Tagged: 2019

Parsonage: A Glimpse of the 2019 Vintage

It has been a good, long while since I have presented Parsonage here.  I’ll be making up for that with the next couple of posts! I had the opportunity to take our COVID Wine Pod plus some visiting friends to the Parsonage Village Vineyard for a barrel tasting, at the invitation of Bill Parsons himself.  Who was I to say no?  Little did we know when the date was set that they would be harvesting that day!  We did our best to stay out of the way of the action. 

It is always exciting to get a glimpse of the future of your favorite wines.  It is also an opportunity to get inside the head of the vintners a bit, gain insights about techniques they used to make up for the lost vintage of 2020, the detrimental impact of drought conditions on fruit production, and pandemic influences.  Bill and I have an agreement that I can write about anything he tells me – and so I will! Hope I got it all right!

Bill talked a bit about the changes implemented in reaction to the pandemic that had a positive impact, such as having outdoor space and a reservation system for wine tasting. They have a beautiful parklet with plenty of sun for us coastal dwellers to enjoy, as well as ample shade for those warmer days. On the negative side, he highlighted supply chain issues for critical supplies including bottles, foils, and corks. About the drought conditions impacting his fruit, he said, “I am a farmer.  I am at the mercy of the elements.”  The Syrah was still hanging at the time of our visit.  Shortly after our visit, we had that torrential rain – I was very worried how my beloved Syrah survived the storm.  Bill just told me this week: “Not only did the Syrah survive the inch and half drenching in five hours, but it thrived as a result. We just harvested this morning in fact!”

Today, I am presenting 10 Parsonage wines – 5 barrel tastings at the winery and 5 wines currently available in the tasting room.  I tasted a few of these wines the following week with another group of experts. I’ve melded my notes here – the rest of those wines will appear next week!

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/.

2019 Parsonage Dario Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#528*)

My Review: 100% Estate fruit. He will produce 100-120 cases.  Aged in 100% new French oak, it will be bottled in Spring 2022.  Dark ruby, purple in color. Jammy raspberry and blackberry with a touch of vanilla on the nose.  Intense berry fruit on the palate with some anise on the finish.  Delicious! I can’t wait to purchase this when it is released! Barrel Tasting – October 2021

2019 Parsonage Bixby Reserve, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#529*) ~65% Petit Verdot, ~35% Cabernet Sauvignon

My Review: “An outlier wine” loved by a select group of wine club members. Deep ruby in the glass.  Plum and cherry on the nose. Plum, herbs. leather, tobacco yet violets on the palate – not fruit forward.  Caramel notes on the finish.  Certainly more tannic than the Merlot. Barrel Tasting – October 2021

2021 Parsonage Petit Verdot, San Antonio Valley AVA, 15% ABV (#530*)

My Review: This wine is sourced from the Argyle Vineyard down in the very southern part of Monterey County. Tucked between the Salinas Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains, the San Antonio Valley has a long, warm growing season, enefiting from the lake effect from Lake San Antonio.  We tasted this wine when it was only 3 weeks old – a first for me, for sure!  Vegetal on the nose.  Intense plum on the palate with green bell pepper notes.  Has a great foundation and is structurally balanced – can stand on its own and will be good blended with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Barrel Tasting – October 2021

2019 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#531*)

My Review: Super dark ruby.  Deep berry and plum on the nose.  Rich dark fruits including black currant on the palate with lots of structure.  28-29 months n the barrel.  Barrel Tasting – October 2021

2019 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#532*)

My Review: Bill calls the 2019 vintage as “the greatest in winemaking history.” Inky ruby in the glass.  Smokey essense on the nose.  Super smooth on the palate with rich raspberry, blackberry, cherry, red currant and vanilla bean.  Dry on the finish.  Terrific, wonderful. Barrel Tasting – October 2021

2018 Parsonage Wild Card, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $38 (#533*)

My Review: Ruby in the glass, alcohol on the nose.  Chewy.  My experience with this wine is it needs a bit of time to settle and meld.  After all the barrel tastings, though, we probably needed a reset! Will taste again sometime with a well rested palate! October 2021

2018 Parsonage BDL, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $44 (#534*)

My Review: Transluscent ruby in the glass.  Raspberry on the nose, rich raspberry on the palate.  Tasty and drinkable now.  Would be good with garlic roasted chicken or salmon with root vegetables. October 2021

2018 Parsonage Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $48 (#535*)

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Dark berries with some caramel and spicy smokiness on the nose – like a cinnamon hard candy. Good fruit on the palate with spice melding with meat – “cinnamon and bacon,” with lingering finish of anise and pepper.  “Like a Cote-Roti.” Our friends bought a bottle of this wine and we enjoyed it at dinner the following evening. October 2021

2018 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#536*)

My Review: 30% slope hang, chalk rock. This is their flagship wine and my personal favorite.  Purple ruby in the glass.  Allspice, caramel and earth on the nose, a bit like old leather.  Intense dark berries and plum on the palate with vanilla notes. Done in a traditional, earthy Rhone style. This vintage is pretty impressive – I took a bottle home of this new release. October 2021

2017 Parsonage Xandro, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (#537*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah

My Review: Bill calls the 2019 vintage as “the greatest in winemaking history.” Inky ruby in the glass.  Smokey essence on the nose.  Super smooth on the palate with rich raspberry, blackberry, cherry, red currant and vanilla bean.  Dry on the finish.  Terrific, wonderful. October 2021

Tasting Room Photo Courtesy Parsonage

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 at19 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.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Bunter Spring: How Many Former Senate Staffers Does It Take to Find Great Wines?

Another DC friend came to town – one who also happens to be an old colleague of Margaret Spring, the Spring of Bunter Spring Winery.  With three former Senate staffers in the mix, wouldn’t it be fun to taste there? With their grapes sourced from multiple counties and winery and vineyards in the Coombsville section of Napa, we were delighted to learn they are open again for tasting on the weekends (Friday-Monday). I’d say our tasting far exceeded my expectations, which were already high!  By that I mean high quality wines for reasonable prices. Winery notes come from their website. Check them out here. 

