THE STORY
Usually, I catch the announcement when a new Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage is released, but the release of their latest vintage of this wine caught me by surprise. La Montagne Sauvage is one of the Monterey County wines I presented in my very first class many moons ago – it holds a special place in this aficionado’s portfolio. I discovered the release of this wine and 2 other new releases when I stopped in to pick up a couple of bottles of their Sparkling rosé. I came back with one of my Decanting Monterey Wine Pod expert tasters to make sure I got these classics right. We were fortunate to be hosted that day by Alex Lallos, their Tasting Room Manager.
I commend Chesebro for continuing to produce exceptional wines at affordable prices – something they should be extremely proud of.
THE WINES
Today, I am presenting 3 Chesebro Wines. I last presented their wines to you in January 2025 here: Kicking Off the New Year with a Chesebro Favorite! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.
2017 Chesebro Piedras Blancas, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.4% ABV, $30 (#1415)
Winery Notes: “A Rhone style white (85% Roussanne, 10% Vermentino, 5% Sauvignon Blanc) Our richest and most complex / ageworthy white. Don’t be afraid to put this Rhone syled white from our estate vineyard in Carmel Valley deep in your cellar. A blend of mainly Roussanne, it is modeled after the most famous white wines in Chateauneuf du Pape, France. Rich and viscous with aromas of stone fruit and flavors of baked apples and oak. A full bodied and very srious white for the true connoiseur in mind. Pair this heady white whith cream sauces, roasted fowl and sweetbreads.”
My Review: Pale, dusty gold in the glass. Light mouthfeel. Peach and melon on the nose. Mellow palate with gardenia, white peach flavors, a lot of minerality, and balanced acidity. Turns out this wine was released in Summer 2024 – but I have better tasting notes this time! February 2025
2017 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $35 (#1524)
Winery Notes: “Our proprietary Rhone belnd of Syrah (80%), Grenache (15%) and Mourvedre (5%) modeled after the legendary wines of the Southern Rhone Valley in France. Grown at 1800′ elevation, this is our flagship wine and our most popular blend from a small 2.5 acre vineyard in the mountains of Carmel Valley. Rich and broading with aromas of dark blackberries, chaparral, sage and all-spice. An ageworthy and deeply profound example of what these Rhone varietals can do on the granite soils of Upper Carmel Valley. ONLY 80 Cases Produced.”
My Review: Dusty garnet in color. Jammy nose with dark cherry and spicy notes. Medium palate with dark cherry flavors and a dry finish. Tasty. This is one of my favorite wines to present in a class. We took some home. February 2025
2017 Chesebro Syrah, CM Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.6% ABV, $38 (#1525)
Winery Notes: “Single barrel series. Only 25 cases produced. 100% single vineyard Syrah from our estate vineyard in Carmel Valley. Aromas of dark blueberry and currants, spice, sandal wood and cedar. Some deep earthy forest notes as well. Wonderfully balanced with chalky tannins, fine acidity and brambly fruit. Medium-full bodied.”
My Review: Big bright flavors on the exploding palate. A range of cherry flavors. Really delicious. Probably my favorite wine of the day. Took some home! February 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Come Raise a Glass with Us! We are located at 19D East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.”
“We are now open for tasting on Friday through Sunday from noon until 5 PM and by apointment on other days. Due to our limited capacity please make an appointment on all days so that we may better serve you. Appointments can either be set up through this page…or by contacting Alex directly at Alex@chesebrowines.com or 831-238-2618. Due to our remote location, appointments are not available for the winery itself….”
SOME SPECIALS AT WINE.COM TO SHARE WITH YOU
New Customer March Promotion
- Promotion: $20 off $150 on your First Order at Wine.com
- Code: MARCH20
- Dates Live: NOW-3/31/25
- Link ID: 10004860
Top Themes this Week
- The End of Season Sale! Stock up and save 60% Off
- Wines Rated 97+ Points Under $100 – These bottles are highly rated and ready to impress!
- Great Bottles to Give – These wines make the perfect gift for you and yours.
- Celebrating Women in Wine! Shop wines made by women winemakers
- Shop These Deals! Discover a new favorite bottle and save!
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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