked #5 in 2017 and #12 crop in 2020 – a 44% drop in crop value, according to the Monterey County crop report). It is rewarding to share that we are the largest grower of Chardonnay grapes in the US and Pinot Noir in California – most people do not know these fun facts!

Finally, I like to encourage them to come for a visit! With 65 tasting rooms in the county today, there are lots of options, whether you want to do the River Road Wine Trail, stroll in Carmel-By-The-Sea, drive out to Carmel Valley Village – or even taste in downtown Monterey and Cannery Row!  And our tastings are very affordable, averaging $20-25 vs. what one might pay farther north.  

Of course, the very best part of doing these classes is catching up with my wine friends, seeing my daughter and her friends enjoying these wines, and visiting our old neighborhood. Miss them all.

Here is the lineup of wines I presented last week – most have been reviewed here before. Winery notes coe from their tasting sheets, websites, or conversations with tasting room staff and winemakers:

2021 Chesebro Albariño, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $24 (#734)

Winery Notes: The climate here is quite Mediterranean, like Galicia. All stainless steel – they chill the musk down – longer fermentation, stabilized and bottled cold. Their take on a traditional Spanish white variety.  Lots of stone fruit and citrus with a touch of minerality on the nose. Apricot blossom and kumquat. Balanced, with bright acidity.

My Review: I had only tasted this wine once before when it was first released.  Boy, what a stellar wine to start the evening.  It was knock-your-socks-off flavorful!  It demonstrated how enjoyable a well-made Albariño can be, balanced by the minerality in the soil. Straw in color. Lovely tropical and citrus aromas on the nose. Stone fruit balanced by bright acidity. Tasted in March/June 2022

2020 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 12.6% ABV, $28 (#566) 95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon

Winery Notes:   Grapes come from a block specially planted for Bernardus in the Griva Vineyard with the celebrated “Musqué” clone. Hand-picked various ripeness in order to have a broad palette of flavors and acidity for the final blend. Fermentation: cool temperature in stainless steel tanks. Aged for several months in large, neutral 30-year-old French oak tanks. Tasting notes:  Aromas of lime zest accented by grassy notes. The palate is soft and long, exhibiting crisp fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit. A beautiful balance of rich texture and a gently crisp, refreshing acidity. 10,550 + cases produced.

My Review: Tropical nose with pineapple and lime notes and a hint of smoke.  Sophisticated palate reflects the winemaking approach described above.  Tropical and lime zest flavors.  Clean and refreshing. And look at the new labels, reflecting a refreshed brand for Bernardus!

2018 Bunter Spring “Garagitage,” Highlands Vineyard, Monterey AVA , 14.64% ABV, $24 (#526)  76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: Upon release: “These grapes come from a small vineyard in the hills above Arroyo Seco just north of Carmel Valley Road. They were harvested, very ripe, on Sep 30, 2018. Upon release, in spring 2021, as I write, this wine is a rough and tumble California fruit bomb, with tons of grapey flavor, plenty of alcohol, and no manners.  Maybe, someday, it will grow up.  Meantime, have fun!” Spring 2022: “Ripe black fruit, tannic, full bodied. Aged 15 months in once used French oak barrels.” 76 cases produced. 

My Review:  This wine continues to be one of our favorites from Bunter Spring. Dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose, followed by a yummy palate of red and black fruits. Very smooth and drinkable. A terrific bargain. This was a perfect choice as a transition into our bigger reds. 

2014 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, CM Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, $35 (#619)

Winery Notes: “Grown on our estate in the Upper Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils at 1500’ elevation, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of cassis, dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice.  Blockbuster with a long lingering finish.” 80 cases produced

My Review: Rich ruby in the glass. Pleasant nose of fresh berries. Palate of berry jam, eucalyptus and chocolate with red currant and anise flavors on the finish. Super delicious.

2014 Bernardus Marinus Estate Blend, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $75 (#290)52% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec 

Winery Notes: Use traditional Bordeaux vinification methods.  Each block of Marinus is farmed separately and picked at its perfect ripeness.  hand sorted and de-stemmed before being fermented in small individual fermenters.  Each one is punched down or pumped over twice daily throughout the lengthy fermentation period.  After a gentle pressing, the wines are transferred to small French oak barrels for malo-lactic fermentation and ageing for 18 months, when the final blend is created. 1375 case-equivalents produced. 

Winery Tasting Notes: Aromas exude beautifully ripened red fruits accented by subtle spice notes. Mouthfeel is very soft and full expressing delicious flavors of ripe cherry and plum. The finish is well structured with soft tannins. 

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “Candied lilac and boysenberry-juice aromas make for a very fresh, floral and fruity entry to the nose of this blend of all five Bordeaux red varieties. The purple-flower flavors show on the sip too, mixed with acai, and the structure is still tightly woven six years into aging. 92 points, Editors’ Choice.” Matt Kettmann

My Review: This wine was a huge hit with the wine class and a great way to end the class:  Complex and rich. Beautiful dense, dark ruby in the glass. Intense fruit on the nose. Smooth palate full of dark berry fruits, a bit chalky yet fresh. Drinking so well with lots of future for cellaring. I could just keep drinking this wine.

Herman Story Wines: “…made, schlepped, peddled, and drunk with friends”

There is a story about how this whole March afternoon unfolded.  The Decanting Monterey Wine Pod went to the valley to help me decide on some wines for my upcoming DC classes.  We got a little lost in the moment and I ended up being very late to the dog groomer, who by then couldn’t do much for my dog.  Yikes.  By the time I got home, the Wine Pod had relocated to what we call “The Micro-Climate” – our neighbor’s wind-protected patio, where they were enjoying the 2019 Herman Story Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard.

Papi, partially groomed, enjoying the Micro-Climate!

When I went to the Herman Story Website, I found it like none other.  I am so intrigued that I must visit them when I go to Paso Robles. Let me share this quote with you:

“I am Russell P. From, proprietor, winemaker, and waste water specialist at Herman Story Wines.

“Herman Story Wines are made, schlepped, peddled, and drunk with friends by me. The basic web design books tell me that you’re probably here for the basics: to find release schedules, ordering information and tasting opportunities for the wines I make, which sounds pretty good to me. The less time I spend writing this stuff the more time I spend in the cellar. So here you go, all the facts with none of the filler. An aesthetic I stand by and believe my wines do too.”

