Category: Wine Blog/Reviews

2017 Parsonage Reserve Wines and More – A Mid-Pandemic Release!

I had the chance back in October to make an extremely isolated trip with a girlfriend to Parsonage to taste the new reserve releases.  The setup was good and the wines, right up my alley.  We were so excited to get past the Soberanes fire vintage and get back to the fruit and flavors we all know and love. 

Parsonage has an excellent outside, socially distant tasting venue for its exceptional wines – when we aren’t under a Stay-at-Home Order!

We also opened the 2007 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon Tanner Reserve to share with our COVID Wine Squad on New Year’s Eve. And then my DC wine class decided Petit Verdot would be the theme for a January class, so I hunted down the oldest one in my cellar – a 2009 Parsonage Bixby Reserve.   That spurred me to put together this “catch-up” post on Parsonage wines we’ve been tasting in recent months, mostly their reserves.  My last review of Parsonage reserve wines is here:  https://decantingmonterey.com/parsonage-reserve-wines-my-kind-of-big-reds/.

The Lineup of Parsonage Reserve Wines: Bixby (Petit Verdot), Dario (Merlot), Hawk (Pinot Noir), Rocco (Syrah), Tanner (Cabernet Sauvignon), and Xandro (Red Blend).  Their reserve wines are named for Bill and Mary’s grandchildren and Mary’s exquisite quilts are featured on the labels (you can view them on their website). 

Here we go!!

2017 Parsonage Estate Reserve Dario Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80?? (#217*)

Winemaker Notes:  “The 2017 Dario Reserve is a massive, powerhouse Merlot. The bouquet is an intoxicating melange of black cherry, black raspberry, star anise, and the Parsonage terroir back-note signature of wildflowers. All of these olfactory delicacies manifest in explosive complexity on the palate. The mouthfeel is full, round, and firm, wrapped in the smoothest and silkiest tannins imaginable.”

My Review: A deep red, garnet in the glass, smoky caramel on the nose (aged in new French oak) – quite delicious.  Lay this one down for ~10 years.  October 2020

2017 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $48 (#218*)

Winemaker Notes:  “This Cabernet Sauvignon field blend is joined with a mix of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It’s a full-throttle bombastic beauty, typical of younger vines. The nose is all about very dark fruit marked by brambleberry compote. Plum and cassis join with the brambleberry on a muscular palate that finishes with some major league tannins.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass.  A light boquet (Pinot Noir-like), plum and cherry on the smooth palate, approachable now. Believe this is a mix of Estate and Cachagua fruit.  October 2020

2017 Parsonage Estate Reserve Tanner Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#219*)

Winemaker Notes:  “Wow! It’s hard to put into words how bold and beautiful this Cab is at such a young age. While we have never made a wimpy cab, the 2017 vintage stands out as one of the most full bodied. The power of the nose announces with authority what to expect on the palate. The bouquet is blackberry, blueberry, black currant/cassis, with a hint of cardamom and a back-note of Parsonage terroir signature, wildflower perfume. All of these flavors show up abundantly on the palate with hints of ripe tobacco leaf and leather, framed by massively and delightfully supple tannins.”

My Review: Purple-red in the glass.  Such a great Cabernet nose with a big explosion of fruit on the palate – cherry, raspberry with a touch of chocolate and coffee.  Smooth tannins with a touch of licorice on the finish. October 2020

2007 Parsonage Estate Reserve Tanner Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#220*)

Review of the 2007 Tanner (from grapelive.com): “There is no question in my mind that this cabernet is the best yet for Parsonage, though it should perform even better after a few years in bottle.  Bill Parsons has shown his heart and soul in his pursuit of producing this region’s great wine.  I admire his efforts and feel he is very close to world acclaim, in fact this vintage has the proof in the bottle.  This vintage of the Tanner Reserve is loaded with classic cabernet fruit, thick texture and a solid tannin backbone with lush blackberry, currant, cassis and plum fruits, mountain sage, saddle leather, cedar and cigar spice, lavender, licorice and smoky sweet vanilla.  Look out, Napa, Parsonage is on the rise!” Kerry Winslow

My Review: Inky purple, with a bit of barnyard on the nose. Deep boysenberry, jammy flavors. This wine was dry, austere with a leathery finish. It still needs more time in the bottle. A lot of body, but not what you are looking to with a big California cab – one might mistake it for an Old World wine! December 2020

2016 Parsonage Estate Reserve Xandro Red Blend, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#221*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah, 5% Merlot

Winemaker Notes:  “A powerhouse in all ways. This Cabernet-Syrah-Merlot blend is all about dark fruit. A big, brooding, muscular beast of a wine. It’s “The Aussie” on massive doses of steroids. It may have fallen under the influence of the mysterious invisible stuff known as dark matter.”

My Review: Slightly hammy and dark berry on the nose, smooth and fruity on the palate with smoky cherry.  A bit of tartness on the finish.  Enjoy it for its smokiness (Soberanes vintage)! October 2020

2017 Parsonage Estate Reserve Rocco Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#222*)

Winemaker Notes:  “Our flagship wine, this vintage is opulent. The ripe black, blue, and red fruit are immense in the nose and the mouth. The palate explodes in an essence of summer savory with exotic Asian spices wrapped in umami. The fullness and concentrated richness of the finish are suggestive of a high end Amarone.

