Category: Wine Blog/Reviews

Bernardus: Marinus, Marinus, Marinus, Merlot???

Wine pickup = another opportunity to taste Bernardus wines!  This time I convinced my better half to come with me.  We always enjoy comparing the various vintages of Marinus Bordeaux-style blends.  I love how the 2014 vintage is tasting – that is the wine I have a case of in DC, while we wait for in-person classes to resume.  On this late May day, we did their regular tasting menu first, including a single varietal Merlot from the Marinus Vineyard!  I believe this is a first for Bernardus. As explained to me by Philip, founder Ben Pon resisted such a bottling until this vintage.  This is very exciting news and another sign that Merlot is back! I won’t repeat wines I have reviewed before and winery notes contained here are from the Bernardus website.

2019 Bernardus Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4 ABV, $50 (#369*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Soberanes Chard exhibits aromas of baked apple and crème fresh. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity showing ripe white fruit flavors accented by subtle buttery oak notes, which linger beautifully on its soft, full finish.” Wente clone of Chardonnay. 100% French oak, 43% new.  331 cases produced.

My Review: Pale golden in the glass. Buttery citrus on the nose, very buttery, well rounded and a touch of caramel on the palate with citrus peel notes on the finish. Classic oaky, buttery Chardonnay. At 14.4% alcohol, it is a big, flavorful wine. May 2021

2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir Garys’ VIneyard Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.2% ABV, $80 (#370*)

Winery Notes:  “The aromas of our 2018 Garys’ Pinot show beautifully complex notes of ripe red fruits, spice and mineral notes – so typical of this outstanding vineyard. The palate is full and intense, with flavors mirroring the aromas extending throughout its gentle finish.”  338 6-packs produced.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Concentrated yet expertly ripe aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and purple flowers are wrapped in toasty oak on the nose of this bottling. Full-throated flavors of red cherry and red plum are enhanced by crushed oregano, white pepper and sage on the palate, where oak rises on the finish.” Matt Kettmann 12/2020

My Review: Translucent ruby in color.  Garys’ Vineyard has the reputation for producing exceptional fruit – this is a top of the line Pinot Noir – definitely worth trying if you get to the tasting room! May 2021

2019 Bernardus Merlot, Marinus Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#371) 

Winery Notes: “In the glass you will see a wine of deep crimson red. The aromas show bright dark red fruit scents with subtle spice notes. The palate is very rich and soft, with flavors of dried cherries and cranberries, accented with hints of chocolate. The delicious flavors linger beautifully on the long, powerful finish. A superb Merlot!” 788 cases produced. 

My Review: Dense, dark ruby like the 2014 Marinus. Cherry notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate – slightly vegetal on the finish. This is a very young wine. Drinkable now, but recommend cellaring. May 2021

According to their website, you can place your wine order on line and pick it up at the winery or have it shipped to you. The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:00, 1:00 or 3:00 by reservation only for outdoor seating for 4 or fewer people.  Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021.Check here for more information. 

*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.    

Chesebro Round Two: The Reds!

As a wine consumer, I appreciate a vintner who delivers very good wine at a great price.  Years ago, we found these qualities in Mark Chesebro’s wines, which he continues to this day.  I especially enjoy the more unique whites like Albarino and Vermentino.  Today’s post, however, is about his reds, following last week’s post about his whites!

While we stuck to the usual tasting menu on this day, we noticed a Merlot on their wine price list!  It is the 2017 La Grava Merlot/Grenache blend.  They have made this before, but I was very happy to see it there. We are seeing more and more Merlots being produced on the Central Coast – it is about time!  I haven’t tasted it yet – and will save mine for a future blog post!

2017 Merlot/Grenache – “La Grava”

I’ve presented Chesebro reds at several of my wine classes back east, including the La Montagne Sauvage and the Las Arenas – they are a big hit! And I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them all!

Chesebro 2018 Pinot Noir, Cedar Lane/Mission Ranch Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.2% ABV, $22 (#365*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant ruby red.  Medium bodied with aromas of rose petals, raspberry and dried orange peel, followed by subtle earthy notes.  The silky mouthfeel features soft tannins and a smooth cleansing acidity, which reinforces the berry characteristic along with hints of minerality in the finish.” 100 cases produced.