About Bien Nacido Vineyard from his website: “Planted and run by the Miller family since 1969, Bien Nacido has been the source for the Central Coast’s most mythical wines and is a crown jewel of winemakers. From’s first large winemaking position was as operations manager for the Miller family’s custom crush facility. His tenure with the Millers also marked the founding of Herman Story. This represents From’s triumphant homecoming.”

2019 Herman Story Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley AVA, 15.9% ABV (Wine #732)

Winery Notes: “You knew those dance lessons would pay off one day, you just didn’t know it’d be your first day as an aircraft marshall. Glowing wands in hand, you’re on the runway, slowly at first. A little blueberry two-step, throw in a few elderberry jazz hands, sending planes off into the black licorice night. Now you’re really feeling yourself, making up your own moves. The plum-glazed tango. The black truffle twirl. The honey-pecan hop. There’s pandemonium at the gates, but no matter what the guys in the control tower say, you’re a star.” 100% New French Oak, 30 months in barrel. 360 cases made. 6-8 years aging potential.

My Review: Wow! Very dark berry in the glass.  Earth and smoke on the nose.  Bursting with berries on the palate.  I should have gotten here earlier!

About purchasing Herman Story Wines from his home page: “…Our wine club is currently closed, but if you want to get in on the action and try some of my stuff, you can scroll down and join the MAILING LIST, or come visit me at my winery and tasting room in downtown Paso Robles at 1227 Paso Robles Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446. Our tasting room is currently OPEN by appointment for seated, outdoor tastings Thursdays through Monday, from 11-5.” Check out his home page to make an appointment!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Grape “Involuntary Error” Leads to Benom’s Lapsus!

Our “Micro-Climate” wine tasting continues from last week’s post with this Benom wine from Paso Robles. One of our favorite games with our Wine Pod is to play “Mystery Wine.”  First, we guess Old World/New World and from there, the varietal, the region, and sometimes even the winery! We got New World right, but I have forgotten how the rest of the game turned out that March day.

The Benom Story: “Benom is the phonetic translation of the French word binôme, which translates to “a project together.” They are brothers, they are French, and for them making wine is a heritage. Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre moved to California for Love. For Guillaume, it was his love of winemaking and farming without limit(s) that brought him to Paso Robles. A love that saw him making wine for one of the most prestigious wineries in Paso Robles, L’Aventure. This passion eventually lead him to start his own brand of immaculate wine, Clos Solene…

“A tribute to the extensive Fabre legacy in both the Languedoc-Roussillon and Bordeaux regions; as multi generational stewards, farmers and winemakers from birth; the essence of everything Benom, is the utmost quality and infinite expression of what the central coast of California has to offer in harmony with the innate skilled craft of the Fabre bloodline.”

2018 Benom Lapsus Red, Paso Robles AVA, 15% ABV, $68 (Wine #733) 30% Graciano, 30% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

About Lapsus: “Meaning “an involuntary error” in Latin, Lapsus is a nod to the discovery of Graciano in the Paso Robles appellation. Since this varietal was originally believed to be Mourvèdre (monastrell), it was only natural to blend the two together. Graciano’s acidity is balanced with the rich earthiness of Mourvèdre while bringing in Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Grenache. This is an opulent wine with an elegant density, finished by a mineral-driven freshness.” 2018 was the first bottling of this blend.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “Rich aromas of pomegranate sauce meet with red flowers, wet soil and crushed rocks on the nose of this blend of 30% Graciano, 30% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Charred berry and plum flavors show on the palate, where hints of leather and tar make for a wild, slightly gamy experience.” Matt Kettmann, April 2021

My Review: Explosion of fruit on the palate – a great New World expression of a Rhone wine.  Bright and cheery.  I would like to try the 2019, which replaced the Grenache with Syrah. March 2022

You can purchase Benom wines here; and you can get information on visiting them here. They are open daily by appointment at their Tasting Room is located in Tin City, Paso Robles.

Copyright @decantingmonterey 2022

Cruising with Idle Hour Down the Douro River

This Spring, we had the opportunity to travel with Idle Hour Winery for a fantastic trip along the Douro River in Portugal, followed by a private Tempranillo tour along the Ribera del Duero in Spain.  How great it was to get to know the winery owners Anna Marie Dos Remedios and Deb Payne on a more personal level.  The whole experience was amazing – so well done!

We hadn’t talked to Anna Marie pretty much all of the pandemic.  We heard so much on this cruise about how Anna Marie and Deb had to re-tool their businesses (winery, inn, and restaurant) almost immediately – when people visitors quit coming to stay at their Queen’s Inn. Their priority became keeping people employed during this challenging time. As a result, the restaurant became more of the focus, putting wine making on the back burner. 

While on the cruise, we had several wine tastings and a wine dinner with the Idle Hour crew.  Today I am highlighting the wines we tasted on the cruise.  I made a deliberate decision not to take wine tasting notes on my vacation, but some were previously reviewed in this blog and I have included them again here. These are presented more or less in the order tasted. Any quotes below come from their website.  Any factual errors outside of the quotes are mine alone.  This is what happens when you don’t take proper notes…

I have written about Idle Hour wines several times – just type “Idle Hour” in the search bar to find them.  I include Idle Hour in this blog due to their tasting room located in Carmel Valley Village – and their increasing menu of Monterey County wines.  You can read more about their wine making approach and history here. 

2017 Idle Hour Heringer Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Clarksburg AVA, 13.6%, ABV, $30 (Wine #22)

My Review: My daughter called this wine “spicy and good.”  In addition to spice, I picked up cherry and raspberry on the palate with a little oak and green pepper.  Upon this second tasting, I still find this lean and elegant.

2017 Idle Hour Heringer Estate Vineyard Tempranillo, Clarksburg AVA, 14.4% ABV, $30 (Wine #729)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Tempranillo has become one of our flagship wines, one of two wines of the many varieties we produce that will always be on the list here at Idle Hour. I fashion our Tempranillos after the region I find to be the most alluring in Spain, where this Iberian varietal calls home, the Ribera del Duero. Perhaps the variety sees more press from Rioja, where it is the main wine in the blends produced there. I find the 100% Tempranillo wines from the Ribera to be the most honest and enticing.  I hope you enjoy our version!” 225 cases produced.