2019 Spring Sauvignon Blanc “Oyster Wine” Santa Cruz County, 12.16% ABV, $20 (#518*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Our 2019 continues the series of standout wines from this vineyard, which we began using in 2014.  Barrel fermented and aged six months in older “neutral” French barrels.  Totally dry, light-bodied, tart, with subtle aromas of citrus, nectarine, and dried grass.  This wine was literally made for oysters on the half-shell.  It’s also great with goat cheese, or alone as an aperitif or refreshing thirst-quencher.  Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast, sulfite.  Filtered, not fined. At bottling: total sulfite 39 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (totally dry).” 48 cases produced.

My Review:  Made to go well with oysters!  VIneyard is near Corralitos and Watsonville.  Pale in color, a very light yellow.  Honeysuckle on the nose.  Lean on the palate with bright acidity. October 2021

2018 Spring Reserve Chardonnay, Monterey AVA, 14.43% ABV, $35 (#519*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine is fuller bodied and has a more powerful flavor and mouthfeel than our “regular” Chard, but since that’s sold out, you have to take our word for it.  Pear, yellow apple, edamami, with an unctuous texture.  Ingredients: grapes, yeast, sulfur dioxide.  Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 90 ppm, residual sugar 0.5 g/l (not totally dry).” 25 cases produced.

My Review:  From Chula Lina VIneyard outside of Chualar.  Very yellow with a lovely bouquet and delicious on the palate with butter, caramel, plenty of fruit and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. We thought this was an exceptional Chardonnay! October 2021

2019 Spring “Orange Wine” Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Cruz County, 12.08% ABV, $20 (#520*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Orange wine is a potentially misleading name for wine made from white grapes fermented on their skins in the manner of red wine.  Depending on the variety, and how long the maceration, the color can range from pale straw to deep pink, almost red.  This one’s relatively light as it was only on the skins for five days.  It has interesting aroma and flavors reminiscent of stone fruit and herbs, dried grass, savory spice.  Slightly tannic, with more texture than white wine.  Good with many foods, especially Asian, and shrimp. Ingredients: grapes, yeast, 40 ppm total sulfite. Dry.” 48 cases produced.

My Review:  I tasted this wine later for a special virtual wine class on “orange” wines. Pale orange, bold gold in color.  At first, scents of yeast, with emerging floral notes on the nose.  Strong flavors on the palate, including ripe peach – like a very bold rose – the oak comes through.  After opening up, very round and flavorful on the finish.  This would be a great food wine. October 2021

2019 Spring Rosé “Snow Globe”, Monterey AVA, 12.34% ABV, $20 (#521*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Made from Grenache and Syrah, grown on a rocky sunbaked hillside in far southern Monterey county, picked expressly for rosé.  Beautiful pale color, high-toned aroma.  It has an excess of totally harmless cream of tartar that precipitates in white flakes when refrigerated.  For fun, chill it, turn it upside down, and watch it snow!  Ingredients: grapes, yeast, tartaric acid.  Fined with milk and silica dioxide, then filtered.  At bottling: 58 ppm total sulfite, 0.4 g/L residual sugar (dry).” 50 cases produced.

My Review:  “A real rosé'” Pale salmon in the glass.  Caramel on the nose with real red fruit flavors on the palate. Light bodied.  Balanced acidity with a nice finish.  October 2021

2018 Spring Pinot Noir, Hilltop Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13.68% ABV, $30 (#522*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “In one of the many examples of AVA nonsense, this vineyard, a mile outside Carmel Valley Village, isn’t in the Carmel Valley AVA, although vineyards ten miles away, in neighboring Cachagua valley, are.  So legally it’s not Carmel Valley wine, it’s Monterey wine. Whatever.  It is VERY easy-drinking, medium bodied, perfectly balanced, with lots of varietal fruit and a distinctive spicy character from custom-coopered French oak barrels. Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast , 60 ppm total sulfite.  Not fined, reverse osmosis filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 60 ppm, residual sugar 0.5g/L (dry).” 107 cases produced.

My Review:  Ruby in color.  Some cherry notes on the nose.  Very nice on the palate – even this non-Pinot lover liked this wine. October 2021

2017 Spring Cowboy Surfer Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, 13.74% ABV, $30 (#523*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Our second iteration of this outrageous blend of normally antithetical varieties.  The first Cowboy Surfer, 2014, was a resigned wishful last resort use for a barrel of weird Pinot.  People loved it!  When it was gone they asked for more.  Not so easy, it turned out- there’s a reason why no one blends these two.  The result almost always tastes like either a pathetically weak Cab or a nasty hot puckery Pinot.  It took three years, but we finally made two wines that worked.  FYI the Pinot, from close to the beach, is the surfer.  The Cab, from cow country high up in the hills, is the cowboy.  Black cherry, raspberry, spice, and tannin, just slightly on the aggro side right now, will mellow into a very laid-back ride.  Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast, sulfite.  Not fined or fitered.  At bottling: total sulfite 65 ppm, residual sugar 0.1 g/l (very dry).” 49 cases.

My Review:  Dark in the glass yet a bit transluscent.  Perfume on the nose with a deliciousd palate showing the best of the Carmel Valley fruits – a great Cab Sauv-Pinot Noir combo – we really liked ths wine.  October 2021

2016 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon “Burger Wine,” Contra Costa County, 13.27%, $18 (#524*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Contra Costa is a great place for Zin, Petite Sirah, and Carignane.  It’s not well known for Cab, so we got a sweet deal on this fruit, and so do you. We treated it with the same respect as all our wines, including nice once-used French oak barrels.  Medium bodied, soft tannins, juicy blackberry taste, perfect with burgers.  It’s vegan, so veggie burgers work too. Ingredients: organic grapes, water, yeast, tartaric acid, sulfite.  Filtered, not fined.  Made using reverse osmosis.  At bottling: total sulfites 88 ppm, residual sugar 0.3 g/l (dry).” 73 cases.

My Review:  We tasted this wine last – it was quite good, very drinkable, especially for an $18 bottle of wine.  I’d like to taste it again, as being last did it a great disservice!