My Review: Pale ruby in the glass.  Light cherry notes on the nose.  A very light Pinot Noir with a bubblegum finish. May 2021

Chesebro 2016 Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $27 (#366*)

Winery Notes: “Our Southern Rhone Style (Chateauneuf du Pape) style blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Aromas of cranberries and blackberries over a background of coffee and a hint of white pepper.  Smooth and velvety with a long finish.  Enjoyable now with a long life ahead.” 233 cases produced.

My Review: Pretty ruby in the glass.  Full berry flavors balanced by the acidity of cranberry notes.  White pepper on the finish. I presented the 2015 vintage to the Northern Virginia AWS – it was a big hit! May 2021

Chesebro 2013 La Montagne Sauvage, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#367*)

Winery Notes: “Grown on Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice.  Blockbuster!” 180 cases produced.

My favorite Chesebro red blend year after year!

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass, delicious dark fruit on the palate – perhaps my favorite Chesebro wine.  I couldn’t leave without picking up a few! May 2021

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room at Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has curbside pickup and has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for 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.    

Chesebro Is Open for Wine Tasting – Round One: the Whites!

We were so happy to learn that the Chesebro tasting room in Carmel Valley Village had reopened and stopped by on a quiet Friday before a 3-day weekend.  I admire the wineries that put their own staff’s safety and winemaking first and discouraged gatherings during the height of the pandemic to help stop the spread of the virus.  But I sure am glad they are open now! It was great to see tasting room manager Alex Lallos after well over a year.  He has been helpful to me over the years with my wine classes and is one of several winery subscribers to Decanting Monterey!

We tasted a lot of wines that day across three tasting rooms – and there was a lot of catching up to do – so not all of my own notes are very detailed.  Fortunately, I do have the winery’s tasting sheet to help me along!  Most wine descriptions come from the tasting sheet – except the Grenache Rose!  I will be splitting our tasting into 2 posts – the whites today and the reds, next week!

Current Tasting Sheet at Chesebro, May 2021

I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them all!

Chesebro 2019 Grenache Rosé, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.2% ABV, $19 (#360*)

Winery Notes: “This Provençal style 100% Grenache Rosé is beautifully light pink in color. Aromas of fresh picked strawberry, grapefruit skin and raspberry essence. Perfect for a warm afternoon. Classic!”

My Review: Very pale pink/salmon in the glass.  Light and refreshing in a similar style to the 2018, which our French Rosé wine pod members loved. By the way, this wine is getting in short supply according to their webpage.  May 2021

Chesebro 2019 Vermentino, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $23 (#361*)

Winery Notes: “Vermentino is a variety most often associated with Sardinia. Corsica and Liguria.  It has appealing aromas of pines and citrus and a smooth palate balanced by mouthwatering acidity.  It is late ripening in this cool site allowing the development of complex and elegant flavors.  Refreshing and vibrant.” 98 cases produced.

My Review: Perfume on the nose, a touch of lime on the palate and a smooth finish.  Classic.  Chesebro was the first California Vermentino we had ever tasted and probably my favorite Chesebro white. May 2021

Chesebro 2017 Grenache Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#362*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant light almost translucent gold in color with a kaleidoscope of aromas including white peach, grapefruit, citrus blossom and tangerine. A subtle hint of vanilla and butterscotch really round out the nose. On the palate, citrus and stone fruits.  Round yet refreshing through the finish.” 100 cases produced.

My Review: Sweet aromatics, white peach and citrus on the palate, slightly metallic, and a lingering finish. May 2021

Chesebro 2016 Chardonnay, Soledad Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#363*)

Winery Notes: “Pale yellow gold in color.  Fabulous aromatics with white flowers, lemon verbena and ever so subtle vanilla bean.  The palate is fresh and vibrant, almost Chablis-like in its cut and precision.  Each sip has amazing energy and tension balanced by the inherent richness of the clean Chardonnay fruit.” 80 cases produced.

