THE STORY
Corral Wine Co. co-owner and winemaker Adrien Valenzuela had shared with us that the newly-released Pinot Noirs would be available now in the tasting room in early February. We stopped by the check them out – and to try again their new Petite Sirah. I’m honing in on my wines for my next DC class and wanted to check out my options. I’ve got their Sauvignon Blanc in my lineup – what else might I pick?
My last post about Corral Wine Co. was here: Corral Wine Co.: A Beautiful Portfolio of Tasty Wines! I’ve written about them several times since they first opened their tasting room 2 years ago. Just type “Corral” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.
Sourcing grapes from some of the regions very best vineyards is key to their success – from the correct side of Paso (depending on the varietal) to some of my personal favorite vineyards in Monterey County and beyond to San Benito County.
THE WINES – AVAILABLE NOW!
Today I am presenting 3 Corral Wine Co. wines from this September tasting, plus a few we tasted earlier in the year. I previously wrote about my first sip of the 2020 Petite Sirah here: Monterey County Vintners & Growers Celebrate 50 Amazing Years! Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2021 Corral Wine Co. Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $68 (#1267)
Winery Notes: “Bright vibrant aromas of red fruit: strawberry, pomegranate, dark cherry, and rose petals. Rich texture, balanced acidity, and a long fruit driven finish.”
My Review: Ruby, earth and cherry on the nose. Tobacco, tart cherry on the front. Fades on back palate. Very representative of our region. February 2024
2021 Corral Wine Co. Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA , Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $58 (#1268)
Winery Notes: “Rich, full flavors of drk cherry, blackberry, bay leaf, clove, spice, and a long finish.”
My Review: Darker in color with more purple in the ruby. Dark cherry on the nose. Big bodied and rich dark berries on the palate. Unsweetened chocolate and espresso bean on the finish, with a touch of alcohol. Now here is a wine I would like to present in a class! February 2024
2020 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $54 (#1249)
Winery Notes: “Deep aromatics of ripe red and black fruit, black pepper, and leather with hints of graphite, nutmeg, and a slightly charred oak which give way to its full body but elegant mouthfeel and flavors of dark berries and nice structured tannins on the finish.”
My Review: Rich, thick dark purple in the glass. Eucalyptus or sage on the dark berry nose, following over to the thick, rich palate. This is one delicious tasty wine. I took some home and would definitely present this wine in a class! February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
“Come say “Hello” at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village” located at19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite C, Carmel Valley. Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6 p.m.
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