Tagged: Decanting Monterey

The Latest from I Brand with the Monterey AWS!

I love it when wineries enthusiastically welcome the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for our monthly First Friday WinedUP events. And Will and Angie from the I Brand & Family Tasting Room did just that for us in early February, sharing the latest from I Brand with our Monterey AWS group.

THE STORY – The Latest from I Brand with the Monterey AWS!

ABOUT THE MONTEREY AWS CHAPTER

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society  was founded in early 2020 – just before the pandemic. Many of its early activities had to take place over Zoom.  As things reopened, it began its monthly First Friday WinedUP events, visiting a different local winery tasting room to improve its knowledge of the region and our wines.  I’ve been advising them for a while now on places to go, wines to taste.

If you are interested in joining the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society, first join the national American Wine Society and pick Monterey as your local chapter. You can see our events on our local chapter page. 

SETTING THINGS UP WITH I BRAND & FAMILY

When I reached out to Will Larkin at I Brand & Family, he was immediately enthusiastic about the idea.  We set the date for February 2.  In a few quick emails we established the pricing and size of the event.  Piece of cake!

I Brand had its A-team – Angie and Will – on tap for the event.  They had prepared a special tasting menu just for our group.  We started with a rose pre-wine while we waited for everyone to arrive. 

Angie and Will know everything about I Brand & Family wines. Will shared with the group some facts and figures about how the have the largest portfolio of any single winery in Monterey County. He explained the single vineyard, old vines nature of the I Brand & Family label (as opposed to La Marea and Paysan, the other two labels). We discussed the news reported by Laura Ness in Edible Monterey that Ian Brand Expands into Dorcich Facility – such a fabulous opportunity for Ian Brand. 

AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?

We were delighted that so many of our members turned out for the occasion. Everyone enjoyed the tasting room venue, the quality and value of the wines, the hospitality, and the ability to mingle about and socialize.  As a special treat, we welcomed some new members to our group!

THE WINES

I’ve written about I Brand & Family many times in Decanting Monterey.  All of these wines we tasted at this event have been presented before and many are available at these 2 links:  I Brand & Family: Rare Holiday Vertical Tasting Follows Low Key Autumn Release! and I Brand & Family’s Summer Releases: Pulling Out All Stops!  The rest you can easily find by putting their number (example: #957) in the search bar on www.decantingmonterey.com.  You will also find more detailed winemaker’s notes there.

I have 6 wines with updated tasting notes to present to you today from I Brand’s3 labels: I Brand & Family, La Marea and P’tit Paysan.  Winery notes come from their newsletters or other websites as noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. Now, for the reviews!

2022 Paysan Rose, Central Coast AVA, 12.7% ABV, $19 (#957) 81% Mourvèdre, 12% Cinsault, 7% Grenache 

Winemaker’s Notes: “Initial aromas of watermelon and cantaloupe are inescapable, transitioning to trailside strawberry with a touch of air. Melons and strawberries persist on the palate, and bright red fruits continue into the finish transforming into a pleasing strawberry-basil herbaceous salinity.”

My Review: Pale pink in color. Slightly sweet watermelon on the nose, followed by a perfect rose palate. I would use this in a class and would drink one in the micro-climate! February 2024

2022 I Brand & Family Arneis, Vista Verde Vineyard, San Benito AVA, San Benito County, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1056)

According to Will, Arneis is a northern Italy varietal which is planted to help fight phylloxera!

Winemaker’s Notes: “This is our third vintage of Arneis from Vista Verde. We originally tried this block out because we were looking for anything white after the fires of 2020 in case the smoke taint was worse than we thought. It turns out that the Vista Verde hillside does a damn good version of this rare and resurging Piedmontese variety with textbook apricot, honey and raw almond flavors. Our wine making remains largely unchanged over the last three years: Nail the pick, press whole cluster, settle, ferment and age in the same barrels and let it rest on lees until we are ready to bottle. Every time I open a bottle, I’m happy I did.”

My Review:  Light golden in the glass. Caramel and floral on the nose. Crisp and clean on the palate with honey notes and a long finish. A very nice wine. February 2024

2021 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $36 (#1059)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Aromatics of Meyer lemon and nutty pralines lead the way on the nose, quickly evolving into a beautiful floral bouquet of honeysuckle. Bright acidity starts things off on the palate with layers of fruit; including underripe pear and granny smith apple, rounding out with a warmth reminiscent of quince. The bright acidity blends with well-integrated tannins, finishing neatly with toasted oak.”

My Review:  Hint of burnt sugar and honey on the nose. Balanced, with a slightly buttery finish. The French oak aging presents itself in a very balanced way, with the toasty notes and hint of butter.  This wine is year over year perhaps the best Chardonnay made in Monterey County. February 2024

2020 La Marea Old Vines Grenache, Central Coast AVA, 14% ABV, $30 (#1060)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This blend of three ‘old vine’ Grenache vineyards from the Central Coast is a unique wine. There aren’t more than a handful of old vine Grenache vineyards on the Central Coast and we’ve gone about collecting every significant block (and some fairly tiny ones) we can because we believe in the history and future of Grenache in our region. We’ve tried bottling grenache every which way, but this three-vineyard blend is tops for depth and approachability –– it’s like everything you want from a great Pinot Noir at a third of the price. Try it with a slight chill on a warm summer evening with light fare from the grill or stash it in the cellar for a couple of years. Our experience, is our Grenaches really start showing their full potential between years 4 to 8.”

