We were seeking parking in Carmel Valley and saw a spot just outside Sal Rombi’s tasting room. We knew he was closed, but he was there – and invited us in. While we were there, Larry Bell came in to pass a flyer about Corral Wine’s new tasting room opening. He started to tell us about his wines – but he didn’t need to say too much – he had me at Sauvignon Blanc from Zabala Vineyard, one of my absolutely favorite combinations. We decided to change our plans for the afternoon to visit Corral Wines!
As a 5th generation local, Larry Bell told us a bit of his personal story, growing up in Salinas, his family ranch – Bell Ranch – with both cattle and vineyards, and a long career in tradeshows. He shared colorful stories about his grandfather. On the cool side, he was a pilot who made some daring flights including under the Bixby Bridge (did I hear that right?). On the tragic side, as a dairyman in his 30’s, his grandfather was making deliveries at the Toro Café and was attacked by banditos, leading to his premature death – a shocking story, reminding us that it really wasn’t that long ago that this area really was the wild, wild west. I’m sure there are many more stories yet to be heard!
If you get the chance, please stop by soon to try their terrific wines and welcome them to the neighborhood! Tell them I sent you! Their stylish and comfortable tasting room is located right between Parsonage and Chesebro at 19 East Carmel Valley Road in the old White Oaks shopping center.
About Corral Wine Co.: “Corral Wine Company is a production of Bell Family Vineyards. In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast.
We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.” Overall production is about 1500 cases.
They have two tasting: The Cellar Rats (referring to Larry and Skip) and The Maker, referring to their winemaker, Adrian.
Today, I am presenting 7 Corral wines. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or their website.
2019 Corral Zabala Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, $28 (#604*)
Winery Notes: “Bright, vibrant aromas of tropical fruit, such as guava and grapefruit dominate along with some fresh cut hay, lemon blossom, wet stone and racing acidity.”
My Review: Pale in the glass with a frgrant nose. Delicious palate of soft pineapple and white peach. Super good. January 2022
2020 Corral Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, $26 (#605*)
Winery Notes: “Bright and fresh aromas of strawberry and orange blossom, with nice, bright acidity.”
My Review: Pale salmon in the glass. Vey nice and balanced with a full-flavored kick. We liked this rose! January 2022
2018 Corral Zabala Vineyard Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, $34 (#606*)
Winery Notes: “Rich tropical aromatics such as grilled pineapple, ripe fruit, and toasted coconut with hints of vanilla. With a slight oaky characteristic enhancing the richness of the wine.”
My Review: Honey on the nose. Rich on the palate. The oak in this wine is very subtle. January 2022
2018 Corral Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $48 (#607*)
Winery Notes: Red fruit: cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Savory with hints of smoked meat, leather, and mineral.” From Pavo Real (Spanish Springs) and KW Ranch.
My Review: Typical Pinot Noir on the nose, yet a richer palate than most local Pinot Noirs. January 2022
2018 Corral Estate Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, $42 (#608*)
Winery Notes: “Bright vibrant aromas of strawberry, dark cherry, and rose petals. Rich texture, balanced acidity, and a long fruit driven finish.”
My Review: Slightly lighter ruby in the glass with expected Monterey County Pinot Noir flavors. Compares favorably to the SLH! January 2022
2018 Corral KW Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, $55 (#609*)
Winery Notes: “Full of flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, bay leaf, clove, and spice. Deep, rich fruit, with a long finish.”
My Review: Super dark ruby in the glass. Plum and dark cherry on the palate – big and rich. If I were playing Mystery wine, I’m not sure I would guess it was a Pinot Noir. We liked it quite a bit! January 2022
2018 Corral Petite Sirah , Paso Robles AVA, $52 (#610*)
Winery Notes: “Ripe black fruit, black raspberries, tobacco, dark chocolate, cocoa, and toasted spices. Rich, powerful, with a long finish.”
My Review: Dark ruby/purple in the glass. Aromas and flavors of dark plum, blueberry and blackberry. Smooth, rich and delicious. One of my favorites! January 2022
Come say hello at our newly opened Tasting Room at 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA! Hours are Sunday, Monday and Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00ish pm; and closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
*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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