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!
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 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.
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