In 2019, I was asked by the Northern Virginia John Marshall Chapter of the American Wine Society to present a class on Monterey wines. I was informed it would be “more educational” than the short presentation I do for another Washington DC group and it would require a PowerPoint presentation. Seriously? For something I do as a hobby/volunteer? I decided to do it – and it was very well received. I leaned heavily on information from the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website – thank you, Kim Stemler! The AWS chapter invited me back this year – and I was finally able to do the class in October.
This time, preparing the materials was much easier – I already had a basic presentation, which I updated with the latest Monterey County agricultural report and some climatic info, including the 2020 fire season. My goal this time was to cover as many of Monterey County’s AVAs as I could. I managed to include: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe, and Santa Lucia Highlands. Not bad!
For the most part, my stories were very local and wines selected were based on personal relationships I have developed with vintners and tasting room staff. I also needed to live within the event’s budget, so I leaned on industry discounts and donated wines in order to present some others at their full price. For that, I am grateful especially to Bunter Spring, Chesebro, Idle Hour and Pierce Ranch. Thanks to their generosity, I was able to throw in a couple of “extra” wines to the tasting. And I was excited to be able to discuss some wineries for the first time. I’m also indebted to the Monterey Vintners and Growers Association for providing me with some large maps and the latest tasting room brochure – always a hit!
The event went well, with great appreciation by the attendees. Some of the wines I presented were teaching points, such as how a sparkling wine producer makes a Chardonnay or making rose from a smoke taint year. A few attendees said a couple of the wines didn’t taste like the varietal on the label. This was the case with the Pinot Noir and the Merlot. While I agree with the Pinot Noir statement (and that’s why this non-Pinot lover liked this wine), perhaps the commenters were thinking of a French Merlot vs. a California Merlot. I am not sure. The bottom line is that they enjoyed and appreciated most of the wines.
Today I am presenting 10 wines from Monterey County. Many of them have been presented before, but I thought you might find it interesting to see what I put together. Winery notes come from their website or the tasting room, unless otherwise noted. I encourage you to feel free to comment or “like” this post – engagement is always welcomed!
2017 Tassajara Road Viognier, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.4% ABV, $18 (#871)
About This Wine: A Chesebro Wines project, named after their winery’s location. Intended as a same quality, more affordable label.
Winery Notes: Destemmed, crushed, immediately pressed. Stainless steel for 12 months. Intense tropical and citrus aromas are backed up by a smooth mouthfeel; and long crisp finish.
My Review: The Virginia crowd, well familiar with Virginia Viogniers really enjoyed this wine. Gardenia on the nose. Some apple and lime twist on the palate, with a touch of orange blossom and honeysuckle on the finish. February 2022
2019 Diora La Splendeur du Soleil Chardonnay, San Bernabe AVA, Monterey, 14.5% ABV, $20 (Wine #652*)
Winemaker’s Notes: “This Diora La Splendeur du Soleil Chardonnay is a beautiful, golden hue, with aromas of toasted oak mingle with light spice notes of cinnamon. The delicate flavors of vanilla bean give way to a lovely, soft and light buttery layer. This reminds one of a rich, yet delicate crème brûlée with a soft, round mouthfeel that will pair beautifully with lobster or sautéed scallops. The light acidity and long finish of this wine will also be a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes.” This wine comes mostly from its San Bernabe estate vineyard, where it gets its tropical notes. The rest comes from its Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard, providing more of the citrusy balance.
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Excellently presented aromas of butter, nectarine, warm almond and white flower are delicate but expressive on the nose of this bottling. An immediate acidity races through the palate, lifting the toasty and buttery elements while pairing smartly against the ripe citrus and white flower elements.” Matt Kettmann, December 2021
My Review: This was a big hit with the AWS class. I picked this wine based on Wine Enthusiast’s listing of this wine in its Top 100 Chardonnays – Top Under $25. Viscous and golden in the glass. Tropical nose with melon and a touch of smoke. Grilled peach and pineapple on the palate with toasted caramel on the finish. This was a very interesting, atypical Chardonnay (in my opinion) which everyone enjoyed. April 2022
2018 Caraccioli Cellars Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.9% ABV, $35 (#578*)
Winery Notes: “Pale straw, light golden hue. Lemon meringue, honey dew melon along with tropical pineapple, kiwi, lychee and guava. A flirty balance of fruit, delicate white jasmine flower and salty sea. Creamy mouthfeel coupled with structural integrated fruit throughout the sip. Fruit notes reminiscent of green apple, pear, pineapple, candied peach and nectarine. Soft florals balanced with a brined mid palate acidity, mouthwatering finish that showcases the bright fruit.” 94 points, Wine Enthusiast.
My Review: I chose this wine, as the Escolle VIneyard, owned by Caraccioli, is a source of grapes for some of the region’s best Chardonnays. This particular vintage presented a bit tart/acidic for the class – a good example of how a sparkling wine producer might make a Chardonnay. Pale in the glass. Touch of soft pineapple, a little butter and woodiness on the nose “like the Lone Cypress” or a cut shrub. Clean, nice, some minerality. December 2021
2020 Chesebro Gamay Rosé, Arroyo Seco AVA, $19 (#872)
About This Wine: First time they have used Gamay for their rosé instead of Grenache (a wildfire by-product!). Harvested at low alcohol solely for making rosé. Grapes pressed like a white. Juice comes out this color. Stainless steel.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Beautiful light pink in color. Aromatics of rose petals and citrus combined with a light body and crisp acidity – perfect for pairing with food or just sipping on a hot day.”
