Tagged: Decanting Monterey

Alpha Omega Collective: Spur of the Moment Tasting at LadySomm!

THE STORY

Every now and then, Roxanne Langer, co-owner of LadySomm will email me about a last-minute tasting opportunity.  I asked her to text me to be sure I see it – and last Thursday she did!  We gathered the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and drove over to the Barnyard to taste Alpha Omega Collective wines.  This was an informal gathering of about a dozen people, pretty much in the style of tasting I prefer: an efficient yet informative run down of the wines, accompanied by a few nibbles.

I thank Roxanne and Tamara for hosting this format of an informal tasting and thinking of us!

ABOUT THE ALPHA OMEGA COLLECTIVE:

On this evening, Zack Zybura, Alpha Omega Collective’s Western Regional Sales Manager, presented usd wines from their various labels. I encourage you to explore each brand by clicking on the notes below.  Sometimes I found the best information in their “trade” sections.

First, Let’s Explore the Story of Two Squared:

“Two Squared wines celebrate finding the ideal combination of grape and place. Our journey began in 2009 with a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Squared “Red” that showcases our discovery and collaboration with a remarkable collection of privately owned, boutique vineyards in the Napa Valley.

“Discovery and collaboration lie at the heart of Two Squared as we expand our exploration to the very best wine regions in the North and Central Coast of California in search of those perfect pairings of grape and place and work closely with growers who share our passion. The deep-seated relationships between our winemakers and each grower and their shared knowledge of grape and growing region are fundamental in crafting Two Squared wines.”

Next, Let’s Talk About Tolosa:

“Vintner Robin Baggett returned to Edna Valley almost 40 years ago with a law degree and cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch like his grandfather. Having graduated from Cal Poly in 1973, he knew the area.  He bought a historic ranch in the valley and began running cattle, but the cold Pacific wind and limestone soils made him realize he was on a different kind of frontier – one for world-class cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Being in a region with a grape-growing history that stretches back to the 18th century, when Franciscans at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa produced some of California’s first wines of distinction, planting wine grapes was a natural choice. Robin and his partner Bob Schiebelhut began planting vineyards in 1988, adding several other historic family ranches in the valley over time. Together with Jim Efird, now retired, they founded Tolosa in 1998. Robin’s passion for wine making was born, and his wine journey began.”

Now, Let’s Highlight Perinet:

“Perinet is located in the north of Spain’s prestigious Priorat region, an ancient wine-producing area where Garnatxa and Carinyena flourish in the Mediterranean climate perfectly suited for grape growing…

“Perinet was established in 1998 by a group of partners who painstakingly developed vineyards on vertigo-inducing terraces suited to both native and French varietals. Perinet’s estate parcels, spread over 130 acres (54 planted), and located adjacent to the ancient villages of Poboleda and Porrera, rise more than 1,500 feet into the mountains. The modern winery building features an exquisite, Gaudi-inspired barrel room, a tasting salon with majestic views of the Montsant Mountain Range and an inviting terrace to savor the estate’s wares. Perinet is considered an aesthetic gem amongst Priorat wineries.”

And, Finally, Napa-based Alpha Omega:

“Established in 2006, Alpha Omega’s mission is to create artisanal wines drawing on Old World vineyard handcrafted practices and emphasis on unique terroir driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology.

“The winery, located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of Napa Valley, exudes the utmost experience of hospitality in an authentic place reflective of the Napa Valley farming community. Presenting world-class wines in a convivial setting remains just as paramount to vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett today as when they opened the winery’s doors on July 1, 2006…

“The Baggetts’ relationships in the valley afforded them the opportunity to procure the best grapes from prized vineyards throughout the top AVAs of Napa Valley — most notably Thomas Vineyard in Rutherford, Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville, Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and Beckstoffer Las Piedras in St. Helena, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Drew Vineyard in Mount Veeder and Sunshine Valley in the Oak Knoll District…”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 6 wines from the Alpha Omega Collection. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Prices listed are the prices as presented to us, which may differ from their retail prices. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2022 Two Squared Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $20 ($32 retail) (#1453)

Winery Notes: “In the captivating landscapes of Arroyo Seco, nestled at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains, we discovered another perfect match- Chardonnay from Monterey County. Grown in cool, windy, and diverse geograpy featuring rocky soils, this wine balances earth notes of white pepper and slate with crisp Bartlett Pear and Lodi Apple.”

93 points – Wine Enthusiast: “This label for Alpha Omega Collective presents a very satisfying take on Chardonnay in this bottling, starting with melon, ripe pear and struck stone aromas. The palate is tightly wound and bouncy with citrusy energy, as stonefruit and light pineapple flavors add depth.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Golden in the glass. Grilled pineapple on the nose. Very refreshing pleasant with a minerally sea salt finish. October 2024

2023 Tolosa Pinot Noir, Central Coast AVA, 14.2% ABV, $26 (#1454)

Winery Notes: “Formerly known as “Heritage” Pinot Noir, this wine is crafted from twenty-eight distinct blocks. The majority (82%) comes from Edna Ranch and other vineyards within the San Luis Obispo Coast, complemented by 12% Santa Lucia Highlands grapes and 6% Santa Maria grapes. The blend of these three regions imparts a complexity to the wine, highlighting the unique character of each region…Sight: Medium ruby red. Nose: Youthful red fruit flavor of plum, rhubarb, cherry and strawberry accent notes of red licorice, sesame, pine nut and new leather. Palate: Medium body with juicy, bright cherry and strawberry flavors that mix with black tea, white mushroom, roasted beets and citrus zest.”

My Review: Translucent ruby with a purple rim in color. Earth, cranberry and light cherry on the nose. Bright acidity on the palate, reminiscent of a Jolly Rancher. October 2024

2019 Tolosa 1772 Pinot Noir, Edna Ranch, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County, 13.4% ABV, $49 (#1455)

Winery Notes: “…The 2019 harvest was the latest harvest I have seen since I began my career at Tolosa, and it unfolded really well. The steady, mild weather was perfect. We never had to rush any picking decisions due to how good it was…The 1772 Pinot Noir is our signature Pinot and captures what Edna Valley is on any given vintage. The elegance and freshness of the cooler 2019 year will show more earthy tones…Visual: Garnett, blush. Nose: White Pepper, cured meat, juicy cherry with rose pedals and cedar. Palate: Smooth and juicy with a medium to light body, pomegrate juice and herbal notes. Really long with lingering hay and cedar notes, rasberry.”

My Review: In contrast to the previous wine, this one is very dark garnet in the glass. Dark fruit and a little barnyard on the nose. California cherries on the palate, but more depth than a SLH Pinot. Paired well with peanuts. October 2024

2018 Perinet Merit Red Blend, Priorat, Spain, 14.5% ABV, $27 (#1456) 20% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 10% Carignane, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Ruby garnet with touches of Picota red cherry and mashed raspberries on the rim. On the nose, you’ll find a beautiful explosion of strawberries and violets, wild herbs, mint and sandalwood, and crushed metamorphic rocks. On the mouth is crisp and fruity, silky mid-palate with touches of wild berries. Appealing minerality, lingering acidity, and touches of dense tannins with balsamic notes and licorice.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Prune and old leather/licorice on the nose. Chalky up front. Herbal (bay, tarragon) and cherry Sucret mid palate. Very earthy, minerally, with petroleum/menthol notes on the finish. Wine Pod opinions differed wildly. We took some home to settle the matter later! October 2024

2021 Two Squared Red Blend, Napa Valley, Napa County, 14.3% ABV, $49 (#1457)

Winery Notes: “Our winemakers build Two Squared to drink on release, and the aim is to please from the start. Two Squared Red Wine Napa Valley 2021 is a delicious example of immediate gratification, a debut expression of pure Napa Valley fruit with lush oak accents and a broad, lingering finish. This version boasts Cabernet from some of the Valley’s most respected AVAs, with contributions from Atlas Peak, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and Spring Mountain, and a judicious sprinkling of the other four Bordeaux varietals wraps the entire package in a tidy bow!”

