Tagged: Big Sur Vineyards

Late Arrival Leads to More Rainy Day Wines!

Last week, I posted about a rainy day Idle Hour tasting. In addition to Idle Hour, Mark Bunter of Bunter Spring Winery (finally) showed up with his wines and Lenora Carey of Big Sur Vineyards also poured some of hers – including a limited release Pinot Noir made by…Mark Bunter!  We had arrived early for Idle Hour and were just about ready to leave when these wineries showed up, so I only have 3 wines to present today. In addition, we re-tasted Bunter’s 2018 Hippie Syrah – it was meaty and delicious, as I previously reported here:  Interesting Showing of Central Coast Wines at the Dome Reunion! 

Some of my notes are amplified by budding winemaker Erin and Jacqueline, the President of our Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society. As always, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the winery.  Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.

Mark raises the point in his writeup of the Palisades Vineyard Pinot Noir below that not all vineyards in Carmel Valley are in the Carmel Valley AVA – but now there is a brand new Carmel Coastal AVA which you can read about in Matt Kettmann’s article here: Is the Carmel Coast California’s Next Pinot Noir Star? I hope this new AVA addresses his issue!!

2019 Spring Pinot Noir Palisades Vineyard Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 12.84% ABV, $30.  (#919)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Owner John Stafsnes spares no amount of trouble or expense on his vineyard. In one of the many examples of AVA nonsense, Palisades, smack dab in the center of Carmel Valley, isn’t in the Carmel Valley AVA, although vineyards many miles away, and over the ridge, in tributary Cachagua valley, are.  So legally it’s not Carmel Valley wine, it’s Monterey wine. Whatever.  It is subtle but complex, a wine to savor and consider at length with good food. Low alcohol with medium body, spicy, leafy, earthy aromas, tart red cherry and red currant flavors finishing with lingering cinnamon-like tannins. Can you taste the $1300 French barrel? Hope so!  Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast, sulfite.  Not fined, reverse osmosis filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 69 ppm, residual sugar 0.3 g/L (dry).” 50 cases produced.

My Review: We had already tasted plenty of wine, so our notes on this one are a bit skimpy. This is a lighter style, food wine with plenty of expected cherry notes for a Monterey Pinot Noir. December 2022

2021 Spring Saignée Rosé, (Pre-release) (#920)

This wine is pre-release and not yet posted to their website.  Made from 50-year-old vines and spent 4 hours on the skins.  About 20 cases produced. If you want to read more about saignée, I found this Decanter Magazine article, “What does ‘saignée’ mean in rosé wine?”

My Review:  Pale salmon in the glass, more floral, like a rosé from Provence with some tart notes on the palate. Would be a great patio wine on a warm afternoon. December 2022

2021 Big Sur Vineyards Limited Release Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.8% ABV,$42 (#921)  50/50 Pommard Clone/667 Clone

Winemaker’s Notes: “Our 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve, handcrafted by winemaker Mark Bunter is light, bright and a classic Monterey County Pinot noir. Mark blended two Dijon clones; Pommard with its vevety style and soft tannins, and 667 with aromas of dark fruit and black tea. The result is a beautifully fresh, vividly ruby wine in the glass and layers of raspberry, plum, dark cherry and a hint of “Christmas spices.” It is rich and elegant on the palate while at the same time bursting with aromas and flavors, leaving you with a lasting impression of a well-crafted wine.”

My Review assisted by Erin & Jacqueline: Cherry deliciousness on the palate.  This is going to be a great wine – balanced. I’m not a big Pinot fan, but I liked this wine.  December 2022

You can check their respective websites for how to purchase their wines.  Thanks to the cooperation of Idle Hour, Bunter Spring and Big Sur Vineyards, you can sometimes find a pop-up tasting by Mark Bunter in the Idle Hour tasting space inside the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. Check out the Bunter Spring Winery Facebook Page and the Bunter Spring Winery Instagram page for more information.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Trendy Test Tubes Deliver Wines at Big Sur Vineyards!

The Decanting Monterey Wine Pod, having picked up the wrong wines, had to make an emergency trip to the valley.  Switch made, we decided to do a little tasting before heading home.  At Big Sur Vineyards’ tasting room, we could taste their wines, as well as Idle Hour’s wines.  It was a no brainer.  Today’s post is about Big Sur Vineyards.