My Review: I said pork rib BBQ on the nose.  Alex suggested “gun flint.”  Well, ok, fine.  Intense flavors on the palate. May 2021

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room at Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has curbside pickup and has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for me. 

Chesebro price list as of May 2021

*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.    

Bringing Enz Vineyard Old Vines Mourvèdre to Light!

I remember tasting today’s wine at one of I Brand & Family release parties back in the good old  (pre-COVID) days.  I insisted we pick up a couple.  I first experienced and learned to appreciate Mourvèdre bottled as a single varietal decades ago at Cline Cellars, which was usually our first stop as we entered Sonoma Valley for our wine tasting trips in the ‘80s.    

About Mourvèdre: “If you love Cabernet Sauvignon then Mourvedre is your bag. Mourvedre (aka Monastrell) is a full-bodied and rustic wine that originated in Spain. Rumor has it that the seafaring Phoenicians brought it over as early as 500 B.C. Seemingly obscure, Mourvedre quite often is used as a blending grape in popular wines such as Châteauneuf du Pape. It’s one of the major grapes of the Rhône, along with Grenache and Syrah.” Characteristics: Blueberry, Blackberry, Plum, Black Pepper, Violet, Rose, Smoke, Gravel, Meat  https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/mourvedre-wine/

About the Lime Kiln Valley AVA: “Home only to Enz Vineyards, Limekiln Valley rests inside the Cienega Valley AVA. Limekiln’s soil is sandy, gravelly loam over dolomite and limestone. The summertime average high temperature is 90°F, with a diurnal variation of up to 50°F.” https://winegeeks.com/appellations/162

Enz Vineyards are tucked away below Calera (somewhat-dated map used with permission of geologycafe.com)

About Enz Vineyard: “Enz Vineyard is home to some of the oldest vines in California, dating back to 1887 when they were planted by original homesteaders and were discovered by the Enz family in 1967. Today, these vines are dry farmed and the picturesque vineyard location is tucked away in the valley in a sheltered basin, surrounded by mountains and blocking it from the rest of civilization.” https://www.winc.com/blog/enz-vineyard

2017 I Brand & Family  Old Vines Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, 13% ABV (#357*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Organic. 100% Mourvedre. The Mourvedre block at Enz is just under 8 acres and was planted in the 1920s. It’s a dry-farmed 8 acre block consisting mostly of Mourvedre but also Pais, Carignan, Muscat, Alicante Bouschet on 10 x 10 spacing. Vineyard is at southern base of Mt. Harlan on a 5% incline on north facing slope. Soils are granitic sand with significant limestone and dolomite deposits. The Mourvedre is an isolated genetic line from what’s commonly available in California- the budwood was sourced from original planting in Lime Kiln Valley and brought over from an immigrant from Southern France. Spontaneous fermentation with 50% whole-cluster with stems, other 50% whole berry. Aged on the lees in barrel and puncheon (20% new). 11 months total spent in barrel. Unfined, unfiltered. Bottled and aged 9 months in bottle before release. 125 cs produced.” (found on https://www.vintryfinewines.com/i-brand-family-enz-vineyard-mouvedre-2015.html)

My Review: Ruby in the glass.  Raspberry cherry cola on the nose and a spicy dark raspberry on the palate. So different from most of our big reds and very delicious. May 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  You can also purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

Parsonage’s Tanner: The Power of Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignons!

We reassembled the fully vaccinated (yay!) COVID Wine Pod for a patio tasting last week and, for the first time, we were able to move inside when the weather turned chilly and windy. Mr. H pulled out this 2011 Tanner Cabernet Sauvignon to see how it would stand up to the 2011 Napa Cab we had just tasted. Watch out, Napa – let’s hear it for Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignons!

I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here:  https://www.parsonagewine.com/.

2011 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#355*)

The 2011 Tanner stood up well to a Napa 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon!

We had this wine in our collection and opened it to compare a high-end Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a high-end Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  We decanted it immediately prior to consumption.  2011 is not known for being a great growing season in California, so we really lucked out with both of these wines. 

