Tagged: Carmel Valley AVA

Don’t Miss the Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage New Release!

In January, I received an email from Alex Lallos the manager at Chesebro informing us that they have finally released the 2014 La Montagne Sauvage. We made a bee-line for the tasting room!

Mark Chesebro’s wines have impressed us since we first “discovered” them out in Carmel Valley.  Great, delicious wines at affordable prices – what’s not to like? And their wines come from Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley, my two favorite parts of Monterey County. The Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage Rhone blend has long been one of my favorites. I presented an earlier vintage of this wine at my very first Washington Wine & Cheese Seminar.  As a fan of our local wines, I felt compelled to expose others to our Monterey wines.  I’ve also presented their Las Arenas at a couple of classes in the past, including at the Northern Virginia American Wine Society.  Their wines are always a big hit. 

After our tasting (and a thorough re-tasting of the La Montagne Sauvage at home), I decided to purchase a case and get my next DC class on the schedule!  Right now, June 14th, for all my DC readers. Thank you, Alex, for making this happen for me!

Today I am presenting 5 Chesebro wines from our January tasting.  Winery notes come from their tasting.  I will admit, we were deep in conversation with Alex and I didn’t capture detailed tasting notes of my own! And his detailed tasting notes say it all. 

I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them.

2019 Chesebro Vermentino, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $23 (#614*)

Winery Notes: “Vermentino is a variety most often associated with Sardinia, Corsica and Liguria.  Alluring aromas of pine and citrus with a smooth palate balanced, by mouthwatering acidity.  Late ripening in this cool site allows the development of complex and elegant flavors.  Refreshing and vibrant.”

My Review: Light in the glass.  Floral on the nose and palate.  A very pleasant wine. January 2022

2017 Chesebro Grenache Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#615*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant, almost transparent light-gold in color with a kaleidoscope of aromas including white peach, grapefruit, citrus blossom and tangerine.  A subtle hint of vanilla and butterscotch round out the nose. On the palate, citrus and stone fruits.  Round yet refreshing through the finish.”

My Review: Light golden in color with caramel on the nose. January 2022

2016 Chesebro Chardonnay, Soledad Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#616*)

Winery Notes: “Pale yellow gold in color.  Exotic aromatics with white flowers, lemon verbena and ever so subtle vanilla bean.  The palate is fresh and vibrant, almost Chablis-like in its cut and precision.  Each sip has amazing energy and tension balanced by the inherent richness of the ultra-clean Chardonnay fruit.”

My Review: Pale gold in color. Earth on the nose. Both tart and sweet tangerine flavors on the palate with lemon and vanilla notes. January 2022

2016 Chesebro  Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $27 (#617*)

Winery Notes: “Our Southern Rhone (Chateauneuf du Pape) style blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Aromas of cranberries and blackberries over a background of coffee and a hint of white pepper.  Smooth and velvety with a long finish.  Enjoyable now with a long life ahead.”

My Review: Dark ruby in color.  Earth and dark plum on the nose.  Plum and tobacco on the palate with a touch of sweetness along the bitter finish. I like this wine. It is also one of my favorites to showcase in wine classes.  January 2022

2014 Chesebro  La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley, $35 (#618*)

Winery Notes: “Grown on our estate in the Upper Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils at 1500’ elevation, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of cassis, dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice.  Blockbuster with a long lingering finish.

My Review: Rich ruby in the glass. Pleasant nose of fresh berries.  Palate of berry jam, eucalyptus and chocolate with red currant and anise flavors on the finish.  Super delicious. My very favorite of all the Chesebro wines. January 2022

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room. Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for 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

Make a Donation!

Galante: Now This Cowboy Makes Big Reds!

I don’t spend nearly enough time wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Part of it is our search for warmth and sun. Part of it is not wanting to deal with crowds of people and parking. I did make it to a couple of the Carmel-by-the-Sea tasting rooms during COVID, mostly to pick up specific wines for my weekly class. Now that things are truly open, I want to get there more often.

When I needed to find a new groomer for my dog (that is a long, pandemic story), I thought, “This could be a win-win!”  I dropped my dog at the groomer and walked to a couple of nearby tasting rooms. Perfect!  When can he get groomed again? 😊

A year after my little guy was banned by one groomer, we struck gold!