My Review: Dark garnet in color with dark plum/prune notes on the nose. Big palate of intense dark fruit like prune, in a good way. Biggest wine we have had so far tonight. We would have taken some home, if they had had some available. October 2024

2021 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Napa County, 14.5% ABV, $150 (#1458)

Winery Notes: “Our winemakers blended 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Merlot to create this structured, ageable wine. The wine was fermented in 25%  French oak, 30% new and 70% two and three-year old-barriques and 75% in stainless steel tanks followed by aging for 21 months in French oak in the same barrel composition. Sight: Deep ruby red with a crimson rim. Nose: Classic fruit notes of cassis, black cherry and plum are intermixed with notes of kirsch liqueur, anise, graphite, peppercorn, baking spices and dark earth. Palate: Youthful, concentrated, full bodied flavors of blackberry and pomegranate join with impressions of cured meats, cedar and dark chocolate that evolve to a long powerful finish.

My Review: Really inky in the glass. Not much nose that we could detect at this point in the evening. Huge palate of crushed berries, with balanced acidity. Very nice. Young. October 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS

Wines from the Alpha Omega Collection can be tasted in Napa or in Paso Robles. Click here to learn more or to make a reservation. You can also visit the Perinet Winery in Priorat!

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Unexpected Detour to House of Smith in Jet City!

THE STORY

This is the story of how a trip to Washington State for a family wedding and too much traffic led to an unexpected, yet greatly desired visit to the House of Smith winery!  Landing at SEATAC, we had a plan to meet some relatives in Woodinville, where many Washington wineries have tasting rooms, to see the town and visit a winery before dinner. By the time we landed and got our rental car out of the parking garage (an interesting feat on 49ers/Sea Hawks game day) and learned all of our other relatives planning to meet us there were running late, we quickly shifted to Plan B:  to visit House of Smith instead, just 15 minutes north of the airport and on our way to Woodinville. We’d be able to taste their wines and pick up some of their K Syrah to share with relatives during the wedding weekend.

We entered the tasting room and I announced that I write about Monterey wines and whipped out my Decanting Monterey card. Denise, the woman running the tasting room, gave us a big smile and said she was from Carmel! And thus began an exchange of favorite local wineries and lovely tasting of their Dark Side wines. We purchased a few bottles to share with our relatives, but we should have bought a few more!

I have never written about House of Smith in this blog before – since it is not a Central Coast wine, but allow me this indulgence today.  We often buy K Syrah  from K&L Wine Merchants in Redwood City. 

ABOUT HOUSE OF SMITH:

“Charles Smith is the visionary winemaker behind iconic brands like K Vintners and CasaSmith. Charles has received over 300 scores of 95 points-and-above and over 1,400 scores of 90 points-and-above from leading wine publications. And it all started a little over 20 years ago, with 330 cases of 1999 K Syrah sold out of the back of Charles’ 1987 Astro van.

“Charles Smith’s unlikely rise to “rockstar winemaker” status is the stuff indie cult-classic films are made of.  He became intrigued with wine while working in restaurants at the age of 19. One restaurant job appealed to Charles most: the one where the guy came in late, left early, and drank all night. Before he could fully explore the path to becoming “The Wine Guy”, another passion called Charles: music. Charles spent a decade touring Europe as a rock band manager in Denmark before returning to the United States to immerse himself in the emerging music scene in Seattle, Washington. He found a way to explore his burgeoning interest in wine by opening a wine shop on Bainbridge Island, but Charles felt compelled to create the wines, not just to sell them.

“A chance road trip to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1999 gave Charles that opportunity. He watched, listened, absorbed. Most importantly, he created. With almost nothing in his pockets, Charles Smith found a way to produce his first vintage…the aforementioned 330 cases of 1999 K Syrah.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 House of Smith wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2020 K Vintners Merlot, Northridge Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, Washington, 14% ABV, $43 (#1448)

Winery Notes: “Blackberry, dark plum and cool earth. Silky and luscious, the pinnacle of Washington merlot.” 93 points- James Suckling & Vinous.

My Review: Chocolate, dark juicy berries and almond extract on the nose. Very nice on the palate with a dry finish accented by almond. Nose outpaced the palate. I liked this wine. October 2024

2021 K Vintners Roma, River Rock Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, 14.5% ABV, $55        (#1449) Co-fermented 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah

Winery Notes: “The Rocks speak out loud… Black plum, grilled meat, evergreen forest, and pencil shavings whisper in delight. Fresh herbs, black cherry, and clove. Seamless, long, and satisfying. A very special Roma.” 94 points- Jeb Dunnuck & James Suckling.

My Review: Nice nose of crushed berries and almond extract. A delicious blend. October 2024

2021 K Vintners Royal City Syrah, Stoneridge Vineyard, Washington, 14.5% ABV, $150 (#1450)

Winery Notes: “Majestic aromas arise from the glass. Suede, black tea, coal. Making way to a regal layering of black plum, tar, damp earth, and umami, that tease on the royal velvet palate.” 97 Points- Janes Suckling & Jeb Dunnuck.

My Review: This Syrah put them on the map. In 2006 WA awarded this wine 100 points.  Oh wow. Inky in the glass. This is a Sharon kind of big wine. Date, peanut butter and jelly, dirt and saddle leather on the nose.  Saddle leather. A little sweet, jammy with PB&J and dirt following over to the huge palate. There indeed is a sort of peanut butter mouthfeel on the finish. We bought one of these and shared it over the 49ers/Sea Hawks game. I want another one at home, please. October 2024

2021 K Vintners King Coal, Stoneridge Vineyard, Royal Slope, Washington, 14% ABV, $150 (#1451) Co-fermented 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah

Winery Notes: “The heart of darkness, deep and shimmering with energy. Earth, black coal, dark berries, ancient spice. All along for a thrilling ride that never ends.” 97 Points- James Suckling & Jeb Dunnuck.

My Review: Another huge wine.  I’m still getting PB& J on the nose and big huge, delicious palate. October 2024

2021 K Vintners Broncho Malbec, Stoneridge Vineyard, Royal Slope, Washington, 14.5% ABV, $64 (#1452)

Winery Notes: “Transcendent, purity and temptation… a bold and vivacious voice sing with black raspberry compote, smoked red peppers, cedar box, and black coffee… soothing rhythms of black licorice, violets, gun powder, and black pepper extends this inking dynamic wonderful malbec.” 93 points- James Suckling & Vinous.

My Review: Purple in color. Cherry on the nose. Smooth and smokey on the palate, with some tart red fruits balancing out the darkness. I liked this wine.  OK, I liked so many of their wines! October 2024

THE HOUSE OF SMITH TASTING ROOMS

JET CITY:

“Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, this expansive, one-of-a-kind winery occupies the space that was formerly a Dr. Pepper bottling plant, and is the largest urban winery in the Western United States.

“Guests are invited to experience House of Smith’s award-winning wines, created by awarded winemaker Charles Smith, while listening to rock music and enjoying a view of the main runways of Boeing Field and the iconic profile of Washington’s Mount Rainier. House of Smith Jet City Winery features two tasting rooms designed by famed Olson Kundig Architects – the main floor designed with a rustic Northwest feel, and the larger upstairs space exudes an early 60’s vibe, with a nod to the aviation industry.”

Located at: 1136 South Albro Place, Seattle, Washington 98108, Phone: 206-745-7456

Open: Wednesday–Sunday, 12PM to 6PM. Daily Happy Hours Wednesday–Friday 3PM to 5PM for 1/2 price glass pours on selected wines. Closed: Monday–Tuesday

There are two other tasting options – one in town in Walla Walla and at the base of the Blue Mountains.  See their website for details.

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Bernardus Hosts Monterey AWS for the Very First Time!