My Review: Red with purple tinge in the glass, caramel on the nose.  Blueberry and cherry on the palate, with a touch of mint and smokiness from the oak.  Not too overwhelming. Very good. This is consistently my favorite Parsonage wine.  October 2020

2009 Parsonage Estate Reserve Bixby Petit Verdot, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#223*)

Winemaker Notes:  “The 2009 was a breakout vintage. We got the Verdot riper than ever. It was rich, round, and ripe with the same dry tannins on the finish. Every vintage of the PV Blend was marked in varying degree by a foundation of blueberries and floral almost perfumey nature. During barrel tastings there were lots of comments and questions about where the perfume came from. So as a joke I started telling tasters that I added a tiny dash of Chanel No. 5 to the barrel. Some vintages had more pronounced perfumey character than others. But it was always there whether forward or subtly in the background.

“The 2009 Bixby nose was powerfully blueberry, (and for the first time) blackberry and creme de cassis with the wildflower perfume in the background. The palate was fabulously and mysteriously complex. All the fruit of the nose played out on the palate with black cherry and pencil lead/cedar notes. The mouthfeel was quite full with a very long finish. The 2009 Bixby was a field blend of 82% Petit Verdot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested in early November.”

My Review: Garnet in color & plum/blackberry on the nose – with a touch of earth.  Rich dark fruit on the dry palate.  Some smoke and a bit of acidity – like sour black cherry and a touch of tobacco. Opened up intense cassis flavors.  Robust yet still a bit austere. Not my favorite varietal, but this is perhaps the best I have ever tasted.  January 2021

Sadly, tastings are not permitted at this time due to the Stay-at-Home order.  They are open for wine purchases and pick ups. You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here: https://parsonagewine.orderport.net/wines/Current-Releases.    

*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.    

P’tit Paysan: Simple, Unpretentious “Country” Wines

I have presented Ian Brand’s wines to you in 4 previous posts (you can find them all with a simple search on “Ian Brand”) including one specifically on a P’tit Paysan wine here:  https://decantingmonterey.com/ptit-paysan-creates-a-2019-zabala-vineyard-sauvignon-blanc/.  We’ve tasted quite a few over the many months of the Pandemic and have consolidated 5 of them here! The P’tit Paysan wines are the ones that first made us fans of Ian’s wines – affordable, quality wines with amusing labels drawn by his nephew!

The I Brand & Family tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for wine sales and pick-ups!

About P’tit Paysan from K&L Wine Merchants :  “Winemaker Ian Brand moved to California to pursue a life of surfing, but quickly got bitten by the wine bug. He is a bit of a rebel, and the purpose of the P’tit Paysan project is to present simple, unpretentious “country” wines. In reality these simple wines come from some unique vineyard sites that Ian has sniffed out in the backcountry of Monterey and the surrounding area. Most of these vineyards exhibit very poor soils, in harsh conditions just on the edge of farmlands. The struggle these vines must face makes for intense fruit.”  Because of he sources grapes from across the region, many of his wines carry the “Central Coast” label.  I have 5 of his Le P’tit Paysan wines to present to you today.

2018 Le P’tit Paysan Rosé Pierre’s Pirouette, Central Coast, 12.4% ABV, ~$20 (#25*)

It was a rare summery day, reaching over 70 degrees in our little coastal town where temperatures often hover in the 55-65 degrees range. We spent a good chunk of the afternoon enjoying the backyard, eating lunch on the patio, swimming and even sunbathing. It felt like we were at a resort and it called for a “pool wine.” But we got something MUCH better!

Winemaker’s Notes from wine.com: “Made from Grenache and Mourvédre grown in Spur Ranch’s limestone-rich clays and Grenache and Cinsault from the granitic bluffs above the Arroyo Seco River. Picked below 22 brix, with bright natural acidity. Fermented in several lots with some native and some cultured yeasts.” Because grapes are sourced from Monterey County’s Chalone and Arroyo Seco AVAs, this wine earns the “Central Coast” label. 61% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, 5% Cinsault

wine.com Review – 92 points: “It seems lately that Rosés aka Pink Wines are a dime a dozen. The omnipresence has my palate spinning. Fortunately, a few folks are producing some astonishingly beautiful efforts. The 2018 Le P’tit Paysan Rosé is one of the marketplace’s best efforts. TASTING NOTES: This is a pert little gem with a refreshingly delicious and crisp aftertaste. Its aromas and flavors of bright red fruit fly throughout the wine. Pair it with a chicken salad with slivers of strawberries and toasted sesame seeds.” Wilfred Wong March 2019

My Review: I presented an earlier vintage of this wine to the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar – and this one would be equally worthy – perhaps my favorite rosé of the vintage from the region. It has a fragrant bouquet of rose and gardenia. Keeping sugars in check, this wine is refreshing and balanced, pleasant and crisp – not sweet and not too dry. A bit of bitters on the finish. This is a keeper – highly recommend. April 2020

2019 Le P’tit Paysan Rosé Pierre’s Pirouette, Central Coast, 12.4% ABV, ~$20  (#33*)

No, no, the label was fine. This bottle spent time in an ice bucket!

We had a warm day – one of the warmest and sunniest this spring – short sleeves and sleeveless tops.  And a virtual happy hour with our favorite East Coast friends.  This called for another rosé! I told my good friend Randy that I needed his nose for my wine blog and he offered to virtually smell the wine – we held the glass of wine near our computer camera – he picked up strawberry and watermelon.  Yeah, no, but it was good for a laugh.  Yes, this is what it has come to.