In my humble opinion, Idle Hour makes on of the best US-produced Tempranillo wines.  She knows what she is doing.  I’d love to do a side-by-side with those Ribera del Duero wines we had later on our trip.

2019 Idle Hour Alicante Bouschet, Madera County (Wine #728)  

Here was a great opportunity to taste this as a single varietal bottling, as we usually find it as a blending grape. I would like to try this wine again!

2019 Idle Hour Viognier, Sierra Foothills AVA, 14% ABV, $28 (Wine #725)

While I can’t find any winemaker notes for this wine, we typically really like the Idle Hour Viognier for its true expression of the fruit.  This was a great wine to start our on-board tasting!

2019 Idle Hour Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14% ABV, $28 (Wine #726)

This Chardonnay comes from one of my favorite Monterey County AVAs:  Arroyo Seco. This is a clean, big Chardonnay.  We tasted it during the first on-board tasting and it was very good – not the big, buttery Chardonnays we think of, but a great expression of the minerality in Arroyo Seco soil. We tasted it again at the Winemaker’s Dinner, this time in a Burgundy glass – what a difference the glass can make!  It was big, fruitier, with much more depth and florals than the first time we tasted it.  If you can find this wine, I highly recommend it.

2019 Idle Hour Clone 667 Pinot Noir, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.2% ABV, $40 (Wine #727)

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

You all know by now that I am not that big of a Pinot Noir fan.  The way this wine was made resulted in a more complex and rich wine, one of the best Pinot Noirs I have tasted from Monterey County.  I selected this wine to present at my upcoming John Marshall Chapter, Northern Virginia AWS class. 

2017 Idle Hour Heringer Estate Vineyard Tannat, Clarksburg AVA, 14.1% ABV, $ (Wine #126) 175 cases produced.

This was an interesting wine to taste!  I was surprised how many people we were traveling with had never heard of Tannat.  This was a big, boastful, delicious wine which quickly rose to be one of our favorites on the whole trip.  Nicely done!

Idle Hour Blanc de Blanc Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine, Clement Hills, Lodi, 11.2% ABV, $38 (Wine #59) 100% Chardonnay; 44 cases produced.

94 points by Rich Cook – You can read his review here:  https://idlehourwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0091/Blanc-de-Blanc-Methode-Champenoise-Sparkling-Wine

Crisp and tasty.  If you can find it, I recommend it!  And the label is equally delicious.

2014 Idle Hour Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah, Love Ranch Vineyard, Madera County, (Wine #730) 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier 4%

The more time I spend on the West Coast, the bigger Syrah wine fan I become. It has superseded my previous love of Zinfandel.  It started with Carmel Valley Syrahs – then Arroyo Seco – then Santa Barbara – and now Washington State!  We had a previous vintage of this Syrah which my husband just loved.  And we both enjoyed the 2014, pairing well with our meal.  We need to get more of this!

2013 Idle Hour Heringer Estate Vineyard Tempranillo, Clarksburg AVA, 14.6% (Wine #731)

We tasted this during more of a social hour for the Idle Hour trip participants – we felt very privileges to have this vintage on board and we all enjoyed it very much.

You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. Check out how to visit them in Oakhurst here. Their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village may not be currently open.  Check their Facebook page Idle Hour Tasting Room @IdleHourWine for the latest info!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Monterey AWS “Wines Up” at Puma Road’s Portola Tasting Room!

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) is a young organization started only a couple of years ago.  Through a friend of a friend, I was put in touch with its Chair, Jacqueline Van Nes, back before I started writing wine blogs.  It’s a friendly and relatively small group.  I haven’t been able to attend many of their events.  When I do, I have really enjoyed the people, the wines, and the wine education.

Once a month, they head out on a First Friday “WinedUp” wine tasting – I joined them earlier this month at Puma Road’s Portola Tasting Room in Monterey.  What a fun and relaxing event!  I confess I convinced the tasting room manager to go off menu a bit for me so I could review all these wines for you!

Today I am presenting 9 Puma Road wines.  The winery notes come from their website here. My last tasting of Puma Road wines was published here: https://decantingmonterey.com/puma-road-next-stop-on-the-river-road-wine-trail/.

2020 Puma Road Sauvignon Blanc, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.5% ABV, $20 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon (#685*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is bright and delightful. Inviting, with earthy notes and aromas of citrus, apricot, peach, and mineral; on the palate, it offers flavors of citrus, peach, and minerality, with bright acidity and pineapple on the finish. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.”

My Review: Viscous straw in color.  White peach on the nose.  Mild melon, white peach and honeysuckle on the palate.

2019 Puma Road Rose of Grenache, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14% ABV, $22 (#686*)

Winery Notes: “Our maiden vintage of 2019 dry Rosé of Grenache is a peachy pink, and invites with aromas of apricot, strawberry, honey, and minerality. The palate delights with flavors of apricot and strawberry, with minerality and a rich feel. Serve chilled.”

My Review: Pale pink in the glass.  A touch of grapefruit on the nose and palate with a hint of bubblegum on the finish.  Very tasty.

2015 Puma Road Cabernet Franc, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, $37 (#687*)

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Cabernet Franc has a nose of dark fruit, leather, and clove. The mouth begins with the flavor of dark cherry, followed by a hint of licorice, with bright acidity throughout, and a rich finish.”

My Review: Raspberry and berry on the nose.  Not the huge fruit bomb I remember from the past.

2015 Puma Road Merlot, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 15.7% ABV, $37 (#688*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Merlot offers aromas of leather, spices, coffee, and dark fruit. The palate experiences flavors of dark cherry, spices, and leather, with a rich, velvety feel.”

My Review: Garnet in color.  Spice box on the nose.  Spice and dark berries on the palate with a little tobacco on the finish. I liked this wine.

2015 Puma Road Malbec, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14.44% ABV, $37 (#689*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Malbec has bold aromas of spice, leather, dark cherry, and tobacco. The palate experiences a rich feel, with flavors of raspberry, cherry, and spice, and a smooth, lasting finish.”

My Review: Nate’s favorite.  Dark ruby, inky in the glass.  Spearmint on the nose.  Very big on the palate – I agree with Nate!