THE STORY

Since we emerged from the pandemic, I’ve been trying to get Bernardus Winery to host the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society. After two years of asking, Bernardus said yes and hosted our October First Friday WinedUP event! And I have to say that the expertise of Heather Rammel and Ivy, the quality of the wines presented, and allowing us to use their entire tasting room space made for an exceptional evening.  It was one of the best attended and most social of our outings to date!  We hope to be invited back!

I wanted to ensure we tasted the best of Bernardus with vineyard-designated wines and finishing with a Marinus.  I asked for their best Chardonnay, personally selected the Garys’ Vineyard and the Rosella Vineyard Pinot Noirs and requested we finish with a Marinus Bordeaux-style red blend.  Heather selected the Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay (which we tasted in the barrel over a year ago) and surprised us with a Signature Marinus as a final wine – that was a bonus!  They also surprised us with a significant discount in purchasing the wines we tasted that night.  Lovely.

My last big post about Bernardus was here: Bernardus Delights Its Members with an Over-the-Top Marinus Dinner!

ABOUT BERNARDUS WINES:

“Our founder, Ben Pon, viewed wine as an art—an art form that rises above the ordinary. This philosophy continues to inspire Bernardus wines today, reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to quality, and the pursuit of crafting exceptional wines.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 7 Bernardus wines, including a few from another tasting. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Some of my reviews are amplified by my good friend Erin from terravenos. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2022 Bernardus Chardonnay, Sierra Mar Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $55 (#1068)

Winery Notes: “The 2022 Sierra Mar Chardonnay exhibits elegant aromas highlighted by a leesy complexity with toasted oak notes. The pallet shows intense white peach with hints of tropical fruits and warm baking spices. This well-balanced wine lingers on the pallet and shows the richness and intensity of fruit grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands.” 94 points- The Wine Independent; 90 points- Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Golden and viscous in the glass. Grilled pineapple, Meyer lemon, golden apple and a hint of brioche and white flower on the nose. Palate explodes with rich flavors, sweetened by honeydew, balanced by the acidity of pineapple on the finish. Vibrant and flavorful, balanced oak. October 2024

2022 Bernardus Chardonnay, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $55 (#1067)

Winery Notes: “Our 2022 Rosella’s Chardonnay exhibits beautiful fruit forward aromas highlighted by rich toasted oak and caramel notes.  The palate is intense, exhibiting ripe peach accented by tropical fruits. This wine is wonderfully balanced, it shows the richness and intensity of fruit grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, while also having a nice long crisp finish to bring all the flavors into focus.” 94 points-  The Wine Independent; 91 points- Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Golden in color. Caramel and hint of citrus on the nose. Big flavors on the palate with a caramel finish. May 2024

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $70 (#1445)

Winery Notes: “Shows kirsch and linzer torte notes that hold sway, with a licorice wrapping and a dose of sweet spices on the briar-tinged finish.  Drink now through 2026. 443 cases made.” 91 Points- Wine Spectator; 94 points- The Wine Independent.

My Review: Ruby in color. Baking spices like cinnamon clove, dusted with chili pepper and light cherry on the nose. Quite representative of an SLH Pinot Noir on the palate. May 2024

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Ingrid’s Vineyard, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $80 (#1446)

Winery Notes: “Our 2021 Ingrid’s Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes spicy, dark red fruit aromas. The wine is very intense and beautifully focused. Flavors exhibit essences of black cherry, ripe berries and subtle toasty oak notes. Our 2021 Ingrid’s Pinot Noir is very structured, allowing for several years of ageing or it can be enjoyed in its youth for its bright fruit expression.” 91 Points- Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Dark ruby in color. A fruity nose and a much fruitier palate than the Soberanes. Bright red fruits mid palate. Smooth tannins on the finish. I could drink this wine. May 2024

2022 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $80 (#1066)

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “Creamy caramel and black cherry aromas make for an immediately appealing nose on this bottling, while layers of lilac and candied rose add loveliness. That plushness carries into the palate, where it’s balanced by an invitingly dank herbal edge. — Matt Kettmann.”

My Review: Dried leathery fruit, countered by bright red fruits (Bing cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate) on the nose and palate. Palate enhanced by Chinese Five spice. Super tart, bright and vibrant. October 2024

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard; Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $80 (#1075)

Winery Notes: “This has a nice rich feel, with crushed raspberry and boysenberry preserves underscored by hints of mulling spices and red tea.  The finish is carried by understated juicy energy as the fruit plays out.  Drink now through 2025. 446 cases made.” 91 Points- Wine Spectator; 95 points- The Wine Independent.

My Review: Darker ruby in the glass. A darker, jammier nose than the Garys’. Cocoa and jam on the smooth palate with a spicy finish. This is overall a heavier wine of darker, jammier fruit flavor compared to the bright and tart Garys’. I have become a fan of Rosella Vineyard’s Pinot Noir fruit. October 2024

2018 Bernardus Signature Marinus Red Blend, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#1447)

Winery Notes: “The 2018 vintage is a stunning wine, exemplifying the superb potential of this unique vineyard. The gorgeous aromas exhibit dark red stone fruits with notes of violets and spice. The flavors are deep and very intense, with cedar, black cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry fruit essences on a long, velvety finish.”

My Review: Cinnamon and earth on the nose. A brighter fruit palate with tons of oak – young. A lovely, velvety wine brimming with flavors.

THE BERNARDUS TASTING ROOM

Welcome to the Bernardus Tasting Room – The first tasting room in Carmel Valley!

“In June 1994, pioneer Ben Pon opened the doors to the first-ever tasting room in Carmel Valley, establishing a legacy that endures to this day. While in the region enjoy a scenic journey along the 17-mile drive from Pebble Beach to our Tasting Room, where you can savor some of the highest quality wines in the region. Visit us!”

5 West Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley. Open Sunday and Monday – 12:00pm to 4:00pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 11:00am to 4:00pm; Friday and Saturday- 11:00am to 5:00pm.

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Manzoni Estate Vineyards: New Owners with a Vision!

THE STORY

Struggling to come up with a new idea for the monthly Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society First Friday WinedUP event, I pored over our master spreadsheet of tasting rooms and past events. It was time for our event to take place in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Manzoni Estate Vineyards jumped out at me: our group had never been there and they have a spacious tasting room.  I gave them a call and learned that, not only would they be interested in hosting us, but they have new owners! So, we beat feet over there to meet the new owner and hear his vision for the winery.

My last big post about Manzoni Estate Vineyards  was here: Manzoni Vineyards: In the “Heart of the Highlands”. When I called the tasting room, they remembered that I had visited them in 2021 to write up their wines for this post.

ABOUT MANZONI ESTATE VINEYARDS – NEW OWNERS WITH A VISION

Dan Troyan and his partner Doree Speidel are the brand new owners of Manzoni Estate Vineyards. When we met with Dan in September, they had only owned the winery for about two weeks! Both Dan and Doree are from the Bay Area and Monterey County.  As young 30-somethings, they had been living outside of Seattle and had dreamed of owning a winery.  As they started to look, this opportunity jumped out at them and they took the leap – why not now?

Dan and Doree will be keeping many aspects of the winery the same.  While the vineyards will stay in the Manzoni family’s hands, they are retaining access to the vineyards’ grapes, as well as the same winemaker and winemaking process. Being new owners with a vision, going forward, they plan to source all their grapes from Monterey County. This includes their Cuvée Louie, their Bordeaux-style blend which is currently made from grapes in the Paicines AVA, San Benito County. As an unabashed Monterey wine fan, I like that idea! They will also be making incremental updates to their tasting room décor.  All in good time, my friend.

More about Manzoni Estate Vineyards from their website:

“Fine winemaking is both an art and a passion, but also requires an understanding of the science of alchemy. The Manzoni family relies on the idea of terroir. This is the time-honored method of combining soil, slope, sun exposure, with a nod to the gods of weather that let the grape varieties show their unique characteristics.

“They have chosen to grow grapes on California’s cool coastal mountains, ridges, and hillsides and benchlands. Here, they strive to give you the richest, most intense flavors with a unique and memorable character.”