2014 Bünter “Natur” Syrah, Coombsville, Napa Valley, 13.27% ABV, $30 (#525*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Earthy, nutty, meaty, slightly spicy, slightly floral, with medium full body, good natural acidity, and rich tannins. Goes great with very spicy (hot) food, as usual for this wine.  It actually cools and soothes your mouth after a bite of anything painfully spicy.  The texture and mouthfeel are superb. The aroma and flavor are typical of no-sulfite reds: less fruity, more earthy. Definitely different.  Ingredients: Organic grapes. Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 2 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (bone dry).” 100 cases produced.

My Review:  Beautful dark ruby.  Dark fruit notes of cassis and currant on the nose.  Palate consisted largely of cherry flavors and was a little lighter than I was expecting, based on the nose. October 2021

2018 Spring Red Wine “Garagitage,” Highlands Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.64% ABV, $24  (#526*) 76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker’s Notes:

Winemaker’s Notes: “These grapes come from a small vineyard in the hills above Arroyo Seco just north of Carmel Valley Road. They were harvested, very ripe, on Sep 30, 2018. Upon release, in spring 2021, as I write, this wine is a rough and tumble California fruit bomb, with tons of grapey flavor, plenty of alcohol, and no manners.  Maybe, someday, it will grow up.  Meantime, have fun! Aged 15 months in once used French oak barrels.” 76 cases.

My Review:  OK, this was my favorite wine:  Very dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose, followed by a yummy palate of dark fruit.  We keep drinking it – what an incredible wine for a bargain price! October 2021

“Schniki”
With a vast array of wines to choose from, Mark helps customers narrow it down with his daily tasting menu. Herr Doktor Schnickerdoodle was the visiting winery dog that day!

Want to taste their wines?  From their website:  Great news! Bunter Spring has resumed tasting room operations.   Our Carmel Valley tasting room is open Friday through Sunday 11-5 PM.  We are open the rest of the week by appointment.  Since we work often in Napa, at the winery and vineyard, we are not always available, so please call in advance if possible.  Your hosts are fully vaccinated.  The tasting fee is $20 per person for six wines, with crackers and cheese.  The tasting fee is waived with a two bottle purchase.  Tasting is free to wine club members as per our Wine Club policy.  Call Mark at (202) 744-1343 for an appointment.  We would love to see you!

You can see the current releases here and contact Mark by phone or email to order.  Directions are here.  They ship within California and to Washington DC and Florida. 

*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

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Shale Canyon: Daring to Grow & Blend Varietals Not Typically Associated with Monterey!

My dog grooming-wine tasting afternoon in Carmel continues…but with a surprise: my little dog is ready early – yikes!  We walked over to Shale Canyon to suggest rescheduling and they invited my dog and me to come on in!  They closed the bottom half of their door and let him run around freely.  I was a heck of a lot more worried about what he might do than they were.  While he had a hard time settling down, he did fine, but was also a big distraction for my notetaking – I know I will need to go back.

My little dog’s first wine outing!

I admitted to them that I was a bit confused about the source of their wines.  It had been a LONG TIME since I had been there. I had it in my head they were from the Sant Cruz Mountains because one of them lived there.  Instead, I learned that their vineyards and wines are from Arroyo Seco, which continues to be a favorite AVA of mine. And they focus on the bigger reds I love including some tasty red blends, using intriguing names like “Consortium” and “Amalgamation.”  Definitely for me, this a winning set-up. I’m impressed with their ability to grow well Zinfandel and other varietals not usually associated with Monterey County. They must have a uniquely placed vineyard to be able to pull that off! Hosted by Keith Prader himself, I had a fabulous experience in their tasting room.

About Shale Canyon from their website: “Shale Canyon Wines started vinting small lots of hand crafted varietals in 2008…Currently Shale Canyon Wines is comprised of Keith Prader, the winemaker, and Tim Prader tasting room and vineyard manager.

“Current production is about 1000+ cases per year with our main focus on producing wines that have outstanding nose, mouth feel and finish.  For the Estate wines we   are currently growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre.  We source fruit from larger, well established vineyards whose farming practices are exemplary in the industry and whose fruit is second to none.  The varietals include Syrah, Malbec, Chardonnay and Petite Sirah.  We enjoy making classic and unique blends as well.  Our Consortium is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  The Striation is 75% Zinfandel and 25% Mourvedre, a wonderful floral wine.  And Amalgamation, a very interesting blend of Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah.”

Today I am presenting 8 Shale Canyon wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet and website.

2019 Shale Canyon Chardonnay, Vigna Monte Nero, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $25 (#498*) 

Winery Notes: “Aromas of toasted marshmallow, subtle green apple, pear, peach and a hint of lemon peel.  A long finish of vanilla bean and butterscotch.  This wine was not cold stabilized or filtered and has noticeable tartrates in the bottle.  We recommend pouring this wine through a cheesecloth or a screen to remove them. Aged in 100% French oak.” 165 cases produced.

My Review: Pretty yellow in the glass. Great balance of butter/oak and acidity. This was extremely delicious – an amazing SLH Chardonnay for a fabulous price!  September 2021

2015 Shale Canyon Mourvèdre, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $30 (#499*)

Winery Notes: “A bouquet of dark berry, violet ad earthy aromas of black pepper, thyme and a hint of citrus.  Bright fruit characteristics, with fresh strawberry, raspberry and subtle cherry.  Smooth tannins with hints of cedar and a drawn out finish with late fruit.  100% Mourvèdre.

My Review: Dark ruby in glass. Very dark fruit but lean on the palate. September 2021               

2017 Shale Canyon Striation Reserve, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $40 (#500*) 75% Zinfandel, 25% Mourvèdre

Winery Tasting Notes: “Rose petals and cinnamon on the bouquet with cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry gracing the middle.  A very long finish with vanilla bean and hint of licorice.  Medium plus tannins to make this an excellent wine for food pairings.” There is some story to this wine that the UPS delivery person actually helped formulate this wine!

My Review: Dark berry and some oak in the nose. Very smooth dark fruits and some leather on the finish. Lovely. A great wine for #500! September 2021                     

2016 Shale Canyon Cabernet Franc, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $30 (#501*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our 2016 Estate Cabernet Franc starts with a big bouquet of cherries, slight strawberry and a hint of cedar. I noticed strong fruit flavors with dark cherry, blueberry, plum and chocolate on the palate. It finished with some spice and structured tannins.” Scored at the California Cabernet Franc Wine Competition.