My Review: Very dense and dark in the glass with a super intense bouquet.  The quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon flavors on the palate and a slight bitterness on the finish.  We all thought this was super impressive.  Well done! May 2021

  • Photo Courtesy of Parsonage!
Open daily for outdoor tastings – plus indoor tastings on the weekends!

Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – click here for the details.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. 

*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.    

Ancient Roman Winemaking Meets Modern Viticulture!

Wine class this week was Italian varietals produced in the US.  I decided to open the 2017 Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina I picked up during a wine tasting in March.  I became obsessed with Wrath Falanghina when I read this article about Sabrine Rodems’ own label, Scratch, in Edible Monterey Sabrine Rodems On Exhibit Scratch Coming to Carmel. 

“Owner Michael Thomas has kept Rodems plenty busy with his many often unconventional winemaking ideas, and has given her the latitude to chase different styles, like unoaked Pinot and fiercely oaked Sauvignon Blanc. When they ripped out a block of underperforming Muscat (I’m still crying over that), Michael, an archeologist, decided to plant Falanghina, an ancient Roman grape that was vinified in amphora. So, Rodems acquired a modern day replica of the ancient clay vessel from Italy (called a dolio) and tried her hand at Falanghina in clay. Truly an interesting, textural wine with just a hint of licking a clay pot.”

You gotta try it, right?

2017 Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina, Monterey AVA, 13.2% ABV, $29 (#352*)

Winery Notes from wrath.com: “The 2017 Ex Dolio Falanghina comes from the two rows of this ancient Campanian grape planted on our estate vineyard. It is fermented on the skins in the dolium (the modern version of an ancient clay fermenting vessel) until dry.  Then racked off and placed back into the dolium for 6 months of aging.  It is left naturally unfiltered and unfined before bottling.  The resulting wine possess very bright, racy acidity that is beautifully balanced with lush fruit flavors and a pronounced bouquet of ripe apricot…Our Ex Dolio Falanghina is a wine with one foot planted in ancient Roman winemaking traditions (fermented and aged in a dolio, not filtered or fined) and one foot in modern methods (modern viticulture and winemaking control measurements to ensure stability). For those who are unsure about drinking a naturally unfiltered wine, we suggest standing the bottle upright in a cooler or refrigerator for a day or two, just as one would handle a vintage Port. Most of the particulate matter will settle at the bottom of the bottle, although there is no issue with consuming it along with the wine.” 72 cases produced. 

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Winemaker Sabrine Rodems and proprietor/archaeologist Michael Thomas emulate Roman winemaking, with this skin-contact bottling that’s aged in a ceramic vessel. Golden yellow in the glass, the wine offers apple juice and butterscotch on the nose, with a hint of citrus. The palate shows dried citrus and bitter orange. It’s funky but enjoyable.”  Matt Kettmann, 8/2020 https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/wrath-2017-ex-dolio-falanghina-monterey/

Is this a White? Rosé? Orange?

My Review:  This is a golden, almost orange wine! There was a lot of sediment/crystallization in the bottle – I had to filter it into my glass.  Light, sweet apricot and gardenia on the nose.  Apricot/apple juice on the palate with some bold acidity and citrus notes. A very interesting and bit strange wine (maybe it is the touch of clay?)! May 2021

You can buy Wrath wines directly from their website or tasting rooms. 

Wrath Tasting Room in Soledad!

Regarding Tastings: 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

*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.    

Melon de Bourgogne: Daring to be Different with a Mixed Up Varietal!

When we got one of our I Brand shipments, we noted something different, a Melon de Bourgogne!  What the heck is that and why is Ian making it? 

About Melon de Bourgogne from wine.com: “Made famous in Muscadet, a gently rolling, Atlantic-dominated countryside on the eastern edge of the Loire, Melon de Bourgogne is actually the most planted grape variety in the Loire Valley. But the best comes from Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, a subzone of Pays Nantais. Somm Secret—The wine called Muscadet may sound suggestive of “muscat,” but Melon de Bourgogne is not related. Its name also suggests origins in Burgundy, which it has, but was continuously outlawed there, like Gamay, during the 16th and 17th centuries.”