THE WINES – MANZONI ESTATE VINEYARDS

Today I am presenting 7 Manzoni Estate Vineyards wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2021 Manzoni Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1438)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of grapefruit. The palate is rich with bright tropical fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit zest. Perfectly balanced with a gentle crisp refreshing acidity.”

My Review: Pale golden and viscous in glass. Light tropical flavors on the palate. September 2024

2020 Manzoni Estate Vineyards North Highlands’ Cuvée Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#1439)

Winery Notes: “The 2020 Manzoni Chardonnay is a vibrant example of the Santa Lucia Highlands in an exceptional vintage. Aromas of dense tropical fruits leap out of the glass wrapped in subtle brioche that hints towards uncommon richness and weight. In the palette, this wine is unusually nimble while maintaining the intensity and mouth-feel promised by its exotic aromatics. Flavors of mango, mandarin orange and guava are led by hard spices and vanilla into a long finish. Crisp acidity allows this wine to flow over the tongue with focus and clarity that completes the experience.”

My Review: Light golden pineapple and peach on the nose. Bright big flavors of pineapple and some butter, followed by an acidic punch. This is one big Chardonnay! September 2024

2020 Manzoni Rosé of Pinot Noir, Family Estate Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $30 (#1440)

Winery Notes: “As this wine sits in the glass, you notice the rich hues and colors are pleasing to the eye and give hints to the aromas and flavors to come. This wine is a deep Garnet with a beautiful clarity. In the nose, rich strawberry and cream notes with hints of rose petal rise out of the glass with startling focus and intensity. On the palate, intense ripe red berry fruit is matched with and creamy, unctuous mouth-feel and balanced acidity to provide a seamless flavor profile. While certainly on the more opulent side of Rose styles, this wine is marvelously clean and nuanced in its rendering of a Rose of Pinot Noir and is a classic example of what this style has to offer the discerning wine drinker.”

My Review: Dusty light orange in the glass. Bright orange candy and strawberry on the nose. Good balance of sweet and tart on the palate. Drink now. September 2024.

2020 Manzoni Pinot Noir, Family Estate Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $45 (#1441)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of dark cherries, blackberry and smoky, spicy oak rise out of the glass. Cassis and hard spices are supported by concentrated red and black berries. In the mouth, this wine has a velvety richness and fine, ripe tannins that support the dense, ripe and concentrated fruit. Red plums and berry compote are followed by firm acidity that keeps the wine fresh and balanced. The wine finishes with hard spices and fine vanilla flavors with hints of toasty oak. A great combination of New World ripeness and old word structure. Ripe tannins support a core of rich fruit in this opulent and larger framed wine. All the flavors hang together in great balance for this intensely flavored and well-heeled Pinot Noir.”

My Review: A pretty, dark ruby color. Dusty dark cherry on the nose. Spicy and good acidity on the palate. This would be good with BBQ. This wine has more depth and character than the classic SLH Pinot Noir. September 2024

2020 Manzoni Syrah, Family Estate Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $44 (#1442)

Winery Notes: “Ripe black fruit and berry aromas mingled with hints of smoky oak and vanilla. The palate follows with intense flavors of ripe red fruits, hard spices and a core of silky tannin. The finish is exceptionally long with balanced acidity bringing the combinations of fruit, spice and vanilla to a clean and satisfying resolution.”

My Review: These grapes come from a lower elevation in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Warm, fruity spice on the nose. Dark fruits and cherry on the palate. Very pleasant. One of the best SLH Syrah wines we have tried. September 2024

2021 Manzoni Zinfandel, Mainini Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $39 (#1443)

Winery Notes: “The Manzoni Zinfandel shows classic aromas of pure blackberry and blueberry essence supported by elegant vanilla and subtle smokiness. The color is deep, rich and dark with jewel toned hues brought on by the crisp acidity and ripe grape skins. This wine is ripe and rich, but in no way pruny or raisiny like so many other renderings.  The aromatics carry through to the palette with flavors of red plums, ripe black berries and hints of hard spices that are wrapped by a core of soft, elegant tannins and bright, clean acidity. This cool climate offering of Zinfandel is a classic rendition of a varietally correct wine that allows the purity of the fruit to shine through.  While many versions of Zinfandel tend towards over-ripe characters, this wine is an elegant and powerful bottling that is not only a great flavor experience, but also a wonderful translation of terroir into the bottle.  This wine drinking very well at release but a further one to three years will bring out further subtly in the fruit and increase the aged aromatics.”

My Review: Pale garnet in color. Nice Zinfandel flavors on the palate – perhaps the best we have tasted from Monterey County! Baking spices and vanilla on the finish. My searches did not reveal where this vineyard is located.  Any readers know where it is? September 2024

2019 Manzoni Cuvée Louie Bordeaux Blend, Pedregal Vineyard, Paicines AVA, San Benito County, 14.5% ABV, $53 (#1444)

Winery Notes: “The Cuvee Louie is the inaugural wine to celebrate the patriarch of the Manzoni Clan: Louie Manzoni. Aromas of dark berry and fruit lift lazily out of the glass followed by hard spices and well-heeled vanilla and hints of oak. They are intense and rich with real visceral weight to the experience. Rarely are the Bordeaux varietals so giving in the nose. The palate is no less joy with flavors of blueberry, darkest cherry and bright plum combining with lively acidity to provide for an intensely focused mouth-full of flavor. The complexities brought on by the combining of all five Bordeaux varietals, the cinq cepage, has both a mesmerizing and invigorating effect. Enjoy with the richest of steaks, a fine roasted joint of lamb and all of your favorite soft cheeses and roasted nuts.”

My Review: Rich dark garnet in the glass. Really pretty. Dark crushed berries. Smooth on the palate. Very tasty. We took one home.  Next year, this wine will be made with Monterey County fruit. September 2024

THE MANZONI CELLARS TASTING ROOM

Located in Hampton Court on 7th Ave between San Carlos and Dolores in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In addition to a spacious interior plus a separate wine club members’ room, they also have a lovely courtyard available.

#4 Hampton Court on 7th Ave, between San Carlos & Dolores St. Open daily 12pm – 6pm. (831) 620-6541

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Santa Barbara County Syrah: Getting One Rhône Varietal Right!!

THE STORY – SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

I love it when my husband joins me in my quest for the perfect Central Coast Syrah. In addition to finding some right here in Monterey County, we can just venture south to find Paso Robles or Santa Barbara County Syrah. We acquired these wines by hunting deals through K&L Wine Merchants and enjoyed them at home. I’ve written before about Stolpman Vineyards and Beckmen Vineyards, so I encourage you to read about them here: Stolpman Delivers a World Class Experience and Wrapping Up our “Sideways” Tour with Beckmen Vineyards!

All three wines are written up below, but I will spend more of today’s post talking about Jaffurs Wine Cellars.

ABOUT JAFFURS WINE CELLARS:

“Jaffurs is dedicated to producing fine wine with a New World independence. For over two decades we have specialized in Rhône-style wines from the premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County.  All wines are handcrafted at our winery in downtown Santa Barbara, California.”