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Concentrated fruit and a touch of smoke on the nose. Smooth very dark fruit on the palate. September 2021                      

2017 Shale Canyon Partner’s Consortium Reserve, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $50 (#502*) 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot

Winery Tasting Notes: “A classic blend of Bordeaux varietals.  Very aromatic with a distinctive cherry note on the nose.  It is an elegant, yet complex wine with black berry, dark cherry, plum and blueberry on the palate.  It has a long finish with wisps of cedar, smoke and medium plus tannins.”

My Review: Smooth, dark, and not as fruity. I was clearly distracted by my little dog for these notes! September 2021       

2017 Shale Canyon Tempranillo, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $30 (#503*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Subtle berry & cherry bouquet. Flavors of black cherry, plum and cranberry grace the middle.  A touch of spice and leather with firm structures tannins on the finish.”

My Review: Spicy on the nose. Delicious fruit yet lean (tannic) on the finish. Pretty amazing. September 2021

2017 Shale Canyon Amalgamation Reserve, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $50 (#504*) 48% Zinfandel, 36% Tempranillo, 16% Petite Sirah – all estate grown!

Winery Tasting Notes: “This unique blend is like no other!…All Estate Grown! The color of this wine is beautiful.  Take a glass out in the sun and let the rays reflect through the wine onto a simple piece of white paper and you will see what I mean.  A lovely floral bouquet starts the experience.  Deep fruit with cherry, dark berry and a hint of color.  Long finish with tobacco and firm tannins.  This wine will also compliment rich foods so fire up the barbeque and pull out the rib eyes!”

My Review: Super dark ruby in the glass. Jam on the nose following through on the palate. September 2021

NV Shale Canyon Estate Petite Sirah, Shale Canyon Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $30 (#505*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Violets and dark cherry and blueberry on the nose.  Plum, dried cranberry and raisin in the middle.  Notes of chocolate, licorice and toast on the long finish with firm tannins.”

My Review: Very smooth and rich with blue and black berry fruits. Nice! September 2021   

You can buy Shale Canyon wines on their website or at their tasting room on Paseo San Carlos Courtyard, Westside San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea.  They are open Sunday through Thursday 1–5, Friday and Saturday 12-7 and suggest reservations for parties of 4 or more.  You can contact them at reservations@shalecanyonwines.com.

*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

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De Tierra: “…the best representation ‘of the land’”

My new modus operandi is to go wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea while my dog is getting groomed.  In part, he goes there because they are the only ones who will take him.  But my ulterior motive is to get in a couple of wine tastings while I am there – it is really a “two-fer” day! On this particular September afternoon, I had no idea how much dogs would dominate until I walked into De Tierra’s tasting room, where I was warmly greeted by their two dogs – Freya, a large, sweet Doberman and tiny, decked out Annin.  They were clearly in charge of customer relations, continually making the rounds of the tables to make sure we had everything we needed!

About De Tierra Vineyards from their website: “De Tierra Vineyards began in 1998 as an organic grape-growing operation in the Salinas Valley by Tom Russell, an agriculture professional from Phoenix, Arizona. Russell had transitioned the majority of his conventional row crop vegetable operation to organic in the early 1990’s, and had great success in the California market. Russell was passionate about wine and farming, and wanted to explore the benefits of organic farming with wine grapes. Russell teamed up with friend and winemaker of Vignalta Italy, Lucio Gomiero, and planned to develop an organic vineyard in the Corral de Tierra Valley. The site was selected, a south-west facing, 40-acre farm, just 15 miles from the Salinas Valley. Through this partnership, De Tierra Vineyards was born…

​“Today, De Tierra is owned by Dan McDonnal and Alix Lynn Bosch.  De Tierra creates delicious award winning and hand harvested wines to share from the unique terroir of Monterey County.  De Tierra, as the name suggests, focuses on providing the best representation “of the land”.  Great wines begin in the vineyard, and it is their goal to translate the defining flavors of the terroir into great wine.  Dan and Alix continue De Tierra’s commitment to producing superior quality boutique wines.

“De Tierra Produces 9 varietals; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc as well as 3 Red Blends. All of their wines are made with grapes from high quality vineyards in Monterey County and beyond.  De Tierra’s mission is to make hand crafted, premium wines with the best fruit California has to offer…”

Today I am presenting 6 De Tierra wines, including the cleverly named “Frannin” (Freya + Annin) white and red blends.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet and website.

2019 De Tierra Frannin White Blend, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $35 (#490*) 65% Chardonnay from the Russell Vineyard, 35% Sauvignon Blanc from the Zabala Vineyard.

Winery Notes: Aged in stainless steel for 7 months with partial malolactic fermentation.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Pale gold with a shimmer of bright green. Nose offers hints of refreshing, mello guava and bright orange citrus…Bright citrus start transferring to mango and lychee nuts with notes of tart green apple. This wine finishes with perfectly balanced viscosity and acidity.”

My Review: Floral and honey bouquet. Honey and like on the palate with lovely acidity. Good minerality. Citrus finish. September 2021

2019 De Tierra Russell Vineyard Rosé, Monterey AVA, 13.2?% ABV, $29 (#491*)

Winery Notes: 100% Merlot, 100% stainless steel

Winery Tasting Notes: “IN THE GLASS: Intense garnet in color with notes of midnight grapes and blackberry with subtle tones of soft leather, almond and dark chocolate.

ON THE PALATE:  Juicy dark berries and stone fruit with hints of molasses and warm black vanilla bean. This wine’s soft and mild dry finish produces a perfect balance.” 

