Tagged: Brut Rose

Last Minute Switchup Leads to Scratch!

When the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society lost the planned location for their December gathering, the Scratch Tasting Room offered an excellent alternative! We are indebted to Scratch’s staff for accommodating us on very short notice.  It allowed us to have an exceptional social and wine education event.  I knew from photos announcing its opening that this tasting room was designed to the nines.  But I didn’t realize how spacious it was!  It would be a great location to have a quiet tasting with a girlfriend or a larger event like a bachelorette party or a reception. Really lovely. And the wines matched the setting.

Sabrine Rodems is Monterey County’s most renowned female winemakers. Not only is she the winemaker for the highly respected Wrath Winery (where I first learned of her), but also has her own label – Scratch – and serves as the winemaker for Kori Wines.  While I enjoyed a bottle of Scratch’s Blanc de Blanc earlier in the pandemic, and have written up one or two of her wines, I had not had the opportunity to stop by for a wine tasting or write up a review.

About Scratch from its Website: “Scratch is a project of Winemaker Sabrine Rodems producing small-lot Chardonnay Sparkling, Riesling, Grenache, Pinot Noir and Cabernet from Monterey, Arroyo Seco, Santa Lucia Highlands and Santa Cruz Mountains AVA’s.

“Sabrine received her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Theatre, Film and Television and worked in the film and theatre industry for many years before deciding to go back to school to earn her Master’s of Science in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. For the past twenty years Sabrine has been making highly acclaimed wines from some of the best vineyards in California.

“Working in the Central Coast and Monterey area has given her access to some of the best cool climate grapes in the world.” 

I’m also intrigued by her edgy labels. I asked the winery about the message behind them and got this response: “Mr. Cola was once a photographer for the New York Times then eventually found his calling in producing art. Sabrine was originally drawn to Mr. Colla due to his edgy nature as well as powerful message. As we do not have a lot of female wine makers today, we really wanted to showcase strong independent “bad ass” women on our labels to celebrate the change in the industry but also in hopes of inspiring the next generation of female wine makers.” They suggested we check out the artist’s website here: https://www.eddiecolla.com/.

On Eddie’s website he says this: ” There is a visual conversation that takes place on the streets of urban environments. This conversation is dominated primarily by advertising and utilitarian signage and assumes passive participation. Whether invited or not I am going to participate in this conversation. Public spaces were never intended to be coated from top to bottom with photos of consumer products. These spaces should, in some manner, reflect the culture that thrives in that space.”

Erin O of Terravenos and me!

I have 7 Scratch wines to present to you today from this event. I was assisted in my tasting notes by Erin O of Terravinos. I’ll write more abut her in the coming weeks. Therefore, today my notes are a little more in-depth and descriptive. Erin has a much more sophisticated and trained palate than I. I’ve added “assisted by Erin” to those reviews. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or website: https://www.scratchwines.com/. Any errors are mine and mine alone. 

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2020 Scratch Blanc de Blanc, Monterey AVA, 12% ABV, $49 (#905)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Extra Brut Chardonnay sparkling wine with brisk acidity and refreshing bubbles. Citrus with some tropical flair of lychee, guava and white flowers.”

My Review, assisted by Erin: Light cream soda in the glass. Pear and honeysuckle on the yeasty nose. Very crisp palate with notes of lemon zest and green apple – very balanced flavors and a creamy mousse. Super youthful. Nice. December 2022

2020 Scratch Brut Rose, Monterey AVA, 12.1% ABV, $49 (#906)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The touch of 828 Clone Pinot Noir to the Clone 96 Chardonnay base synergistically add a juiciness to the mid-palate that makes you want to take another sip!  Clone 96 Chardonnay has a round honey-dew melon mouth feel and with the addition of pinot makes you think you are biting into a fresh Fuji apple.  This sparkling wine is make using the classic Methode Champenoise, fermented in the bottle.”