“Jaffurs Wine Cellars is dedicated to producing great Rhône varietal wines with a New World independence. Our wines – Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Viognier, and Roussanne – are among the best in the county. Founder Craig Jaffurs produced his first professional wines during the 1994 harvest. All of our wines are carefully made in small lots. Approximately 5,000 cases are produced each year. We work closely with our growers in the Santa Ynez, Ballard Canyon, Santa Rita Hills, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria regions. We limit vineyard yields and require that optimal farming practices are observed.  All of our wines are crushed, pressed, cellared, and bottled in our Santa Barbara facility. Visit us for a glimpse of world class winemaking in the heart of the city. 2018 was our 25th harvest! …”

THE WINES: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

Today I’m bringing you 3 Santa Barbara County Syrahs. Winery notes come from their websites, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2020 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1435)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The 2020 Originals impresses with its sheer scope: a vast spectrum from lifted to candied red fruit immediately enters into an exotic, forested wilderness. Meaty, smoky umami and sangre awaken the carnal appetite. All of these sensations thrust into overdrive while the wine is young and within a few years the forces will unite into one beautiful being. Certainly one of the most age-worthy wines from the heralded 2020 vintage, which makes sense, as it is the very last cuvee from 2020 to be released. ”

Wine Enthusiast – 97 points: “The 2020 vintage took this bottling from older vines to another level. Light game, plum paste, charred meat and white-pepper aromas lead into a palate of pure meat, roasted elderberry and woodsmoke. The richness is balanced by firm tannins. Drink now–2040.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Very dark in the glass. A delicious bouquet of blackberries, buttered popcorn, and dirt. Opened up into a full bodied, yet soft, smooth palate of crushed tart berries, plum and violets with a touch of alcohol on the finish. June and August 2024

2019 Jaffurs Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.9% ABV, $55 (#1436)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Planted across two blocks up the hillsides overlooking Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido is our coolest-climate Syrah vineyard. The 2019 is a dark, full-bodied wine showing blackberry, black current, crushed pepper, and violet. Bright acidity and a supple mid-palate texture with mineral tension and a long, saline finish. This is a classic Bien Nacido Syrah that needs 2-3 years in bottle to show at its best and will easily age an additional 10.”

Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “Tightly wound aromas of blackberry, dried beef, packed purple flowers, and light tar make for a dense though not overly ripe nose on this bottling from the historic vineyard. The wine is also dense and chalky on the palate, with black-fruit and blueberry flavors that are detailed in pepper, soy, and lavender. A comforting hit of vanilla shows on the finish.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Dark, rich garnet in the glass, almost purple. Bright crushed berries, rose petal and mocha on the nose. Tongue coating palate of cherry and berry with a complex, menthol finish with a touch of tobacco. This was pretty darn good! I’d like to visit this winery! April & September 2024

2017 Beckmen Vineyards Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.7 ABV, $37 (#1437)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Dark chocolate, plum, blackberry, vanilla, black pepper, grilled meats, and game are hallmarks of Purisima Mountain Syrah.”

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “This is a classic expression of Ballard Canyon’s Goldilocks appeal, blending the rich potential of warmer-weather Syrah with cooler-climate freshness. Aromas of black cherry, fudge and even butterscotch lead to a palate were oaky caramel and cappuccino flavors are cut by crisp pepper spice.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Very dark in the glass. Blueberry on the nose. Dark and lean on the palate. I liked this wine, despite it not being as fruity as some of our Central Coast Syrahs. July 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SYRAH

Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Options: Reservations are required for tastings at the winery or at the Los Olivos Patio, which is open daily from 11am to 4pm. $25 Tasting Fee

Jaffurs Wine Cellars winery and tasting room is located at 819 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara. Open Monday – Sunday 11am to 5:00pm t: (805) 962-7003, e: info@jaffurswine.com

Beckmen Vineyards: “A working vineyard. A country escape.Open Daily 11am – 5pm Our red barn winery, tasting decks, gazebos, and duck ponds overlooking the Thomas & Judith Beckmen Estate Vineyard provide an idyllic wine country setting for savoring our handcrafted wines. We invite you to join us for a wine tasting, vineyard and winery tour, bottle service at our gazebos, dock, or pondside lounge, or a private tour and wine tasting.”

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Desire Lines: A Cachagua Cab at a Bargain Price!

THE STORY

Sometimes it sounds too good to be true and sometimes it is such a good deal, you can’t pass it up.  When we saw a Cabernet Sauvignon from Carmel Valley’s Cachagua region on sale for $16 at K&L Wine Merchants, we had to try it! By the time we did – and determined it was worthy for one of my wine classes – it was completely sold out.

ABOUT DESIRE LINES WINE CO.:

This is just an excerpt – I encourage you to read their whole story here!

Forging our path.

“A desire line is a path made by the one walking it. It’s often a path that diverts from the main trail, whether through an empty field to get from one street to another or a straight line up a mountain made by someone too impatient for switchbacks…

“Our winemaking path is guided by our vineyard sources, spanning 400+ miles across the expanse of Northern California. We go wherever a fascinating vineyard hooks us in and inspires us – these are sites that produce vibrant and singular wines that speak compellingly of place and time. From Riesling in the single-vineyard Cole Ranch AVA to 1890s-planted vines in Contra Costa County, our vineyards are the most important part of our wines: so much so that our labels feature the vineyard name as the largest text on the bottle along with a hand-drawn illustration of the vineyard.

“Desire Lines wines are inspired by pioneering California winemakers and their coming-of-age wines from the 1970s and 80s – Cody describes this philosophy as “neo-classical” though Emily maintains that isn’t a sensible way to describe winemaking. What this looks like in the cellar is native yeast fermentations, lots of whole-cluster use in many of our reds, barrel fermentation for our whites, and aging in primarily neutral oak and large format barrels.

“It’s a great joy to be able to share these wines with others, like crossing paths on a trail and getting to chat for a minute about how great the view is from here…”

THE WINE:

Today I’m bringing you just one wine. Winery notes come from wine.com. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Desire Lines Experimental Series No. 12 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cachagua Ridge Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $40/$16 sale (#1434)

Winemaker’s Notes: “We’ve named this wine “Cachagua Ridge” as an ode to the place – the vineyard is planted on a ridge above the Cachagua Valley, below the towering peaks of the Ventana Wilderness. “Cachagua” is purported to mean “hidden waters”, a nod to the underground springs that flow down from the Santa Lucia Mountains all along the length of the valley. The wine was fully destemmed; fermented and left on skins for 30 days; racked once over the course of a fifteen-month élevage; and raised in a mix of 225L and 500L barrels with 40% new oak included (Taransaud’s Grande Chauffe toast). I love the balance of savory and fruit-sweet elements within this wine, and I’m kind of astounded by the density and ripeness the wine possesses at just 13.4% alcohol. I think the wine is drinking exceptionally well right now, and I expect it to age beautifully – a perfect cellar defender Cabernet from one of my new favorite wine regions.”

My Review: Medium purple in the glass. At first, presented thin mid-palate, but opened up to reveal good, dark fruit flavors, which one expects from a Cachaguan Cabernet Sauvignon. Some chewy tannins to balance it all out.  I would serve this at a large gathering and, at this price, wold have loved to present it in a class.  Alas.  In sum, a tasty little wine, and a steal at $16. We might never see that price again! August 2024

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Diatom Chardonnay: “Motivated by the Pursuit of Subtraction and Refinement”

THE STORY

Having just read a Wine Spectator article about California Chardonnay, I suggested we make it the theme of our August virtual wine group. Members presented wines from all over California, Oregon and Washington, making it one of our more interesting and classes!  I wanted to try the 2023 Diatom Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, which had been selected as Wine Spectator’s #37 of its top 100 California Chardonnays. After hunting in my local stores, I settled for the 2022 vintage instead – which turned out to be a terrific wine!

ABOUT WINES BY GREG BREWER:

Wines by Greg Brewer:

“Winemaker Greg Brewer’s primary goal and priority is to deliver the essence of the sustainably farmed estate vineyards as clearly and honestly as possible.

 “Each specific winery strives to harness our appellations with the utmost transparency in their own unique style. This objective is to offer the most relevant voice of our estates. While the three labels are corralled by my name, their outcome is ultimately the result of our entire Team whose devotion to every step of the process informs, motivates and inspires…”

About Diatom – by Greg Brewer: “Diatom specializes in one variety— Chardonnay— and is motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement.”

THE WINE:

Today I’m bringing you just one wine. Winery notes come from wine.com. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2022 Diatom Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, 14.5% ABV, $25 (#1433)

2022 Diatom Chardonnay

Winemaker’s Notes From wine.com: “The 2022 Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and wet sand with flavors of saline and white peach on the palate. A precise, balanced wine.”

