Tagged: 2013

Bernardus: Let’s Celebrate the Tasting Room Reopening with Three Great Wines!

Since we started cataloguing wines last March, it has been quite a process to keep track of which wines I have posted to Decanting Monterey and which I haven’t, as well as all those wines that don’t fit the “Central Coast” criteria!  The Bernardus Pinot Noir in today’s post slipped through the cracks – we’ve actually had this wine three times, so you are benefiting from my most mature review!  I am highlighting it today, along with a couple of my favorites Marinus wines.

2014 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#42*)

About the Soberanes Vineyard:  “The Soberanes Vineyard, located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, builds upon a tradition of high quality hand-winegrowing. Working together again, the Pisoni and Franscioni families, whose friendship spans three generations and are known for the Pisoni, Garys’, Rosella’s and Sierra Mar Vineyards, have an additional vineyard site to explore.” 38 acres, 27 acres of Pinot Noir. 

Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points:  “Cranberry juice, touches of juniper and muddy-soil notes arise on the nose of this bottling from a popular vineyard in the region. The earthy palate combines a line of beet juice with clay, turned earth, black plum and dried pine needles, framed by chalky tannins.” Matt Kettmann, 3/2017 Drink through 2027.  (The 2018 vintage is the current release, which lists for $70 and is rated 94 points!)

My Review: Garnet in color. Cassis and tobacco on the nose. Mid-to-full bodied, with cassis, plum, eucalyptus and tobacco notes on the palate. Lingering raspberry  with a touch of bitterness. This is a big wine – even this non-Pinot fan like this Pinot Noir. January 2021

About Marinus from Bernardus: “Our Marinus vineyard in upper Carmel Valley is planted with the five traditional red Bordeaux varietals. It is divided into small blocks per grape variety, exposure and soil type. Each block has its own unique terroir and is farmed and hand harvested at peak ripeness to maximize quality. 

Marinus Collection Chez Nous!

“In recent years, our Vineyard Manager Matt Shea and Winemaker Dean DeKorth have been busy refurbishing the Marinus vineyard with spectacular results…”

2012 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $75 (#243*) 

2012 Bernardus Marinus

From the Label: “Our California grown Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes from our Vineyards in the upper Carmel Valley. The Marinus Estate vineyard was chosen for its rare joining of varied soils and sunny  inland climate moderated by a marine influence-ideal conditions for the production of Bordeaux varieties. Taste A Dream.”

Wine Enthusiast Review – 92 points: “One of the winery’s most celebrated releases each year, this blend of all five major Bordeaux red varieties is an excellent showcase of Carmel Valley’s class. Freshly squeezed blackberry and blackcurrant fruit meet with beef char, charcoal and dried lilacs on the nose. The palate tastes of lava rocks, dark chocolate, fresh boysenberries, dried mint and beef jerky, all woven together with a touch of smoke.” 90 points. Matt Kettmann, February 2017

My Review: Dense, dark red, garnet in color.  Black fruits on the nose with deep blackberry and leather. A mouthful of dark, dense fruit.  Leather, pepper and licorice on the finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wine is best enjoyed decanted.    August 2020

2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#244*)

2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus

Winemaker Notes: “The 2013 Signature Marinus represents a selection of the best barrels from the best lots in 2013. It is both elegant, yet very powerful, exhibiting wonderfully intense aromas of ripe cranberry, black cherry and plums accented by spicy notes of cedar. The palate exhibits intense candied red cherry and cranberry flavors with hints of spice, supported by a beautifully long, well-structured finish. Our 2013 Signature Marinus demonstrates the superb quality of the Marinus Vineyard, with the ripe fruit flavors of California matched with the excellent ageing potential of the finest wines of Bordeaux.”

My Review: This was one of the first Marinus Signature series wines I got to know well from our many visits to Bernardus.  When we finally figured out we could be “Marinus only” members, we jumped at the chance.  This is a big, smooth, rich wine, full of yummy berry flavors and a nice finish.  Remains one of my very favorites.  December 2020

Patio Tasting Is Open by Reservation!!

Bernardus is open for curbside pick up Monday through Friday 10-4 and just started back up patio tastings Wednesday through Friday as of 2/10! Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021 for a wine tasting appointment.  Please read more HERE.