My Review: Salmon in the glass. Freshness and vanilla on the nose. Smooth on the palate. Acidity on the finish with citrus notes. September 2021                               

2017 De Tierra Puzzler Red Blend, Monterey AVA, 14.2% ABV, $39 (#492*) 76% Merlot, 7.5% each Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, 1.5% Cabernet Franc

Winery Tasting Notes: “IN THE GLASS Garnet in color. Nose offers notes of rich earth, plum, fresh fig with a hint of spice. ON THE PALATE Plush tannins balance this very complex full bodied wine. This wine starts with notes of plum and blackberry, then leads to black tea with a long tobacco finish.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Plum, blackberry, and coffee on the nose. Cherry and plum on the palate with tobacco on the finish. I liked this wine. September 2021               

2016 De Tierra Frannin Red Blend, Central Coast AVA, 13.8?% ABV, $39 (#493*) 1/3 each: Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Tasting Notes: “IN THE GLASS Deep plum in color. Nose offers notes of ripe fruit, plum, dark cherry and a hint of smokiness. ON THE PALATE: Soft tannins balance this very complex full bodied wine. This wine starts with notes of dark cherry and blackberry, then leads to black tea with a citrus zest finish.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass, rich dark berries and spices on the nose. Dark fruit with a peppery finish. September 2021              

2017 De Tierra Russell Estate Merlot, Monterey AVA, 13.9% ABV, $39 (#494*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “IN THE GLASS Intense garnet in color with notes of midnight grapes and blackberry with subtle tones of soft leather, almond and dark chocolate. ON THE PALATE  Juicy dark berries and stone fruit with hints of molasses and warm black vanilla bean. This wine’s soft and mild dry finish produces a perfect balance.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Cherry on the nose. Very smooth on the palate with plum, cherry, blueberry and blackberry flavors. A touch of leather on the finish. September 2021        

2016 De Tierra Syrah, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $49 (#495*) Best Red of Monterey County, 95 points, 2019 International Wine & Spirits Competition Platinum Award, Sommelier Challenge

Winery Tasting Notes: “IN THE GLASS Deep plum in color. Nose offers notes of ripe fruit, plum, dark cherry and a hint of smokiness. ON THE PALATE Soft tannins balance this very complex full bodied wine. This wine starts with notes of dark cherry and blackberry, then leads to black tea with a citrus zest finish.”

My Review: Dark berries and cherry with a touch of cedar on the nose. Palate reflects the nose with a touch of leather on the finish. September 2021      

You can buy De Tierra wines on their website or at their tasting room on Mission 3SE of 5th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 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

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Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

Sometimes it is hard to keep track of tasting rooms and their locations, as they swap primarily between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley Village.  We knew Scratch had moved to the valley and decided to check out this new winery in its tiny spot in the entry way to an art gallery.  Figge, Scratch and now Lepe, which opened back in April 2021! We were impressed with the wines and look forward to going back.  Check them out if you haven’t been there yet!

About Lepe Cellars from their website: “Our goal is simple: to capture the true expression of the vines by farming in a way that respects the biodiversity within the land. We are able to achieve our sustainable and natural approach by spending our time in the vineyards where winemaking begins. From here there is a continuous flow into the cellar where low-intervention artisanal methods are used to express a sense of place surrounding the Monterey wine region.

“We source from organically farmed vineyards and hand harvest using sheers to keep the fruit intact and pristine. Our growers avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. From there fermentation begins in small batches using native yeasts that originate from the vineyard and cellar, allowing the development for increased complexity. Aging continues in finely grained French oak barrels where the wine evolves naturally at its own pace. When the wine is ready, we begin the bottling process. Our wines are never fined nor do we use any other additives, making our wines organic, vegan and sustainable.”

About the Winemaker: “Miguel Lepe studied enology and viticulture at California Polytechnic State University – SLO. He began his career working for various well respected wineries across California’s Central Coast and South America. Passionate about his craft, Miguel’s hard work and dedication has led him on a new journey – creating Lepe Cellars to showcase the best of Monterey County wines.”  He makes his wines at the Wrath winery and his mentor was Peter Figge.

Today I am presenting 5 Lepe Cellars wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet, website and emails with the winery.

2020 Lepe Cellars Vermentino, Cedar Lane, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13% ABV, $26 (#478*) 

Winery Tasting Notes: “Layers of lemon and lime mingle with mineral tones, wet stone, and a floral bouquet. This bright and energetic Vermentino pairs well with oysters, scallops and sushi.”

My Review: Perfumey with bitter grapefruit on the palate.  Lime zest on the finish. I like a Vermentino from Cedar Lane! only 1 of 2 that I know. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2017 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13% ABV, $32 (#479*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Seared orange-rind and toasty bread aromas make for a slightly wild but intriguing nose. There’s a lemon-peel tang to the sip, where hints of cream, apple and pineapple converge.” 

My Review: Neutral oak was used to make this flavorful Chardonnay – lemon, pineapple and a touch of bitterness fill the palate. I like this Chardonnay! August 2021                                   

2020 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#480*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Bright and lush in style, unleashing fresh juicy cherries and raspberries with hints of hibiscus on the finish. Light to medium body spectrum achieving a fresh fruit forward profile. Pairs well with herb crusted pork tenderloin, grilled lamb, mushroom creams and dark sauces.”

My Review: Comes from a great SLH vineyard – garnet in color. I confess as not a Pinot Noir lover, I failed to capture proper tasting notes. August 2021                    

2020 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 13.7 ABV, $40  (#481*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “This single-vineyard expression from southern Monterey County begins with a floral hit on the nose before diving into cherry-compote and crushed rock aromas. It’s linear on the palate with red-plum, hibiscus and cinnamon tones, finishing with a spicy kick of white pepper.”

My Review: Spicy on the nose. This is about the best Zinfandel I have tasted from Monterey County – will for sure be one to watch.  It comes from one of the best potential spots for Zin in the area. August 2021                   

2019 Lepe Cellars Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $55 (#482*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Elegant aromas of fresh blueberry and violets with hints of dark plum, black pepper and milk chocolate on the palate tied together with soft lush tannins. Pairs well with Lamb shawarma, Indian tandoori and barbecued ribs.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Beautifully jammy nose carrying over onto the palate.  Best Syrah we tasted on this day. I sure hope I bought some! August 2021           

You can buy Lepe Cellars wines on their website or at their tasting room on Dolores between 7th Avenue and Ocean, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-7 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. They are also sold at these locations:

  • Deer Park Wine & Spirits – Aptos, CA
  • Capitola Wine Bar – Capitola, CA
  • Star Market – Salinas, CA
  • Elroy’s Fine Foods – Monterey, CA
  • Village Wine & Tap Room – Carmel Valley, CA

*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

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Moving on Inside for a Tasting at Silvestri!

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

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KORi Wines: It’s a “family affair”!