Today’s post is about Galante Vineyards.  Galante was the first winery to open a tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  We have visited them several times over the many years. I learned from Kaela that Jack’s great grandfather was actually the founder of Carmel-by-the-Sea! Their roots in the area run deep! According to their website, Jack’s parents bought a cattle ranch in Carmel Valley and began growing grapes (focused on Cabernet Sauvignon) in 1983.  Over a decade later, Jack decided to build a winery and make his own wine.  There is definitely a ranch/cowboy theme in his tasting room and in his wines!

If you are a big red drinker, you will find something to please your palate at Galante!

The ranch is located in the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley, home to several wineries large and small producing rich Bordeaux varietals. I contend that the climate and terroir of Cachagua result in some of the finest wines produced in Monterey County. I like my reds big – and the fruit in this region seems extra delicious.

Today I am presenting 6 Galante red wines.  The winery notes come from their website linked above.

2017 Galante Kick Ass Red, Carmel Valley AVA, 13.5% ABV, $35 (#405*) 

Winery notes: “With a blend of 73% Malbec and 27% Petite Sirah, this untamed wine from our Carmel Valley Estate vineyards has the familiar smell of saddle leather and fresh picked huckleberries.  It cuts loose with rustic flavors of blueberry cobbler rounding out its hearty finish. It’ll make any trail meal taste fancy.”

My Review: Super dark ruby in the glass. Intense deep berry on the nose (my Cachagua fruit!).  Bright acidity.  The Petite Sirah really tempers the Malbec in this blend. From one of the oldest vineyards in Carmel Valley. July 2021                                                                                                                               

2014 Galante “Ace High” Malbec, Carmel Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $40 (#406*) 

Winery notes: “If you haven’t had a bottle of this 2014 vintage lately, you’re in for a treat!  At almost 6 years old, this wine is absolutely delicious – full-bodied, soft, and fruit forward with notes of spicy plum and blackberry – there is no better pairing with a nice grilled steak or perhaps some slow-cooked short ribs.”

My Review: Very inky in the glass.  Bright acidity on the palate (I learned Jack likes lower alcohol and a bit of acidity).  Cassis flavors on the palate with a touch of raisin and a very dry finish. July 2021                     

2018 Galante Rancho Galante, Carmel Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $45 (#407*) 

Winery notes: “This lovely blend of Malbec, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon is direct and lively with excellent red fruit and bright acidity.  It will compliment most any meal or perhaps just a wonderful cheese selection.”

My Review: Smokey rich berry nose.  Smooth, intense berry fruit on the palate and a dry finish.  My notes say “Wow!” This was one of my preferred wines of those tasted today.  I took a bottle home! July 2021                     

2017 Galante Red Rose Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 13.3% ABV, $50 (#408*) 

Winery notes: “A blend of 8% each of Malbec, Petite Sirah & Melot with 76% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Enjoy this explosive mouth full…of beautiful cherry and sweet tangy cassis.” (from the tasting sheet)

My Review: Intense on the palate with acidity and a bit of sweet cherry on the finish. July 2021                   

2018 Galante Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $85 (#409*) 

Winery notes: “We are especially excited to present our inaugural 2018 Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot). This series celebrates Jack Galante’s great grandfather’s vision which created the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The photo on this first label depicts James Frank Devendorf in his buggy overlooking what is to become the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Aged in new French Oak for a full 20 months, this wine is opulent and rich with bold, lingering flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis and vanilla. With ample, chewy yet soft tannins, this wine will be extremely cellar worthy for many decades so put a bottle or two away but enjoy some now as well. Only 100 cases were produced!”

My Review: Almost purple in the glass. Slight caramel on the nose.  Intense berries on the palate with a lingering finish.  This was indeed my favorite of the day. July 2021               

2001 Galante Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $135 (#410*) 

Winery notes: “The color is very bright and youthful. Initially the nose may have a slight lactic scent that blows off with some air leading to expressive black fruit. The flavors are big and rich with a concentrated black currant. Very bright on the front of the palate and long on the finish. This wine will benefit from some open time but will go on for many years in the bottle. Outstanding!”