We have tasted their wines over the years, with owner Lenora Carey present almost every time we dropped in.  I was in the tasting room shortly after the Soberanes fire, which destroyed her home and vineyards. Yet, there she was in the tasting room.  I recall talking to Lenora about her COVID plans to use test tubes for the wine tastes, an approach that continues to be popular to this day.  We enjoyed the approach, allowing us to taste the wines at our own pace. She wasn’t in the tasting room when we arrived; she had a graduation event for her son.  But, never fear, she showed up about halfway through our visit, personable and engaged, as always.  Her fortitude is impressive.

Ondine was helping out that day for both of our tastings.  Thinking back to earlier vintages, I was surprised that almost all of the wines were from Arroyo Seco (one of my preferred sources in Monterey County).  Ondine reminded me that, because the Big Sur Vineyards were damaged in the Soberanes fire, Lenora is sourcing grapes from elsewhere in Monterey County.

About Big Sur Vineyards: “Big Sur Vineyards is an award-winning winery with several San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medals. Our first vintage was 2013 and we picked Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah from neighboring vineyards, and called this wine Big Sur Red. It embodies all the things we love and value about Big Sur. This wine is bold, with big flavors and a touch of mystery.

“Big Sur Vineyards is a family wine business evolving with each vintage. We invite you to come try our wines at our Carmel Valley tasting room in the sun-drenched Carmel Valley village, just 15 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Enjoy our wines while taking in the view of the Santa Lucia mountain range from our sunny patio.”

I am presenting the 6 wines we tasted that day.  The winery notes come from their website. Check out their bottle labels, depicting local scenes such as the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.  Gotta love it. 

2019 Big Sur Vineyards  Grenache Blanc, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $38 (#761)

Winery Notes: “The single varietal limited release 100% Grenache Blanc was aged in neutral French oak to allow rich details while preserving fruit purity and freshness. Exceptional energy and brightness lead the way with a lingering sensation of richness. The nose is captivating with orange blossoms, mineral tones and sea foam leading to a medium bodied palate of tangerine, peach, sour apple and tropical fruits that feel racy and vibrant in the mouth along with steely precision and a tangy dry crispness.”

My Review: Light in color. Ripe pear on the nose. Crisp, light and a touch sweet on the palate with cream soda, apricot, melon and pear flavors.  A touch of sweet lemon curd on the finish.  I really liked this wine. June 2022

2019 Big Sur Vineyards  Big Sur White, Arroyo Seco, 12.5% ABV, $36 (#762)

Winery Notes: “This year’s Big Sur White – a Rhone blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier – is youthfully fresh with a delicious, vivacious personality which shows delicate floral notes, crushed rocks and saltiness with a mix of citrus and stone fruits. It’s tangy on the palate that fills out with a touch of barrel aged richness. Enjoy this wine with Lebanese 7 spice lamb, broiled lobster, garlic chicken, medium-hard nutty cheeses such as emmenthaler, comté and gruyére. This wine love spicy foods! The result is a bright, but smooth white wine with tangerine, lime blossoms, almond oil, light herbs, melon flesh and a hint of butterscotch.”

My Review:  Viscous in the glass. Pear on the nose, with a complex palate of crushed rocks, citrus, and a hint of apricot. Marine salt on the finish. Not sweet. June 2022

2018 Big Sur Vineyards Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $36 (#763)           

Winery Notes: “One of our best sellers and one of our signature wines, our Chardonnay is a classic Monterey style with a hint of tropical fruit and a light creamy mouthfeel. On the palate it shows apple, pear, white peach and lemon. This vintage has a nice array of ripe flavors and fresh acidity which makes it perfect with the local catch of the day as well as poultry dishes and Brie chesses. This clear and lightly golden Chardonnay gets fuller and more complex with air in the glass, and adds a hint of hazelnut, clove and citrus notes.”

My Review:  Viscous body. A touch of barnyard on the nose.  The palate is balanced, flavorful with rich flavors of citrus and oak. A very pleasant wine. June 2022

2018 Big Sur Vineyards  Reserve Pinot Noir, Tondré Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $48 (#764)

Winery Notes: “The 2018 vintage or our Pinot Noir Reserve, hand-crafted by winemaker Mark Bunter is made from grapes sourced at the Tondré Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This central California location is considered by many to be one of the preeminent producers of Pinot Noir in California.

“Our Pinot is bursting with aromas and flavors; ripe raspberry, cherry, crushed green leaves, dried orange peel with a hint of caramel and pomegranate. On the palate you discover the earthy attributes of the Pommard clone with its silky texture of black cherry, strong sweet tea with lemon and cassis. The wine is rich and elegant leaving you with a lasting impression of spice and fruit on the finish. Pair with duck breast with juniper berry sauce, grilled chicken and mushrooms and assorted creamy and semi soft cheeses.” 60 cases produced.