At that same link, you can find many professional reviews for this wine, rated on average 93 points.  Here is one of those reviews:

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast: “Fascinating aromas of Asian pear, lime and white rocks create a cohesive combination on the nose of this bottling by Greg Brewer. The palate is tremendously tense and lively, using crushed seashell and yuzu flavors to offset the tropical hints of guava peel and spicy pepper touches.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Pale yellow in the glass. A big nose of white peach, honeysuckle, lemon and burnt matchstick, with a hint of pineapple.  The full-bodied, ripe fruit palate includes lemon zest and lemon curd.  This wine when first opened was lemon, lemon, lemon, but as it warmed slightly and opened up, it became this full-bodied beauty. Very different from our typical Monterey County Chardonnays! We enjoyed this wine all week! A bargain at $25. August 2024

THE TASTING ROOM:

Brewer-Clifton Tasting Room

“Our tasting room is located in the town of Los Olivos, California just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. We are open by reservation only in order to maximize each guest’s experience.

HOURS OF OPERATION Open Seven Days a Week 10am – 4pm By Reservation Only

 ADDRESS – 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

A Sweet, Little Local Monterey Catch Up Post!

THE STORY – Monterey Catch Up

Time for a short, Monterey Catch Up Post of wines we have enjoyed at home!

THE WINES:

Today I’m bringing you a little Monterey catchup post on 4 wines, 2 new ones and 2 revisits!  The Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir we found in our fridge and enjoyed on one of those rare, warm June coastal days. I picked up the Galante Vineyards Merlot at a tasting there long ago – but did not get to sample it until this past winter (amazing what we find hidden in our wine room!). We picked up the Pierce Ranch Vineyards Claret as they were closing their Cannery Row tasting room (they are open at their winery – see below!).  Finally, we enjoy re-tasting Carmel Valley wines from the 2016 Soberanes Fire year to see how they are holding up. The Parsonage Tanner Reserve is one which, through creative winemaking, I still don’t detect even a hint of the smoke – it is drinking beautifully. 

Winery notes come from their website, newsletters or tasting room. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2022 Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $24 (#1431)

Winery Notes: “If the Lucy Rosé of Pinot Noir offers any preview into the quality of the coming wines for a given vintage, rest assured that 2022 will certainly be a vintage to remember. Sporting shades of melon, salmon, and coral that are classic for a Lucy Rosé, this beautiful offering packs unyielding aromatic intensity as it chills and condensates on the sides of the glass.  Delicate at first with notes of fresh strawberry and subtle, mineral driven undertones, this wine begins to offer complexities seldom seen in rosé as it opens up in the glass. Plush notes of peach blossom and watermelon waft into the air, as the first sips offer citrus-driven flavors of tangerine and orange peel, backed by tart raspberry and rose petal. Brief but impactful aging in 100% neutral French oak barrels offer an added layer of texture that pairs seamlessly with fresh acidity.”

“The Pisoni Family has always been committed to making exceptional wines, and Lucy allows them to combine this passion with philanthropy. The Pisoni family donates one dollar of each bottle sold to Breast Cancer Research. Since inception, over $200,000 has been raised for this cause.”

My 2024 Review: Pale salmon in the glass. Peach and apricot with strawberry notes on the nose. Kind of tart on the palate like underripe strawberries and raspberries. Refreshing. Complexity is revealed as wine warms in the glass. More than a pool wine. June 2024

2018 Galante Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $100   (#1432)

Winery Notes “This Wine Gang favorite is EXTREMELY limited – only 50 cases produced – and as you all know, it always sells out quickly.  Lush, ripe strawberry and toasted vanilla flavors abound in this classic Merlot.

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass – like a juicy, dark cherry. Dark fruit and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Sweet tart on the palate with an undercurrent of dark berries and plum. Cherry on the finish. March 2024

2016 Pierce Ranch Vineyards Claret, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $28 (#142)

Winery Notes: “…Benefiting from the region’s high elevation, rocky soils, and wide variation in diurnal temperature, the 2016 vintage is a nuanced, well-balanced wine with an elegant texture, restrained fruit, and a solid tannic structure. Produced on a very limited scale, its components were fermented in small lots and aged in French oak for 18 months. Flavors and aromas of red cherry, black currant, and plum combine with hints of cedar and tobacco leaf.”

My 2024 Review: Cranberry, blackberry, plum and musky herbal on the nose. White pepper, black raspberry and currant with grapefruit notes on the finish. December 2023

My 2020 Review: Raspberry and blackberry on the nose.  Raspberry, tart cherry and plum on the palate, with a smooth, licorice finish.  This is a very tasty, everyday Claret. May 2020

2016 Parsonage Estate Reserve Tanner Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 15% ABV, $80

Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon is a burly beast of a wine and the fastest selling vintage we’ve ever made. When folks try it, they buy it. The nose is full of dark fruit with hints of barrel toast. The palate is full of blackberry, black cherry, and tobacco leaf.  Nicely integrated tannins and a long finish. We aren’t fancy and like to pair it with a burger.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

My 2024 Review: Medium purple in color. Crushed blackberry and cherry and brewed coffee, with a hint of sulfur, on the nose. Melange of berries and spearmint on the plate with a dry, wooden finish with lingering licorice notes. Blind tasting this wine, you wouldn’t know it was from the year of the Soberanes Fire.

My 2020 Review: Glass-coating rich, this wine had a little sulphur and green olive on the nose, followed by umami flavors of pepperoni dipped in a good marinade.  Very robust and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.  Little to no detection of smoke taint, despite the 2016 vintage. June 2020

THE TASTING ROOMS – A Monterey Catch Up:

Lucy Wines doesn’t appear to have a tasting room.

Galante Vineyards: Come visit our Wine Tasting Room and Western Emporium in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Located off Dolores between Ocean and Seventh Ave., Galante Vineyards is proud to be Carmel’s first “Wine Tasting Room”. We cordially invite you and your guests to stop by to say “howdy” and to taste our renowned estate wines.

“Our tasting room is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea off Dolores between Ocean Street and Seventh Ave. We are currently open DAILY for outdoor tastings: Monday-Thursday 12:30-6:30pm, Friday & Saturday  12:00-7:30pm, Sunday 12:00-6:30pm”

Pierce Ranch Vineyards : “We are now hosting regular tasting hours at the winery in Lockwood every Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 pm…The official winery address is 53527 Bradley-Lockwood Road, Bradley, CA 93426. (We know. Apparently whether or not we’re actually in Lockwood is a matter of interpretation. It might be a quantum thing.) If you need directions or if you have questions, feel free to contact us at tastingroom@piercevineyards.com. We’ll see/observe you there.”

Parsonage: “Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Room: Hooray! We are open for both indoor and outdoor wine tasting daily. Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. Reservations can be made here or by phone. Please call us at 831-659-7322 for same day reservations.”

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Highlights from the 31st Annual Monterey Wine Country Winemakers Celebration!

My favorite widely-attended wine event in Monterey County happened on August 24th – the  Monterey Winemakers Celebration! I like this event because these are “our” local wineries – the ones we can drive to and the tasting rooms we frequent.  And this time the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association was very generous to me and comped me VIP tickets!  My chance to taste some of the special wines before everyone else shows up – excellent.  A huge THANK YOU for your generosity!

And we could not have had better weather for the Winemakers Celebration – it was warm and sunny – not something you can bank on in August on the Monterey Peninsula! And how fun to see so many of our winemakers in attendance including Sabrine Rodems, Ian Brand, Jack Galante, Greg Freeman, Greg Hill, Russell Joyce, and Keith Prader.

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through some of the wines we tasted – but then hone in on specific noteworthy wines.

ABOUT THE MONTEREY WINEMAKERS CELEBRATION 2024

“Join us in Carmel-by-the-Sea for the Monterey Winemakers Celebration, now in its 31st year! This year, the event has moved to late August to celebrate the beginning of the 2024 harvest. Celebrate with winemakers and growers from one of the world’s premier wine regions at this beloved street festival on Saturday, August 24, on Dolores Street (between Ocean and 7th) and 7th Street (between Dolores and San Carlos).