Time to celebrate a friend’s birthday while her husband was out of town.  Since she forms a core part of the Decanting Monterey COVID Wine Pod, why not go to lunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea and do some wine tasting afterwards?  After a lovely patio lunch at Grasings, we headed to our first stop – KORi!

I didn’t know much about KORi Wines except that they are relatively new and have earned critical acclaim. I was excited to know more about her wines and her at her tasting room!

From the Label: “Kori Wines are a family affair – a partnership between respected Santa Lucia Highlands grower Kirk Williams and his stepdaughter Kori Violini.”  Yes, we are talking Kirk Williams of KW Ranch fame!

Critical Acclaim from the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition:

  • Double Gold: 2017 San Saba Syrah (Monterey) 94 pts
  • Gold: 2017 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH) 90 pts
  • Silver: 2018 Griva Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco), 2014 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH)
  • Bronze: 2018 Highlands Ranch Rosé (SLH) 

Today I am presenting 7 of Kori’s wines.  The winery notes come from the labels and their website. The prices are from the tasting sheet.  We were excited to know that the winemaker is Sabrine Rodems from Wrath, as well as her own label, Scratch. The reds are all aged in French oak. 

2018 KORi Blanc de Blanc, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, ??% ABV, $45 (#449*) 

Winery notes: “Our first sparkling wine from our estate grown Chardonnay.  Vibrant acidity and a fresh (dry) palate. Drink 2020-2028.”

Winery Tasting Notes: “Lemon. Lime Zest. White Blossom. White Nectarine. Fig. Lychee.”

My Review: Nose at first was yeasty, common in California sparklers, but it dissipated over time.  Clover and a touch of nuttiness on the nose. Stone fruit and citrus on the palate.  My Champagne loving partner liked this wine. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2020 KORi Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.6% ABV, $27 (#450*) 

Winery notes: “A personal favorite varietal of Kori’s, grapes sourced from esteemed Griva Vineyard in Arroyo Seco.”

Winery Tasting Notes: Guava. Lychee. Melon. Lemon Cream.

My Review: Viscous yet clear like water in the glass. Green apple, crisp pear and honey on the nose.  Honey and grapefruit on the palate with some ripe cheese flavor mid-palate.  Very refreshing. August 2021                

2019 KORi Rosé, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#451*) 

Winery Notes: “Our 2nd vintage! Like the previous vintage, 2019 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes from our estate owned Highlands Ranch Vineyard.” 200 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Rose Petal. Rainer Cherry. Wet Gravel. Crab Apple. Stone Fruit.”

Critical Acclaim: “Bronze Medal – SF International Wine Competition 2019”

My Review: With 24 hours on the skins, this wine is bold in color.  Slightly bitter on the nose.  Rich in flavor on the palate, we’d say this is not a patio-sipping rosé. Rather, this would make a great food wine. August 2021                

2018 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (#452*) 

    Winery notes: Not available.

    My Review: Slightly perfumey on the nose.  Good, rich flavor with a slightly bitter finish. Would be good with a meal.  August 2021                 

    2017 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.3% ABV, $49 (#453*) 

    Winery notes: “From our family, estate owned first vineyard planted in 1997 at the corner of Fariview & River Roads in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Drink 2020-2027” 94 pts from Wine Enthusiast

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Blackberry. Bay Leaf. Red Cherry.”

    Critical Acclaim: Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Ruby in color. Intense cooked cherry on the nose.  The palate was raisin-like – intense fruit yet both bitter and sweet. This wine had been opened from the previous day; we declined an offer to open a fresh bottle. August 2021            

    2018 KORi Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#454*) 

    Winery notes: “The first Cab from KORi Wines!  Sabrine couldn’t have done a better job making our debut Cab with single vineyard Alexander Valley fruit. Drink 2020-2030.” 225cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Charred Pepper. Sour Cherry. Black Tea.”

    My Review: Ruby in color.  Green pepper on the nose.  Dark berries with solid tannins.  Explosive of flavor on the palate with a slightly tobacco finished. Delicious, yet a bit light for a Cabernet Sauvignon. I would recommend cellaring this wine. August 2021   

    2018 KORi Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14.5% ABV, $42 (#455*) 

    Winery notes: “Hot off the heels of the, now sold out, 2017 vintage comes the San Saba 2018 which a slightly drier year shows the same great black fruit, plum, baking spice & smoked meat put in a more concentrated package.” 195 cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Juicy Bramble Fruit. Black Pepper. Cigar Box.”

    Critical Acclaim: Double Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  White pepper and jammy berries on the nose, with lots of pepper masking most of the fruit on the palate. August 2021                

    You can buy KORi wines online or at their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea “Monday-Thursday 1-6 (TUES CLOSED), Friday Noon-6, Saturday Noon-7, Sunday Noon-6. Reservations not required. Mission St between Ocean & 7th Avenue, Court of the Fountains, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921” 

    *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

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    Sometimes You End Up with Grocery Store Chardonnays

    I admit I am spoiled living in the heart of Chardonnay country, where we can take a short drive or simply reach into our fridge for a really delicious Chardonnay.  While we aren’t the biggest white wine fans, we do enjoy sipping a good one on our front porch on a rare warm and sunny day, like the other day when we opened a stunning I Brand & Family 2018 Chardonnay from Escolle Vineyard. This wine (reviewed here before) boasted lemon colors, tropical nose, and rambunctious tropical flavors with a pineapple overlay. But I digress…

    I’ve been on the road a bit dealing with family matters.  Fortunately, I was sent with a lovely 6-pack of local big reds I love.  I visited a relative who opened one of today’s Chardonnays and I had to resort to a grocery store for the other one for a family gathering.  They both fit the Central Coast profile of this blog, so lucky me!

    2019 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey, 13.5% ABV, $20 (Wine #438*)

    This is one of my Chardonnay-loving friend’s favorite Chardonnays, so I was happy to try it with my relatives. I found it rated for 89 points on wine.com.

    About La Crema: “When La Crema was founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning the Best of the Vine, the name was intended as an unabashed boast: These vineyards produced the very best grapes in the region. Today, the name has been shortened to mean, simply, the best, and La Crema’s wines represent the best grapes from preeminent cool-climate regions in California and Oregon.