2015 Puma Road Petit Verdot, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.87% ABV, $37 (#690*)

Winery Notes: “Relish in this deep, bold red and truly taste the essence of Paicines. The nose of our Petit Verdot displays aromas of dark cherry, leather, and spice. The mouth has a rich feel and bright acidity, with flavors of cherry, spice, leather, and clove. Pairs well with grilled steak and bone-in pork chops.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Very berry on the nose.  Rich berry yet lean on the palate with a touch of licorice on the finish.

2015 Puma Road Tannat, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14.15% ABV, $40 (#691*)

Winery Notes: “Only around 300 acres of Tannat are grown in California. Traditionally, Tannat is used as a blending grape, to add body and deep color to other varietals. Puma Road Tannat stands on its own. Our 2015 Tannat has a nose of deep, dark fruit; warm, rich spice; caramel; and black pepper. On the palate, experience a rich feel, with flavors of dark cherry and spice – think clove – and a velvety caramel finish, with just the right amount of tannin.”

My Review: Ruby in color.  Dark berry/cherry on the nose.  Cedar, dark cherry, blackberry and raspberry on the palate with vanilla on the finish.

2015 Puma Road Cache, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.44% ABV, $37 (#692*)

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Cache is an approachable blend. It is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. This Puma Road customer favorite entices with aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark fruit, and spice. On the palate, it offers a rich mouth feel, with flavors of dark fruit, black cherry, and blueberry, with nice acidity. This wine pairs extraordinarily well with char-grilled meats, like a juicy ribeye steak, or a ground chuck burger. It will also be beautiful with duck, lamb, or brisket.”

My Review: Ruby in color.  Dark fruit on the palate.  Smooth and fairly lean on the palate. 

2015 Puma Road Predator, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.8% ABV, $40 (#693*)

Winery Notes: “The Predator is a blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (3%), and Malbec (2%). The result is an exceptionally smooth, yet nuanced Bordeaux-style wine. Our 2015 The Predator displays notes of spice, leather, dark fruit, and dark roast coffee. The palate has a rich, velvety feel, with layered flavors of dark fruit, cherry, and spice, with toasted oak and vanilla on its smooth, lasting finish. This wine can be put up for as long as you’d like, or enjoyed now. Decanting is recommended.”

My Review: Inky in the glass.  Dusty on the nose.  Complex dark berries and a touch of acidity and bubblegum on the finish.

Visiting Puma Road (from their website) (as of May 2022 – check for updates: “RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED – AMPLE OUTDOOR SEATING Parties larger than six, reservations required.”

Soledad: 32720 River Road. Current Spring 2022 Hours: Thurs-Mon – 12:00pm-5:00pm. 831-675-3548   info@pumaroad.com

Monterey: Portola Plaza, 281 Alvarado Street. Current Spring 2022 Hours: Sun-Thurs – 2:00pm-8:00pm, Fri & Sat – 2:00pm-9:00pm 831-747-1911    portola@pumaroad.com

Ordering and Picking Up Wine (as of May 2022): “At this time, we are offering amazing flat rate UPS Ground shipping prices — $10 for up to 11 bottles, $15 for 12-23 bottles, $30 for 24-35 bottles, and $45 for 36 or more bottles — as well as complimentary local delivery for orders of $40 or more to many parts of Monterey County. Please call 831-675-3548 or email info@pumaroad.com for more information.

“You may also place an order to be picked up at either location – please choose your location at check-out – during our amended hours of operation: River Road Soledad Tasting Room – Thurs-Mon 12-5pm, Portola Plaza Tasting Room – Thurs-Sun 1-6pm. For your convenience and safety, we are also offering curbside pick up. Instructions will be included in the receipt that is emailed to you upon completion of purchase.”

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Monterey County Vintners and Growers Know How to Celebrate Monterey Winemakers!

I tell you, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod is on it!  While we were completing a wine tour of Portugal and Spain, the home team was on alert for Central Coast wine activities.  We got a text the day we were flying home about the 29th Annual Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration. Were we planning to attend? The answer was yes! We last attended this event in 2018 and thought it was good but crowded. My assessment of this year’s event is that it was terrific!

This event, sponsored by the Monterey Vintners and Growers Association, was advertised as an opportunity to “Enjoy the incredible wines and culinary abundance from one of the world’s premier wine regions in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.” It was incredibly well organized (way to go, Kim Stemler!).  Located in Devendorf Park instead of the streets of Carmel-By-The-Sea, this event seemed a bit more private, out of the hustle and bustle of the village.  The entry was very efficient.  Daunted by a huge entry line, we were instantly relieved to see tickets were being checked and wristbands allocated before the gates even opened.  With the food moved to the exterior streets, attendees could move easily among the winery booths and step out for food.

The wineries were mostly familiar to me, with a few exceptions.  Most I have been to and are captured somewhere in Decanting Monterey.  That was a good thing, as we could pick and choose which one or two wines we wanted to taste at each. And some of the winemakers were there – either in force or for part of the event, including Sabrine Rodems, Keith and Tim Prader of Shale Canyon, Ian Brand, Kori Violini and the Rexford family. It meant so much to the attendees to be able to connect with these winemakers directly. And I was so happy to see Rexford there – I have missed their tasting room in the village and hope to get up to their winery soon.

We also enjoyed talking to The Wine Experience and mixing our own red blends (mine was rather vegetal – too much Cabernet Franc!).  We will definitely need to pay a visit and do this the proper way next time – taste each wine, then blend, silly Sharon. 

Our only regret is that we did not purchase the VIP ticket for this event, as we are reserve wine kind of people. That said, we tasted both familiar and new-to-us wines.  I’ll highlight a few memorable ones here.  I made the decision up front not to try to capture tasting notes, but to be in the moment, enjoying the event. And I can’t wait for next year’s event!

2015 Pessagno Tre Red Wine Blend, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard,  Paicines AVA, 14.12%, $42 (675*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 20% Petite Sirah

About Pessagno: “Pessagno Winery fulfills a twenty-year dream to produce limited quantities of exclusive luxury wines from prestigious single vineyards throughout Monterey and San Benito Counties. The winery is known for creating wines of distinct character and elegance. It is widely recognized as one of California’s finest wine sources.”

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Tre offers bold aromas of dark fruits, spice, oak, and tobacco. The palate is treated to a rich feel, deep dark fruit flavors, oak and tobacco, with a velvety caramel finish.”