For more information on the growing popularity on the West Coast of Melon de Bourgogne, I found this excellent article:  https://daily.sevenfifty.com/why-american-winemakers-are-embracing-melon-de-bourgogne/. This article highlights that the original grapes planted in Oregon were mislabeled as Pinot Blanc and this mislabeling spread as the grapes did down into California, including in the Chalone AVA!

About the Chalone AVA from https://montereywines.org/vineyards/avas/: “The Chalone region is nestled at 1,800 feet in elevation in the central part of the Gavilan Mountain Range – set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacles National Monument. This region has a long history of grape growing, dating back to 1919. Here are found the oldest producing vines in Monterey County. Chalone was awarded its own AVA designation in 1982. Because of its elevation in the mountain range, Chalone is truly unique among Monterey County’s appellations.”

The Chalone AVA is located in an isolated spot in the Gavilan Mountains, along the border between Monterey and San Benito Counties.

Graff Family Vineyard is “a small family vineyard on the Chalone Bench of the Gavilan Mountains. Our family has a 50 year history of winemaking in the Chalone Appellation.” If you look at the map, it appears to be smack in the middle of the Chalone Vineyard!

2019 I Brand & Family Melon de Bourgogne, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, 11.2% ABV (#350*)

This wine boasts CA Hwy 146 on its label. 146 runs to the east of Chalone in both Monterey and San Benito Counties, leading into Pinnacles National Park.

Winemaker’s Notes: “…  because Chalone is nothing like Muscadet, we weren’t at all trying to reference Melon’s home turf. We made this wine with 5 days on skins, then barrel fermented and aged on lees for seven months. Due to the terroir and the skin, it’s decidedly broader than typical Muscadets, but has a subtle brawniness that I enjoy…” (found on winebeserkers.com)

My Review: Straw color in the glass. Fresh gardenia and lemongrass on the nose. Slightly sweet with honeycrisp apple and … on the palate. A little bitter on the finish. Has a very familiar taste – yet hard to pinpoint – very Chardonnay-like, which makes sense, yet a bit like a Sauvignon Blanc, too! I enjoyed this wine! April 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

*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.    

Bunter Spring’s “Groovy” and “Far Out” Hippy Red Syrah!

Bunter Spring is a small producer whose wines increasingly come from the Central Coast vice its Napa roots.  From Carmel Valley Road Co: “At Bunter Spring, we strive to make wines that are delicious, and unique. Balance is important. That means a pleasant and harmonious combination of alcohol/sweetness, acidity, and astringency/tannin. Aroma and flavor are obviously important. We achieve interesting and balanced wines by using grapes grown carefully, in the right place, harvested at the right time. Bunter Spring Winery is a family operated winery.” We first discovered them via their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village and have written about them a couple of times previously.

Bunter Spring 2015 Hippy Red Syrah, Napa Valley AVA, 13.35% ABV, $25 (#347*), 45 cases produced.

Winemaker’s Notes for the 2016 vintage: “100% Syrah…Made with organic grapes.  Here, the ‘wild’ yeast really went feral, turning our peaceful little anti-establishment organic fermentation into something like a rampaging acid-fueled riot.  We had to add a little sulfite and then filter the wine to save it from becoming something only a totally stoned commune would consider drinking.  In the end, it was all groovy, if slightly far out.  To honor and illustrate its nature, it got a special name and label.” The 2016 is nearly sold out and the 2017 will be released this summer! Tasting available most weekends by appointment, outside, $20, free with $50 purchase. 

My Review:  We did not decant this wine (as recommended) and probably should have, as it took a day or two to reveal its full flavors.  A bit of sulphur on the nose with a very smooth, juicy palate.  Medium bodied, rich with cherry and berry flavors.

Tasting available most weekends by appointment, outside, $20, free with $50 purchase and can be arranged by calling Mar at (202) 744-1343. To buy their wines, check out their current releases and contact Mark by phone or email to order.  Directions are here.  They ship within California and to Washington DC and Florida. 

*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.    

Parsonage: “unabashed, rollicking wine ready for a good time**”

Special occasions call for special wines – and we’ve had a few relatives visiting – time to open some Parsonage reserves! Why not drink the good stuff?