My Review: Inky dark in the glass – very different in appearance from the other wines tasted today.  BBQ ribs and some cooked fruit on the nose, reflecting the age of this library selection.  Some raisin and cassis on the palate. July 2021             

You can buy Galante wines online or at their Tasting Room on Dolores between 7th and Ocean Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea.  They are open daily!

*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.    

Bernardus Marinus: “Taste a Dream”

I was surprised to find a half bottle of the Bordeaux-style 2007 Marinus open in our wine room. Whenever we are in the valley, we stop by Bernardus to taste some wines and check out their sales. I knew we had purchased half bottles of the smoky 2008 Marinus, but had no idea we had some 2007!  What a treat in a tiny bottle!  Marinus achieves Ben Pon’s dream of making a quality Bordeaux blend wine from Carmel Valley.  It is among my very favorite Carmel Valley (and, to be frank, Monterey County and Central Coast) wines. I don’t have the blend for this vintage, but the 2009 was 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The back of the label also mentions Malbec!

2007 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.2% ABV, $112 (release price $36)  (#397*)

About the Marinus Vineyard: “Bernardus owns 210 acres in the Cachagua region of the upper Carmel Valley on two sites. The Marinus vineyard comprises 36 acres. Of the 36 acres, 25 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 acres to Merlot, 1 acre to Cabernet Franc and 1 acre to Petit Verdot. Carmel Valley is surrounded by the ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cachagua Valley is a sun-trap, a “bowl” in a high elevation that is shielded from the coastal fog and ideal for growing Bordeaux-style grapes. The daily temperatures vary from over 100° F. during the day to 50° F. during the night. The geographic “bowl” effect traps the heat during the day while elevation and ocean proximity produce cool nights. This unique microclimate creates a prolonged growing season allowing full flavor development of the fruit while on the vine. Marinus vineyard soils are varied. They range from clay loam to sandy loam. The vineyard is divided into 15 diverse “blending blocks” each producing grapes with distinct and varied flavors.”

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Another successful Marinus from this small Monterey County appellation. Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, it’s dry and rich in blackberries, black currants, crème de cassis and cedar, and is more rough in tannins than your typical Napa Cabernet blend. Drink now–2013.”  12/2010

My Review: Super dark ruby in the glass. Cassis on the nose. Super smooth on the palate, bursting with black fruit, a little chalky. This was extremely delicious and drinking well – beyond expecation! June 2021

While this is in general sold out, K&L Wine Merchants held a recent auction of 6 full bottles which sold for $150!

Ordering and Tasting Bernardus Wines: According to their website, you can place your wine order on line and pick it up at the winery or have it shipped to you. The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:00, 1:00 or 3:00 by reservation only for outdoor seating for 4 or fewer people.  Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021. Check here for more information. 

*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.    

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.    

Seabold: BOLD-ly Creating Coastal Wines

Now that things are opening up, it is time to go exploring – discover some newer wineries I haven’t tried before.  On a chilly Memorial Day Sunday on the coast, I went for warmth and wine, finding both in Carmel Valley Village.  

Back when I first started Decanting Monterey, I had driven out to the valley to take pictures and noted a new tasting room.  I had never heard of Seabold and put it on my list to come back and try.  One pandemic later, it was time!  Seabold’s location makes it a visible stop for wine connoisseurs and tourists alike. I received first class treatment from Katianna. She brought me the wines individually so I could learn about each one. The quotes below come from the Seabold web page or from their tasting sheet.  

About Seabold:  “Seabold Cellars was established in the Monterey Bay region because we believe that cool-climate organic and sustainable vineyards produce balanced wines that showcase their origin more than their winemaking. During the year, more time is spent in vineyards than the winery. Our winemaking is as hands-off as possible, respecting traditional techniques and practices without being beholden to them. We produce non-interventionist, site-specific Burgundy and Rhône varieties, as seen through a California lens.” They source their grapes from throughout the Central Coast – from Prunedale to Paso Robles and make their wines in nearby Marina!