Winemaker Notes from wine.com : “The Mourvedre from the Le P’tit Paysan Rose is from two vineyards, one in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Gilroy (rocky, alluvial soils), the other is Spur Ranch in San Benito (limestone). The Grenache is from Arroyo Seco (granite), as is the Cinsault. Monterey/San Benito/Santa Clara Counties.” 56% Mourvèdre, 26% Grenache, 18% Cinsault

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points : “Fresh aromas of rose petal, watermelon, bubblegum and squeezed lime show on the nose of this pink blend of 56% Mourvèdre, 26% Grenache and 18% Cinsault. There’s a great sizzle to the sip, where a crushed seashell minerality wraps up flavors of light orange and delicate strawberry.” Matt Kettmann September 2020

My Review: This newly-released 2019 Le P’tit Paysan Rosé has a lovely pale peach, pink color.  It is higher in Cinsault than the previous vintage, with peach and pineapple on the nose.  It is crisp and light, with the Mourvèdre shining through.  Very enjoyable.  I might prefer the 2018, but would have to try them side by side to know for sure.  April 2020

2016 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast, 13.4% ABV, $25* (#14*)

According to www.sommselect.com, the P’tit Paysan 2016 is California Cabernet “at its most balanced, bursting with finesse and freshness, which instantly makes it eye candy for lovers of classic Bordeaux… You will not find another California Cabernet that delivers this much at such a low price, so don’t miss out…The grapes underwent a long, cool, whole-berry fermentation in separate lots before blending and aging for one year in neutral French barrels. The wine was bottled without filtration.” 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “Warm aromas of baked red cherry and caramel grow more complex due to a gravelly minerality and hints of peppercorns on the nose of this bottling by Ian Brand. The palate leads with oregano and pepper, those spices overwhelming the fruit, and the rocky minerality continues, leading into a cocoa-laced finish. It is a lithe and lively style of Cab.”  Matt Kettmann June 2018  

Good luck finding any.  But, if you do, drink now through 2026.  Heck, drink now.  April 2020

2016 Le P’tit Paysan Le P’tit Pape, Central Coast, 13.17% ABV, $22 (#37*)

Another beautiful day in isolation – and another Ian Brand Le P’tit Paysan wine.  We like these wines as every day drinking – such affordable, high quality, food wines.  We have been particularly fond of his Rhône blend “Le P’tit Pape” over the years.  As with the red blends from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this wine is based on Rhône varietals and, primarily, Grenache.  This was the wine which originally drew us to Ian Brand’s wines – our first favorite of his many wines. 

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points:  “Ian Brand’s flagship bottling just keeps getting better, yet stays reasonably priced. Light in the glass, this blend of 65% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre and 2% Counoise offers lovely aromas of strawberry, red plum, white pepper, wild tomato and forest floor. It’s taut in texture on the sip, holding cranberry and strawberry flavors in check, as dried sagebrush carries through the finish.” Matt Kettmann March 2019

My Review: The 2016 Le P’tit Pape appears table grape red in the glass, light-to-medium bodied with raspberry and cherry, very smooth and refreshing. May 2020

2017 P’tit Paysan P’tit Pape, Central Coast, 13.9% ABV, $20 (#216*) 

Winemaker Notes: “Cherry blossoms, dusty road, red plums, herb de Provence. Rosewater and red cherry on the palate, nimble with medium body. Grippy finish with firm Grenache tannins and hints of olive and sagebrush.”

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Clean raspberry and strawberry aromas are lifted by a pinch of pepper and fresh marjoram on the nose of this blend of 57% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and 3% Counoise. Tart cranberry and strawberry flavors are quite fresh on the palate, but there are also savory hints of meat and white pepper.”  Matt Kettmann, 10/2020

My Review: Transluscent medium red with a berry nose. Cherry on the palate, followed by cassis, currant and tobacco on the finish. This wine is representative of how creative sourcing can lead to  a very nice, everyday wine at a great value.  We recently tasted this wine again – it was a enjoyable break from the super big reds we mostly drink. I appreciated it so much! September 2020

I Brand is closed for tastings due to the Stay-at-Home order but open for wine pickups – email them at HELLO@IBRANDWINERY.COM to order wines. I just heard the 2019 rose is on sale – so contact the winery quickly if you want to get some before it sells out!

*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.    

Samuel Louis Smith: “Unmanipulated Elegance” in Limited Production Wines**

I first became aware of Samuel Louis Smith wines when he started getting some pretty fine reviews from Vinous and Wine Enthusiast – consistently in the mid-90’s!  Like many of his contemporaries, he owns no vineyards himself but sources his grapes from regions and vineyards that allow him to “explore some other compelling, under-the-radar terroirs where my varietals shine” with a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. K&L Wine Merchants did an interview with Samuel Louis Smith back in 2019 that provides the whole history of how Sam got into the wine business.  https://onthetrail.klwines.com/on-the-trail-blog/2019/5/24/keep-an-eye-on-this-guy-winemaker-samuel-louis-smith . 

From the SLS website, used with Sam’s permission

About the winery: “Samuel Louis Smith functions as a micro-négociant based in Salinas, California. Organic viticulture, mountainous sites, and minimal intervention in the cellar are tenets of the brand. SLS presents a compelling cross-section of the Central Coast, focusing on Sta. Rita Hills chardonnay, Monterey pinot noir, and Santa Cruz Mountains cool-climate syrah. The wines are made in a neoclassical style where light handling, wild fermentations, and stem inclusion in the reds create wines of place and purity, aroma and structure.