    “La Crema wines—inspired by Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—are made in small lots that nurture distinct flavors and balance. The end result is elegant wines that are unswerving in quality over time.” 

    Winemaker’s Notes from their website: “Aromas of baked apple, brioche, and PINEAPPLE are followed by flavors of Asian pear, LEMON-TANGERINE, and notes of MINERALITY. The 2019 vintage presents balanced acidity and a long finish.” 100% Chardonnay; 8 months in the barrel.

    My Review: Buttery, tropical notes on the nose.  Butterscotch and tropical fruits on the palate – a bit sweet yet perfect for a hot Sacramento evening. Very different from the non-oaky Monterey Chardonnays I typically drink. July 2021

    2019 Edna Valley Chardonnay, Central Coast, 13% ABV, $9 (Wine #439*)

    When you are stuck in a small town SavMor for wine options, the selection is far from what I can find at even my local Safeway.  We know Edna Valley for its excellent wine, so this was the safest, best choice available!

    About Edna Valley Vineyard: “The region now home to Edna Valley Vineyard saw its first grapes planted in the days of the California missions. In the 1800s, it was believed that the grapes in this region were of the highest quality. Today, we still hold this to be true. Following in the footsteps of our founder, pioneering vineyard developer Jack Niven, we continue to craft award-winning Chardonnay – the first variety planted in the Edna Valley. In addition to our flagship Chardonnay wine, we offer five other varietal wines nationwide: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.” 

    Winemaker’s Notes from their website: “Our Chardonnay showcases grapes from some of California’s most sought-after wine regions in the Central Coast. The result is a dry, beautifully balanced, bold expression of Chardonnay with tropical aromas of toasted coconut and Tahitian vanilla. Juicy layers of white peach, split honeydew melon and ripe apricot are highlighted with hints of lemon zest and a crisp, refreshing finish.”

    My Review: Pale but rich golden in the glass.  Tropical fruits, butter and bamboo on the nose.  Light and a tad sweet on the palate, balanced acidity and a touch of bitterness on the finish.  A bit less flavor and minerality than I’m used to in my Monterey Chardonnays. August 2021

    *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

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    “Monterey-South Wine Class” – What does it even mean?

    When my DC virtual wine class picked the theme of “Monterey-South,” even I wasn’t sure what that meant.  They further clarified “Monterey County or south of Monterey.”  Perfect!  Right up my alley!  We hunted through our wine room and found a Pierce Ranch Graciano. I’ve presented Pierce Ranch a couple of times here – you can simply search “Pierce Ranch” to find them. The wines selected by my friends came from Monterey County and Paso Robles.

    I tried to capture notes from my friends’ presentations for inclusion to show the breadth of wines randomly chosen. One member lamented that he couldn’t really find in Washington DC any of the Rhone Ranger wines.  I told him he would have to come visit here and find them at the wineries!

    While this was a unique way to share these Central Coast wines, I didn’t get to taste any except the Graciano. Therefore, you might see them pop up again later in this blog!

    2019 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $28

    My friends presented this Chuck Wagner wine, now made by his son, Charlie. 

    Winemaker Notes from wine.com: “A lively flaxen gold, this wine features a harmonious nose that previews the playful balance to come on the palate. Scents of brown spice, toasted almonds, custard and light oak mingle with Meyer lemon zest, honeysuckle and a hint of apricot. Entry is round, as the wine’s fruit and natural acidity build on each other, with echoes of brown spice, citrus and apricot enveloped in a creamy texture. A vibrant finish of lemon/lime showcases the distinctly bright acidity produced from the Monterey coast, leaving an enticing freshness that prepares the palate for another sip.” Wine.com – 91 points.

    My Friend’s Review: Viscous in the glass. Nice, not overly oaky.  The oak is there and adds depth to the taste without being detracting. Pear and apple on the nose, peach and a little caramel. Nicely balanced with good acidity. Can’t say the flavor profile is bold but harmonious. August 2021

    2017 Chamisal Vineyards Chardonnay, Monterey County, 15.3% ABV, $24

    While the Chamisal Vineyard and winery is located in Edna Valley, the fruit for this wine comes from Monterey County! 

    Winemaker’s Notes from wines.com : “Toasted oak and crème brûlée. Fruit driven with lemon cream, Fuji apple, ripe pineapple, and baked pears. Rich and creamy with lingering acidity, broad texture and finishing clean.”

    The Wine Advocate – 91 points: “The 2017 Chardonnay Monterey County opens with notes of gunflint and toast over baked apples, yellow pears, popcorn and a tropical tinge. The palate is medium-bodied and rounded with an über spicy, fresh fruit profile lifted by mouthwatering acidity, and it finishes long and toasty. This has an appealing yin-yang of savory and bright citrus character.” Erin Brooks, 6/2020

    2019 Carol Shelton Coquille Blanc, Paso Robles, 13.5% ABV, $26  40% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 10% Marsanne

    About the 2019 Coquille Blanc: “Exotic nose of spicy pears and white peaches, almond paste/marzipan, a touch of honeysuckle perfume. Multi-dimensional (many layers), a hard-to-describe range of aromatics, intriguing, almost mysterious! In the mouth it is crisply dry yet creamy and round and full-bodied, with nice almond paste on crisp-yet-juicy pear fruit.”

    My Friend’s Review: Yellow in color.  More minerality on the palate than fruit and a touch acidic on the palate.  Really brings the Paso/Central Coast terroir.  Complex – but not robust. 

    2016 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $75/$22 WTSO

    About the 2016 Soberanes Pinot Noir: “Santa Lucia Highlands’ two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys’ Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting vineyard. We have chosen two Pinot clones: the celebrated Pisoni clone and Dijon clone 667. The 2016 Soberanes displays a beautiful ruby robe and vibrant red fruit aromas. The palate exhibits crisp flavors of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a long finish, promising an excellent future ahead.”

    Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “Elegantly earthy on the nose, this bottling starts with aromas of pomegranate, rose petals and dried herbs. The palate is quite tart with flavors of sour Montmorency cherry, and the savory dusting of herbs and baked earth balances the sip.” Matt Kettmann, 12/2018

    My Friend’s Review: As Cameron Hughes might say, a “Cabernet lovers Pinot Noir” with big bold flavors and a dark garnet hue. An exceptional Pinot Noir, comparing well to a 2012 Lucienne we all tasted in person together in June.  He got the wine for $22 in a complex WTSO BOGO sale. 