My Review:  Translucent ruby in the glass. I detected cherry and caramel on the nose. The savory palate was laced with crushed berries and root beer flavors, with a touch of smoke on the finish. February 2024

2021 Paysan Le P’tit Pape, Central Coast AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#1226)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The nose begins with wet river rock and California chaparral combined with cherries and plum skin leading the way toward a meaty, teriyaki, black olive reminiscence. Composed on the palate, notes of white pepper and dried herbs – bay laurel and thyme, provide a complex complement to the fruit on the nose. A distinct umami soy/hoisin silkiness finishes with an understated balance and subtle minerality.”

My Review:  Dark in the glass. Sweet and herbaceous on the nose. The “California chaparral” shines through, with cherry notes on the finish.  This is drinking well – good and tasty. Excellent quality for value. February 2024

2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, DeRose Vineyard, Cienega Valley AVA, San Benito County, 12.7% ABV, $36 (#1224)             

Winemaker’s Notes: “The initial bouquet is a lovely perfume of wild raspberry and Santa Rosa plum with subtle hints of sweet tobacco and violet. Red fruit persists on the palate, incorporating a vibrancy reminiscent of Ranier cherries. Underlying the ripeness of the fruit is a bright acidity melded with pronounced tannins to create a well-integrated interpretation of the variety.”

My Review:  Garnet, almost purple in the glass. Sweet plum on the nose. Plum, red and black berries and green pepper on the palate. Presents as a Cabernet Franc, light and lean. February 2024

2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County, 11.9% ABV, $48 (#1225)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The bouquet is rich with aromas of dried red fruits and cocoa nibs. Hints of espresso and chocolate-covered cherry lead the way on the palate, rounding to strawberry. Coastal fir lingers with pronounced tannins that create a wonderful tension with the wine’s mellow acidity.”

My Review: Garnet in color. Bright, crushed fruit on the palate with cherry notes and a slightly tannic finish. Richer than the DeRose. Lovely wine. Would be great with a meal. February 2024

THE TASTING ROOM

The I Brand & Family Tasting Room is located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm.  Reservations are recommended – more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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“INFLUENCE OF OAK” ON TEMPRANILLO EVENT YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS!

THE STORY

Last June, Decanting Monterey hosted one of its occasional private tastings, this one focused on the “Influence of Oak” on Tempranillo wines from Ribera del Duero, Spain. As background, in 2022 we went with Idle Hour Winery on one of its fabulous trips organized by ToursandWine.com (by Expanding Horizons).  This one was an Amawaterways cruise down the Duoro River across Portugal, followed by a road trip along the Ribera del Duero for a private Tempranillo tasting. The private tour conducted by Bruno Criado del Rey of Tempranillo Wine Tours was a first-class, first-rate experience – everything from the wineries, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, meals, museums and hotels. If you ever want a first-rate Spanish wine tour, Bruno is your man.  In addition, he provided us much of the entertainment on our trip – he is a fabulous singer and performer!

You can read more about this wine region of Spain in the Wine Enthusiast travel article: Ribera del Duero.

During that tour, we had 2 very different wine experiences:  The first stop was at Sarmentero, a very small family-run winery, where we tasted several Tempranillos, each aged differently in stainless steel or oak, making a great compare and contrast of the influence of oak aging on a wine. We decided to ship back enough of this wine to share this experience with friends.  

Our second stop was at the large Emilio Moro, where we had a thorough winery tour in its huge, and seemingly endless barrel rooms, where it mass produces its wines, based on its family heritage.  We had an extremely delicious lunch there, with its lovely wines flowing freely. Emilio Moro wines can be readily found in the US.

Fast forward to June 2023: We invited the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and a few other regulars and neighbors to recreate this tasting at our home.  These included, among others, Summer Emmons, whom we know through Parsonage Winery, and Erin O’Reilly of Terravenos. 

We used the Terravenos-designed tasting sheet, from which I have amalgamated everyone’s comments into a single review.  We even ranked the 4 Sarmentero wines and, you guessed it, oak matters.  The longer a wine spent in oak, the richer the flavor and body of the wine.  The Emilio Moro wine stands alone, as, despite its short time in oak (6 months), the winemaking style has produced a richer, fuller-bodied wine. 

ABOUT SARMENTERO (from their website)

“Sarmentero is placed in the backyard of a castilian house in the tiny town of Quintanilla de Arriba, Valladolid. The property was acquired in 1942. Until that year, the house was part of the three miller houses in the town. From 1942, the house was dedicated to the production of tiles, cattle breeding and growing wheat and barley along with personal wine production.

“Generations of vine growers gave us the knowledge, discipline, love and the passion for wine to show its best nuances. Amparo Repiso, fourth generation winemaker, decided to go further with her dream and start her own winery in 2004. She started with just one barrel of wine, 60 gallons. That wine succeeded so much among everybody that she decided to keep producing wine and has been slowly increasing the production little by little to this day.

ABOUT EMILIO MORO (from their website)

“Bodegas Emilio Moro is one of the oldest leading quality producers in Ribera del Duero. The history of the family goes back 3 generations. 1st generation Emilio Moro was born in 1891 and 2nd generation Emilio Moro in 1932. Both were born in a viticulture environment surrounded by vineyards and grew up treading grapes and racking wine in their native village of Pesquera de Duero, in the province of Valladolid.

“Emilio Moro taught his son, Emilio how to make wine but also to love it. Then Emilio passed along that knowledge, passion, and love for wine to the third generation. Currently the third and fourth generation together run the winery.

“The vineyards were grafted with the purest clone of Tinto Fino, commonly known as Tempranillo, recovered from the oldest vineyards that the family owns, Valderramiro and Resalso. Currently the family owns more than 200 hectares. They are located between 2,400 to 3,000 feet of elevation.

“The third generation lead by Javier, Rubi and Fabiola started the newest project of the family when they were looking to the area within Spain capable of producing the best white wine. They settled in Bierzo in 2016 and have been making wines there with Godello variety ever since.