“In the future, the core of SLS will be made with dirty fingernails and estate grown grapes. For now, Sam is dedicated to sourcing fruit from the most distinctive honestly- and sustainably-farmed vineyards. He is also head winemaker at the historic Morgan Winery, a pioneer of organic viticulture and traditional winemaking in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.” 

About Sam (from link above): “Sam studied Economics, French, and Spanish at UC Santa Barbara. A nagging desire for wine knowledge and proximity to good surf led Sam to Bordeaux- the perfect place to spend a semester abroad. Coinciding with the iconic vintage of 2009, it opened his eyes to the world of haute cuisine and fine wine. Though somewhat reticent and cold, Sam’s Bordelaise host family ate and drank quite well; their pairing of confit de canard with ’89 Margaux on a cold Sunday afternoon in November still serves as an epiphanous moment for him.

“Wine and everything it embodies are still the most cerebral and inspiring experience for Sam. Making pinot noir in the Willamette Valley and cool-climate syrah in the Northern Rhône, and cutting his teeth as assistant winemaker for Margerum Wine Company gave him the opportunities to find where his palate and California’s cool, mountainous Central Coast terroir converge.” 

About the 2018 Vintage: “The vintage commenced with precipitation much below average, though reservoirs remained full through the season after a very wet 2017. January and February were warm, resulting in premature budbreak in select parcels, increasing worries of frost as nighttime temperatures dipped below freezing on February 23rd and 24th. Luckily, no harm was done, and the following months saw temperatures at, and often below, seasonal averages. 2018 was a classically cool growing season on the Central Coast- an epic year for SLS’s cool climate varietals.”

2018 Samuel Louis Smith Syrah Sandstone Terrace, Santa Cruz Mountains, 12.9% AVA, $34 (#215*)

An elegant label for an elegant wine!

About the 2018 Syrah from the Samuel Louis Smith website: “A 50/50 blend of two personalities of syrah: the extremely cool-climate and coastal Gali vineyard, and the warmer, high elevation Zayante vineyard. These components come together to exude the spicy, floral, and feminine side of syrah.

“Gali is located in the Corralitos sub-district of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. At the low elevation of 400 feet and approximately six miles from the ocean, this is one of the coolest sites in our lineup. Soils are clay loam weathered from sandstone and shale, formed on ancient submarine terraces. Though not fully organic, no herbicides are used and watering is quite minimal.

Photos of the Gali (l) and Zayante (r) Vineyards, used with permission from Sam!

“Zayante sits at 1,200 feet on the ocean side of the central Santa Cruz Montains, and was planted in 1988 by Greg Nolton. Own-rooted, dry-farmed, and certified organic, this is a true mountain site. Soils are Lompico clay loam- material that was weathered from sandstone, shale, conglomerate, and granodiorite.”

I asked Sam about the low alcohol in this wine, asking if it was the influence of his time in France to make a more elegant, food wine. He responded that his time in France “…bolstered my affinity for elegant wines that go well with food, and that are not fatiguing. I love wines that are poised, with moderate alcohol, and great acid and structure. Most of the vineyards I work with are organic or in conversion, and have lower yields, which means better flavor development at lower brix, permitting early harvesting for low alcohol and good flavor concentration…”

Winemaker’s Notes: “Deep magenta and medium bodied. Aromas of red and purple fruits, rose petal, and dried basil give way to savory flavors of black fruits, cured meat, and black pepper. Elegant tannins and bright acidity add persistence and length.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: Fresh and snappy aromas of boysenberry sorbet and rose petals are also Pinot Noir-like on the nose of this Syrah. The palate is extremely floral, like sipping from a punch of rose petal and violet, with a backdrop of black raspberry and white pepper. Drink now–2038. https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/samuel-louis-smith-2018-sandstone-terrace-syrah-santa-cruz-mountains/

My Review: Very deep color, vanilla blackberries and spice on the nose. Smooth on the palate with blueberry and cedar flavors, a bit acidic, with a touch of spice and tobacco on the finish. This wine possesses a certain elegance and would be great with a meal.  A very pleasant Syrah.  December 2020

You can purchase Samuel Louis Smith wines on his webpage here:  http://www.samuellouiswines.com/wine/

*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.    

**https://www.goldmedalwineclub.com/winery/samuel-louis-smith

Twisted Roots: Showcasing Lodi Right Here in Carmel Valley!

We were pleasantly surprised when Twisted Roots launched a tasting room in Carmel Valley (I love Zinfandel and Petite Sirah – and Lodi big reds)! But we wondered why. Took us a while to learn that there was a local connection: Josh Ruiz, partner and winemaker, is originally from Salinas! Twisted Roots opening their tasting room at 12 Del Fino Place gives us yet another reason to come to Carmel Valley to taste wine. In addition to Monterey County wines, you can find wines from Santa Cruz, Clarksburg, Lodi and even Napa (both Rombi and Bunter Spring feature wines with grapes from Napa) in Carmel Valley Village!  We like to check in at Twisted Roots when we can catch them open to check out the latest releases, including what special wines/blends they may have. 

This is the second article about non-Central Coast wineries with tasting rooms in Carmel Valley.

The Twisted Roots tasting room at 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village

From the Twisted Roots webpage: Twisted Roots Vineyard includes vines (Zinfandel) planted in 1918, but the small lot winery didn’t start making its own wines until 2005 by producing its flagship Petite Sirah.  In 2009, they expanded to produce wines based on the other grapes in the vineyard, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Old Vine Zinfandel (1918) along with yearly “Limited Release” wines. 