*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.    

Puma Road: Paicines Done Big!

In March 2019, our daughter came to visit us from NYC.  The girl loves a road trip and I needed to do “research” for one of my wine classes.  We drove a long way down the beautiful Salinas Valley on Highway 101 to Soledad and worked our way back up the valley and stopped at half a dozen tasting rooms along the way.  One of the last wineries we stopped at was Puma Road.  This place was jumping with a party atmosphere and big bold reds just the way I like them.

The River Road Tasting Room – a happening place!

From Puma Road’s About Us page: “The Franscioni family has worked the Salinas Valley soil for four generations. In the early 1890s, Silvio Franscioni Sr. settled a ranch outside of Gonzales with his beloved wife Maria and their children. What began as a dairy operation developed into a row crop farm. The owner of Puma Road winery, Ray Franscioni–Silvio’s grandson, is keeping the farming tradition vibrant and alive. His business ambitions reached beyond raising dairy cows and farming lettuce. While growing 6,000 acres of row crops, he decided to embark on a vineyard operation in the early 1990s.

“For more than 20 years, Franscioni has been a prominent grape-grower in the Monterey County region. His operation has evolved into growing 2,000 acres of vines while continuing the family row crop business. About half of the grape yield is grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands; the other portion grows in the Paicines AVA.

“About a decade after becoming grape growers, the Franscioni’s decided to craft wine themselves. The family produced their first vintage in 2003 under the label RF Wines. More than a decade later, Puma Road Winery now produces 4,500 cases per year. They proudly continue to grow 15 varietals. The winery is a thriving, local-based establishment that strongly reflects the Santa Lucia Highlands as well as the Paicines AVA. The earthy flavors and rich minerality of the soils create the unique wines one can only experience at Puma Road down the River Road Wine Trail.”

Paicines is just east of Monterey County in San Benito County and on the way to Pinnacles National Park.  Rolling hills of nothing but vineyards from an area which used to be a bulk growing region for Almaden now turned into higher end wines.  See my introduction here:  https://decantingmonterey.com/where-the-heck-is-paicines-and-why-should-you-care/.

From Puma Road’s Vineyard page: “Puma Road grows nearly 1,000 acres of vines in the Paicines AVA. Our estate Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard is the perfect environment for our renowned Bordeaux varietals. The soils and climate of this area are similar to certain areas of the Mediterranian (sic): mineral-rich and generally semi-arid. The dry heat of Paicines creates big, bold wines with hints of spice and minerality from the abundance of quartz in the soil.” 

2013 Puma Road Tannat, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 15.1% ABV, $40 (#18*)

Puma Road’s 2013 Tannat can convert even a non-Tannat fan!

From the Puma Road Red Wines website: “Only around 300 acres of Tannat are grown in California. Traditionally, Tannat is used as a blending grape, to add body and deep color to other varietals. Puma Road Tannat stands on its own. Our 2013 Tannat has a nose of deep, dark fruit; warm, rich spice; and earthy leather. On the palate, experience dark cherry and plum, with notes of leather, oak and spice, and a smooth finish with just the right amount of tannin.” 

My Review: I found this wine to be deep cherry colored with very smooth tannins, dark cherry and a touch of cedar on the palate with a lingering berry aftertaste.  This was a delightful, delicious wine.

2013 Puma Road Cabernet Franc Pedregal Vineyard, Paicines AVA, San Benito County, 15.9% ABV, $35 (#99*)

Puma Road makes their Cabernet Franc in a delicious and big, Bordeaux style.

I needed a Cabernet Franc for a wine class in July – had just consumed the Boëté, so preferred to open something else.  I ended up drinking the Puma Road but talking about both wines at class.  I have a history with this 2013 Puma Road Cabernet Franc Pedregal Vineyard – I presented it at my Fall 2019 Washington Wine & Cheese Seminar on Paicines AVA wines – it was a big hit! 

The 2013 Cabernet Franc spent 30 months in French oak. Nose of pencil shavings, pepper, leather and cloves. The mouth begins with rich dark cherry and cedar, followed by hints of licorice, and a caramel finish.  (Fairly certain this originally came from their web page.) This very high alcohol wine is big and juicy, enjoyed by all on Cassandra’s last night with us.