““Wine is art. If you listen, it speaks to you, it tells you when it needs to rack, when to rest. It’s like a living being that needs to be understood and cared for”. D. Emilio Moro”

THE WINES

I have 5 wines to present to you today, 4 from Sarmentero and 1 from Emilio Moro. The prices for the Sarmentero wines are their prices for purchase in Spain and do not include the high shipping cost to get them to the US.  They shipped the wine legally and properly. The Emilio Moro price is the purchase price in the US. Winery aging, tasting and pairing notes come from their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. The reviews are an amalgamation of our attendee’s notes, at least the ones they were willing to leave behind!

2021 Sarmentero Thanos Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 14.5% ABV, $8  (#1241)

Aging: stainless-steel tank

Tasting notes: “Dark purple color with a garnet frame that reflects the youth of this wine. Intense aromas of blackberries, cassis and blueberries led by notes of caramel. Smooth and fresh aftertaste, medium tannins.”

Pairing: Salads, grilled veggies, heavier fish, fresh & soft cheese, charcuterie, rice & mild sauces.

Our Review: Purple in color. Licorice, blackberry, dark plum and pencil lead on the nose. Light and lean with tart fruits on the palate. A dry, short finish with plum and fruit notes.  Flavors improved without the accompanying foods. A great bargain! June 2023

2020 Sarmentero Roble Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 14% ABV, $9 (#1242)

Aging: 5 months in American and French oak barrels

Tasting notes: “Smooth and lush medium body wine. Ruby and purple color edges framed by a red fruity and oaky bouquet. Smooth long aftertaste and medium velvety tannins.”

Pairings: Perfect for small bites and tapas, cheese and cured meats, rice dishes and tomato based sauces.

Our Review: Garnet/deep purple in color. Caramel, blackberry and a distinct barnyardy funk on the nose. Medium-bodied and smooth, soft on the palate. June 2023

2018 Sarmentero Vendimia Seleccionada Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 14.5% ABV, $16 (#1243)

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting notes: “Colors of red cherry framed with purple edges. Pretty aromas of ripe and candied fruit that frame the licorice notes. Sweet spicy wood, black cherries and plum flavors on the palate. Well-structured and balanced, long but silky and smooth aftertaste.”

Pairing: Assorted cheeses, red meats, roasted vegetables, chocolate-based desserts or milk chocolate.

Our Review: Inky ruby in the glass. Fruity nose with vinegar and raisiny notes.  A nice, medium-bodied wine with tasty fruit flavors mid-palate, followed by a bite on the finish.  Very delicious. June 2023

2018 Sarmentero Barrica Reserve Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 14.5% ABV, $27 (#1244)

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting notes: “Raised and refined in the style of high-quality and very limited production (100 cases). Seductive and intense aromas of black cherries, dry fruit, licorice and toasty oak. Velvety tannins and dense flavors of candied fruit, black fruit and notes of dark chocolate. Extremely well-balanced and long and deep aftertaste.”

Pairings: Red meats, cured cheese & meat, grilled vegetables, dark chocolate & dark chocolate desserts.

Our Review: Dark garnet color, with burgundy edges.  Warm spices, caramel, earth, fruit, roses and pepper on the nose. Fuller bodied, with plum and intense blue fruit flavors. A dry finish with light tannins. June 2023

2018 Emilio Moro Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain , $20 (#1245)

Aging: 6 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting notes: “Elegant and subtle, a low production volume which has brought out the best essences of the grape. It’s a powerful, balanced wine with exceptional elegance. The aromas of Tempranillo have been refined through the ageing process and it has notes of wood in the background and the personality of the variety. In the palate, it is a reflection of the nose: strong and powerful with mellow and refined tannins.” 91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Decanter

Our Review: Deep ruby/garnet in color. Dark cherry, plum and berry fruits with some herbaciousness and earthiness on the nose. Woody palate of crushed berries – very pleasant and tasty – pretty yummy. June 2023

THE TASTING ROOMS

You can learn about tasting options at Sarmentero by visiting their link Come Visit.  We likely did the Combo option, which was an explanation of the history, the vineyards, a tour of the wine production facility, followed by a tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by light food pairing. I would recommend doing it all. 

You can visit and taste Emilio Moro wines through a variety of experiences outlined on their Enotourism page of their website. We very likely did the GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE option on our tour, which I would highly recommend.  I would definitely go back and do it again. 

Please make a comment if you have had a Spanish wine tasting experience worth sharing with our readers!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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The Bold Parsonage 2005 Cuvee Rocco: A “Happy Mis-Opening!”

THE STORY

Have you ever gone to your cellar to select a specific vintage of a favorite wine but ended up with a “happy mis-opening!”? That happened to us on Christmas Day. We thought we were drinking the 2015 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah when I noticed that familiar “Cuvee Rocco” on the label – it was the library 2005 vintage! Ack! And that is what we call a “happy mis-opening!” While not what was intended, no one was sorry we got to taste that wine!

I was thrilled to present the 2003 Parsonage Cuvee Rocco to you on New Years Day as a very special library wine. You can read about it here: The Parsonage 2003 Cuvee Rocco: A Wine to Behold! So, it was not in my plan to enjoy or present another one so soon.  But here it is…

THE WINE: A “Happy Mis-Opening!”

Today, I am presenting just this one Parsonage library. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. I have previously presented the 2005 Parsonage Carmelstone Syrah, but not this Cuvee Rocco.  You can see my post with the 2005 Carmelstone here: Parsonage Showcases Its Powerful Wines to the Monterey AWS! I gave it this review: “Very dark ruby in the glass. Raisin and cassis on the nose. Rich blackberry with bubblegum notes mid-palate with a touch of smoke/tobacco on the finish. Our favorite wine of the reunion weekend. April 2022”

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.

