Continuing to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea tasting rooms, we went to an old favorite of mine, Silvestri! Silvestri has the same winemaker as Parsonage and I am partial to their bigger reds. I last brough you a Silvestri wine in August of 2020: https://decantingmonterey.com/silvestri-a-composer-of-elegant-carmel-valley-wines/. I won’t repeat the Silvestri story in this post – and you can read their latest newsletter here!
We were disappointed to see that the tasting room had lost its parklet due to decisions by the city, but were able to taste adequately nonetheless at the end of its attractive bar. I didn’t get to taste the Barbera while there, but picked it up for a future blog!
Today I am presenting 5 Silvestri wines. The winery notes and prices come from their website. About their winemaking process from their website: “Our winemaking practices involve hands-on techniques such as French oak barrel fermentation for the Chardonnay and small open topped fermentors for the red varieties. The goal is to use traditional methods to allow the expression of the terroir while taking advantage of modern knowledge about wine fermentation and aging.”
*My late add to this post is a 6th wine, the 2020 Rosé. While I did the regular tasting menu, my friend did the rosé menu and purchased this special pack of 5 rosé wines for $100! She shared this one with me on a “hot” coastal September afternoon – perfect for the occasion!*
2018 Silvestri Tre Bambine Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, 14.3% ABV, $35 (#465*)
Winery notes: “The Silvestri Vineyards Chardonnays are pressed and put into stainless steel tanks. It is then racked to French oak barrels to begin primary fermentation (sugar to alcohol) which takes place over a 3-4 week period. After primary fermentation is complete the wine is then inoculated to begin the malolactic fermentation process. This process gives the wine a buttery, creamy character. The wine is then stirred every 10 days for several months to increase mouthfeel and then barrel aged for approximately 10 months before bottling.” 134 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Meet the newest member of our family. Born from grapes grown in our hilltop vineyard delivering highly aromatic fruit flavors. Mango, melon with undertones of hazelnut make this wine a winner. Just the right amount of acidity pops up in time to create the proper balance. This wine calls for crab cakes, pork or a soft brie type cheese.”
My Review: Light yellow in color. Butter and caramel on the nose. Crisp on the palate with melon flavors and good minerality. August 2021
2019 Silvestri Bella Sandra Estate Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, 14.5% ABV, $40 (#466*)
Winery notes: Same as above. 209 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Bella Sandra lovers will be delighted with the 2017 vintage. An excellent vintage all around, this Chardonnay displays all the fruit, oak and acid balance it’s known for. Begin with the aromas of pineapple and melon then taste the flavors of Asian pear a bit of hazelnut all combined. Creamy, soft mouth-feel finishes with fine acidity. Indulge with a dish of lobster mac and cheese. Delicious!”
My Review: Grapefruit and sugar – dry and crisp – I preferred this Chardonnay to the buttery one. August 2021
2018 Silvestri Pinot Noir, Rising Tide, Estate, Carmel Valley, 14.3% ABV, $45 (#467*)
Winery notes: “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” “This Pinot Noir comes from Block 1 in our vineyard. This specific site presents the perfect ripeness and determines the dramatic results of this wine. Science and art at it’s best, balancing numbers and taste. After picking, our Pinot Noir is de-stemmed and whole berries are put into ¾ ton fermenters where they cold soak for 24 hours before adding yeast. Whole berry fermentation maximizes the extraction of flavor and color. After another 24 hours we “punch down” 3 times a day for 10-14 days. After primary fermentation (sugar to alcohol) the juice is racked to one third to one half new French oak barrels. Malo-lactic fermentation will take place here over a months time and will remain in the barrel for 8-12 months until bottling…” 292 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Relish the aromas and flavors of this Pinot Noir. Raspberry, cherry, allspice and vanilla throughout this mouth-filling pleasure. Silky and alluring to the finish. An ideal match with wild mushroom pasta.”
My Review: Comes from the first Pinot Noir planted on the estate in the 1990’s. Dark ruby in the glass. Cherry on the nose and a little black pepper and spice. Light cherry on the palate. August 2021
2018 Silvestri Grenache-Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $40 (#468*) 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Winery Tasting Notes: “What a combo. This Grenache/Syrah blend is just right. These friends complement each other from the Grenache flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and fig to Syrah’s black raspberry, blueberry and white pepper spice. Soft, toasty oak gives a smooth texture and moderate tannins with balancing acidity to finish it off. Roast lamb, braised beef with mushroom sauce are some perfect pairings with this wine.”
My Review: Rich ruby color. Cherry and berry flavors intertwining on the palate, not quite sure which wine it wants to be. Lots of fruit and a slight bitterness on the finish. A tad acidic. August 2021
2018 Silvestri Syrah, Red Ranger, Estate, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $75 (#469*)
Winery notes: “The 2018 Red Ranger is the sixth release of our signature Syrah that represents a part of the vineyard featuring the Bien Nacido clone, which is known for its richness and complexity. We use 75% new French oak and age it in the cellar for 16 months…We are designating our reserve Syrah “Red Ranger” after our son Joey, a mild mannered poet until you face him on the longboard, downhill racecourse.” 114cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Red Ranger rocks! That consistent depth of flavor, roundness and long finish are all here. Blackberry, black currant and a trace of fig lead to the full mouthfeel, just the right acidity and long, luscious finish…Try with a sausage stew and roasted meats, or aged hard cheeses.”
My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Very jammy, intense berry with an earthiness mid-palate. Some raisin flavors on the finish. Good texture. My Silvestri favorite. Always a must-buy for me! August 2021
2020 Silvestri Rosé, Estate, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $20 (#471*)
Winery notes: “A 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Malbec shows seamless aromas of strawberry and raspberry with a dry, lingering finish.” 241 cases produced.
My Review: What a unique blend! To me, this rosé smelled like Champagne! Delicate sweetness on the palate with flavor of apricot. Perfect for a very warm, sunny day. September 2021
You can buy Silvestri wines online or at their tasting room on 7th Avenue between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-6 p.m. on a first come, first served basis.
*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
Recent Comments