My Notes: I was really surprised by this beautiful blend. It was perhaps the wine most aligned to my palate that we tasted that day – big, smooth, bold.  It was among the first and last wines we visited during the tasting. I will need to visit Pessagno for a complete tasting soon. Check out their website for upcoming events at the winery – and at the vineyard in Paicines, an AVA in San Benito County of which I am very fond!

2017 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Syrah, Chalone AVA, $54 (676*)

About Chalone Vineyard: “Monterey’s first winery, Chalone Vineyard is nestled amongst the Pinnacle mountains in Monterey.  High atop the Gavilan plateau, the ocean breezes sweep across the remarkable terroir of the Chalone vineyard with its volcanic limestone soils that give our wines their distinctive flavor.”

Winery Notes: “Bold and complex – just as you’d want a Syrah to be. Leather, cinnamon, tobacco leaf and dark fruits offer layers of intrigue for the senses.”

My Notes: I do love my Central Coast Syrahs and this was no exception! Smooth with the dark berry and earthiness you’d expect from a Syrah.  About time we get over to Chalone to do a wine tasting, as well!

2021 Bernardus Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, $30 (677*) Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, & Cinsault

Winery Notes: “Bernardus has been producing a small bottling of Rosé from our local vineyards for many years.  Now we are thrilled to announce the release of our first Rosé from the Provence region of France! To that end, we have partnered with a prestigious French winery: La Coste.  Bernardus is very proud to present a wine based on multi-national tasting trials:  Bernardus French Rosé!

“Flavors are full and rich, redolent with light red fruits on a long smooth finish.  An exceptional Rosé we know everyone will enjoy!”

My Notes: We wished the Provence Rosé member of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod had been with us to taste this delicious new French rose from Bernardus. I think it will be a hit!  Pretty pale pink in the glass.  Perfume on the nose.  Light on the palate with a touch of sweetness on the finish.

2018 Pierce Ranch Olonde, San Antonio Valley, $32 (678*)  39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 59% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Winery Notes: Bordeaux style blend composed of Cab. Sauv., Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

My Notes: We were all impressed by this wine, one that we did not get to taste during our March visit to their tasting room.  They informed me they have some other new releases coming out in the next few weeks, so another visit soon??

2018 Silvestri Estate Barbera, Carmel Valley, $65 (679*)           

Winery Notes: “Now on sale! $60 a bottle (normally $65) for a limited time only. Barbera is a red grape varietal originating from the Piedmont region of Northwestern Italy. Our small block of Barbera, which is the first planting of this varietal in Carmel Valley, was added to the vineyard to honor the Silvestri family heritage. It’s position on a warm southern facing slope allows this varietal to mature and ripen to its fullest potential before harvest.  With the influence of French oak barrel fermentation and maturation our Barbera exudes a deep richness and complexity that helps balance the grape’s high acidity.

“Black cherry, dried strawberry and plum aromas blend through to like flavors and move on to full, soft tannins with sufficient acidity. A more refined yet full-flavored Barbera” 462 cases.

My Notes: This was a terrific Barbera with delicious berry, raspberry flavors.

2018 Silvestri Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, $48 (680*)   

Winery Notes: “Moving to a warmer section of the vineyard is our Syrah. After harvest our Syrah is de-stemmed and placed into ¾ open top fermenters.  Here, whole berry fermentation takes place to maximize the extraction of flavor and color. The juice is then racked to French oak barrels.  Malolactic fermentation is initiated and will take place for about a month. We then rack the wine after 6 months, and age for another 12-18 months before bottling.

“Syrah fans everywhere.  Our Syrah continues to please year after year.  Savor the aromas of blackberry and dried plum while enjoying the mouth-watering flavors, velvety texture along with medium tannins. Complement with sausage pizza, grilled veggies or grilled meat.” 123 cases

My Notes: This is my kind of Syrah – big, smooth, juicy with delicious dark berry and plum flavors, without the earthiness that, for me, can be a distraction. 

2019 Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 14.5% ABV, $15 (681*)

Winery Notes: “We craft this richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon with California grapes picked at the peak of ripeness in our coastal vineyards. Adding a twist to traditional barrel-aging, select lots of the blend are aged in a mix of new and used bourbon barrels. The new barrels give the wine its deep undertones of toasted oak. The used barrels—selected from a renowned Kentucky distillery—exude notes of vanilla and dried herbs, hinting at the fine bourbon that once graced these casks. The result is a bold, flavorful wine, unlike any other Cabernet.

“Layered and complex, our Bourbon Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with aromas of blackberry cobbler, graham cracker, brown sugar, milk chocolate, coffee and smoke. A palate of blueberry pie, praline, sweet vanilla custard, caramel and mocha is framed by soft, chewy tannins and a hint of toasted oak on the lingering finish.”

My Notes: This was kind of fun – they brought both the Bourbon Barrel-aged and Rye Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignons for a compare and contrast.  I say Bourbon Barrel hands down! As an affordable, everyday Cabernet Sauvignon, this is kind of a fun one.

2020 Scratch  Brut Rose, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, $49 (682*)        

Winery Notes: “The touch of 828 Clone Pinot Noir to the Clone 96 Chardonnay base synergistically add a juiciness to the mid-palate that makes you want to take another sip!  Clone 96 Chardonnay has a round honey-dew melon mouth feel and with the addition of pinot makes you think you are biting into a fresh Fuji apple.  This sparkling wine is make using the classic Methode Champenoise, fermented in the bottle.”

My Notes: Wow!  Winemaker Sabrine Rodems was here!  It was so great to meet her in person.  We have enjoyed her wines from Wrath, Scratch, and Kori Wines!  And I love a great sparkling rose!  Another place to wine taste soon, as all I have tried are her sparkling wines.  

2019 Shale Canyon ZSM, Arroyo Seco AVA, $55   (683*) 48% Zinfandel, 32% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Winery Notes: “The 2019 ZSM is a blend of Estate Zinfandel – 48%, Arroyo Seco Syrah – 32% and Estate Mourvèdre – 20%.  On the nose you will get bright berry fruit with a touch of violet on the bouquet.  The middle is full of dark fruit, predominately blueberry, followed by raspberry and huckleberry.  On the finish you will get a touch of smokiness from the newer oak barrels, firm tannins and a touch of vanilla.  This full bodied wine is still young only having been bottled in the first week of July 2021, but it is drinking exceptionally well already.”