2005 Parsonage Cuvee Rocco Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $135 (#1240)

grapelive.com Review: “(Barrel sample, component selection) This special barrel selection takes the darkest and most intense Syrah and it shows an added intensity and thickness throughout. Jet black and powerful now with ripe tannins, I might be going out on a limb here, but this maybe the greatest expression of Sarah from Carmel Valley ever produced! The fruit is all about the dark side, with blackberry, blueberry and savory black currants leading the way, but this wine still retains tangy acidity that keeps it all flowing nicely. It is already dense and chewy even though it still will fill out even more, giving me reason to call it a blockbuster! 97 Points (provided by Parsonage Winery)

My Review: OK, our dinner guests went a little crazy helping me with this one: Bold, dark and brooding. The intense, dark fruit flavors explode in the mouth, yet so smooth. This wine has a bold swagger reminiscent of a ranch, “like John Wayne.” “It reminds me of an Opus One – with a touch of Rutherford dust.” Yeah, this was a good one.  We think our family appreciated our “happy mis-opening!” December 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

Parsonage is open for tastings every day – click here for the details and to make a reservation.  Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. 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. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Odonata 2018 Spiketail: Ramping Up for the Holidays!

THE STORY

We opened a 2018 Odonata Spiketail in mid-December as we were ramping up for the holidays.  Today’s short and sweet post includes reviews from two vintages of the same wine!

We last visited Odonata in March 2022 and captured our experience here: Odonata Plays “Mystery Wine” with Decanting Monterey!

ABOUT ODONATA from their website:

You can read about winemaker Denis Hoey in my recent post Odonata: The Truth About Durif.

THE WINE

I have 2 wines to present to you today from Odonata. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2017 Odonata Spiketail, 14.25% ABV, (#875) 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

I previously wrote up the 2017 vintage here: A Plentiful Supply of Central Coast Wines Right at Home.

Winery Notes: “Offering copious aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, raspberry, strawberries, licorice and roasted herbs. Bright acidity, beautiful density, and full-bodied opulence.” 120 cases produced.

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass. Dark berry jam on the nose. Low key palate of jammy berry flavors – this is one delicious wine. June 202

2018 Odonata Spiketail, 14.2%, $65 (#1239) 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

My Review: We bought this on a whim without tasting it. Purple in color. Plum, orange rind, chalk, bubblegum and hot cocoa on the nose. Orange rind and chocolate on the dense jam of the chalky palate. Licorice and smoke on the finish. After it opened up, cinnamon was predominant on the finish. One of the most interesting wines I have enjoyed this year. August 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

VISIT ODONATA WINERY

“Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata Winery and Tasting Room. We hope you will stop by to sample a selection of our current releases!

Located at 645 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908 (tel: 831-566-5147)

Open 7 days a week (except major holidays) from 11 am to 5 pm. Open for Happy Hour on Fridays & Saturdays from 5-7 pm. No appointments are necessary for groups of 8 or fewer.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Lepe Cellars Hosts a Jingle-Mingle!

THE STORY

Last August, I had the chance to meet Miguel Lepe of Lepe Cellars and his assistant Thyra Roth at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association Trade and Media Tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There, I asked him if he would be interested in hosting the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for one of their First Friday events – and he said yes! We finally held that event in early December and it became our chapter’s holiday party at his tasting room inside the Winfield Art Gallery. He was a gracious host, educating our group on his wines and sharing about his winemaking journey.

I previously presented Lepe Cellars Wines in 2 posts: And Now: The Final Post on the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Event!and Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

ABOUT LEPE CELLARS (from their website)

About the winemaker

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

Our Mission

“We take great pride in blending the best of Old World and New World techniques, enabling the wine to develop naturally over time and allowing the journey to be kept as pure as possible, highlighting the regions true terroir.”

THE WINES

I have 7 Lepe Cellars wines to present to you today representing 5 distinct AVAs within Monterey County!  You can read more about Monterey’s AVAs here. Winery notes come from their website unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.3% ABV, $38 (#1234)

Winery Notes: “Citrus and white flower aromas lead into a bright profile with green apples, lemon, and honeysuckle with a touch of minerality on the palate.”

My Review: Pineapple and butter notes on the nose. Crisp and flavorful on the palate with a slightly acidic finish. I took one home. December 2023

2022 Lepe Cellars Sangiovese Rose, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 12.5% ABV, $30 (#1109)

Winery Notes: “This bright, stone fruit focused dry Rosé starts out with a burst of peach and apricot leading into hints of tangerine. Pairs well with seared salmon, lobster and tuna tartare.”

My Review:  A light, pretty pink hue in the glass. Caramel and fruit notes on the nose. Really delicious palate of peach – great balance of sweet and dry. I’d enjoy this in the microclimate. December 2023

2022 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV       , $40 (#1236)

Winery Notes: (Description of the 2021 vintage) “Fresh and soft in style, unleashing notes of cherries and raspberries on the palate with hints of hibiscus and rose petals on the nose.”

My Review Powered by Terravenos:  Cherry on the nose. Smooth, young. In a year, it will be glorious. Perfumed with cherry, berry and savory notes – very good with the white cheddar. December 2023

2021 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#1237)

Winery Notes: “Bright and lush in style, unleashing fresh juicy cherries and raspberries with hints of hibiscus on the finish. Light to medium body spectrum achieving a fresh fruit forward profile.”

My Review: This Pinot Noir comes from one of my favorite vineyards for Pinot in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This was a much richer, darker wine with more tobacco and tannin on the palate and finish – a very different wine from the first Pinot Noir. December 2023.

