THE STORY
As I continue on my hunt for wines for my upcoming wine class in Washington DC, I stopped in at the Scheid Vineyards tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. When you drive down Hwy 101 past Soledad, you will see Scheid VIneyards as far as the eye can see! There were three reasons why I sought out Scheid wines: 1. I thought it would be good to honor the legacy of their founder, Al Sheid, who passed away about a year ago. 2. In addition, it would allow me to present wines from less well known AVAs, such as San Lucas. 3. And, probably the main driver on that day, I noticed they had $1 shipping for a case of wine!
I was warmly greeted by the staff, who clearly understood my purpose. I was a bit rushed for this tasting, as I could only find a 30-minute parking space in crowded Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Scheid tasting room staff accommodated me! I was excited to try the current vintages of the Barbera and the 50/50, one of my favorites of their blends. But it was a blend I had not previously tried that caught my attention this time for my DC class: the 2020 Scheid Arbolitos, a ‘Super Tuscan” red blend. I am a Big Red girl, after all.
My last post about Scheid Vineyards was here: Scheid: Finding the Yin Yang of Monterey Wines! I’ve written about their wines a few times – just type “Scheid” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.
ABOUT SCHEID VINEYARDS – AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE
I would encourage you to read the history of Sheid Vineyards on their website here. It is an interesting story. What began as an investment as a tax shelter (they are quite transparent about this) grew into vineyards as far as the eye can see as you drive down Highway 101.
“For the first 15 years or so, Scheid Family Wines was known as Monterey Farming Corp., a grape grower that sold all of its production to winery clients for use in their own brands…
“Which brings us to today. We now own 12 estate vineyards located along a 70-mile stretch of the Salinas Valley. While in the early days, our business was about supplying grapes to other wineries, we now focus on building our own brands which we produce at our state-of-the-art winery, as well as a smaller Reserve Winery where the small production wines of Scheid Vineyards are crafted.”
ABOUT THE SAN LUCAS AVA
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association provides this information about the San Lucas AVA:
“San Lucas is nestled on the southwestern edge of the Salinas Valley. Comprised of sweeping alluvial fans and terraces, grape growers have cultivated over 8,000 acres. Unlike other AVAs in Monterey County, San Lucas experiences significantly less cooling from Monterey Bay, which results in a warmer overall climate.
“Fluctuating elevations expose this area to morning fog and temperatures that oscillate as much as 40 degrees during the summer from day to night. These conditions contribute to a protracted growing season that yields grapes with full bodies and flavors. These grapes boast stunning color commensurate with their flavor, and varietals include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc”
You can read more about all the Monterey County AVAs here.
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 5 Scheid Vineyards wines from this February tasting. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2019 Scheid GSM, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $36 (#1283)
Winery Notes: “Featuring the bright, ripe raspberry fruit of Grenache, the jamminess and lushness of Syrah, and the subtle spice and earth of Mourvèdre, this captivating blend is a balance of delightful flavors. Aromas of currant, cherry and raspberry on a medium-bodied palate of bright fruit and balanced acidity lead into a lingering red fruit finish.”
My Review: Pleasant, Concord grape nose. Bright acidity on the palate. Refreshing. February 2024
2022 Scheid Barbera, San Lucas Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $36 (#1284)
Winery Notes: “Our 2021 vintage is bright and appealing, with ripe red fruit flavors of cranberry, cherry and currant accented by vanilla and floral notes. The texture is vibrant yet velvety with juicy, supple tannins and a medium-bodied mouthfeel. An exuberant fresh fruit character makes for a delicious experience.”
My Review: Pretty bright ruby in the glass. Earth and forest floor on the nose. Rich on the palate – a dense wine. A pleasing and flavor-packed, medium-bodied palate with a tart finish. February 2024
2020 Scheid 50/50, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $36 (#1285) Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Winery Notes: “Our 2020 50/50 possesses the structure and dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and the softness and punched up fruit of Syrah. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum are accented with hints of pepper and vanilla. Rich black fruit, integrated tannins and a subtle toasty oak finish will convince you that soul mates really do exist.”
My Review: Dark ruby in color. Plum, blackberry, and blueberry jam with a hint of earth on the tasty, lively palate. Licorice notes on the finish. This wine is not too heavy. Right up my alley. February 2024
2020 Scheid Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $40 (#1286)
Winery Notes: “Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and ripe plum with notes of tarragon and toasty oak. Bold and full-bodied, it is framed by elegant tannins. Lingering notes of black fruit, vanilla and mocha prevail on the finish. While drinking beautifully now, this rich and vibrant Cabernet will age nicely over the next 5-10 years.”
My Review: Wood chips on the nose. Very tasty palate with smooth tannins. This is an easy drinking, “Tuesday night” wine. I kind of like it. February 2024
2020 Scheid Arbolitos, San Lucas Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, Monterey County, 15.5% ABV, $40 (#1287) 28% Primitivo, 28% Barbera, 19% Charbono, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery Notes: “Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum and elderberry. Acidic, bright and medium-bodied, it is framed by soft tannins. A rich red fruit finish prevails with notes of vanilla and mocha.”
My Review: A Super Tuscan-style field blend. Cassis on the nose – intense delicious fruit. Very delicious. Jammy smooth complex palate. I really like this wine and selected it for my next class. February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
Scheid Vineyards has 2 places to taste their wines:
Their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea at San Carlos and 7th is consistently ranked Top Tasting Room in the Monterey County Weekly’s “Best of” competition: “A block off Ocean Avenue in historic Carmel-by-the-Sea, our Tasting Room is a warm and inviting haven to taste an array of our wines.”
At their winery located at 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield, CA: “Just off Highway 101 between Greenfield and King City, our “home” location set among the vineyards and easy to find thanks to our 400ft wind turbine.”
Click here for more information!
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