There is a great article about vintner Josh Ruiz from Eve’s Wine 101 and another great article from LodiWine.com here if you want to read more about why Lodi makes such great Petite Sirah. 

2016 Twisted Roots 1918 Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi AVA, 14.7% ABV, $40 (#32*)

According to its website, the 2016 Twisted Roots “1918” Old Vines Zinfandel is made from “the grapes that started it all for Twisted Roots… Originally planted on the “Dairy” Vineyard in 1918! Three generations of our family have cared for these vines, and they are still producing to this day. This wine presents itself as big and fruity on the nose, but on the pallet (sic) it has gentle fruit and smooth tannins. We aged this wine in 100% neutral French oak barrels to showcase the depth of flavor these old vines produce.”  

My Review: Very dark purple in color, the nose and palate match on this wine:  dark fruit, currant and licorice with a touch of alcohol.  An almost port-like finish.  April 2020

2015 Twisted Roots Petite Sirah, Lodi AVA, 15.8% ABV, $30 (#128*)

Reviews: From the above Lodi Wine article: “This is a dryer, slimmed down version of the varietal, which suits a Petite Sirah lover looking for the black color and blue fruit, but underlined by more of an edgy, angular tannin than the big, rounded, overtly fruit driven styles more typical of California iterations. Slightly caramelized, toasted vanillin oak helps drive the point home in this zesty, toothsome yet moderately sized (as Petite Sirahs go) wine.” The current release is the 2016 and sounds more up my alley: “…intense berry flavors up front, followed by a smooth, subtle finish.” It sells for $33 and you can for sure buy it through the winery’s website.

My Review: A rich, deep ruby red in color, with a strong berry nose. There is still quite a bit of tannin and acidity in this wine, with a tobacco finish. August 2020 

Twisted Roots has a beautiful, spacious outdoor setting and a private room for wine tasting in better times.

Twisted Roots currently is offering free shipping. Check out Twisted Roots Vineyard on Facebook for their current specials.  Check out their webpage to hear more about their wine tasting options – whenever we are able to reopen.  “For more information or to make a reservation, call (831) 594-8282 or email info@twistedrootsvineyard.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.    

Idle Hour: Bringing Clarksburg and Oakhurst to Carmel Valley!

I’m going slightly off brand, but with a purpose.  With the boom of tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village came a couple of what appeared to be interlopers – wineries not based in Carmel Valley or even Monterey County.  Yet, they are also part of our winery/tasting room fabric.  We are quite fond of them and are including them here.  Idle Hour is one of them.  This post is long, but includes all their wines we have tasted since March 2020.  For most, I don’t find professional reviews, so you are stuck with mine.

Idle Hour is Relocating its Carmel Valley location to Big Sur Vineyard’s tasting room at 1 Delfino Place!

We learned of Idle Hour Winery when they opened a tasting room in Carmel Valley. Idle Hour is Oakhurst’s (near Yosemite) first winery, making handcrafted wines (idlehourwinery.com). All of their wines are fermented using native yeasts, those which come from the vineyards with the fruit, also known as resident yeasts, making their wines “truly indicative of the vineyards they come from.” These are award-winning wines for affordable prices.

Owners Deb Payne & Anna Marie dos Remedios are always gracious hosts, whether at one of their tasting rooms in Oakhurst or Carmel Valley.  You will often find winemaker Anna Marie pouring wines and inviting you to come up to Yosemite to stay at their inn.  I love Idle Hour’s bottle labels – fine art by Tim Cantor (www.timcantor.com). 

The Madera Tribute reported that Idle Hour Winery in Oakhurst received best of class for its Blanc de Blanc, a double gold for its 2015 Tempranillo and silver for its 2016 Petit Verdot in the January 10 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The Clarksburg AVA, best known for Bogle Vineyards & Winery, is the home to the Heringer Estates, a prime source of Idle Hour’s grapes.

Most of their wines come from the Clarksburg AVA, which spans three counties in California’s Sacramento Valley, including nearly 65,000 acres near the town of Clarksburg (more than Napa and Monterey County!). Think Bogle. The growing region has dense clay and loam soils. Fog and cool breezes from San Francisco Bay keep the Clarksburg area cooler than nearby Sacramento.

Idle Hour Blanc de Blanc, Lodi AVA, 11.2% ABV, $?? (#59*)

The Idle Hour Blanc de Blanc is a nonvintage méthode champenoise sparkling wine made of 100% Chardonnay from the Clement Hills Vineyard, Lodi.  This wine won Double Gold and was rated 93 points, as well as named Best Sparkling Wine at the North of the Gate Wine Competition, April 2019.  With only 44 cases produced, it has sold out. 

My Review: Crisp, clean and a bit peachy.  Refreshing.

2019 Idle Hour Sauvignon Blanc, Sierra Foothills, 13.8% ABV, $28 (#113*)

My Review: Appearing medium gold and slightly effervescent in the glass, we detected a slight stinkiness on the nose, like a touch of sulfur, which rapidly dissipated.  The bouquet was lightly floral and pineapple.  This was a nice wine, with a little sweetness, creamy in the mouth with pineapple flavors and bright acidity.  We enjoyed it – perfect for the occasion – and would buy it again! 