My Notes: This is a brand-new release which will soon be on their website and available in their tasting room!  It was our pleasure to taste this big red – another wine right up my alley.

2019 Folktale Le Mistral Joseph’s Blend, Monterey County, $50 (#684)                                   

About Folktale Winery:  “In 2015, a band of artists, craftspeople, and lovers of life brought their wandering imaginations and lofty aspirations to a magical piece of land in Carmel, California. Out in the sunny valley, we cultivated grapevines and gardens to craft beautiful wines and experiences to delight the senses. We named this place Folktale Winery & Vineyards.

“Folktale was inspired by the idea that in every great bottle of wine, there is a story. It is filled with uniqueness of place, a year of sun and rain, and the art and craft of winemaking. The story is about our people, our guests, and our passion. This is a love story, and the best love stories never end.”

Winery Notes: “Grapes for this vintage of Joseph’s Blend were hand-harvested from 5 different vineyards in our region.  Each lot fermented in small batches and was gently pressed and racked to French oak barrels to age.  After 6 months, all lots were tasted and a final blend was created.  The wine spent another year in barrel before being bottled in Aug, 2021.  In this year’s blend, Grenache came from Ventana and Mission Ranch Vineyards (Arroyo Seco AVA), Syrah from Cedar Lane Vineyard (Arroyo Seco AVA) and Tondre Grapefield (Santa Lucia Highlands AVA), and Mourvedre from Sandy Lane Vineyard (Contra Costa County).”

My Notes: OK, it was a little strange that Folktale was the only winery out in the food area.  I wished I had found them earlier and had had the capacity to give their wines a thorough tasting.  I am looking forward to seeing where their wines are going. This GSM was a fine wine, worthy of a retaste.  I admit I have shied away from Folktale as it is more of a food with wine pairings place, but maybe that isn’t a bad thing to try.  The Le Mistral tasting looks great to me.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Odonata Plays “Mystery Wine” with Decanting Monterey!

A year ago, we went to Odonata with the more senior part of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod.  We have been saying ever since that we needed to go back when it was the only tasting of the day.  While we failed to get the senior partners together, we were able to go back with our daughter, a Decanting Monterey junior plank holder, in March. 

We started with a challenging game of corn hole; then we got down to business.  Eric hosted us once again and proceeded to march us through their wines.  Meanwhile, some lovely women, who just wanted a glass of rosé, sat at a nearby table.  Eric had no rosé to offer and instead gave them a proper wine education and tasting, while continuing to pour for us.  He shifted his approach with us to a game we like to call “mystery wine” – guess the varietal. Our tasting took 2 hours and we left with a case of wine, including some for my upcoming Northern Virginia AWS wine class! Thank you so much for the industry recognition – it is deeply appreciated!

These lovely women became an extension of our afternoon tasting at Odonata!

About Odonata: “Odonata offers an eclectic selection of wines from grapes sourced from our Estate and other local vineyards. The focus is quality and sustainability throughout the wine making process from the selection of the Vineyards, through production, to the finished product. The Vineyards are farmed organic, or SIP (sustainable in practice) Certified.

“While production is small by industry standards, the number of wines is extensive. This small lot principle enables Odonata to focus on consistent high-quality instead of high-volume.

“With our small lot production only a selection of our wines are available at any one time and these are frequently changing, so be sure to purchase them before they are gone.”

Today I am reviewing 15 wines, including 1 previously reviewed. Winery notes come from their webpage above, where you can also purchase their wines.

2018 Odonata Sparkling Riesling, Tondre Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $38 (#661)

Winery Notes: “This fizz is floral with a subtle spiciness on the nose, pretty fruit in the mouth with tiny bubbles. This sparkler is fun as a pre-dinner delight or paired with exotic food like Thai, Sushi, etc… Bubbles are for every day, enjoy!”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Apple cider and grilled pineapple on the nose. A bit of yeastiness tamps down the sweetness of the apple. March 2022           

2020 Odonata Chardonnay, Gularte Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14% ABV, $25 (#662)             

Winery Notes: “Farmed with the Silacci family right down the street from the winery.  This is fruit is crisp apple supported by a generous boost of new French oak.  California inspired Chardonnay, with a crisp mineral core.”

My Review: Straw in the glass. Nice tropical notes on the nose.  Up front oak mellowed out into a nice wine with a punch of lime flavors on the mid-palate.  March 2022

2019 Odonata Pinot Noir, Silacci Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 12.6% ABV, $32 (#663)

Winery Notes: “Cherry fruit, cola, and subtle spices on the nose. Dense forrest floor, and hints of wild strawberry on the palate.”

My Review: Bright cherry red in the glass. The palate reveals the fruit with berry flavors.  A bit metallic. Tannins balance the red fruit with peppery spices.   March 2022

2018 Odonata Pinot Noir, Falcon Hill, Santa Cruz County, 14.1 ABV, $42 (#664)                                   

Winery Notes: “This wine is elegant with viscous cherry, subtle spice and pleasurable texture.”

My Review: Darker cherry in the glass.  While light in body, richer in flavor across the board than the previous wine. Red cinnamon notes. We preferred this wine. March 2022   

2017 Odonata Black Darter, 13.5% ABV, $28 (#665)   86% Grenache, 14% Syrah      

 Winery Notes: “An exquisite nose of raspberries and spice that draw you into the glass. This wine was fermented with 14% whole cluster, to create complexity and better mouthfeel!”

My Review: Bright, rich ruby in the glass.  We are now heading toward medium bodied reds. Very balanced on the palate with cherry flavors.  We liked this wine. March 2022                

2019 Odonata Cote du Denis Malbec, et, Hollister, San Benito County, 13.5% ABV, $28 (#666)    94% Malbec, 4% Viognier     

Winery Notes: “Malbec co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Adds balanced tannin, and pushes floral notes!”

My Review: So pretty in the glass with vibrant red and purple colors (cranberry and plum). Plum and currant ( grape Bubblelicious) on the nose. Juicy and smooth on the palate. My favorite wine of the day. March 2022      

2017 Odonata Grenache, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $28 (#317) 

Winery Notes: “Vibrant and lively on the nose with alluring nuances of fresh flowers and berry fruits. On the palate you’re treated with pepper herbs, fresh minerality and delightful tannin. The richness and depth of this Grenache erupts with every sip, while conveying texture and balance.”

