THE STORY
When Greg Freeman, winemaker at Chalone Vineyard, mentioned to me last summer that they were looking for a spot to open a new Chalone tasting room, I had no idea they would find one right in Carmel Plaza – perfect for a group! I jumped on the opportunity to schedule the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for our monthly First Friday WinedUP events. Stacey, the tasting room manager, was terrific to set things up with and offered us a special industry discount. This is my first time presenting Chalone Vineyard in Decanting Monterey.
If you are interested in joining the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society, first join the national American Wine Society and pick Monterey as your local chapter. You can see our events on our local chapter page.
ABOUT CHALONE
When you talk abut the deep winemaking history in Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard plays a large role. From their website:
“Perched in the remote Gavilan Mountain range, 1,800 feet above California’s Salinas Valley, this rugged vineyard sits at the base of an extinct volcano bordering the Pinnacles National Park. Chalone Vineyard is one of the few wineries in the U.S. growing grapes in limestone-based soils, the same as in Burgundy. The spare, well-drained ground, limited rainfall, and low crop levels attracted Dick Graff, who wanted to make top-flight Burgundian-styled Chardonnay. Graff made his first vintage under the Chalone Vineyard label in 1966, producing what became a benchmark for California Chardonnay.
“Today, we continue to focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also produce limited amounts of Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah. All of our estate wines are grown and bottled at the estate, meaning we control everything from vine to bottle.”
Its history starts with the first plantings in 1919, its first wine in 1966, and the Paris Judgement in 1976, where its 1974 Chardonnay placed 3rd! To read more about its history and the significant role of Dick Graff, please click here.
Today it is guided by winemaker Greg Freeman. Here’s an excerpt of his bio from Chalone’s website:
“…Freeman’s official wine career began with the opportunity from Hahn to improve the winery’s lab capabilities in 2003. Greg quickly progressed to Winemaker where he was involved with multiple brands, including: Hahn Winery, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, Boneshaker, Cycles Gladiator, Rex Goliath, and Huntington. Freeman credits his development as a winemaker to working closely with Nicholas Hahn and Paul Clifton, Director of Winemaking at Hahn.
“Since 2017, Greg has held positions as Winemaker for Georis/Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley, California and Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas. He joined Chalone Vineyard in 2021, bringing two decades of Monterey winemaking to bear as he writes the latest chapter in the winery’s storied history…”
AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?
The Chalone team put together a special tasting for us and honored our industry status – thank you so much! We had a surprising 30 members and friends show up for this event and were grateful the space could accommodate us. After most people arrived, Brian gave us an engaging history of the vineyard and winery, up through the Judgement of Paris – and then to the present, with winemaker Greg Freeman. Everyone seems to enjoy the event and the wines, with a deep gratitude for the tasting room staff.
THE WINES
I have 6 Chalone Vineyard wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their newsletters or other websites as noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct any winery website typos! My good friend Erin of tèr·ra·ve·nos assisted me with some of the details in my reviews. Check out her website!
2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Rosé of Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $38 (#1258)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Garnet-colored, the 2021 Rosé opens with strawberry and cherry aromas. On the palate, the bright red fruit flavors continue, joined by tender vanilla from barrel aging.”
My Review: Really colorful in the glass. Vibrant medium pink and red in color due to longer time on the skins. Perfume and strawberry on the nose. Packed with strawberry and watermelon flavors with a hint of banana. March 2024
2021 Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay Musqué, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $50 (#1259)
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2021 Chardonnay Musqué is expressive and bright. Fruit-forward aromas of Meyer lemons, white peaches, and nectarines are accompanied by floral notes and a touch of wet stone. On the palate, mouthwatering acidity and a lingering minerality provide a vibrant and satisfying finish.”
My Review: Grilled pineapple on the nose. Shockingly flavorful on the palate. Bright flavors of pineapple and tropical notes. Over the top and a bit sweet. March 2024
2020 Chalone Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $60 (#1260)
Winery Notes: “Our golden-hued 2020 Chardonnay opens with lemon curd and mandarin orange with hints of toasted brioche. These characters carry through to the honeyed, full mid-palate where classic Chalone wet rock minerality provides a lifted, elegant finish.” 92 points, Wine Enthusiast
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Ripe yellow peach, honey, pineapple, golden pear and lemon curd, with a touch of white flower, on the nose. Lean on the palate with muted tropical and white peach flavors, some perfume with a bitter finish. March 2024
2019 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $60 (#1261)
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2019 Grenache exhibits intriguing characters of red plum, smoky oak, tart blackberry, and balanced minerality. The palate possesses robust, yet silky tannins that deliver a luscious and lingering finish.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Translucent ruby in the glass. Sassafras on the nose. Intense cherry on the palate like a jolly rancher. Good acid on the front of the mouth but it falls away on the sides. March 2024
2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $70 (#1262)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Reserve embodies everything you’d desire from a Pinot Noir. Vibrant cherry and raspberry, forest floor and truffle greet the nose. On the palate, plum and spice with chalky minerality are framed by a viscous, luxurious mouthfeel and velveteen tannins.”
My Review: Warm nose of baking spices and earth. A very nice palate with rich flavors and a subtle cherry finish. Everyone seemed to like this wine. My favorite of the evening. March 2024
2019 Chalone Vineyard Syrah, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $70 (#1263)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Syrah displays a dark inky to purple hue in the glass and reveals captivating aromas of blackberry, plum and white pepper. Notes of black cherry and peppery spice mingle seamlessly on the mid-palate with chewy tannins and vibrant acidity.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Dried fig, black olive and leather on the nose. Cooked fruit on the palate. Good acid. I can’t recall if this bottled was opened freshly. If not, I’d like to try it again. In the past I have enjoyed this wine. March 2024
THE NEW CHALONE TASTING ROOM
“Our new Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room doors are open at the enchanting Carmel Plaza, where Ocean Avenue meets Mission Street. In the heart of Carmel, we’re poised to share the extraordinary estate wines from our iconic Chalone Vineyard, a true gem and Monterey County’s oldest-producing vineyard.”
Their beautiful tasting room is located on the lower level of Carmel Plaza at Ocean and Mission – where Hahn’s tasting room previously was.
© Decanting Monterey 2024
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