2016 Idle Hour Petit Verdot, Heringer Estate Vineyard, Clarksburg CA, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#3*)

My Review: Petit Verdot is a blending grape typically found in Bordeaux blends, but makes a nice red wine on its own. This is an enjoyable bold red, a bit tight, and we did not get the fruitiness expected from the varietal. I am not the biggest Petit Verdot fan, but my friends just love this wine. Maybe hold for a bit. March 2020

2017 Idle Hour Cabernet Franc, Heringer Estate Vineyard, Clarksburg CA, 13.6% ABV, $30 (#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.  It is one of my favorites, but I would hold this wine a bit.

2017 Idle Hour Tannat, Heringer Estate Vineyard, Clarksburg AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#126*)

My Review:  Garnet and inky in color.  Grass and SweeTart on the nose.  A little vegetal, yet intense flavors of SweeTart, tart cherry and plum on the palate.  Black currant, orange peel and licorice notes on the finish.   100% Tannat – sold out.  August 2020

2015 Idle Hour Tempranillo Winemaker’s Reserve, Heringer Estate Vineyard, Clarksburg CA, 14.6% ABV, $32 (174*)

My Review: Deep ruby in color.  Cherry and raspberry on the nose, upon opening, with dusty notes appearing over time.  At first it was bright cherry and cranberry on the palate, but opened up into deeper, lush flavors.  I highly recommend this wine. November 2020

2012 Idle Hour Syrah Owlbox, Love Ranch Vineyard, Madera County, 14.4% ABV, $28 (210*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Ripe plums surprisingly alive after aging almost 6 years sur lie. Medicinal aromas in this menthol finish. This 94% Syrah co-fermented with 4% Viognier, in a Coté Rotie style, giving a bright acidity and smooth mouthfeel.” (from their website)

My Review: Garnet in color.  Old World smell.  Deep aromas, followed by an initial SweeTart flavor with a dry finish.  As the wine opened up, deep, dark cherry flavors emerged. I’m personally not a big fan of the Coté Rotie style. December 2020

2016 Idle Hour Petite Sirah, Heringer Estate, Clarksburg AVA, 14.5% ABV, $30 (189*)

Fresnolandia Review: “Idle Hour’s 2016 Petite Sirah is bittersweet; it begins on the tongue with a thick, sweet tart dark berry, transitions to a peppy berry, and ends with a tongue drying dark chocolate/licorice. To the nose, it is of a sweet, soy aroma; and if such a thing exists, also vibes of a dark berry vinegar.” Ronan Tetsu, 09/2020 https://www.fresnolandia.com/idle-hour-petite-sirah/

My Review: Dark purple in color, rich dark plum and blackberry. Smooth cherry some bitterness on the palate, dry and licorice finish. Super delicious. I want more of this wine. December 2020

2016 Idle Hour Vin Rouge, Heringer Estate, Clarksburg AVA, 14.2% ABV, $30 (211*) 40% Petit Verdot, 34% Tempranillo, 26% Petite Sirah

My Review: Dark in color, with a fresh and bright nose. A bit tart yet sweet on the palate like a juicy mix of wines. This is one of those blends that, upon opening, I am not sure what it wants to be. As it opens up, it melds together to a lovely red. 

You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. This wine can be purchased directly from the winery here. For other inquiries and status of tasting rooms, contact them here:  wine@idlehourwinery.com, Tel: 559-760-9090.  Check for specials, as well as the opportunity to buy gift certificates for future wine purchases and stays at their Queen’s Inn near Yosemite National Park’s southern entrance.  Check them out at www.idlehourwinery.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.    

Bear Cave: Law Office, Tasting Room, and Dog Hangout – all in one!

Over a year ago, I became friends with Marilyn Curry and discovered we had wine in common.  Marilyn and her husband, Barry Kinman, owned Bear Cave Cellars in Paso Robles from 2004-2012.  They made my kind of wines, so I am very sad they are no longer in business.  I am glad I got to try their Syrah, but didn’t get to try the rest of their big reds.  And now they are leaving the Monterey Peninsula for Hawaii, moving from one paradise to another.  I will miss her!

About Bear Cave from California Wine Advisor: “Bear Cave Cellars is the creation of Barry Kinman and Marilyn Curry who, in their other lives, are husband and wife as well as partners in the law firm, Kinman & Curry. In a unique melding of two distinctly different businesses, the law office is also the legal tasting room of Bear Cave Cellars. Whether you want legal advice or to try our wines, call our offices. (My note: Several reviews also mentioned this was a very, very dog friendly tasting room!)

 “Barry has been making wine since 1991. While living in Sonoma county he had access to top quality fruit from winery clients of the law office, including Kunde Vineyards. In the early 1990’s getting top quality fruit in Napa and Sonoma was not as difficult as it is today. Focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, Barry had the opportunity to work with top quality fruit in what may be the greatest decade of California grape growing – the 1990’s. Barry produced excellent wines from Napa in 1994, Sonoma in 1997 and the Sierra foothills in 2000.

“Paso Robles produces ultra-ripe wine grapes, which lend themselves to the fruit-forward style of wine making. By using a cool fermentation with extended time on the skins our wines all provide a softness and full mouth feel. The winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Zinfandel.”

2006 Bear Creek Cellars Syrah, Gill Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, 15.9% ABV, $26 (#207*)

“Rich, aged, and still packs a wallop!“

My Review: Inky and dense in appearance.  Aromas of blueberry and blackberry. Rich dark fruit on the palate. At 15.9% ABV, this rich, aged Syrah still packs a wallop. Wish I could have tried their other wines. January 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.    