My Review, assisted by Erin:  Dusty rose/pale pink in color.  Strawberry jam with a little biscuit and red apple on the nose. Strawberry and rose petals on the palate, amplified by crisp red fruits and ruby grapefruit.  A soft mousse. Fills the palate with bubbles. Youthful. December 2022

2019 Scratch Riesling, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $28 (#907)   

Winemaker’s Notes: “This Riesling is on fire! Big acid, bright minerality, grapefruit and lemon with a hint of flowers.   There is no residual sugar in this wine so it is not sweet at all, it is completely dry.  From the rocky, loamy Kristy’s Vineyard.  ”

My Review, assisted by Erin: Medium lemon in color. Some lees on the creamy, biscuity nose – reminiscent of a sauterne! Nectarine, peach and minerality on the palate. Muted acidity and brightness. Drink now. December 2022

2021 Scratch Boekenoogen Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4% ABV, $49 (#908)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright energetic palate of Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, sour cherries and berries. This juicy Pinot from the near top of the Santa Lucia Highlands bench shows the classic fruit of this AVA along with nutmeg, cinnamon and hints of white pepper.”

My Review, assisted by Erin: Pale ruby in color.  Bouquet of cranberry, raspberry, red plum, and warm baking spices, followed by a touch of garrigue. Raspberry and cranberry on the palate with medium minus tannins and medium acid, leading to a slightly bitter finish. Not cherry at all. The intensity of the fruit is not matched by the alcohol. December 2022

2018 Scratch KW Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $49 (#909) 

Winemaker’s Notes: “A rich and lush Pinot Noir with black cherries, plum, nutmeg, clove and hints of anise. Produced using 30% whole clusters fermentation creates a structured wine with balanced tannins and complexity.”

My Review assisted by Erin:  Pale garnet in color. Dried cranberry and Bing cherry on the nose – potpourri. Medium-bodied palate presents a little jammy with medium plus grippy tannins and a touch of caramel with cherry notes on the finish. High alcohol.

2018 Scratch Grenache, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.5% ABV, $49 (#910)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine with nutmeg, clove, anise and black cherries will make your meal sing!  This is a sneak-peek at this yet-to-be-released-wine.”

My Review, assisted by Erin: A perfume of rose petal, lavender, raspberry, black cherry and red fruits like cranberry and a tiny bit of chocolate, tobacco.  Perfume carries over to palate with cranberry and raspberry flavors. This is a big wine with medium grippy tannins. December 2022

2017 Scratch Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, 14.4% ABV, $75 (#911)           

Winemaker’s Notes: “From the steep hillside of the JANACA Vineyard on Mt. Madonna. Rich flavors of plum and blackberries with juniper, nutmeg, clove. Classic Cabernet!”  

My Review, assisted by Erin: Inky in the glass. Brambly, blackberry nose with baking spice, mint and sage notes. Full bodied and rich with chalky tannins. This is a lovely wine that represents well one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions in California. December 2022

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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The Scratch Tasting Room is located at 1 East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM.  You can find more information here.

Monterey County Vintners and Growers Know How to Celebrate Monterey Winemakers!

I tell you, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod is on it!  While we were completing a wine tour of Portugal and Spain, the home team was on alert for Central Coast wine activities.  We got a text the day we were flying home about the 29th Annual Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration. Were we planning to attend? The answer was yes! We last attended this event in 2018 and thought it was good but crowded. My assessment of this year’s event is that it was terrific!

This event, sponsored by the Monterey Vintners and Growers Association, was advertised as an opportunity to “Enjoy the incredible wines and culinary abundance from one of the world’s premier wine regions in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.” It was incredibly well organized (way to go, Kim Stemler!).  Located in Devendorf Park instead of the streets of Carmel-By-The-Sea, this event seemed a bit more private, out of the hustle and bustle of the village.  The entry was very efficient.  Daunted by a huge entry line, we were instantly relieved to see tickets were being checked and wristbands allocated before the gates even opened.  With the food moved to the exterior streets, attendees could move easily among the winery booths and step out for food.

The wineries were mostly familiar to me, with a few exceptions.  Most I have been to and are captured somewhere in Decanting Monterey.  That was a good thing, as we could pick and choose which one or two wines we wanted to taste at each. And some of the winemakers were there – either in force or for part of the event, including Sabrine Rodems, Keith and Tim Prader of Shale Canyon, Ian Brand, Kori Violini and the Rexford family. It meant so much to the attendees to be able to connect with these winemakers directly. And I was so happy to see Rexford there – I have missed their tasting room in the village and hope to get up to their winery soon.