My Review:  Garnet in the glass. Black tea on the palate. This is a tasty wine. June 2022

2018 Big Sur Vineyards Grenache Noir, Arroyo Seco, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#765)

Winery Notes: “The 2018 Grenache Noir usually makes up the dominant percentage in our signature Big Sur Red Rhone Style blend, and we are thrilled with the profound delicacy and soulful character it shows. The wine has an unbearable lightness of being with a head turning burst of fresh strawberries, rose petals and faint spiciness that is sublime. It drinks as graceful as a Pinot Noir and has wonderful sense of elegance gaining pomegranate, wild plum and fresh picked briar laced raspberry as well as subtle mineral tones, earth, faint pepper, fennel and sage. This lighter style Grenache Noir shows a fresh detail, clarity and purity of form in a balanced medium bodied wine that delivers on its potential and promise from its seductive nose to its lingering tangy finish.”

My Review:  Ruby in the glass.  Spicy pepper and plum on the nose.  Cherry and smoke on the palate, reminiscent of a cherry Jolly Rancher on the finish. June 2022

2018 Big Sur Vineyards Syrah, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $38 (#766)

Winery Notes: “Syrah is a big-bodied, dry red wine that tends to shine its brightest on the opening palate. Not only is Syrah flavor-packed, but it’s also one of the darkest colored inky wines you can find. Our 2018 Syrah has aromas of cherry, lavender, black pepper, and cassis wrapped in warm overtones of vanilla. The palate reveals red and black bramble fruit—currants, blackberries, raspberries. Tight grained tannins give way to a long, lingering finish of black pepper and a savory gaminess. Pairs beautifully with dry-rubbed brisket or well seasoned pork, any pizza with meat on it, grilled veggies and garlic mashed potatoes.”

My Review:  A pretty, rich ruby in the glass.  Menthol and dark fruit on the nose.  Vanilla, plum and berries on the palate, not quite matching the powerful nose. June 2022

Want to buy or taste their wines?  We were able to walk in for a tasting – but check out their website above to taste or buy their wines.  Their tasting room is at 1 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley, with both indoor and outdoor tasting options:

“The Redwood Bar: Serving 6 tastes daily from Rosé to White to luscious Reds. You can also sip on a glass of your favorite and learn what makes Big Sur Vineyards so unique from our owner Lenora or our friendly staff!

“The panorama patio: No fog here! Come enjoy the sunshine in Carmel Valley while looking across at the Santa Lucia range. Share a bottle with friends and take in some rays! Sip a glass and stay a while!”

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Just in Time for the Weekend: Carmel Valley Village Tasting Room Update!

As I started to write my first blog posts, I realized, if I am going to do a Real Wine Blog, that I need a lot more photos. It’s been kind of overcast and cool in Pacific Grove, day after day. Last weekend, I decided I would drive out to Carmel Valley Village where I would be sure to find some warmth and sunshine and could take some pictures of the tasting rooms. I was able to check out their outdoor wine tasting venues, as that’s what’s permitted here in Monterey County as of this writing. A nice warm sunny day, lots of wine flowing everywhere. Except to me – I was on a mission!

I parked in front of the former location of Mercy’s tasting room and set out on foot.  (I miss Mercy so much.) The tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village are easily walk-able, unless you are intending to buy a lot of wine!  As you go through this list, please remember we are living in a very fluid situation right now.  If you are planning a wine tasting visit, the best option is to review the winery’s web page to see if they are open and if you need a reservation. Safety is the most important feature of each of these venues.

I began my trip with Massa Estate, 69 W. Carmel Valley Road, as it was where we started our Monterey County wine exploration way back when. It is the first tasting room as you enter the village. The owner, Laurie Massa, welcomed me in, showed me their tasting list, and allowed me to take photos of their outdoor space.  Massa has an incredible outdoor space to not only taste wine, but also for food. Local Chef Michael Jones is here with a very special menu – you can taste the wines and order a meal – or carry one out.  So many cute, outdoor tables with umbrellas – it’s just adorable here. In addition, there’s croquet in the front lawn so you can come, play, and relax. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Massa Estate has a cute, fun, yet elegant outdoor space.

