THE STORY
As a diehard Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah fan, I was not about to miss the real Rocco’s 21st Birthday celebration at their tasting room in April. This was a great opportunity to have a conversation with Rocco, his grandfather and winery owner Bill Parsons, enjoy a flight of Rocco Reserve Syrah wines, including a 2001 library Syrah made before he was even born. All of this was accompanied by some of his favorite childhood snacks, from his grandmother’s delicious endive topped with goat cheese, pecan and honey to the highly processed Cool Ranch Doritos. Who knew the latter would make such a great wine pairing? I lament the fact I didn’t get a picture of the cute display of Rocco’s favorite childhood snacks.
My last post about Parsonage was here: And the 2021s Keep Rolling Out at Parsonage. Let’s just jump into these wines!
THE WINES:
Today I’m bringing you 3 of the wines we tasted that day – the others previously appeared in Decanting Monterey – just search Parsonage to find them. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 Parsonage Rosé of Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#1548)
Winery Notes: “The rich fragrant floral bouquet is matched by its uniquely rich copper hue. Deep palate flavors, manifest of ripe strawberries and luscious nectarines. This rosé is for big red wine lovers! The mouthfeel is like a bullet down the middle of the pallet with a vibrant and savory finish.”
My Review: Copper/salmon in the glass. Rich in body – definitely a big rose for big red wine lovers – you won’t mistake this for a Provencal rose! 100% Syrah. April 2025
2008 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, Library Wine (#1549)
Winery Notes: “A blast of blueberry, blackberry, curry spices and cocoa on the nose. The monumental mouthfeel is layered with dark fruit, exotic spice, and French oak barrel brûlée. The signature notes of mineral and game with hints of liquor and Amarone deliver on an exceedingly long and dramatic finish.”
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
2001 Parsonage Estate (Rocco) Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, Library Wine (#1550)
Winery Notes: “Deep nose of blueberry, sage, and game. Lush mouthfeel with dark berries, grilled meat and cinnamon/clove on the pallet with fine, ripe tenants and a long smooth finish.”
My Review: Dense garnet, almost purple. Prune and earth on the nose. We tasted this one after the 2008 vintage – this one has a leaner, earthier palate. I preferred the 2008! April 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Hooray! We are open for both indoor and outdoor wine tasting daily.”
19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village
Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm
“Reservations can be made here or by phone. Please call us at 831-659-7322 for same day reservations.”
© Decanting Monterey 2025
**FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon
Recent Comments