My Review: This wine was great as a teaching point of what to do with grapes affected by the fires of 2020. It is unlike the typical Pinot Noir-based rosés from the region. Pale pink in the glass. Tart grape bubblegum wrapped in sweetness. March 2022
2019 Idle Hour Clone 667 Pinot Noir, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.2% ABV, $40 (Wine #727)
Winemaker’s Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.” Spent 1.5 years on the sediment. Donated to this class (many thanks, Anna Marie dos Remedios!!)
My Review: The AWS audience said this did not taste like Pinot Noir to them, which is probably why I like this wine. My notes: Dark ruby, almost purple in the glass. Earth, plum and spice on the nose. So not like a typical, cherry California Pinot Noir. Richer on the palate with dark fruit flavors. April 2022
2017 Pierce Ranch Vineyards Maçon, San Antonio Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $32 (#656) 53% Petit Verdot, 30% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano
Winery Tasting Notes: “Something of an Ibérique Supérieur, our new Maçon brings together Tempranillo, Graciano and Petit Verdot to form a slightly idiosyncratic blend of Spanish and French varieties. Combining a hint of Iberian aromatics with the earthy, mineral palate reminiscent of a Bordeaux, this is a wine that approaches Old World character while also indulging a touch of experimentation. A floral nose balances itself against a darker midpalate and a solid tannic structure, as notes of violets and dried herbs give way to an underlying earthiness and a savory, vaguely smoky finish.” Donated to this class (many thanks, Pierce Ranch!).
My Review: The AWS group liked this little wine. This is an intriguing combination of French and Spanish grapes. Dark ruby in color with cedar, mocha and rose petals on the nose. Full bodied, with mocha, cherry, berry and black tea flavors on the palate. Our favorite wine on this tasting day in March 2022
2018 Spring Red Wine “Garagitage”, Highlands Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.64% ABV, $24 76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker’s Original Notes: “These grapes came from a small vineyard in the hills above Arroyo Seco just north of Carmel Valley Road. They were harvested, very ripe, on Sep 30 2018. Upon release, in Spring 2021, ss I write, this wine is a rough and tumble California fruit bomb, with tons of grapey flavor, plenty of alcohol, and no manners. Maybe, someday, it will grow up. Meantime, have fun!” 15 months in once used French oak barrels. 76 cases produced.
Winemaker’s Updated Notes: “Big ripe fruity red wine, lotsa alcohol, plenty tannin, enough oak. Screams “CALIFORNIA!” Gotta love it. Why pay more?”
My Review: The AWS class thought this wine was fabulous, with some asking what it would be like in 5 years (I invited them to my house to see!). This was my favorite wine from a winery tasting in the Fall 2021 and continues to be a household favorite: Very dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose, followed by a yummy palate of dark fruit. We keep drinking this wine – what an incredible wine for a bargain price! October 2021
2018 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $50 (#568)
During one of our visits to the winery over the last couple of years, we got to taste this wine – the first time I know of that they bottled a Merlot as a single varietal – it usually is blended in their popular Cheval Rouge. They weren’t sure they were going to continue to bottle it alone – we encourage them to do so, *if* supply permits! You can find all their available wines here: https://www.boetewinery.com/
Winery Notes: “Ruby red in color, aroma notes of dark berries jump out on the nose of this classic medium body Merlot, with black cherries, plum & a hint of cocoa spice on the palate.”
My Review: A couple of people in the AWS class stated this did not taste like a Merlot to them, yet everyone enjoyed it. Purple in the glass. Rich and juicy in the mouth with some solid dark fruits, blackberry and black currant. Balanced and very smooth on the finish. This wine is a big hit at my house. October 2021
2018 Spring “Pizza Wine”, Highlands Vineyard, Monterey, 14.96% ABV, $24 (#745) 65% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah
Winemaker’s Notes: “Fruit punchy jammy everyday red. It’s great with red-sauced pasta, too.” 75 cases produced.
My Review: This was a big hit with the AWS class – and with me – I took all the leftovers home! Very dark in color. Sweet dark fruit on the nose. Jammy dark berries and a touch of alcohol on the palate. I would like to present it to another class some day. June 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
Where can you taste these wines? I wrap up my classes by encouraging attendees to come taste our wines for themselves and walk them through the tasting room maps in the latest brochure which I received from Kim Stemler (again, many thanks!). If you want to find these specific wineries, check out their websites for the latest information. Here’s where I found these wines, some of which may no longer be available:
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Caraccioli Cellars Tasting Room on Dolores between Ocean and 7th. Diora does not have a local spot to taste, but wine was purchased at Carmel Belle.
Carmel Valley: Boëté (reservation required – by appointment only), Bunter Spring (tasting room closed, but contact the winemaker to taste his wines, Chesebro (including Tassajara Road), Idle Hour (inside the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room).
Monterey: Pierce Ranch Vineyards in the Cannery Road area of Monterey.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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