Tablas Creek: “Bringing the Rhône to Paso Robles”

A mystery wine was opened during our chilly December happy hour with our COVID wine tribe, warmed by the flames of their fire pit.  We guessed New World, but couldn’t hone in on the varietal (not one we normally taste).  It was revealed to be a Tannat, for which I have a fondness.  I mean, it is a palindrome, after all – perhaps the only wine that is one. 

We were first exposed to Tablas Creek wines at the MacArthur Beverages annual Red Barrel Tasting charity event in Washington, DC.  When we couldn’t get to California to go wine tasting, MacArthur’s brought the wineries to us.  Tablas Creek was one of the few Central Coast wines we could buy in its shop back then. 

About Tablas Creek from its website: “Tablas Creek is a pioneer of California’s Rhone movement.  Founded in 1989, it is the culmination of a friendship between two of the international wine community’s leading families dating back to 1967:  the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands.  After a four-year search, the partners chose Paso Robles, California, for its many similarities to the southern Rhone, and began the lengthy process of importing vine cuttings, building a grapevine nursery, and creating an estate vineyard from scratch.”  Their blends include the flagship Esprit de Tablas red and Esprit de Tablas Blanc (modeled on the Chateau de Beaucastel red and white), the Cotes de Tablas red and Cotes de Tablas Blanc (a Californian take on Rhône classics), and Patelin de Tablas red and Patelin de Tablas Blanc (a “neighborhood” wine made from 8-12 of Paso Robles’ top Rhône-style vineyards).

2017 Tablas Creek Tannat, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, 14.5% ABV, $40 (#204*)

It was hard for us to guess the varietal of this “mystery wine!”

About the 2017 Tannat: “The Tablas Creek Vineyard 2017 Tannat is Tablas Creek’s sixteenth bottling of this traditional varietal from South-West France, known principally in the Pyrenees foothills appellation of Madiran, but originally native to the Basque region. Tannat typically has intense fruit, spice, and tannins that produce wines capable of long aging.”

My Review: Leathery on the nose, New World on the palate, juicy and strong.  We liked this wine. December 2020

You can buy this wine from the winery at the link above. 

*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.    

What Central Coast Wines Did You Enjoy over the Holidays?

I hope you enjoyed your holidays and tried some new wines or revisited familiar favorites. I would love to hear from you: Which Central Coast wines did you open over the holidays and how were they? Please comment below!

Our traditional dinner table had far fewer place settings than usual. We also experienced new ways to celebrate – socially distant around a beautiful, warm fire on a chilly Monterey Bay night.

We enjoyed wines from around the world – France, Italy, Washington, Napa, Carmel Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains and Paso Robles.

Here are the Central Coast wines we tasted over the holidays (reviews to come!):

In addition to some of our favorite big reds from Carmel Valley, we branched out and tried some new brands from Paso Robles and the Santa Cruz Mountains!

  • 2011 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley, with our Christmas dinner
  • 2018 Samuel Louis Smith Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains
  • 2007 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley on New Year’s Eve
  • 2006 Bear Cave Cellars Reserve Syrah, Paso Robles, also on New Year’s Eve

And, once again, which Central Coast wines did you open over the holidays – what did you think of them? I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy New Year!

Irie (i’-ree): “1. To have no worries. 2. Feeling Great. 3. My Australian shepherd.” (from the back label)

Back in 2019, on our “research” wine trip down the Salinas Valley’s River Road, we had a bit of a hard time finding the Smith Family tasting room at the Paraiso Estate Vineyard.  With a fence and dirt roads ahead of us, we made a U-turn and found one of the most beautiful tasting room settings, with a breathtaking view of the Salinas Valley.  Our first wine tasting of the day, we marched through the usual varietals – and then noticed cases of Zinfandel stacked behind us – with an awesome price.  Made by the family’s son, Justin Murphy, this affordable Zinfandel could meet my wine class’ budget – so we took a case home for about $17/bottle! 

The Smith Family has one of the most beautiful views, overlooking the Salinas Valley.

About Irie Wines summarized from the Gold Medal Wine Club (an excellent writeup of Justin Murphy and Irie Wines): Justin is the grandson of the Smith Family founders, who were among the pioneers who planted grapevines in the Santa Lucia Highlands and, along with the Hahn family, helped that AVA earn its designation.   He took a job at Courtside Cellars which sparked his true calling as a winemaker.  He moved to Sextant wines and, in 2006, began producing his own wines. He knew he had to make a distinctive Zinfandel to separate himself from the rest of the Paso Robles pack.   He produced 3 wines:  Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Rose. I believe he is no longer producing wines under the Irie label and is focusing on his winemaking role at Paraiso/Smith Family vineyard.

2012 Irie Zinfandel, Paso Robles AVA, 15.1% ABV, $25 (#201*)

The 2012 Irie Zinfandel was a great find!

About the 2012 Irie Zinfandel: “Irie is the label chosen by winemaker-in-training Justin Murphy, grandson of the vineyard’s founders. He makes his 2012 Zinfandel from grapes grown on the west side of Paso Robles, about an hour south of Soledad. There’s also a Petite Syrah, but 2013’s bottling has sold out, and what’s in the pipeline is not available for tasting.

“We’ve tasted a lot of Zin from Paso Robles. But something happens to these grapes on their short ride north, and the Irie Zin is like no other. This wine is also a definite reflection of its terroir—gently sloping western coastal hills, surrounded by grazing pastures with dry native grasses, very hot in the daytime, with a vigorous arid afternoon wind. Aged for 16 months in 25 percent new French Oak, this Zin just been released and is a very limited production of 335 cases.”