    2017 Pierce Ranch Graciano, San Antonio AVA, 14.8% ABV, $30 (#432*)

    My friends wanted to know what a Graciano tasted like – I could think of no direct comparison.  I looked up the grape and found this information:  I found this Vinodiversity article: “A naming mess: The original variety is Spanish and is named Graciano in its homeland the Northern Spanish Ebro Valley and Navarra. It is grown in the Jerez region of southern Spain under the name Tintilla de Rota. Graciano is used in France under the name Morrastel. But the Spanish use the variety called Mourvedre (or Mataro in Australia) under the name Morrastel. To add to the confusion the Portuguese variety Tinta Miuda is now known to be to be the same variety. Not to be outdone the Californians grow Graciano under the name Xeres.”

    And, if that wasn’t confusing enough, here’s a Matt Kettmann article about mislabeled Graciano vines akin to the Melon de Bourgogne story I recently shared. What a mess. And it doesn’t taste like Mourvèdre at all!

    About the 2017 Pierce Graciano: “Perched in a highland valley at the southern tip of Monterey County, our vineyards, with their wide variation in diurnal temperature and rocky soils, provide an excellent setting for the classic grape varieties of Spain and Portugal. A standout among these is certainly Graciano, a native of Spain’s famed Rioja region. Estate-grown in the calcareous rock and shale-rich loam of our Home Ranch Vineyard, the 2017 vintage is a medium-bodied wine with dark, rounded fruit and a solid tannic structure. A limited-run bottling, it was fermented in small lots and aged in French oak for 15 months. Blackberry and black cherry combine with hints of shale and thyme.”

    My Review: Garnet in the glass. Pomegranate and cranberry on the nose. Cherry and licorice on the palate with tobacco and vanilla notes. We enjoyed this wine for several days. August 2021

    2018 J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $25 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah, 2% Malbec

    Winemaker’s Notes: “Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit and spice character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate with a firm and appetizing finish.” 93 points – Wine Enthusiast Editors’ Choice. 

    *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

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    Parsonage: Big Reds Break Coastal Chill!

    Friday before Memorial Day…let’s head out to the valley in search of warmth and wine! Parsonage is always one of our favorite places to taste wines – with plenty of the big reds, just the way we like them.  Summer gave us a sunny seat, giving us a little break from our coastal chill.   

    Want sun? Want shade? It can all be arranged! Photo courtesy Parsonage.

    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/. Winery notes below are from their website, unless otherwise indicated.

    Our latest haul from Parsonage – So happy to have these in my collection!

    2019 Parsonage Grenache Rosé, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $29 (#385*)

    Winery Notes: A perennial warm weather favorite. And a surprise to everyone who thinks they don’t like Rosé! Made with Grenache grapes. Refreshing and dry.

    Owner Bill Parsons’ tasting notes: “What a nose!! If you spend some time with the nose of this lovely and sensual wine, you could discover notes of red roses, lavender, strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, watermelon, peach and citrus zest. The bouquet comes alive on the palate with strawberry and watermelon. The finish is rich, full and lively.” 

    My Review: Apple cider on the nose.  Rich and flavorful on the palate.  I’d love to drink this wine on a “hot” day at our neighbors’ micro-climate patio! May 2021

    2017 Parsonage Grenache-Syrah, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $36 (#386*) 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah

    Grenache-Syrah photo courtesy of Parsonage.

    Winery Notes: “This easy drinker pairs nicely with cheese & crackers. We joke that we should re-name it the “universal donor” even though that isn’t the perfect analogy. But you get the gist of it – this wine seems to be universally loved, no matter what your favorite varietal is…Fully dry. Medium-bodied but rich.”

    Owner Bill Parsons’ tasting notes: “A bright mixed bouquet of floral notes accented by raspberry, pomegranate, blueberry, and black cherry mark the nose of this traditional blend. The palate is full, but not as massive as previous vintages. All of the fruit of the nose resonates in the mouth with a hint of umami. This iteration of our Grenache Syrah is marvelously complex and elegant.”  

    My Review: Bright ruby in the glass.  Very round on the palate and delicious.  May 2021

    2017 Parsonage Cyrano Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $26 (#387*) 70% Merlot, 30% Syrah

    Winery Notes: “Our versatile red table wine easily pairs with a variety of different foods. We think it goes especially well with pizza and spaghetti with red sauce. This vintage is full bodied. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Syrah. Rich, ripe and voluptous. The Cyrano is one of our best sellers.”

    My Review: This is an exciting blend – bright and energetic.  Summer says:  Good vintage, aged in neutral oak barrels, best seller year over year. May 2021

    2015 Parsonage Cyrano Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $26 (#388*) 70% Merlot, 30% Syrah 

    Winery Notes: (We had this wine in our collection and opened it to compare to the 2017 we had tasted at the winery.  The two vintages seemed shockingly similar.  In fact, the winery’s tasting notes are identical to the 2017!)

    My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Nose of dark berries and cherry. Rich palate of dark fruits overplayed with cherry – excited, dancing on the tongue. May 2021

    2017 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 15% ABV, $48 (#389*) 

    2017 Cabernet Sauvignon photo courtesy Parsonage.

    Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon field blend is joined with a mix of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It’s a full-throttle bombastic beauty, typical of younger vines. The nose is all about very dark fruit marked by brambleberry compote. Plum and cassis join with the brambleberry on a muscular palate that finishes with some major league tannins.” The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a private vineyard in Cachagua (Carmel Valley) and the Cabernet Franc comes from Paicines AVA!

    My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass. Cherry on the nose.  Rich cherry and berry on the palate.  Quite good! May 2021

    2018 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $80 (#390*)

    Photo of the 2017 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir

    Winery Notes from the tasting sheet: Full bodied with full fruit expression and sensuous texture.

    My Review: Translucent ruby in color. Raspberry on the nose.  Super juicy bright berry flavors and luscious. Supple tannins. Very nice Pinot Noir – even I like this one! The Hawk can stand up to a Burgundian red! May 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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