“Experience incredible wines and culinary delights from renowned chefs and local food purveyors who will showcase their craft. Event proceeds will benefit the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Foundation Peter Figge Memorial Scholarship Fund.” This fund is still open for donations!

Please click on the event link to see all of the wineries and eateries who were there to make this a fun event!

THE EVENT ITSELF – Winemakers Celebration

My Strategy: My usual strategy at the Winemakers Celebration is to focus on wineries that were new or ones I had never presented in my blog, sample one wine, and dump the rest. But only one winery that fit that category, so we went looking for the special reserve wines! However – with a twist – my partner wanted to go through once only tasting rosé and white wines and to leave the reds for the trip back through.  It was an incredibly warm day, but it meant more wines and smaller tastes to come out even!

We sampled rosé wines from Dawn’s Dream Winery, Lucy Wines, Talbott Vineyards, Tira Nanza, Chalone Vineyard and De Tierra – and more!

And a few whites: Dawn’s Dream 2023 Chardonnay had a buttery nose with honey and tropical notes on the palate. Scheid Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc was pale in glass with melon and pineapple on the palate – a good wine. Plus Rexford Winery’s flavorful 2022 Tondre Grapefield Dry Riesling and nicely balanced 2019 Escolle Chardonnay. Lucy Wines (by Pisoni) had an interesting 2023 blend named Pico Blanco (Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc) which was light yellow and tropical on the palate. And JL Wood Wines was back with its line of Chardonnays from Arroyo Seco – the 2022 Premier was buttery and balanced.

There were lots of sparkling wines that were oh so bubbly: Common Thread Wines, Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Scratch Wines, Puma Road, Holman Ranch  and Caraccioli Cellars. 

And some notable reds, including Odonata Wines tasty 2020 Malbec from Paicines, Holman Ranch Syrah (drinking so well!), and newcomer Lyndon Fog Cellars  2023 Zabala Vineyard Syrah (where can I get some, please?). Plus standout red blends, including the 2021 De Tierra Coco The Rescue, 2022 Galante Vineyards Legacy, 2016 Puma Road TKO, 2016 Pessagno Wines  Quattro, and 2019 Silvestri Vineyards Eugenia.

And then we capped off the Winemakers Celebration by tasting every single one of  Shale Canyon Wines reds: 2017 Mourvèdre, 2019 GSM, 2017 Tempranillo, and we even got to taste the club-only 2019 Consortium! At that point, we were invited to the winery to help them bottle wines later in the fall.  Why not?

THE CULINARY DELIGHTS – Winemakers Celebration

Before I get to today’s wines, I just wanted to mention a couple of eateries which stood out to us.  We did not try them all, but we especially enjoyed the Cafe Guarani empanadas and the The Grill on Ocean Ave. flaky triangles with artichoke dip.

THE WINES – Winemakers Celebration

As I did with the last Monterey Wine Trade Event, today I want to highlight a few standout wines from wineries I rarely or have never covered in this blog.  I did not capture detailed tasting notes at the Winemakers Celebration, so I’ve cobbled together my notes from memory. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

This post focuses on Common Thread Wines, De Tierra, Lyndon Fog Cellars, and Pessagno Wines . Each is worthy of a future visit and a full tasting. Any winery notes are from their websites or from the presenters at this event. 

ABOUT COMMON THREAD WINES:

David Baird, winemaker at Folktale, started this label as a personal effort to make a difference for the special needs community. I encourage you to read the moving story about Common Thread Wines here: It all began in a moment.

“…My winemaking career began in 2006 while attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  I’ve had the pleasure of working for some of the best winemakers in the Central Coast of California and honing my craft and style along the way.  A goal of mine was to someday create wines of my own, but timing was never right.  That all changed in 2021 when finally gaining the courage to take a risk and begin a wine brand of my own, and Common Thread was born.  The name comes from a similar trait I share with my two boys – a single palmar crease on our left hands.  This crease is one of the physical markers of Down syndrome, along with almond shaped eyes, stunted growth, etc.  It is not an indication of any mutation, and can be an uncommon inherited trait that is often passed down among males.  I’m proud to share this special trait with my two boys, and is my Common Thread.

“A large part of my desire to make wine is getting an opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way.  I’m proud to donate 10% of proceeds to organizations that support individuals with special needs.  Those individuals share a common thread with my son, and all deserve to live life to the fullest.”

2023 Common Thread Brut Rose, Central Coast AVA, 12.7% ABV, $34 (#1427) 66% Pinot Meunier, 21% Chardonnay, 13% Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes: “Originally associated with royalty and wine for the gods, sparkling wine has always been made with love and care. This bottle honors the past, with a bottling of the classic varieies in traditional sparkling wine and the Méthode Champenoise. Depending on your preferences, pair this with caviar or popcorn on the couch. The individual components were hand-picked and gently pressed. The individual components fermented in Stainless-Steel before being blended and bottled for the secondary fermentation. The bottles were riddled by hand and disgorged in the fall of 2024.”

My Notes:  A little cloudy in glass and very tasty. Unlike many of the bubblies at this event which were all bubbles and, if you were lucky, a touch of yeasty notes, this one actually tasted like something. I’d serve to guests. We circled back to tell him that it was our favorite sparkling wine of the event! August 2024

ABOUT DE TIERRA:

“De Tierra Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery producing handcrafted, award-winning wines from the California Central Coast. Owners, Jeff Meacham and Andrew Schoenfeld are dedicated to the rich history and traditions of De Tierra. “We are very fortunate for our continued close partnership with the Russell Vineyards where De Tierra’s founder planted our first varietals in 1998. The Vineyard’s location affords us favorable and unique soils lending to our consistent premium wines of superb quality. Jeff and Andrew continue De Tierra’s commitment to producing superior quality boutique wines.”

2021 De Tierra Rosé of Pinot Noir, Central Coast AVA, 14.2% ABV, $35 (#1428)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Won SILVER MEDAL at the California State Commercial Wine Competition 2023!…IN THE GLASS: Watermelon and silver tones. Fresh and bright…”

My Notes: This was one of the most flavorful rosé wines we tasted this afternoon. 

ABOUT LYNDON FOG CELLARS:

This was the first time Lyndon Fog Cellars participated in this event. They are a joint venture by Laurel Livingston and Glen Caughell. She works for Ian Brand and he also works in the wine industry.  They brought several wines for us to sample, including a fun “Chillable Red.” But, when she told me her Syrah grapes came from Zabala Vineyards, I needed to try no others!

2023 Lyndon Fog Syrah, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County (#1429)

My notes: Cinnamon candy on the nose, followed by that lovely Zabala Syrah fruit.  I need to get some! August 2024

ABOUT PESSAGNO WINES:

“Pessagno Winery brings to life a family’s 20-year dream of producing exclusive wines from prestigious vineyards throughout the Monterey and San Benito Counties. Winemaker Stephan Pessagno left behind a legacy of extravagance for all in the industry to enjoy. His deep rooted passion and devotion elevated the Pessagno name to what it is today… Franscioni’s team of winemakers welcome all wine lovers to indulge in their exclusive product. They capture the natural flavors of the San Lucia Highlands among other local regions to give Pessagno wines their unique flavor. Come savor the tastes and aromas of our luxurious wines…”

2016 Pessagno Quattro Red Blend, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, San Benito County, $40 (#1430)

Winery Notes: “Four Varietal Blend of 37.5% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec. The 2016 Quattro entices with rich aromas of spice, tobacco, oak and dark cherry. The palate is rewarded with a rich and velvety mouthfeel, flavors of leather, intense dark cherry, and hints of spice and vanilla, with a long, satisfying finish.”

My Notes: The Pessagno Quattro was one of best fruit forward red blends we tasted at this event. I would present this wine in one of my classes! August 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS

Only two of these wineries have tasting rooms.  Please contact the others directly for more information.

De Tierra Tasting Room:

The De Tierra Tasting Room is located at Mission and 5th in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.