The 2014 is the current release:  The 2014 Cabernet Franc has a “nose of dark fruit, leather, and clove. The mouth begins with the flavor of dark cherry, followed by a hint of licorice, with bright acidity throughout, and a rich finish” at a much lower 14.2% ABV. Will have to order that one…

2013 Puma Road Cache, Pedregal Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 15.7% ABV, $40, sale $20 (#29*) 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc

The 2013 Cache is a delicious Cabernet-driven red blend.

From my 2019 WWCS class notes (I don’t recall the source – probably the winery): “This wine was aged 30 months in French oak. Aromas of dark fruit, dark chocolate, coffee and spice. A rich mouth feel, with flavors of cedar, vanilla, and dark red fruit, with nice acidity. This wine pairs extraordinarily well with char-grilled meats, like a juicy ribeye steak, or a ground chuck burger.”  The 2014 is the current release, also found at the current release link above.

My Review: Ruby red with deep plum and a bit of tannin on the nose.  Very smooth and dry on the palate with soft tannins.  The fruit shines through with white and green pepper notes.

Visiting Puma Road: “Reservations will be required. For our River Road Winery & Tasting Room, please call 831-675-3548 or email info@pumaroad.com. For our Monterey Portola Plaza Tasting Room, please call 831-747-1911 or email portola@pumaroad.com.”

At this time, they are offering $10 flat rate UPS ground shipping on all shipping orders of $50 or more, as well as complimentary local delivery for orders of $40 or more to many parts of Monterey County. Check out their specials!

*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 2020

Cima Collina: Transitioning from San Antonio to the Chalone AVA!

While hunting down a rosé for a summer wine class, I noticed a 2013 Cima Collina Syrah from Chalone AVA – a Monterey County Syrah for under $25!  Since I am not very familiar with Cima Collina or the Chalone AVA, and I love our Monterey Syrahs, I thought I’d give it a try.  What a pleasant surprise!  I also picked up a 2014 Cima Collina Syrah Tre Gatti Vineyards from the San Antonio AVA – we did a blind tasting of this wine over the weekend. Our friends guessed this was a new world Zinfandel, Syrah, and even one vote for a Petite Sirah.

About the Chalone AVA (from Monterey Vintners & Growers Association):  “The Chalone region is nestled at 1,800 feet in elevation in the central part of the Gavilan Mountain Range – set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacles National Monument. This region has a long history of grape growing, dating back to 1919. Here are found the oldest producing vines in Monterey County. Chalone was awarded its own AVA designation in 1982. Because of its elevation in the mountain range, Chalone is truly unique among Monterey County’s appellations…” Read more about the Chalone AVA here.

Map of the Chalone AVA from Monterey Vintners and Growers Association (link above).

About Cima Collina from A Taste of Monterey: “Cima Collina produces artisan wines from small Monterey vineyards. The idea of an “artisan wine” is the partnership with growers who meticulously cultivate vineyards, the insistence on using only carefully chosen fruit, and the creation of wine on a barrel-by-barrel basis.

“The focus on Monterey vineyards is an acknowledgment that this region is now and will continue to produce wines that are interesting, compelling and unique. Many factors conspire to make this a truly gifted region for growing grapes. With the cool maritime climate, well-drained soils and energy of their winemaking colleagues, a dynamic renaissance is currently underway in our region.

“From the rugged Big Sur coastline to the prairie lands of south Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco, every vineyard develops its own set of diverse flavors. It is their passion to discover these local flavors and produce unfined, unfiltered wines that reflect a sense of place. Each of their food-friendly current releases, reflect Winemaker Annette Hoff Danzer’s commitment to authentic artisan winemaking, with dedicated growers, carefully chosen fruit and the creation of wine on a barrel-to-barrel basis.”

Cima Collina has had a tasting room in Carmel Valley Village since 2012.  I learned that Albatross Ridge had moved into that tasting room.  What I didn’t realise at the time  was that Albatross Ridge actually took over both the winery and tasting room in 2019 after the death of one of the prime family members running the business. 