“Seabold Cellars focuses on vineyards in the Monterey Bay area. This region has immense potential owing to geographic, geological, and climatic factors. Less than 100 yards offshore, the Blue Grand Canyon – at 60 miles long and 2 miles deep – is one of the world’s largest and deepest marine trenches. Its 300 cubic miles of frigid waters fuel the cold Salinas wind that moderates temperatures throughout all of Monterey County. As the wind funnels through the Gabilan and Santa Lucia Ranges, it creates a Thermal Rainbow – a large scale temperature gradation drawn through the length of the Salinas Valley.” 

I will be presenting Seabold’s wines in 2 separate posts: Seabold Cellars and BOLD Wine Co. Seabold Cellars wines are single vineyard and BOLD are wines Chris Miller, the proprietor and winemaker, gets to experiment and have fun with. Today’s post is about Seabold Cellars’ wines!

2018 Seabold Cellars Pinot Blanc, Rodnick Farm, Chalone AVA, 13.1% ABV, $45 (#372*) 

Winery notes: “Established in the 1970s, this was the personal home and vineyard for legendary pioneer Dick Graff during his winemaking tenure at Chalone…Blanched almond, dried lemon peel, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. A broad, rich, glycerol mouthfeel with surprisingly fresh acidity.”

WINE ENTHUSIAST – 93 points, Editor’s Choice: “It’s always a joy to taste the old vines of Chalone, and this bottling captures their unique qualities, starting with aromas of apple syrup, hazelnut and toasted pecan. The palate offers almond, Meyer lemon and a creamy oak flavor that lingers on the tongue for a long time—all very unique elements.” MATT KETTMANN https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/seabold-cellars-2018-rodnick-farm-old-vines-pinot-blanc-chalone/ 

My Review: Golden in the glass. A little musty parmesan and bitter citrus rind on the nose.  Round, bold flavors on the palate with lemon/citrus peel.  Very flavorful, powerful on the palate, with a lingering finish.  I would have guessed a higher % ABV for the flavor.  This was my favorite, most notable, of the wines I tasted today. May 2021

2019 Seabold Cellars Grenache Blanc, Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.7% ABV, $40 (#373*)

Vineyard notes: “Steve McIntyre – one of the most knowledgeable and experienced winegrowers in California – farms this plot of land. Increasingly we find ourselves impressed with the quality of aromatic white varieties from Arroyo Seco, and this site has shown immense promise very early on for us…”

Tasting Sheet notes: “Juicy guava, agave nectar, papaya, persimmon, white pepper”

My Review: Straw in the glass with a faint nose of tropical fruits.  Delicious tropical fruits carrying through the palate.  Smooth, refreshing and light – perfect for a hot, sunny day in Carmel Valley! May 2021

Seabold’s tasting room proudly displays the rocks that distinguish our Central Coast vineyards.

2018 Seabold Cellars Chardonnay, Olson Vineyard, Prunedale, Monterey AVA, 13.1% ABV, $40 (#374*)

Vineyard Notes: “The Olsons have been the owners and caretakers since 1882, and have always farmed the entire property organically. The vineyard, dramatically towering above Highway 101, is composed of weathered sandstone with some clay atop iron pan subsoils. One of the coldest vineyards in all of California, it is only 5 unobstructed miles from the Monterey Bay’s icy waters.”

Tasting Sheet Notes: “Cured lemon peels, sea spray, clover honey, tart nectarines, fresh apricot, “crunchy” acid profile, fresh heavy cream.”  Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral oak.

My Review: Bouquet of earth and grass.  Bright acidity on the palate – brimming with citrus flavors of lemon lime.  I learned they like to make their wines on the acidic side – this one is a bit too acidic for me! May 2021

2017 Seabold Cellars Pinot Noir, Pelio Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 13.3% ABV, $45  (#375*)

Vineyard Notes: “Pelio is located in a wind-beaten, high-elevation, undulating series of hills 8 miles from the coast. The vineyard sits mid-slope, facing the Pacific Ocean, with an average elevation of 1000’. The temperature rarely rises above the 70s, with very cold diurnal shifts…” Located off the Laureles grade, they only grow Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. 

Winery Tasting Notes: “Fresh pomegranate, cranberry, pluot, green tea, grey salt, black raspberry, rose, lavender, white mushroom, roasted thyme, nutmeg.”