We also enjoyed talking to The Wine Experience and mixing our own red blends (mine was rather vegetal – too much Cabernet Franc!).  We will definitely need to pay a visit and do this the proper way next time – taste each wine, then blend, silly Sharon. 

Our only regret is that we did not purchase the VIP ticket for this event, as we are reserve wine kind of people. That said, we tasted both familiar and new-to-us wines.  I’ll highlight a few memorable ones here.  I made the decision up front not to try to capture tasting notes, but to be in the moment, enjoying the event. And I can’t wait for next year’s event!

2015 Pessagno Tre Red Wine Blend, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard,  Paicines AVA, 14.12%, $42 (675*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 20% Petite Sirah

About Pessagno: “Pessagno Winery fulfills a twenty-year dream to produce limited quantities of exclusive luxury wines from prestigious single vineyards throughout Monterey and San Benito Counties. The winery is known for creating wines of distinct character and elegance. It is widely recognized as one of California’s finest wine sources.”

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Tre offers bold aromas of dark fruits, spice, oak, and tobacco. The palate is treated to a rich feel, deep dark fruit flavors, oak and tobacco, with a velvety caramel finish.”

My Notes: I was really surprised by this beautiful blend. It was perhaps the wine most aligned to my palate that we tasted that day – big, smooth, bold.  It was among the first and last wines we visited during the tasting. I will need to visit Pessagno for a complete tasting soon. Check out their website for upcoming events at the winery – and at the vineyard in Paicines, an AVA in San Benito County of which I am very fond!

2017 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Syrah, Chalone AVA, $54 (676*)

About Chalone Vineyard: “Monterey’s first winery, Chalone Vineyard is nestled amongst the Pinnacle mountains in Monterey.  High atop the Gavilan plateau, the ocean breezes sweep across the remarkable terroir of the Chalone vineyard with its volcanic limestone soils that give our wines their distinctive flavor.”

Winery Notes: “Bold and complex – just as you’d want a Syrah to be. Leather, cinnamon, tobacco leaf and dark fruits offer layers of intrigue for the senses.”

My Notes: I do love my Central Coast Syrahs and this was no exception! Smooth with the dark berry and earthiness you’d expect from a Syrah.  About time we get over to Chalone to do a wine tasting, as well!

2021 Bernardus Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, $30 (677*) Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, & Cinsault

Winery Notes: “Bernardus has been producing a small bottling of Rosé from our local vineyards for many years.  Now we are thrilled to announce the release of our first Rosé from the Provence region of France! To that end, we have partnered with a prestigious French winery: La Coste.  Bernardus is very proud to present a wine based on multi-national tasting trials:  Bernardus French Rosé!

“Flavors are full and rich, redolent with light red fruits on a long smooth finish.  An exceptional Rosé we know everyone will enjoy!”

My Notes: We wished the Provence Rosé member of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod had been with us to taste this delicious new French rose from Bernardus. I think it will be a hit!  Pretty pale pink in the glass.  Perfume on the nose.  Light on the palate with a touch of sweetness on the finish.

2018 Pierce Ranch Olonde, San Antonio Valley, $32 (678*)  39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 59% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Winery Notes: Bordeaux style blend composed of Cab. Sauv., Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

My Notes: We were all impressed by this wine, one that we did not get to taste during our March visit to their tasting room.  They informed me they have some other new releases coming out in the next few weeks, so another visit soon??

2018 Silvestri Estate Barbera, Carmel Valley, $65 (679*)           

Winery Notes: “Now on sale! $60 a bottle (normally $65) for a limited time only. Barbera is a red grape varietal originating from the Piedmont region of Northwestern Italy. Our small block of Barbera, which is the first planting of this varietal in Carmel Valley, was added to the vineyard to honor the Silvestri family heritage. It’s position on a warm southern facing slope allows this varietal to mature and ripen to its fullest potential before harvest.  With the influence of French oak barrel fermentation and maturation our Barbera exudes a deep richness and complexity that helps balance the grape’s high acidity.

“Black cherry, dried strawberry and plum aromas blend through to like flavors and move on to full, soft tannins with sufficient acidity. A more refined yet full-flavored Barbera” 462 cases.