2013 Cima Collina Syrah Antle Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $23 (#84*)

This 2013 Cima Collina Syrah from Chalone is a rich, delicious wine.

Winemaker Notes condensed from the label: The Antle Vineyard is “…on the southeastern edge of the Salinas Valley in a protected, warm, beautiful south-west facing site of decomposed granite/gravelly loam soil…:  This wine is made from a “…“Phelps” clone of Syrah – the oldest clone of Syrah in California…” This wine “…is lush with textrue & fruit but also offers layers of complexity often missed in California Syrah as it furnishes aromas & flavors of licorice, rosemary, white pepper with a seamless, delicious mouthfeel and finish…”

My Review: This was a big, dense wine and reminiscent of an Australian Shiraz.  Very full and smooth on the palate.  Cassis on the finish.  We really liked this wine and bought more of it.  As of 10/2, there was at least one bottle of this vintage left at Bottles n’ Bins in Pacific Grove.  Worth finding this Syrah from the Antle Vineyard, Chalone AVA in another vintage. June 2020

2014 Cima Collina Syrah Tre Gatti Vineyards, San Antonio AVA, Montrey County, 13.5% ABV, $23 (#148*)

This 2014 Cima Collina Syrah from San Antonio was quite tart upon opening.

Winemaker Notes from the label:  “Tre Gatti is a carefully managed 5 acre vineyard in the southernmost reaches of Monterey County…planted on…a southern-facing rocky hillside whitewashed with limestone-rich soil.  The head-trained vines are a unique selection of Syrah that produces lower yields and uncommonly small berries in compact clusters.  We vinified these grapes in open-top fermenters then aged the resulting wine in French Oak for 14 months.” 

My Review: Purple in color. Unfiltered.  Deep red fruit and pepper on the nose. Acidic, sour cherry on the palate “like sucking like a cherry Jolly Rancher.” After the tartness dissipated, one of our friends indicated they liked it. I’d say stick with the Antle Vineyard, Chalone AVA Syrah from Cima Collina, if you can find it. October 2020

The 2012 vintage of the Cima Collina Syrh Tre Gatti Vineyards was rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast.  You can find that review here.

 *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 2020

Rombi: Bold, Distinctive Fruit Wrapped in Elegance

We saw the big Rombi sign tucked away in the shopping center just off Carmel Valley Road, just behind Boekenoogen Vineyards, and knew we had to stop in.  His brother previously owned Joe Rombi’s – a restaurant in our beloved Pacific Grove, where my father-in-law was always treated like he was someone special.  Rombi is typically only open on the weekends, so it took us a while to catch him in.  We were so delighted finally to meet Sal Rombi, pouring wine for his guests.  An amicable fellow, Sal loves sharing his wines and stories with those who walk in the door to learn about his wines.  And he always treats us as though we are his special, dearest friends. 

Sal Rombi’s grapes are grown on his estate, the Carmel Valley Vineyard, down in Cachagua (pronounced “Cah-Shaw-wah,” Sal reminds me – loosely meaning “hidden waters”).  The backs of his elegant bottles say this: “Carmel Valley Vineyard is at the pinnacle of the Carmel Valley Appellation.  Located atop the ridge line at an elevation of 1650’ its orientation captures the cooling marine influences nightly.  The vineyard is hand tended with sustainable practices.  The well drained rocky soil creates balanced vines with limited yields of superior fruit that produce exceptional wine.” You can read more about Sal and Rombi wines in this fun SFGate article: Monterey: Salvatore Rombi, one man winemaker of Carmel Valley.

While many vintners make their wines in a style approachable and drinkable now, Rombi’s wines are the type you definitely want to cellar and decant before drinking.  Both his Cabernets and Merlots are huge, complex wines, with his Cabernet Sauvignon referred to as the best in the valley – all from his tiny estate vineyard of about 2 acres.  Cachagua’s chalky and sandy soil and its warm days and cool, foggy nights make this a great place for a vineyard. 

These wines are great not just due to their location: Sal’s attentive farming and winemaking make them different from any other in the valley.  More than half of the Carmel Valley Vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.  He matures this wine in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50%, 1-year old, for 18 months.  We always have to resist the temptation to open his wines too soon. 