2021 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $42 (#1238)

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

My Review:  Smokey caramel on the nose. Rich dark berries, a little sweet on the palate. This is one of the best examples of Zinfandel in Monterey County. December 2023

2021 Lepe Cellars Syrah, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $55 (#1239)

Winery Notes: “Intriguing aromas of fresh blueberry and violets with hints of dark plum, black pepper and milk chocolate on the palate tied together with soft lush tannins.”

My Review:  Very dark in the glass. A warm nose with black berries. Rich palate of dark fruit. Tastes more high alcohol than it is. I’d like to put this up against a Halter Ranch. I’m always on the hunt for a Syrah made from Zabala Vineyards fruit. I like this wine and took one home. December 2023

2020 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $49 (#1110)

Winery Notes: “Elegant aromas of wild strawberry, savory soy and light licorice show on the nose of this pure varietal. Dark plum and cherries show on the first sip, with a bit of earthy forest floor woven with pepper, oak and tannin creating a velvety, rich texture.”

My Review:  I’ve had this wine before and described it like this: “Plummy and jammy on the nose. Tobacco and dark fruits on the palate. Very nice.” But today, my palate said it was smokey, baby.  This is a 2020 wine, after all. I’ll need to try it again. December 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

The Lepe Cellars tasting room is open daily from 12-7 p.m. inside the Winfield Art Gallery on Doloresbetween Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Parsonage: The Release of the Powerful 2019s and More!

THE STORY

We’ve been waiting patiently for Parsonage to release the powerful 2019s we tasted in the barrel back in 2021.  They are here and they do not disappoint!  Great fruit, great winemaking, good weather. This was a terrific vintage – big, jammy, delicious wines the way Frank Melicia makes them best.  You can read about that barrel tasting experience here: Parsonage: A Glimpse of the 2019 Vintage.

In addition, there are some 2020 and 2021 red blends in the current release.  2020, as you may recall, was that terrible wildfire year in several parts of California’s winemaking regions.  But with creativity and clever sourcing, Parsonage has updated some of their popular red blends to make even 2020 a solid vintage. 

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting 7 Parsonage wines, 6 from our winery tasting and 1 from our cellar. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

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.

2021 Parsonage Grenache-Syrah, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $44 (#1229) 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

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…

“Owner Bill Parsons’ tasting notes: Lovely spicy/floral nose of plum and red currant.  The palate is rich and firm, loaded with perfectly ripe red plum, red currant, pomegranate, mulberry, and cranberry with a mystifying hint of orange zest peeking through the bracing tannins on the dynamic finish.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Fresh crushed berries on the nose. So delicious. A must buy. November 2023

2020 Parsonage The BDL, Central Coast, 15% ABV, $44 (#1230)

Winery Notes: “Our Bordeaux-esque beauty with all five Bordeaux red varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec) presents an unprecedented sultry and sensual bouquet that exhibits black plum and currant highlighted by mulberry. The medium palate amplifies these lush fruit notes with racy tannins punctuating the finish!”

My Review: Garnet in color. Warm, dark berries on the rich nose. Dark fruit on the palate. Plum, dark cherry and berry. Drinking well. May, November 2023

2020 Parsonage Wildcard, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $38 (#1231)      

Winery Notes: “This iteration of the beloved Wildcard, our preposterous melange of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir, will rock your world. The nose is a fragrant and seductive melange of exotic spices, wild flowers, boysenberry, and cranberry. The palate is marked by cedar notes and blueberry with a vibrant backdrop of red and black fruit in this medium-plus mouthfeel beauty.”

My Review: Bright garnet. Subtle nose of crushed red and black fruit. The bright fruit on the palate mellows out on a soft finish. This is a really good vintage of the Wildcard, with the 8 varietals nicely melded together from the jump. May and November 2023

2019 Parsonage Estate Reserve Dario Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $95 (#528)

Winery Notes: “A plush vibrant nose of star anise, ripe red fruit, toasty vanilla, and a hint of flint. Rich round elegantly balanced palate of red currant, red plum, baked strawberry/cranberry compote, and a subtle hint of black olive. Freaking delicious!!”

My Review: Cassis and dark berries on the nose. Intense, concentrated dark fruit on the palate. So delicious. My favorite. November 2023

2014 Parsonage Estate Reserve Dario Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV       (#1232)

My Review: From our cellar.Intense blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose. “Oh my gosh!” Mouthflling palate bursting with bright, tart berries with a tobacco, oaky finish. This one might need to open up. December 2023

2019 Parsonage Estate Reserve Bixby Petit Verdot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $95 (#529)

Winery Notes: “A MASTERPIECE!!  A nose of wildflower perfume and spice infused with dark berries leads to a dazzlingly rich palate of blackberry, black currant, black cherry, and blueberry cobbler with exquisitely vibrant and supple tannins from beginning to end. STUNNINGLY DELICIOUS!!”

My Review: Almost purple in the glass. Cassis and tobacco (alcohol) on the nose. Intense palate of dark berries. Wow. November 2023.

2019 Parsonage Estate Reserve Rocco Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $95 (#532)

Winery Notes: “Our magnificient flagship wine, the Rocco is what we’re known for! The nose sings out with stunning opulence in the form of blueberry, blackberry, black currant, mocha, and hickory smoked bacon. The voluptuous palate doubles down on the bouquet with flourishes of cassis and savory umami. The mouthfeel is full and rich with beautifully integrated ripe tannins creating a lengthy and rewarding finish.”

My Review: Very purple and dark in the glass. Dark berries, oak and cinnamon on the nose. So rich and smooth yet complex. Oak on the finish. Could be my favorite Rocco vintage yet. May and November 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

Parsonage is open for tastings every day – click here for the details and to make a reservation.  Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. You can obtain their wines directly from the wineryhere or at their tasting roomlocated at19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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The Parsonage 2003 Cuvee Rocco: A Wine to Behold!