My Notes: This was a terrific Barbera with delicious berry, raspberry flavors.

2018 Silvestri Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, $48 (680*)   

Winery Notes: “Moving to a warmer section of the vineyard is our Syrah. After harvest our Syrah is de-stemmed and placed into ¾ open top fermenters.  Here, whole berry fermentation takes place to maximize the extraction of flavor and color. The juice is then racked to French oak barrels.  Malolactic fermentation is initiated and will take place for about a month. We then rack the wine after 6 months, and age for another 12-18 months before bottling.

“Syrah fans everywhere.  Our Syrah continues to please year after year.  Savor the aromas of blackberry and dried plum while enjoying the mouth-watering flavors, velvety texture along with medium tannins. Complement with sausage pizza, grilled veggies or grilled meat.” 123 cases

My Notes: This is my kind of Syrah – big, smooth, juicy with delicious dark berry and plum flavors, without the earthiness that, for me, can be a distraction. 

2019 Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 14.5% ABV, $15 (681*)

Winery Notes: “We craft this richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon with California grapes picked at the peak of ripeness in our coastal vineyards. Adding a twist to traditional barrel-aging, select lots of the blend are aged in a mix of new and used bourbon barrels. The new barrels give the wine its deep undertones of toasted oak. The used barrels—selected from a renowned Kentucky distillery—exude notes of vanilla and dried herbs, hinting at the fine bourbon that once graced these casks. The result is a bold, flavorful wine, unlike any other Cabernet.

“Layered and complex, our Bourbon Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with aromas of blackberry cobbler, graham cracker, brown sugar, milk chocolate, coffee and smoke. A palate of blueberry pie, praline, sweet vanilla custard, caramel and mocha is framed by soft, chewy tannins and a hint of toasted oak on the lingering finish.”

My Notes: This was kind of fun – they brought both the Bourbon Barrel-aged and Rye Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignons for a compare and contrast.  I say Bourbon Barrel hands down! As an affordable, everyday Cabernet Sauvignon, this is kind of a fun one.

2020 Scratch  Brut Rose, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, $49 (682*)        

Winery Notes: “The touch of 828 Clone Pinot Noir to the Clone 96 Chardonnay base synergistically add a juiciness to the mid-palate that makes you want to take another sip!  Clone 96 Chardonnay has a round honey-dew melon mouth feel and with the addition of pinot makes you think you are biting into a fresh Fuji apple.  This sparkling wine is make using the classic Methode Champenoise, fermented in the bottle.”

My Notes: Wow!  Winemaker Sabrine Rodems was here!  It was so great to meet her in person.  We have enjoyed her wines from Wrath, Scratch, and Kori Wines!  And I love a great sparkling rose!  Another place to wine taste soon, as all I have tried are her sparkling wines.  

2019 Shale Canyon ZSM, Arroyo Seco AVA, $55   (683*) 48% Zinfandel, 32% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Winery Notes: “The 2019 ZSM is a blend of Estate Zinfandel – 48%, Arroyo Seco Syrah – 32% and Estate Mourvèdre – 20%.  On the nose you will get bright berry fruit with a touch of violet on the bouquet.  The middle is full of dark fruit, predominately blueberry, followed by raspberry and huckleberry.  On the finish you will get a touch of smokiness from the newer oak barrels, firm tannins and a touch of vanilla.  This full bodied wine is still young only having been bottled in the first week of July 2021, but it is drinking exceptionally well already.”

My Notes: This is a brand-new release which will soon be on their website and available in their tasting room!  It was our pleasure to taste this big red – another wine right up my alley.

2019 Folktale Le Mistral Joseph’s Blend, Monterey County, $50 (#684)                                   

About Folktale Winery:  “In 2015, a band of artists, craftspeople, and lovers of life brought their wandering imaginations and lofty aspirations to a magical piece of land in Carmel, California. Out in the sunny valley, we cultivated grapevines and gardens to craft beautiful wines and experiences to delight the senses. We named this place Folktale Winery & Vineyards.

“Folktale was inspired by the idea that in every great bottle of wine, there is a story. It is filled with uniqueness of place, a year of sun and rain, and the art and craft of winemaking. The story is about our people, our guests, and our passion. This is a love story, and the best love stories never end.”