Today I am presenting 5 Rombi wines which we have tasted during the Shelter-In-Place Order.  Yes, we’ve been busy!  Sal has offered to replace the wines I review the next time I see him (whenever that will be!) – very generous of him. 

2011 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $85

I asked Sal about the 2011 growing season.  He indicated it was a good season – one in which “nothing weird” happened.  This was also his 5th year of production, so he felt he was really hitting his stride.  I told him we really had to let this wine open up before we experienced the delicious, distinctive fruit we remembered from his 2015 vintage.  He reminded me that one must always, always decant his wines.  And we will, going forward. Rombi = BIG WINES! 

My Review: Beautiful deep ruby color. After it opened up, plum and cassis backed by complex tannins on the nose.  Cherry and some tartness on the palate, with the acidity balanced out by lovely round, dark berry fruit flavors. It finishes dry, dotted with spearmint and tobacco notes. Next time, we will decant this wine as he recommends!  This is an excellent Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – delicious fruit. July 2020

Rombi 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, 14.1% ABV, $85

My Review: The 2012 is the older, leaner version of the 2015 (below). The nose has mint and herbal notes.  Very similar in flavors, with less of the up-front fruit. The palate shows dark fruit, a bit vegetal and spicy, very smooth with some tobacco, tar and licorice on the finish.  May 2020

The 2012 and 2015 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignons

Rombi 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, 14.1% ABV, $85

Back in March when we were first sheltering on place, I had to (yes, had to) go to the valley to pick up my Rombi allotment.  While I was there, Sal gave me a half bottle of his 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon in advance of its release.  Nice. 

After I tasted this wine, I got Sal on the phone to talk about the 2015 growing season.  Everything was going great, until flowering, when there was a lot of wind and rain.  This resulted in about 55% fruit yield for the season.  Because there were fewer berries creating less weight on the vines, the fruit was much more intense, resulting in this delicious wine.  That explains why this vintage is so delicious. 

My Review: This is a fruit-forward, jammy wine. The 2015 has a lot of fruit up front.  Blueberry and cassis with chai notes on the nose.  The palate is jammy with cassis and blackberry and a touch of mint and leather.  The tannins are surprisingly balanced at this young age. May 2020

2011 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, ~$60                         

Merlot is finally overcoming its Sideways stigma. This Rombi is a huge Merlot, probably unlike any you have tasted.  I did ask Sal for winemaker’s notes since nothing is publicly available on this vintage, but he preferred to let the wine speak for itself.   Instead, he sent me pictures of an apple pie he was baking, with these notes: “I’m picking up a bit of spice a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon a toasty sweetness the French would say tartartan!”  Thanks a lot, Sal. 

The 2011 Rombi Merlot definitely wanted to be decanted!

My Review: “The color is a beautiful beet, dark cherry red.  A slightly sweet aroma of blackberry and dark plum, with cassis and caramel notes.  Complex blackberry flavors jump out of the glass, with medium tannins and bit of tartness on the mid-palate, finishing with a touch of cranberry.”   April 2020

2013 Rombi Estate Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $65

I have to eat my words.  Recently, I was reading a consumer’s review about Rombi wines indicating a specific wine was no comparison to a Napa.  I responded with the point that it is from Carmel Valley and should taste like a Carmel Valley wine.  Well, now I stand corrected.  Everything about this Merlot stands up to a Napa Merlot – from bouquet to palate to finish.

The 2013 Rombi Merlot stands out as an exceptional vintage!

My Review: Deep ruby, almost purple in color. A rich, brambly high-quality bouquet (kind of Zin-like – my husband looks at me askance).  This is a BIG WINE of dense dark berry on the palate, opening to a very smooth and voluptuous wine – like a Napa wine.  Touch of tar, mint and cedar on the finish.  Fabulous wine.  July 2020

Rombi’s Relaxing, Outdoor Tasting Setting

Rombi’s tasting room is located at 1 Center Street, Carmel Valley Village.  Sal has created a relaxing, quiet spot to taste his big wines just in front of his tasting room.   Open Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.  You can learn more about his wines online at Rombi Wines.  You can also contact Kathy and Sal at kathy@rombiwines.com or sal@rombiwines.com for more information about tasting or buying wine. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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