My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass.  Lovely bouquet of berry jam and black tea. Round, jammy fruit with notes of cranberry layered with blackberry and tea.  I liked this wine. May 2021

The Seabold tasting room is prominently located at the beginning of Pilot Road in Carmel Valley Village

You can buy Seabold wines online or at their tasting room, 3 Pilot Road in Carmel Valley Village.  They are open Thursday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m. and by appointment (831-288-2730).

*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.    

Bernardus: Marinus, Marinus, Marinus, Merlot???

Wine pickup = another opportunity to taste Bernardus wines!  This time I convinced my better half to come with me.  We always enjoy comparing the various vintages of Marinus Bordeaux-style blends.  I love how the 2014 vintage is tasting – that is the wine I have a case of in DC, while we wait for in-person classes to resume.  On this late May day, we did their regular tasting menu first, including a single varietal Merlot from the Marinus Vineyard!  I believe this is a first for Bernardus. As explained to me by Philip, founder Ben Pon resisted such a bottling until this vintage.  This is very exciting news and another sign that Merlot is back! I won’t repeat wines I have reviewed before and winery notes contained here are from the Bernardus website.

2019 Bernardus Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4 ABV, $50 (#369*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Soberanes Chard exhibits aromas of baked apple and crème fresh. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity showing ripe white fruit flavors accented by subtle buttery oak notes, which linger beautifully on its soft, full finish.” Wente clone of Chardonnay. 100% French oak, 43% new.  331 cases produced.

My Review: Pale golden in the glass. Buttery citrus on the nose, very buttery, well rounded and a touch of caramel on the palate with citrus peel notes on the finish. Classic oaky, buttery Chardonnay. At 14.4% alcohol, it is a big, flavorful wine. May 2021

2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir Garys’ VIneyard Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.2% ABV, $80 (#370*)

Winery Notes:  “The aromas of our 2018 Garys’ Pinot show beautifully complex notes of ripe red fruits, spice and mineral notes – so typical of this outstanding vineyard. The palate is full and intense, with flavors mirroring the aromas extending throughout its gentle finish.”  338 6-packs produced.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Concentrated yet expertly ripe aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and purple flowers are wrapped in toasty oak on the nose of this bottling. Full-throated flavors of red cherry and red plum are enhanced by crushed oregano, white pepper and sage on the palate, where oak rises on the finish.” Matt Kettmann 12/2020

My Review: Translucent ruby in color.  Garys’ Vineyard has the reputation for producing exceptional fruit – this is a top of the line Pinot Noir – definitely worth trying if you get to the tasting room! May 2021

2019 Bernardus Merlot, Marinus Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#371) 

Winery Notes: “In the glass you will see a wine of deep crimson red. The aromas show bright dark red fruit scents with subtle spice notes. The palate is very rich and soft, with flavors of dried cherries and cranberries, accented with hints of chocolate. The delicious flavors linger beautifully on the long, powerful finish. A superb Merlot!” 788 cases produced. 

My Review: Dense, dark ruby like the 2014 Marinus. Cherry notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate – slightly vegetal on the finish. This is a very young wine. Drinkable now, but recommend cellaring. May 2021

According to their website, you can place your wine order on line and pick it up at the winery or have it shipped to you. The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:00, 1:00 or 3:00 by reservation only for outdoor seating for 4 or fewer people.  Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021.Check here for more information. 

*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.    

Chesebro Round Two: The Reds!

As a wine consumer, I appreciate a vintner who delivers very good wine at a great price.  Years ago, we found these qualities in Mark Chesebro’s wines, which he continues to this day.  I especially enjoy the more unique whites like Albarino and Vermentino.  Today’s post, however, is about his reds, following last week’s post about his whites!

While we stuck to the usual tasting menu on this day, we noticed a Merlot on their wine price list!  It is the 2017 La Grava Merlot/Grenache blend.  They have made this before, but I was very happy to see it there. We are seeing more and more Merlots being produced on the Central Coast – it is about time!  I haven’t tasted it yet – and will save mine for a future blog post!

