Special occasions call for special wines – and we’ve had a few relatives visiting – time to open some Parsonage reserves! Why not drink the good stuff?
I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here: https://www.parsonagewine.com/.
2005 Parsonage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $125 (#345*)
We received this as a library wine in a recent allocation. This vintage pre-dates the “Tanner” designation. Our experience has taught us that these library wines are ready to drink.
grapelive – 93 points: “Cabernet did really well here in 2005 and I think it is showing much more character as well, I think the grape is star here and it seems to be so correct that I have a hard time finding any flaws! Pure classic fruits and depth make this vintage remarkable and especially noteworthy. Mixed black and red berry, plum, currants, cassis and chewy tannins scream Cabernet and don’t let up. The complex underbrush, herb and tobacco notes are very subtle and the hints of licorice, vanilla and cranberry are lovely.”
My Review: Dark in the glass with rich, smooth flavors of cassis and plum. This wine is drinking well, with the dark flavors reflecting its age. Two thumbs up! April 2021
2015 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#346*)
**Monterey County Weekly: “Hedonistic – that’s how winemaker Bill Parsons describes his 2015 Parsonage “Rocco” Syrah. Not that the wine is self-indulgent, although it does seem hell-bent in pursuit of a good time, spilling bushels of ripe blackberries and blueberries from the glass. The revelry begins with a swirl. Fresh aromas spring from the glass, tromping over the grumbles of pepper and licorice. The party continues unabated on the palate, as dense dark berries mingle with a flirtatious impression of fresh plum. What develops on the fringes – raspy pepper, dry clove, bittersweet chocolate and toasted tobacco – are too faint at first to slow things down. It’s only on the finish that the wine’s demeanor changes, developing a more stolid, earthy character and a richer berry compote aspect that stills some of its liveliness.”
My Review: Almost opaque in color. Big dark fruit – blackberry and currant on the nose. Super rich, smooth dark fruit blackberry, plum and a touch of cassis and cedar on the palate. Sweet-tart on the finish. It looks like it smells like it tastes. Love this wine, as did our visiting family. April 2021
Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – click here for the details. You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at 19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.
*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.
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