“De Tierra provides a one of a kind tasting room experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just 1½ blocks off Ocean Ave., our tasting room is located in a cozy cottage that opens up to the sights and sounds of downtown. Come visit us and experience our extensive wine portfolio which features many single varietal wines, unique blends, sparkling and dessert wines. Make it a perfect match with our available locally sourced small bites.

“The Tasting Room at De Tierra Vineyards is open to the public Mon-Thr: 1pm-6pm and Fri-Sun: 1pm -7pm. Reservations are not needed, but are encouraged. We are family and dog friendly. We can’t wait to see you at the Tasting Room – we know you’ll love it here.”

Pessagno Tasting Room:

The Pessagno Tasting Room is located at 1645 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908, on the Monterey Wine Trail!

“WE’RE OPEN FOR TASTINGS – WITH AMPLE COVERED & HEATED OUTDOOR SEATING!

“We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support over the past several years. We are delighted to welcome you for on-site tastings and look forward to seeing you soon! Reservations are recommended. Please call 831-675-9463 or email info@pessagnowines.com for our River Road Winery & Tasting Room.

“Current Hours. We are currently operating with Spring Hours and are open Thursday-Monday, from 12-5pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.”

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Idle Hour Generously Shares their Latest on Croatia Tour!

WINE ADVENTURES IN CROATIA – PART 3!

THE STORY

OK, one more post about our spring trip to Croatia. Today’s post is about the Idle Hour wines from California which were generously shared with us by our traveling host, winemaker and co-owner Anna Marie Dos Remedios, throughout our trip. We were able to taste these wines at restaurants and on the boat.  We were personally grateful to experience more recent vintages of wines we know, as well as some new ones sourced in the Santa Ynez AVA in Santa Barbara County. For those of us with California palates, these were a welcome break from the still strange yet wonderful Croatian wines.

I waited for Anna Marie to send me her winery notes for these wines, as they are no longer available online. And I am sure glad I did! Also, as with my other posts about our trip in Croatia, my reviews have at times been colorfully supplemented by our traveling partners, whom I have named the Decanting-Monterey-in-Croatia Wine Pod. 😊 The Malbec review was also assisted earlier by Erin of tèr·ra·ve·nos.

One of the Many Picturesque Lunch Spots During Our Trip!

I have written about Idle Hour Winery several times before, with the last major post here: Idle Hour Pop Up Tasting Room Event – A Better Way to Spend a Rainy Day.

IDLE HOUR WINERY

“In our winery, we focus on single-varietal, single vineyard designated wines from select California vineyards and make our wines with minimal intervention in the cellar. In our kitchen, we are a scratch kitchen, with house made dishes using only the freshest, local ingredients we can source from small purveyors from around California. Our food and wines are inspired by the Mediterranean with a focus on using healthier cooking methods and fresh, organic ingredients.”

Anna Marie shared this about her new Santa Barbara County wines:

“My first vintage from Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley did not disappoint.  I chose three Rhône varieties to work with from the La Presa Vineyard: Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Grenache Noir.”

IDLE HOUR WINES

2019 Idle Hour Malbec, Madera, 13.8% ABV, $32 (#915)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright blueberry and violet with a deep garnet color and the perfect bing cherry finish to pair with a pork tenderloin and cherry gastrique.”

My Review assisted by Erin: Inky in the glass. Violets, blueberry, cherry and raspberry with green pepper, smoke and dusty notes on the nose. Super bright and fruit forward. Medium ripe tannins, a tiny bit grippy. Slightly tart and savory, similar to one of the blueberry blend fruit juices we had in the Croatian hotel – in a good way. Pair with risotto and skirt steak. I liked this wine. December 2022 and May 2024

2021 Idle Hour Old Vine Carignan, Madera County, 13.6% ABV (#1340)

Winemaker’s Notes: ““As an homage to the beauty of the 50 years aged bush vines in Madera bearing these grapes, I wanted the purity of this fruit to shine, using only neutral barrels and picking with balance with a lighter style in mind. Red fruits of bing cherry and raspberry pay tribute to the inherent acidity of this variety with smooth tannins and a woodsy back end. Definitely a food wine! A perfect Summer wine to pair with a meal off the bbq of meats and veggies.”

AWARDS: Gold 92, 2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine Challenge; Bronze, 2024 SF Chronicle International Wine Competition.

My Review: Red fruit reminiscent of macerated strawberry on the nose. Darker fruit on the full bodied, jammy palate.  Jam packed with more of a plum vs blackberry. Cherry on the finish. I liked this wine – we took one home. May 2024

2021 Idle Hour Cuvée Rouge, $32 (#1341) 60 % Petite Sirah, 40% Carignan

Winemaker’s Notes: “Once in awhile, I blend a few barrels of wines. The fruit in the Carignan tamed the structure of the Petite Sirah, giving a balance and length to the blend while still preserving the bright red fruits and smooth mid palate of the Carignan. This Petite Sirah from Madera was not overly tannic, it lends the more savory notes from aging in newer oak to the blend: cedar and an earthiness from the sur lie aging.”

My Review: Purple in color. Sweet blueberry and cranberry on the nose. Very dark fruit like blueberry and dried plums, with a tangy finish. May 2024

2022 Idle Hour Rousanne, Santa Ynez AVA, Santa Barbara County, 13.8% ABV, (#1342)

Winemaker’s Notes: “I haven’t made Roussanne since 2012.  I love the variety for the long and smooth mid palate, it is like the Petit Verdot of the white wines, most often used in blends to lengthen the body of a blend. I love mine as a single varietal wine. This vintage did not disappoint, with a full body and an herbal aromatic, think pears and honey with black tea  and ample acidity tempered by the mouthfeel.”

This is the only white wine allowed in the Rhône. It’s the “Petit Verdot of white wine.”

My Review: Sweet nose of apricot, honey and elderflower – very St Germaine. Viscous in the glass. Grapefruit and honey on the palate with a pear finish. May 2024

2022 Idle Hour Grenache Blanc, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara AVA, 14.2% ABV, $34 (#1343)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This, my second vintage of Grenache Blanc from the Central Coast, boasted a succulent mouthfeel, with floral notes of rose petals, vanilla from a tempered short aging in oak and citrusy notes. With only a short aging of 6 months for the malolactic fermentation to complete before bottling, this wine showed beautifully and sold out quickly after winning the 2023 Sunset Int’l Wine Competition Best of Class. I wish I would have made more!” SOLD OUT!

AWARDS: Best of Class 94 Gold 94  2023 Sunset International Wine Competition; Silver, 2023 International Women’s Wine Competition

My Review: Floral notes like orange blossom on the nose. A round, oaky quality is balanced by crisp acidity and minerality on the palate. June 2024

2022 Idle Hour Grenache Noir, Santa Ynez AVA, Santa Barbara County, 13.9% ABV, $ (#1344)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine is everything I love of California Grenache! Woodsy aromatics, a lightness to the mouthfeel and cherry all day! This was a tiny lot of 1 ton producing only 48 cases of wine!”

AWARDS: Silver, 2024 SF Chronicle International Wine Competition.

My Review: I did not capture detailed tasting notes on this wine. It was interesting and tasty, with some cherry notes on the palate. I recall liking this one better than most Central Coast Grenache wines, which can sometimes seem boring. June 2024

THE TASTING ROOM

“COME VISIT OAKHURST’S FIRST WINERY & TASTE OUR MEDITERRANEAN-INFLUENCED AND HANDCRAFTED FOOD & WINE”

“We are open for wine tasting Thursday-Saturdays from 11am until 5pm, and Sundays, 10am until 2 pm. Our Kitchen is open for lunch service as well, Thursdays-Saturdays, 12pm-4 pm, Dinner service Thursdays-Saturdays, 5pm-8pm and Sunday Brunch from 10am-2pm. Call (559) 760-9090 for more information.”

Check their Facebook page @IdleHourWine for the latest info!

© Decanting Monterey 2024

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

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