My Review: Very dark red, yet a bit transluscent.  Blackberry and pepper on the nose.  Raspberry, blackberry and cassis on the palate with white pepper and a little leather on the finish.  Pairs nicely with both spicy and sweet foods. August 2020

*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.    

Daou: Taking Paso Robles Wines to a New Level!

A friend of mine put me in touch with the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society.  How wonderful to meet (virtually) like-minded wine aficionados!  In August, they hosted a virtual wine tasting of Daou wines.  It was a great event, presented by Daniel Daou himself and showcasing three of their wines. 

Three terrific DAOU wines presented by Daniel Daou!

About Daniel Daou: “Daniel’s winemaking vision had one very singular focus-creating the highest possible quality Cabernet and Bordeaux wines. This mission had a critical ingredient-the Calcareous Clay soils of Bordeaux. For Daniel, there is no greater truth than the fact that great wine is made in the vineyard. His extreme focus on every detail-from the proper soil, to his proprietary planting structure that creates “total vine balance” his exacting, almost extreme, winegrowing philosophy allows for the grapes to arrive to the winery in the perfect condition to create wines that continue to rival the best in the world…Daniel was one of the first to bring Cabernet clones to Paso Robles that deliver the highest possible quality-clones from the iconic regions of the world such as Bordeaux and Napa.”

2019 DAOU Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, 13.7% ABV, $50 (#197*)

A high-end Sauvignon Blanc made in a unique process.

Winemaker Notes: “The 2019 DAOU Estate Sauvignon Blanc exemplifies how this classic Bordeaux variety excels on DAOU Mountain. The chalky soils of DAOU Mountain give this wine loads of minerality on the palate while concentrated aromas of stone fruits, guava, kiwi and citrus blossom travel through the glass to enrich your nose. A touch of Sémillon works in harmony with the Sauvignon Blanc, adding complexity and dimension. Full-bodied yet balanced, this wine provides for a complete experience with an impressively long finish.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Review – 92 Points: “The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc contains 19% Sémillon and was aged seven months in 50% new French oak. The nose opens with poached pears scents accented by beeswax, lychee, grapefruit and flowers. The medium-bodied palate has a great balance of bright fruit character and phenolic texture, and it finishes with good freshness and length.” Erin Brooks, October 2020

My Review: Pale in color (leaning toward green) with pear on the nose.  Pear and bitter grapefruit on the palate with a tart finish.  This is a pretty complex Sauvignon Blanc, a product of a unique process which Daniel Daou described in some detail to the group.  It is not your every day Sauvignon Blanc.  August 2020

2018 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA, 14.22 ABV, $60 (#198*)

A terrific example of a fine, high quality Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker Notes: “The 2018 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a shining example of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. This wine’s magnificent nose is quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon, offering scents of dark chocolate, licorice, blackberries and cured meats with a touch of cedar. The palate delivers an explosion of fresh, dark berry fruits. Flavors of blackberry, juicy black cherry, cassis and cocoa are underscored by lovely accents of blueberry and raspberry.  A silky palate is nicely integrated with hints of toasty oak, graphite, mineral and forest floor. Ripe fruits and exotic spices linger on a generous, full-bodied finish that promises excellent age-worthiness.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Review – 91-93 Points:  “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It is still in barrel and will age about 18 months in 50% new French oak. The nose opens with tar, cassis and gentle blue fruit touches with notes of dried herbs, milk chocolate and coffee beans. The medium to full-bodied palate is lushly fruited but very fresh, with lifted herbal character, bright freshness and a firm but very finely grained structure, finishing long.” Erin Brooks, October 2020

My Review: Garnet in color, almost purple. Dark jammy fruit on the nose.  Very smooth and juicy, balanced and pleasant. August 2020

2017 DAOU Bodyguard, Paso Robles AVA, 14.7% ABV, $40 (#199*)

Winemaker Notes (previously captured from their website): “The 2017 DAOU Bodyguard is a sleek yet powerful blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah, displaying both opulence and structure. The 2017 vintage presents fragrant fruit aromas of blackberry, raspberry, currant and crème de cassis. Notes of cocoa, coffee, dark chocolate, licorice and sweet cherry pipe tobacco are rounded out with whispers of truffle, toffee, mocha and menthol.  A juicy, fleshy palate offers bright, generous flavors of cherry, cranberry, strawberry and blueberry tinged with black raspberry and tamarind—all supported by underlying accents of dusty leather, pencil shavings, cigar box and crushed herbs. An elegantly styled and beautifully structured finish reverberates with focused energy, vibrant berry fruit and ripe, polished tannins.”

Wine Enthusiast Review – 92 Points: “In yet another stylishly packaged and powerful blend from the Daou brothers, this bottling combines hearty coffee, kirsch and pumice aromas with toasty vanilla and caramel on the nose. The tannic structure is soft and polished yet firm enough to uphold black-cherry, toffee and caramel flavors, which are bolstered by a black-rock minerality that lingers in the background.” Matt Kettmann, March 2020

My Review: Inky purple in color, bold flavors on the palate – really opened up into a delicious, big wine in the style I like. This is a great combination of 60% Petite Verdot and 40% Petite Sirah.  August 2020

You can buy DAOU wines from their website or from retailers primarily in California and New York, with a few retailers in Michigan and Florida.    They have special holiday items and packages here. DAOU is open for wine tasting with food pairings – learn more and reserve your spot here.

*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 2020

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