Winery Notes: “Grapes for this vintage of Joseph’s Blend were hand-harvested from 5 different vineyards in our region.  Each lot fermented in small batches and was gently pressed and racked to French oak barrels to age.  After 6 months, all lots were tasted and a final blend was created.  The wine spent another year in barrel before being bottled in Aug, 2021.  In this year’s blend, Grenache came from Ventana and Mission Ranch Vineyards (Arroyo Seco AVA), Syrah from Cedar Lane Vineyard (Arroyo Seco AVA) and Tondre Grapefield (Santa Lucia Highlands AVA), and Mourvedre from Sandy Lane Vineyard (Contra Costa County).”

My Notes: OK, it was a little strange that Folktale was the only winery out in the food area.  I wished I had found them earlier and had had the capacity to give their wines a thorough tasting.  I am looking forward to seeing where their wines are going. This GSM was a fine wine, worthy of a retaste.  I admit I have shied away from Folktale as it is more of a food with wine pairings place, but maybe that isn’t a bad thing to try.  The Le Mistral tasting looks great to me.

*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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Caraccioli Cellars: Adding a Real Sparkle to Our New Year’s Eve!

The Decanting Monterey COVID Wine Pod had been talking about going to Caraccioli’s tasting room in Carmel-By-The-Sea for a long time.  A plankholder of the wine pod is an expert on French champagnes.  I wasn’t going to go there without her.  With the holidays quickly approaching and visitors in town, we finally made it happen in mid-December.

I almost walked right by their tasting room, on the same block as Lepe Cellars – on Dolores between Ocean and 7th.  It looked more like an upscale bar than what we are used to finding in a basic tasting room – there is nothing basic about this venue!  We had reserved our tasting in advance (highly recommended) and were placed in a quiet corner.  Perfect. 

Everything about this venue was upscale – the nice ambiance heightened by quality, professional presentations by staff who didn’t flinch at my peskiest question.  We felt very well treated as consumers and would highly recommend a visit if you are a sparkling wine lover or celebrating a special event.  We walked away with various vintages of the Brut Cuvée and the latest Brut Rosé!

The first thing I learned was that the estate vineyard for Caraccioli Cellars is the highly esteemed Escolle Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands.  We have long been enjoying some of our region’s very best Chardonnays by various local producers using grapes sourced from this vineyard.  Now we know the winery that owns the vineyard!

Our New Year’s Eve started with 2 Caraccioli sparkling wines!

When we decided to have the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod to our house to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we were very pleasantly surprised to see that our French Champagne lovers brought the 2013 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée!  And we had already planned to serve our sole bottle of the 2015 Brut Rosé!  Starting our evening with Caraccioli sparkling wines was an amazing way to kick off our celebration of the new year! We then moved directly into our big reds, our true wheelhouse!

Kicking off our New Year’s Eve with the Caraccioli Brut Rose!

About Caraccioli Cellars : “A family run winery, Caraccioli Cellars takes pride in developing wines that deliver an expression true to vintage and site. Founded in 2006, Caraccioli Cellars’ commitment starts in the vineyard through our utilizing solely Santa Lucia Highlands’ grapes. We aim to highlight the quality of our local Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes by producing fruit centric still wines, and Brut and Brut Rosé in our sparkling wine program. Michel Salgues, previously head winemaker at Roderer Estate, is our head winemaker and through his techniques and expertise the family vision is precisely executed.

“Through light handed winemaking we aim to achieve elegance through rigorous control. Looking to showcase vintage variation our wines receive minimal manipulation, and in 2015 all wines produced will be 100% estate coming from Escolle. Elimination of outside grape sources only supports our efforts to heighten control in every way possible. The maturation of Escolle gives us the oppertunity to fully control every decision that will be made at the vineyard.”

Today, I am presenting 6 Caraccioli Cellars wines – 5 from our wine tasting on December 10th – and one more from New Year’s Eve. 

Winery notes come from their website and tasting sheet (I confess to correcting any typos…).

2013 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $75 (#575*)

Winery Notes: “Translucent yellow. Persistent and vigorous pinpoint bubbles; generous mousse. Rich red and citrus fruits highlighting juicy honey crisp apple and fresh lemon. Yeasty glazed donut; brioche toast balanced with soft florals and chalky minerality. Racy lime, sugared lemon wedge, pineapple and kumquat fruit notes backed by hints of integrated yeastiness throughout. Very bright and fruit forward, salivating crisp finish.” 93 points Vinous.