My Review: Cherry and berry flavors wrapped in cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice flavors. March 2022                                                                                                                                                               

2018 Odonata Sangiovese, 14.2% ABV (#667)                 

Winery Notes: “Strawberries, hints of cinnamon, leather and earth. The palate is round with balanced acidity and tannin.”

My Review: Deeper red in the glass. Very berry with spice and coffee on the nose. Dry on the palate with cranberry, cherry, some tartness. Lean.  This was Cassandra’s favorite wine. Of course – she loves a good Chianti! March 2022

2019 Odonata Syrah, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4%, $32 (#668)           

Winery Notes: “Cool climate Syrah! Spicy, dense, chewy tannins with black fruit dominate the mouth feel, while the finish lingers with you softly and gently, urging further exploration.”

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass. Warm dark berries on the nose. Rich berries, mocha, and spice on the finish with a touch of earth. Right up my alley. Selected for one of my classes. March 2022                                                                                                                                                         

2019 Odonata Syrah, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV (#669)                                                 

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass.  Some sweetness on the nose with berry and spice notes. Smooth berries on the palate. I liked this one, too. March 2022                                                                                   

2019 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.4% ABV, $49 (#670)                       

Winery Notes: “Dark and inky in color! The nose is filled with perfumed fruit, spicy blackberry, cassis, and cedar. This wine is rich, fun and vibrant on the palate. Flavors of wild cranberry, licorice, black fruit and finishes with a fresh mouthfeel. With a little more aging the youthful fruit will drop out and bring forward a polished tannic structure.  Enjoy now with a 30 minute decant or age it for the next 10 years!”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Lean Cabernet notes on the nose and some cinnamon on the palate. March 2022

2017 Odonata Petite Sirah, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley, 14% ABV, $28 (#671)        

Winery Notes: “Opulent fruit, herbs and spices on the nose. The palate is perfectly balanced with loads of dark fruit, tannin and graphite.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Some mocha on the nose.  A big, rich, smooth palate with a dry finish. March 2022                                                                                                  

2018 Odonata Barrel Select, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, (#672)   Syrah, Grenache      

My Review: Rich red ruby in color. Berry on the nose. Very spicy with tangerine notes on the palate. March 2022                                                                                                                   

2016 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Montebello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains (#673)       Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot       

My Review: Rich red ruby with some purple in color. Fresh and some vegetal notes. March 2022                                                                                        

Odonata Late Harvest Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley, 19% ABV, $25 (#674)        

Winery Notes: “Punched down gently throughout the cold soak, fermentation, and maceration totaling 7 days. Pressed to a stainless tank where we added 20 gallons of high-proof alcohol to stop the fermentation and leave this wine with 8% sugar. Finished wine: 19.12% alc., aged in 33% New French Oak                                     

“Sweet berry, mocha, and touch of sage. This is a very balanced expression of Dessert Wine, which allows it to be enjoyed on its own or added to any dessert you like!”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors with some chocolate.  Not cloying, just a delicious dessert wine. Would go great with vanilla bean ice cream. March 2022                                                                                     

Visit the Odonata Tasting Room: “Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata winery and tasting room. We hope you will stop by our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.” Open Daily 11 am – 5 pm.  Located at 645 River Road, Salinas CA, 93908.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Pierce Ranch: Bringing Spanish and Portuguese Varietals to Life

I have long admired Pierce Ranch for its bravery to distinguish itself by its location in the San Antonio Valley and, more importantly, working with Spanish and Portuguese varietals not typical for Monterey County.  Increasingly, our local vintners are sourcing some fruit from this region, but this is the home of Pierce Ranch.

We thought it might be cool to get more acquainted with Spanish and Portuguese varietals before an upcoming trip along the Douro/Duero River in Portugal and Spain. In early March, we had the chance to stop in for a tasting. I was also hunting for a rosé for an upcoming wine class.  Alas, it was sold out/no longer on sale.  That said, we still found several “class-worthy” wines and took quite a few home to our private stock.

About Pierce Ranch Vineyards https://piercevineyards.com/about.html: “Pierce Ranch Vineyards is a small, family-owned operation centered in southern Monterey County’s San Antonio Valley appellation. We produce limited-run, estate-grown wines with an emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese varieties….Our vineyards are located in a highland valley at the southernmost tip of Monterey County, just on the border between the small towns of Bradley and Lockwood. Perched in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range roughly 14 miles from the ocean and some 25 miles from Paso Robles, the Bradley-Lockwood area is a unique region with viticultural roots going back more than two centuries. First recognized as an ideal grape-growing region by the missionaries of Junipero Serra, the establishment in 1771 of the Mission of San Antonio de Padua also saw the planting of some of the first vineyards on the continent. These vineyards, planted in the eponymous Mission varietal and providing fruit as well as the necessary raw material for sacramental wine, remained in cultivation until the gradual decay of the mission system in the mid 1880s.”

I previously presented a few of their wines here:   https://decantingmonterey.com/pierce-ranch-eclectic-varietals-from-the-san-antonio-ava/ and here https://decantingmonterey.com/pierce-ranch-shop-like-its-the-cold-war/.  Today I am showcasing 9 of their wines, 2 of which were previously reviewed.

2020 Pierce Albariño, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#654)

Winery Notes: “This 2019 Albariño is the product of our vineyards in the San Antonio Valley, a recently declared appellation at the southernmost tip of Monterey County. Grown in a mix of calcareous rock, broken shale, decomposed granite, and clay, the 2019 vintage provides a clear expression not only of varietal character but also of our vineyards’ own unique terroir. Produced on a limited scale, it was fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel. With the rich aromatics and crisp acidity that are the signature of the variety, it features notes of white stone fruit and citrus, with a hint of salinity and a characteristic minerality. Only 121 cases were bottled.”

My Review: Straw in the glass. A lean, floral nose, classic. Tart on the palate with a lemony twist – powerful up front and fading on the finish. Was served a bit cold for a proper tasting. March 2022

2019 Pierce Rosé, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#655)

Winery Notes: “The 2018 Rosé is a lively and distinctive blend of Grenache and Touriga Franca with a touch of Arinto. A rich middle and slightly creamy texture presents a fruity yet restrained profile, with notes of citrus, honeydew, and pomegranate, accompanied by a lingering acidity and salinity in the finish.”