THE STORY

Happy New Year! Why not start off the New Year with a bang of a wine?

When we picked up our last allocation, Parsonage offered us a choice of library wines.  We chose the oldest Rocco Syrah – the 2003 Cuvee Rocco.  We learned that, when you receive a library wine, it is probably wise to drink it soon.  A rainy card-game Sunday with the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod seemed just the right occasion.  It did not disappoint.  My bottom-line up front:  If you’ve got one if these in your cellar, why wait any longer for pure enjoyment? Admire, open, pour, and enjoy!

I have a post about the Parsonage fall release coming out later this week, but did not want to bury this spectacular wine in that longer post.  (p.s. Some of you may have received that post earlier in December thanks to operator/WordPress error – you will see it again this week!)

THE WINE

Today, I am presenting just this one 20-year old Parsonage library wine. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

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.

2003 Parsonage Cuvee Rocco Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $135 (#1233)

Many thanks to Parsonage’s Summer Emmons for conjuring up this review by Kerry Winslow:

Review from grapelive.com: “A three barrel selection held back from the reserve Syrah, the “Cuvee Rocco“ is just a touch boulder and creamier than the reserve bottling and may be a little more oak driven at this stage, but it will just get better and better with a little time. Super limited and this is the first vintage it has been offered! This cuvee has sweeter fruit and is more shiraz-like with a hint of cassis and coffee with liqueur notes that are lingering. Rocco is a big wine that needs some time to settle down in your seller. 94-96 Points”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Nose is very rich with notes of leather, cedar, dark fruit and wet leaves. Dark intense flavors on the palate – some cassis notes, This 20-year old “Rocco” has stood the test of time and is drinking beautifully.  If you’ve got one, why wait any longer for pure enjoyment? December 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

Parsonage is open for tastings every day – click here for the details and to make a reservation.  Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. 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. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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I Brand & Family: Rare Holiday Vertical Tasting Follows Low Key Autumn Release!

THE STORY

I Brand & Family had a low key Autumn Release in November with pickups in the tasting room and not at a party at the winery.  Ian explained why: harvest and crush were very late this year due to the cool spring and long growing/ripening season. Instead, he hosted a member holiday party in December, where we were able to taste verticals of their Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre wines. What a treat!  There was also great music by El Pecado de Juana, delicious tamales Oaxaquenos by Pedro Martinez & Family and a vegan pozole by Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Cultura.

I decided to enjoy that party and not try to take notes, as we sorted out which, if any, wines we would take home – one of each variety the 2013 La Marea Grenache, the 2017 I Brand & Family Mourvèdre, and the 2018 P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon – one of the last with the old label!

I’ve written about I Brand & Family many times in Decanting Monterey.  You can find the latest two !!!! here: A Quick Catch-Up Post on I Brand & Family Wines and I Brand & Family’s Summer Releases: Pulling Out All Stops! 

THE WINES

I have 7 wines to present to you today from 3 labels: I Brand & Family, La Marea and P’tit Paysan.  These wines were all from that low key Autumn 2023 Release.  As typical with Ian’s wines, they span a number of our local AVAs across 3 counties!  Winery notes come from the winery’s tech sheets (thank you, Will!). Any errors are mine and mine alone. Now, for the reviews!

2022 La Marea Alt-Cut’ Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.3% ABV, $30 (#1222)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Green pears, lanolin, almond blossom and brioche on the nose. Tart mango and honeysuckle lead the attack on the palate. Mild tannins balanced with mellow acidity contribute to a well-rounded white with a complex bouquet.”

My Review: Pale golden in the glass. Honeysuckle on the nose. Bright acidity on the palate – a very tasty wine. November 2023

2022 I Brand & Family Melon de Bourgogne, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $30 (#1223)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “This wine is bursting with bright honeydew melon and white pepper on the initial nose, evolving into savory notes of saffron and tarragon. The attack on the palate is full of juicy fruit with a prevalent creamy salinity on the back reminiscent of Salazar oysters. Soft acid builds on the front and provides a distinct glycerin mouthfeel that lingers into more of a hum of soft acidity that permeates the palate.”

My Review:  Hay in the glass. Honey on the nose. Baking spices and honey on the palate. Fairly sweet. November 2023.

2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, DeRose Vineyard, Cienega Valley AVA, San Benito County, 12.7% ABV, $36 (#1224)             

Winemaker’s Notes: “Location: DeRose is a 25-year-old own rooted planting of Cabernet Franc. The DeRose Vineyard is part of the old Vaché planting and is the oldest continuously producing commercial vineyard in California. It was subsequently owned by William Palmtag and Almaden Winery, at which time it housed the largest barrel storage room in the world. Soils are a mix of lime and granite. The hill above the Cabernet Franc block is occupied by a lime mine…

“Tasting Notes: The initial bouquet is a lovely perfume of wild raspberry and Santa Rosa plum with subtle hints of sweet tobacco and violet. Red fruit persists on the palate, incorporating a vibrancy reminiscent of Ranier cherries. Underlying the ripeness of the fruit is a bright acidity melded with pronounced tannins to create a well-integrated interpretation of the variety.”

My Review:  Garnet, almost purple in the glass. Sweet plum on the nose. Plum, red and black berries and black pepper on the palate. Delightful. November 2023

2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County, 11.9% ABV, $48 (#1225)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The bouquet is rich with aromas of dried red fruits and cocoa nibs. Hints of espresso and chocolate-covered cherry lead the way on the palate, rounding to strawberry. Coastal fir lingers with pronounced tannins that create a wonderful tension with the wine’s mellow acidity.”