I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here:  https://www.parsonagewine.com/.

2005 Parsonage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $125 (#345*)

We received this as a library wine in a recent allocation.  This vintage pre-dates the “Tanner” designation. Our experience has taught us that these library wines are ready to drink. 

grapelive  – 93 points:  “Cabernet did really well here in 2005 and I think it is showing much more character as well, I think the grape is star here and it seems to be so correct that I have a hard time finding any flaws! Pure classic fruits and depth make this vintage remarkable and especially noteworthy. Mixed black and red berry, plum, currants, cassis and chewy tannins scream Cabernet and don’t let up. The complex underbrush, herb and tobacco notes are very subtle and the hints of licorice, vanilla and cranberry are lovely.”

We shared the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with our visiting niece and nephew-in-law one chilly April night.

My Review: Dark in the glass with rich, smooth flavors of cassis and plum.  This wine is drinking well, with the dark flavors reflecting its age.  Two thumbs up! April 2021

2015 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#346*)

**Monterey County Weekly:  “Hedonistic – that’s how winemaker Bill Parsons describes his 2015 Parsonage “Rocco” Syrah. Not that the wine is self-indulgent, although it does seem hell-bent in pursuit of a good time, spilling bushels of ripe blackberries and blueberries from the glass. The revelry begins with a swirl. Fresh aromas spring from the glass, tromping over the grumbles of pepper and licorice. The party continues unabated on the palate, as dense dark berries mingle with a flirtatious impression of fresh plum. What develops on the fringes – raspy pepper, dry clove, bittersweet chocolate and toasted tobacco – are too faint at first to slow things down. It’s only on the finish that the wine’s demeanor changes, developing a more stolid, earthy character and a richer berry compote aspect that stills some of its liveliness.”

My Review: Almost opaque in color. Big dark fruit – blackberry and currant on the nose. Super rich, smooth dark fruit blackberry, plum and a touch of cassis and cedar on the palate. Sweet-tart on the finish.  It looks like it smells like it tastes. Love this wine, as did our visiting family. April 2021

Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – click here for the details.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at 19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. 

Parsonage Tasting Room Image (photo courtesy Parsonage)

*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.    

Twisted Roots: Deep Roots on the Central Coast!

For the last couple of months, this blog has been on a roll.  With the pandemic winding down and wineries opening up, it only took a handful of wine outings to feed the blog with some hefty articles.  I hope you’ve enjoyed them.  If you missed them, take a look on back!  With our daughter in town, we’ll be slowing this back down to its usual old pace for a bit – until we get out again and create new stories to tell.  Meanwhile, I’ve had some wines in the wings waiting to be presented, so let’s go!

Twisted Roots Tasting Room at 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village is OPEN!

Back in January, I introduced you to Twisted Roots as one of several out-of-area wineries which have opened tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village. You can review that post here:   https://decantingmonterey.com/twisted-roots-showcasing-lodi-right-here-in-carmel-valley/. I include them in this blog, as they are part of our local wine tasting fabric. You can read more about the history and current team at Twisted Roots on their website. While mostly known for their big reds, they are also now making a couple of whites and sparkling wines – I look forward to trying those!

2013 Twisted Roots Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi AVA, 14.3% ABV, (#342*)

From the label: “Aromas of warm brambleberry, black tea and clove grace the palate with dark, luscious fruit-firm tannins.  With a finish featuring bright cherry notes, this is a fine wine to pair with most foods and it’s even enjoyable with cheesecake.  A portion of the profits from every bottle sold will be donated to the ALS Association to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease.” The 2015 vintage sells for $33, a very nice price.

My Review: Translucent ruby with a garnet ring in the glass.  Dark fruits of cherry and cedar notes on the nose.  Dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum with a bit of mushroom and earth mid-palate.  Almost slightly sweet on the finish. Yep, this is a Lodi wine alright!  March 2021

You can buy Twisted Roots wines on their website and at the tasting room.  Check out their webpage to hear more about their wine tasting options – inside and outside on their patios.  Nice!

*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.    

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