My Review:  Light golden in the glass.  Yeast, pineapple and a touch of perfume on the nose.  Apricot on the palate with a grapefruit twist on the finish.  Nice, bright acidity – we liked this sparkling wine!  December 2021

2015 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvée, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $52 (#576*)

Winery Notes: “Pale golden color, miniscule bubbles coming from the core with a pronounced yet fine mousse. Nuanced fruit aromas including Macintosh apple, ripe apricot and lemon zest. Underpinning floral notes enhanced with rich vanilla, creamy lemon and honeycomb. Opens with crisp savory acidity on the front palate. Well structured mouth feel, delivers tastes of citrus and stone fruit with hints of oyster shell minerality. Finishing with a soft creamy, well integrated lingering acidity.” 92 points Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Mellow on the nose.  Light lemon on the palate,  Less acidic than the 2013.  Light and bubbly with a touch of minerality. I preferred this one to the 2013. December 2021

2015 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Rosé, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $60 (#577*)

Winery Notes: “Translucent salmon with radiant peach undertones. Fine, energetic and pronounced mousse. Aromas of raspberry sorbet, strawberry, watermelon and tangerine zest. Hints of jasmine and honeycomb. Bright and complex acidity on the front palate wrapped in elements of citrus. Bursts of juicy raspberry and stone fruit balanced with subtle, crisp finish.

My Review: Beautiful peach in color.  This was crisp with the very pleasant flavors including strawberry – very balanced acidity.  I highly recommend this wine if you can get it! My favorite of all the sparklings!  December 2021

2018 Caraccioli Cellars Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.9% ABV, $35 (#578*)

Winery Notes: “Pale straw, light golden hue. Lemon meringue, honey dew melon along with tropical pineapple, kiwi, lychee and guava. A flirty balance of fruit, delicate white jasmine flower and salty sea. Creamy mouthfeel coupled with structural integrated fruit throughout the sip. Fruit notes reminiscent of green apple, pear, pineapple, candied peach and nectarine. Soft florals balanced with a brined mid palate acidity, mouthwatering finish that showcases the bright fruit.” 94 points, Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Pale in the glass.  Touch of soft pineapple, a little butter and woodiness on the nose “like the Lone Cypress” or a cut shrub.  Clean, nice, some minerality.  December 2021

2020 Caraccioli Cellars Rosé of Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12.88% ABV, $25 (#579*)

Love the magnum bottle for the Rose of Pinot Noir!

Winery Notes: “Vibrant pale pink. Pure and expressive bouquet of melon particularly sweet watermelon and ripe honeydew. Secondary notes of lychee, mandarin and an overall pleasing citrus. Elegant and refreshing while also soft and bright. Flavors of melon, ripe kiwi and an assortment of tropical fruit. Highly quaffable with crisp and lengthy mouthwatering finish.” 94 points, Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Pale pink in the glass.  Watermelon on the nose.  Mellow and refreshing.  Low acidity.  Would pair well with a watermelon feta salad with some sea salt. December 2021

2018 Caraccioli Cellars Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.3% ABV, $50 (#580*)

Winery Notes: “Deep ruby red. Rich luscious nose. Balanced hints of spice, earth and fruit. Cherry cola, plum, dried cranberry, black pepper, cinnamon and notes of savory chaparral throughout. Big and bold in the mouth. Luxardo, Bing and black cherry cola along with raspberry and fig. Complex soft tannin on the front palate, structured acidity through the lengthy, strong finish.” 95 points, Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Cherry cola and burnt grape (wire) on the nose. Earthy in the cheeks.  Munchy mid-palate with a bitter aftertaste. A “perfect expression of a Central Coast Pinot.” December 2021

Caraccioli Cellars’ Tasting Room is located at 7393 Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, on Dolores between Ocean and 7th.  It is open for indoor tastings daily from 12-6, opening at 11 on the weekends.  Reservations are HIGHLY recommended – call 831-622-7722 or email your specifics to Samantha@caracciolicellars.com.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery’s website or at their tasting room. 

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