My Review: Garnet in color. Cinnamon on the nose. Bright, crushed fruit on the palate with a slightly tannic finish. This will age into a nice wine. November 2023.

2021 Paysan Le P’tit Pape, Central Coast AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#1226)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The nose begins with wet river rock and California chaparral combined with cherries and plum skin leading the way toward a meaty, teriyaki, black olive reminiscence. Composed on the palate, notes of white pepper and dried herbs – bay laurel and thyme, provide a complex complement to the fruit on the nose. A distinct umami soy/hoisin silkiness finishes with an understated balance and subtle minerality.”

My Review:  Garnet in color. Cinnamon and plum on the nose. Cherry on the palate. Tart palate with a touch of central coast funk. November 2023.

2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Fellom Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County, 13.9% ABV, $85 (#1227)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The bouquet is rich with dusty, overripe plum, cedar, graphite, and hints of pine pitch resin. This translates to the palate and reveals the iron in the volcanic soil, which becomes present on the back. Super juicy acidity lingers and melds with mellow tannins creating a velvety finish.”

My Review:  Almost purple in the glass. Black berries on the nose. Delicious berries on the palate. Smooth on the palate. Nice tannins. Maybe a touch vegetal on the finish. Buy this wine – it has great potential. November 2023

2021 I Brand & Family Syrah, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $45 (#1228)              

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Earthy, meaty notes of peppered beef jerky. Graphite and clay transition into a savory mix of fire-roasted tomato confit and guajillo chili, which evolve into dark fruit reminiscent of a spiced blueberry compote ending with cumin and cardamom on the finish.”

My Review:  Inky in the glass. Rich dark berries on the nose with a touch of smoke or dirt – in a good way. Very dark palate. IMHO, this is his best Syrah to date – I took one home. November 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

The I Brand & Family Tasting Room is located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm.  Reservations are recommended – more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Pierce Ranch Closes Tasting Room Amidst Final Buying Frenzy

THE STORY

When we heard the shocking news that Pierce Ranch Vineyards was closing their tasting room, we immediately made a plan to stop by for one last taste and to pick up our shipment. Things were chaotic on that day, as many members were doing the same thing.  Supply was low and, as we tasted wines and identified what we wanted to buy, the bottles were being bought up by others.  To me, it was a kind of a sad way to experience those wines perhaps for the last time.

We understand that Pierce Ranch Vineyards is going to focus on their vineyards and selling their grapes vs. making wine themselves. There is still wine in the barrels, so I expect some new vintages to appear, probably to be sold on their website.

ABOUT PIERCE RANCH VINEYARDS

“Small-batch, low intervention, estate-grown wines from lower Monterey County’s San Antonio Valley AVA”

“The story behind Pierce Ranch Vineyards is a love story of wine shared amongst friends and our beloved community. It starts in the iconic vineyards of southern Monterey County’s San Antonio Valley appellation in the year 2000. There is a depth to the terrain that exposes the remarkable quality of the region. A small, family-owned affair, we bring a sentimental spirit to viniculture, to honoring the land, and to cultivating and harvesting the grapes in the late summer and fall. The romanticism of crush and the sweeping vineyards flows into our cozy tasting room. What began as a cottage house built in 1915 has become a space where our community meets in the magical garden and rustic indoor setting to taste the ambrosial wine with a unique focus on Portuguese and Spanish varieties. It’s a love story that never ends, poetry in a bottle that starts with respect of the land and the community by never using herbicides and only using native yeasts with minimal intervention. It is a dedication to the vines and attention to the grapes so they continue to thrive with the years.”

THE WINES

I have 7 wines to present to you today.  Because of the chaos in the tasting room, my notes are skimpier than usual. Winery notes come from their website or their bottle labels, unless otherwise noted.

2018 Pierce Ranch Grenache, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $30 (#1217)

Winery Notes: From the label: “Our 2018 Grenache, the first varietal bottling for us in quite a while, was grown in the granite and shale soils of an upper section of our Western Addition Vineyard. A delicious and nuanced take on the variety, it was fermented in a single small lot using only native yeasts and was then aged in primarily neutral oak for fourteen months. Only 90 cases were produced.”

“Varietal bottling with its characteristic medium-bodied red fruit and focused earthiness.”

My Review: Cranberry in the glass. Red plum on the nose. Smooth, slightly sweet, light cherry palate. November 2023

NV Pierce Ranch Tourbillon, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $18 (#1218) Grenache, Graciano, etc.

Winery Notes: “Late in the summer in the San Antonio Valley, about midway through the grape harvest, it’s not uncommon to see pale grey dust devils gather themselves and then quickly tower up over the fields and pastureland like slender pillars of cloud. Something like the local geniuses of the region, they serve as the namesake, once or twice linguistically removed, for our Tourbillon.

“While the latest release is an entirely different blend from its predecessor, it maintains a similar stylistic approach, being a well-rounded, easygoing wine that’s well suited for most foods or enjoyed alone. Medium-bodied, and with notes of black cherry coulis and florality on the nose and palate, it presents a surprisingly savory finish with hints of dried herbs, earthy woodsmoke and a touch of dusty minerality.”

My Review:  Translucent garnet in color. Light palate with an acidic, tannic finish. November 2023

2017 Pierce Ranch Maçon, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $30 (#656) Petit Verdot, Graciano, Tempranillo

Winery Notes: “Something of an Ibérique Supérieur, our new Maçon brings together Tempranillo, Graciano and Petit Verdot to form a slightly idiosyncratic blend of Spanish and French varieties. Combining a hint of Iberian aromatics with the earthy, mineral palate reminiscent of a Bordeaux, this is a wine that approaches Old World character while also indulging a touch of experimentation. A floral nose balances itself against a darker midpalate and a solid tannic structure, as notes of violets and dried herbs give way to an underlying earthiness and a savory, vaguely smoky finish.”