2017 Merlot/Grenache – “La Grava”

I’ve presented Chesebro reds at several of my wine classes back east, including the La Montagne Sauvage and the Las Arenas – they are a big hit! And I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them all!

Chesebro 2018 Pinot Noir, Cedar Lane/Mission Ranch Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.2% ABV, $22 (#365*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant ruby red.  Medium bodied with aromas of rose petals, raspberry and dried orange peel, followed by subtle earthy notes.  The silky mouthfeel features soft tannins and a smooth cleansing acidity, which reinforces the berry characteristic along with hints of minerality in the finish.” 100 cases produced.

My Review: Pale ruby in the glass.  Light cherry notes on the nose.  A very light Pinot Noir with a bubblegum finish. May 2021

Chesebro 2016 Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $27 (#366*)

Winery Notes: “Our Southern Rhone Style (Chateauneuf du Pape) style blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Aromas of cranberries and blackberries over a background of coffee and a hint of white pepper.  Smooth and velvety with a long finish.  Enjoyable now with a long life ahead.” 233 cases produced.

My Review: Pretty ruby in the glass.  Full berry flavors balanced by the acidity of cranberry notes.  White pepper on the finish. I presented the 2015 vintage to the Northern Virginia AWS – it was a big hit! May 2021

Chesebro 2013 La Montagne Sauvage, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#367*)

Winery Notes: “Grown on Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice.  Blockbuster!” 180 cases produced.

My favorite Chesebro red blend year after year!

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass, delicious dark fruit on the palate – perhaps my favorite Chesebro wine.  I couldn’t leave without picking up a few! May 2021

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room at Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has curbside pickup and has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for 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.    

Chesebro Is Open for Wine Tasting – Round One: the Whites!

We were so happy to learn that the Chesebro tasting room in Carmel Valley Village had reopened and stopped by on a quiet Friday before a 3-day weekend.  I admire the wineries that put their own staff’s safety and winemaking first and discouraged gatherings during the height of the pandemic to help stop the spread of the virus.  But I sure am glad they are open now! It was great to see tasting room manager Alex Lallos after well over a year.  He has been helpful to me over the years with my wine classes and is one of several winery subscribers to Decanting Monterey!

We tasted a lot of wines that day across three tasting rooms – and there was a lot of catching up to do – so not all of my own notes are very detailed.  Fortunately, I do have the winery’s tasting sheet to help me along!  Most wine descriptions come from the tasting sheet – except the Grenache Rose!  I will be splitting our tasting into 2 posts – the whites today and the reds, next week!

Current Tasting Sheet at Chesebro, May 2021

I’ve written about Chesebro several times – just search “Chesebro” and you will find them all!

Chesebro 2019 Grenache Rosé, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.2% ABV, $19 (#360*)

Winery Notes: “This Provençal style 100% Grenache Rosé is beautifully light pink in color. Aromas of fresh picked strawberry, grapefruit skin and raspberry essence. Perfect for a warm afternoon. Classic!”

My Review: Very pale pink/salmon in the glass.  Light and refreshing in a similar style to the 2018, which our French Rosé wine pod members loved. By the way, this wine is getting in short supply according to their webpage.  May 2021

Chesebro 2019 Vermentino, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $23 (#361*)

Winery Notes: “Vermentino is a variety most often associated with Sardinia. Corsica and Liguria.  It has appealing aromas of pines and citrus and a smooth palate balanced by mouthwatering acidity.  It is late ripening in this cool site allowing the development of complex and elegant flavors.  Refreshing and vibrant.” 98 cases produced.

My Review: Perfume on the nose, a touch of lime on the palate and a smooth finish.  Classic.  Chesebro was the first California Vermentino we had ever tasted and probably my favorite Chesebro white. May 2021

Chesebro 2017 Grenache Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#362*)

Winery Notes: “Brilliant light almost translucent gold in color with a kaleidoscope of aromas including white peach, grapefruit, citrus blossom and tangerine. A subtle hint of vanilla and butterscotch really round out the nose. On the palate, citrus and stone fruits.  Round yet refreshing through the finish.” 100 cases produced.

