In January, I received an email from Alex Lallos the manager at Chesebro informing us that they have finally released the 2014 La Montagne Sauvage. We made a bee-line for the tasting room!
Mark Chesebro’s wines have impressed us since we first “discovered” them out in Carmel Valley. Great, delicious wines at affordable prices – what’s not to like? And their wines come from Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley, my two favorite parts of Monterey County. The Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage Rhone blend has long been one of my favorites. I presented an earlier vintage of this wine at my very first Washington Wine & Cheese Seminar. As a fan of our local wines, I felt compelled to expose others to our Monterey wines. I’ve also presented their Las Arenas at a couple of classes in the past, including at the Northern Virginia American Wine Society. Their wines are always a big hit.
After our tasting (and a thorough re-tasting of the La Montagne Sauvage at home), I decided to purchase a case and get my next DC class on the schedule! Right now, June 14th, for all my DC readers. Thank you, Alex, for making this happen for me!
Today I am presenting 5 Chesebro wines from our January tasting. Winery notes come from their tasting. I will admit, we were deep in conversation with Alex and I didn’t capture detailed tasting notes of my own! And his detailed tasting notes say it all.
I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them.
2019 Chesebro Vermentino, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $23 (#614*)
Winery Notes: “Vermentino is a variety most often associated with Sardinia, Corsica and Liguria. Alluring aromas of pine and citrus with a smooth palate balanced, by mouthwatering acidity. Late ripening in this cool site allows the development of complex and elegant flavors. Refreshing and vibrant.”
My Review: Light in the glass. Floral on the nose and palate. A very pleasant wine. January 2022
2017 Chesebro Grenache Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#615*)
Winery Notes: “Brilliant, almost transparent light-gold in color with a kaleidoscope of aromas including white peach, grapefruit, citrus blossom and tangerine. A subtle hint of vanilla and butterscotch round out the nose. On the palate, citrus and stone fruits. Round yet refreshing through the finish.”
My Review: Light golden in color with caramel on the nose. January 2022
2016 Chesebro Chardonnay, Soledad Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#616*)
Winery Notes: “Pale yellow gold in color. Exotic aromatics with white flowers, lemon verbena and ever so subtle vanilla bean. The palate is fresh and vibrant, almost Chablis-like in its cut and precision. Each sip has amazing energy and tension balanced by the inherent richness of the ultra-clean Chardonnay fruit.”
My Review: Pale gold in color. Earth on the nose. Both tart and sweet tangerine flavors on the palate with lemon and vanilla notes. January 2022
2016 Chesebro Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $27 (#617*)
Winery Notes: “Our Southern Rhone (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.”
My Review: Dark ruby in color. Earth and dark plum on the nose. Plum and tobacco on the palate with a touch of sweetness along the bitter finish. I like this wine. It is also one of my favorites to showcase in wine classes. January 2022
2014 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley, $35 (#618*)
Winery Notes: “Grown on our estate in the Upper Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils at 1500’ elevation, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of cassis, dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice. Blockbuster with a long lingering finish.
My Review: Rich ruby in the glass. Pleasant nose of fresh berries. Palate of berry jam, eucalyptus and chocolate with red currant and anise flavors on the finish. Super delicious. My very favorite of all the Chesebro wines. January 2022
Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room. 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 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.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
Did you see Sharon AWS is going there for the March WinedUp
Great choice! Sounds like fun!