My Review: Dusty pink in the glass. Nice, perfume, floral nose. Rich, dark flavors on the palate with grape skin flavors. Gravel rock minerality on the lingering finish. March 2022

2017 Pierce Tempranillo, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#236)

Winery Notes: “Perched in a highland valley at the southern tip of Monterey County, our vineyards, with their wide variation in diurnal temperature and rocky soils, provide an excellent setting for the classic grape varieties of Spain and Portugal.This 2017 Tempranillo is the product of our Panhandle and Y Ranch Vineyard plantings, joining the structure and linearity of the Panhandle’s granite soils to the finesse and the aromatics typical of the shale and clay of the Y Ranch site. It was fermented with only native yeasts and aged in French and American oak for eighteen months. Notes of blackberry and black cherry combine with hints of lavender, cedar, tobacco, and sage.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. A big, plum bouquet. Very nice up front flavors. This lighter-bodied Tempranillo is juicy and drinkable. While not the biggest Tempranillo, this was very tasty – we liked it. Reminiscent of one of our favorite California Tempranillo wines. March 2022

2017 Pierce Maçon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#656)  53% Petit Verdot, 30% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano 

Winery Notes: “Something of an Ibérique Supérieur, our new Maçon brings together Tempranillo, Graciano and Petit Verdot to form a slightly idiosyncratic blend of Spanish and French varieties. Combining a hint of Iberian aromatics with the earthy, mineral palate reminiscent of a Bordeaux, this is a wine that approaches Old World character while also indulging a touch of experimentation. A floral nose balances itself against a darker midpalate and a solid tannic structure, as notes of violets and dried herbs give way to an underlying earthiness and a savory, vaguely smoky finish.”

My Review: This is an intriguing combination of French and Spanish grapes. Dark ruby in color with cedar, mocha and rose petals on the nose. Full bodied, with mocha, cherry, berry and black tea flavors on the palate. Our favorite wine on this day. March 2022

2018 Pierce Cosecheiro, San Antonio Valley AVA, $32 (#657)

Winery Notes: “A nonvintage bottling consisting of our 2017 and 2018 Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, the new Cosecheiro is already proving to be a charming, lively, and eminently drinkable wine. With a rich palate framed by a fresh acidity, it foregrounds the soft fruit and florality characteristic of the younger Tourigas, while also embracing the darker earthy and mineral qualities of the older vintage. Boysenberry, black plum, red cherry coulis and black pepper on the nose meet with hints of rosemary, savory wood spice, and dark cocoa on the palate, leading to a clean, bright finish.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  This Portuguese grape exhibited cherry and dark berry on the nose, carrying over to the palate. Slate and a tad tart on the finish. Very soft. March 2022

2019 Pierce Mal/Zin, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#658)  48% Zinfandel, 24% Malbec, 24% Alicante Bouchet

My Review: Leading toward purple in the glass. Peppery Zinfandel on the nose. Pleasant on the palate with round cherry and berry flavors dancing on the tongue, the Zin balanced by the 2 other grapes.  Slightly bitter and dry on the finish. March 2022

2017 Pierce Cabernet Sauvignon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#659)

My Review: A warm nose. A touch of green pepper amongst the fruit. March 2022

2017 Pierce Petite Sirah, San Antonio Valley AVA, $28 (#237)

Winery Notes: “Located in the southernmost tip of Monterey County, the newly declared San Antonio Valley appellation is already showing itself to be an ideal region for producing nuanced, complex Petite Sirah. Consisting entirely of fruit sourced from our Y Ranch Vineyard’s rocky, hillside Block 1, this 2017 estate bottling provides an elegant expression of the variety, with excellent depth and solid tannic structure. A limited run, it was fermented using only native yeasts and aged in primarily neutral French oak for eighteen months. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, black currant, and black plum combine with a savory component and traces of spice.”

My Review: Purple in the glass. Dark, juicy grape flavors – delicious and smooth. Missing some distinctive fruit flavors on the palate with a chalky finish. I liked this wine. March 2022

2018 Pierce Malbec, San Antonio Valley AVA, $32 (#660)

Winery Notes: “Bordeaux native grown in our Panhandle Vineyard.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Palate exhibits lavender, cherry and red berry flavors – very balanced and good. March 2022

Tasting Pierce Ranch Wines https://piercevineyards.com/index.html: Please visit us at our tasting room, located on 499 Wave Street in New Monterey, between Cannery Row and Lighthouse Avenue. The tasting room hours are as follows: Mon – Thur: 12:00 – 7:00 pm; Fri & Sat: 12:00 – 8:00 pm; Sun: 12:00 – 6:00 pm.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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“Monterey Nights”:  A Blast from the Past

We are going to have a little fun today.  We recently had a family reunion for 25 people at our small, 2-bedroom home. It’s how we roll.  We decided to open “Grandpa’s” wines, including a magnum of non-vintage Monterey Peninsula Winery’s Monterey Nights, which my father-in-law won in some raffle many, many moons ago.  The label is an indicator:  a “pure California grape wine blended with natural flavors.  Serve chilled.” Hm…

About Monterey Peninsula Winery: OK, readers, I need your help.  About all I can find is they were established perhaps in 1968 in Sand City and disbanded by about 1996. I see something about foreign ownership (NFI) and also heard a Carmel dentist was a co-owner and that one of the vineyards where they sourced their grapes was later owned by Talbot and now by Gallo.  I hear it was popular with my generation back in the day.  I see they also made a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and an Alicante Bouschet. Some of these older wines are still available!

Monterey Peninsula Winery “Monterey Nights,” Monterey, 12.5% ABV (Wine #653*)

I want to say up front that this wine was not bad – meaning turned or off in any way.  It was just old – and still a mystery.  I mean “grape wine….serve chilled…” We guess it was a white, sweet wine, back in its day.

My Review: Amber in color, like a well-aged tawny port.  Nose of caramel, sweet like Muscatel.  In flavor, like a weak tawny port (only 12.5% ABV) or a muscatel.  April 2022

You can still search for and find some old bottles of Monterey Peninsula Winery – like this one here: https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/peninsula+doctor+rsrv+merlot+monterey+county+central+coast+california+usa/1/usa-ca-y  

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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