My Review: Sweet aromatics, white peach and citrus on the palate, slightly metallic, and a lingering finish. May 2021

Chesebro 2016 Chardonnay, Soledad Mission Ranch, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#363*)

Winery Notes: “Pale yellow gold in color.  Fabulous aromatics with white flowers, lemon verbena and ever so subtle vanilla bean.  The palate is fresh and vibrant, almost Chablis-like in its cut and precision.  Each sip has amazing energy and tension balanced by the inherent richness of the clean Chardonnay fruit.” 80 cases produced.

My Review: I said pork rib BBQ on the nose.  Alex suggested “gun flint.”  Well, ok, fine.  Intense flavors on the palate. May 2021

Buying Chesebro Wines: You can buy Chesebro wines via their website (www.chesebrowines.com) or in their tasting room at Updated information on its tasting room hours and reservation link is here.  They are open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM by reservation. Chesebro has curbside pickup and has always been great about shipping wines to the East Coast for me. 

Chesebro price list as of May 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.    

Parsonage’s Tanner: The Power of Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignons!

We reassembled the fully vaccinated (yay!) COVID Wine Pod for a patio tasting last week and, for the first time, we were able to move inside when the weather turned chilly and windy. Mr. H pulled out this 2011 Tanner Cabernet Sauvignon to see how it would stand up to the 2011 Napa Cab we had just tasted. Watch out, Napa – let’s hear it for Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignons!

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/.

2011 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#355*)

The 2011 Tanner stood up well to a Napa 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon!

We had this wine in our collection and opened it to compare a high-end Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a high-end Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  We decanted it immediately prior to consumption.  2011 is not known for being a great growing season in California, so we really lucked out with both of these wines. 

My Review: Very dense and dark in the glass with a super intense bouquet.  The quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon flavors on the palate and a slight bitterness on the finish.  We all thought this was super impressive.  Well done! May 2021

  • Photo Courtesy of Parsonage!
Open daily for outdoor tastings – plus indoor tastings on the weekends!

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.    

Parsonage: “unabashed, rollicking wine ready for a good time**”

Special occasions call for special wines – and we’ve had a few relatives visiting – time to open some Parsonage reserves! Why not drink the good stuff?

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/.

2005 Parsonage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $125 (#345*)

We received this as a library wine in a recent allocation.  This vintage pre-dates the “Tanner” designation. Our experience has taught us that these library wines are ready to drink. 

grapelive  – 93 points:  “Cabernet did really well here in 2005 and I think it is showing much more character as well, I think the grape is star here and it seems to be so correct that I have a hard time finding any flaws! Pure classic fruits and depth make this vintage remarkable and especially noteworthy. Mixed black and red berry, plum, currants, cassis and chewy tannins scream Cabernet and don’t let up. The complex underbrush, herb and tobacco notes are very subtle and the hints of licorice, vanilla and cranberry are lovely.”

We shared the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with our visiting niece and nephew-in-law one chilly April night.

My Review: Dark in the glass with rich, smooth flavors of cassis and plum.  This wine is drinking well, with the dark flavors reflecting its age.  Two thumbs up! April 2021

2015 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80 (#346*)

**Monterey County Weekly:  “Hedonistic – that’s how winemaker Bill Parsons describes his 2015 Parsonage “Rocco” Syrah. Not that the wine is self-indulgent, although it does seem hell-bent in pursuit of a good time, spilling bushels of ripe blackberries and blueberries from the glass. The revelry begins with a swirl. Fresh aromas spring from the glass, tromping over the grumbles of pepper and licorice. The party continues unabated on the palate, as dense dark berries mingle with a flirtatious impression of fresh plum. What develops on the fringes – raspy pepper, dry clove, bittersweet chocolate and toasted tobacco – are too faint at first to slow things down. It’s only on the finish that the wine’s demeanor changes, developing a more stolid, earthy character and a richer berry compote aspect that stills some of its liveliness.”

My Review: Almost opaque in color. Big dark fruit – blackberry and currant on the nose. Super rich, smooth dark fruit blackberry, plum and a touch of cassis and cedar on the palate. Sweet-tart on the finish.  It looks like it smells like it tastes. Love this wine, as did our visiting family. April 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. 

Parsonage Tasting Room Image (photo courtesy Parsonage)

*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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