My Review: Ruby in color. A touch of barnyard on the nose and the palate. November 2023

2019 Pierce Ranch Mal/Zin, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $30 (#658) 26% Malbec, 48%  Zinfandel, 26% Alicante Bouschet

Winery Notes: I took these notes from the label, but I couldn’t read the whole thing. “Our Mal/Zin is a somewhat idiosyncratic blend of Malbec, Zinfandel, and Alicante Bouschet. It offers up a mix of sumptuous black fruit and …, leavened by a touch of Old World earth and ….  Grown in various blocks in our Y Ranch and Panhandle Vineyards, it was fermented in several small lots with only native yeasts, and then was aged in a combined … of new and neutral oak. Only 175 cases were produced.

My Review: Plum and blackberry on the nose. Medium palate of delicious blackberries. Tasty. November 2023

2017 Pierce Ranch Petit Verdot, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1219)

Winery Notes: “With its high elevation, rocky soils, and wide variation in diurnal temperature, the recently declared San Antonio Valley appellation is an area that is proving to be well suited to a number of Bordeaux varieties. Grown in our Western Addition Vineyard in a mix of decomposed granite, broken shale, and sand, the 2016 Petit Verdot is a robust yet nuanced wine with a rich, savory palate and moderate tannins. Produced on a limited scale, it was fermented in small lots and aged in French oak for 18 months. Notes of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry meet with hints of wood spice, and thyme along with a mineral, earthy undercurrent.”

My Review:  Ruby in color. Dark berries and plum on the nose. Vegetal notes wrapped in fruit on the palate. November 2023

2019 Pierce Ranch Graciano, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1220)

Winery Notes: “Traditionally used as a blending grape in the Tempranillo-based wines of the Rioja, Graciano has been one of our most cherished varieties, grown in the clay and calcareous rock of our Home Ranch Vineyard. The 2019 vintage is a slightly richer presentation of the variety, but nicely balanced on the palate with a decent weight and texture along with a lengthy finish. A nose full of red and black cherry, and blackberry, with a hint of candied fruit and fresh, herbal notes, is followed by a complex palate of blackberry, dried fruit, candied orange peel, thyme, and a characteristic minerality on the finish, with notes of shale and bramble, and the very subtle hints of vanilla and baking spice.”

My Review: The one, little sip we had was quite good. November 2023

2018 Pierce Ranch Olonde, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1221)

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

My Review:  Garnet. Slightly earthy/ash yet pleasant nose, with a tasty palate. November 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

The Pierce Ranch tasting room closed in November, but you can buy their wines on their website here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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2018 GEORIS MERLOT MADE OUR CORKSCREW CAFE LUNCH PERFECT!

Today I am bringing you the 2018 Georis Merlot which made our Corkscrew Café lunch perfect!

THE STORY

With our daughter in town for a long Thanksgiving visit, we needed one last special event before we put her on a plane back home. We debated going to a winery when we really wanted lunch with a good glass of wine.  We chose to dine at Corkscrew Café and enjoy a nice bottle of 2018 Georis Merlot! I have to say our daughter was dubious about having a Merlot, as it is not a household regular.  But I assured her that, if this 2018 were nearly as good as the 2017, she would enjoy it – and she did. 

I also want to give a shout ouot to the wait staff at Corkscrew who modified our meals to our every wish. Many thanks! It was much appreciated!

I previously wrote about Georis Winery here: Georis Winery: Exceptional Wines from Cachagua and Beyond!

ABOUT GEORIS

“Walter Georis was born of a Belgian father and a German mother who immigrated to the US from Belgium in 1956 when Walter was eleven years old.

 “After having spent his teen years in Southern California, Walter decided to move north to Carmel where he pursued a career in fine arts.

“Soon after arriving in Carmel, Walter designed a family restaurant, Casanova that would become internationally renowned for its cuisine and style, and its wine cellar.

​“Remembering his childhood and the pleasures of country life on the family farms in Europe, Walter decided to combine his love of fine wines with the challenges and rewards of growing grapes and producing first class wines. In 1981, after consulting with French experts on soil and wine making, he bought a ranch in Carmel Valley and soon planted the grapes that would produce the first crop of Georis wines…”

You can read more about Georis here.

THE WINE

I have just one wine to present to you today from Georis. I couldn’t readily find any winery notes on this new vintage. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2018 Georis Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $42 (#1216)

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: Garnet in color. Dark berries and forest floor on the nose. Rich on the palate with dark berries, finishing with tannin and acidic notes on the finish. November 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

“Our tasting room is located at 1 Pilot Rd. Carmel Valley California. The adobe style tasting room is reminiscent of early California Mission architecture. With its tall ceilings, large fireplace, hand hewed oversized beams supporting an impressive roof finished with antique handmade Spanish tiles. Our gardens are lush with mature landscaping and a small symbolic decorative vineyard planted to Petrus Clone. While tasting our fine wines you will be enjoying the stylish interior or you can walk through our gardens and find your favorite table. Our staff is well versed in providing you information regarding our wine making philosophy as well providing you with more in-depth details regarding our world class wines.

“We welcome you and your friends to join us at our tasting room Wednesday – Monday from 12:00 – 6:00 pm with the exception of the weather and holidays. You can reach us by phone at (831) 659-1080. We greatly appreciate a call if will be joining us with a large group, we want your experience to be delightful while drinking some of California’s best…”

I also love that you can order “to go” from Corkscrew Café while tasting at Georis!

© Decanting Monterey 2023 

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