The next winery I went to was Georis, 1 Pilot Road. We’ve always had a fondness for the brand, as Gaston Georis (Walter’s brother) once taught my husband French!  Their indoors wine tasting bar and room is very large (for better times). Their outdoor spaces are incredible for significantly socially distance tables for any sized party, even a larger, private event, as appropriate. I would feel very comfortable coming to Georis to do winetasting of primarily his great Merlots. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Georis has the largest outdoor space with distanced tables, and a vineyard setting.

Then I walked over to Seabold, 2 Pilot Road. I am not yet familiar with Seabold, so it was a good way to meet them and see their outdoor spaces.  They have smaller outdoor tables as well as big picnic benches and the occasional late afternoon music. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. 

Seabold: Great space and some music, too!

Cowgirl Winery, 26 Pilot Road, has incredible outdoor space for wine tasting and fun – open 11:30-5 daily.  (Sorry, I didn’t make it there to get pictures.)

Even though their wines come from elsewhere, I include Twisted Roots in my blog because of their tasting room location at 12 Del Fino Place (oh, and we enjoy their great wines).  They also have a nice outdoor setup on the side of their building open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.  Reservations suggested.

Twisted Roots has an excellent, quiet outdoor space for wine tasting!

I walked by Bunter Spring at 9 Del Fino Place, which is not doing public tastings until further notice.  Mark Bunter told me he is doing pickups by appointment, free local delivery, 20% off any six bottles, 25% off twelve bottles, and half-price shipping to CA, DC and FL only.

Bunter Spring is closed for tastings and Idle Hour is moving down the street!

Idle Hour right next door had a big sign saying they were moving in with Big Sur Vineyard’s tasting room at the end of the street.  That was welcome news to me, as collocation with Big Sur will probably result in a more constant presence than the out-of-town Idle Hour could always provide.

Big Sur Vineyards at 1 Del Fino Place was setting up as I dropped by.  Owner Lenora Carey showed me something really cool they are using for their outdoor wine tastings – wine vials that look like big test tubes called “taste tubes!”  Customers receive the flight of wines in a tube rack and pour their own when ready, improving social distancing during the tasting. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Big Sur Vineyards is using these cool “Taste Tubes” for a more touch-free experience!

Joullian, 2 Village Drive, is open daily 12-4 p.m. – reservations required.  They had a couple of small tables visible on their front patio.

Bernardus is still closed for in-person wine experiences due to their current focus on wine production and some virtual wine tastings.

Boekenoogen, 24 W. Carmel Valley Road, has an incredible outdoor patio, so their transition to outdoor operations was very easy.  They are open daily, 12-5 p.m.

The lovely patio was occupied, so photos will have to wait.

I’d been talking to Rombi Wines, 1 Center Street, which, like the rest of the wineries, had just set it all up for indoor operations when the order came down to move things outside.  Sal Rombi was able to create a relaxing, quiet spot to taste his big wines just in front of his tasting room.   Open Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Rombi’s first outdoor tasting guests!

Joyce, 1 E. Carmel Valley Road, has a nice outdoor space and some great wine sales.   Reservations preferred; weekends also first come, first served.  Wednesday-Friday 12-5 p.m.  Saturday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Over to Albatross Ridge, 9 E. Carmel Valley Road, which showed me their outdoor space behind their tasting room – a lovely space with plenty of tables.  Sunday-Thursday 12-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12-8 p.m. Reservations preferred.  They are open in Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well.

Finally, a very short walk over to the old White Oak shopping center at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, where the rest of these tasting rooms can be found: 

We were invited several weeks ago by Parsonage to help them test-drive their indoor wine tasting procedures (they learned a lot from our visit, as we tasted EVERY wine!) – only to have to revamp their procedures and space for outdoor operations.  They have built a parklet and are able to serve several tables outdoors.  Reservation required.  Thursday-Monday 12-5 p.m.

Parklet photo courtesy of Parsonage – very clever!

Rexford Winery tasting room is closed.  For a limited time, they are offering complimentary shipping on new orders of 3 or more bottles.  Chesebro tasting room was likewise closed. 

Windy Oaks is using a couple of small tables in front of its tasting room for outdoor operations.  The staff is very welcoming.  According to their website, the Carmel Valley tasting room is open Friday-Tuesday 12-5:30 – reservations recommended. Their Carmel-by-the-Sea location is open for limited tastings Wednesday-Monday 12-6 p.m. by reservation.

 I Brand also has some small outdoor tables and is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 and by reservation.  

These wineries are so happy to be sharing their wines with you.  I hope, if you get a chance, that you will get out to the valley and try some yourself.  Check to see if they require a reservation and confirm they are open.  It all looked good to me!  Come on out, give it a shot come out and support your local vintners.

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