Tagged: Grenache Blanc

Trendy Test Tubes Deliver Wines at Big Sur Vineyards!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Seabold: BOLD-ly Creating Coastal Wines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

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

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

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

Current Tasting Sheet at Chesebro, May 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chesebro price list as of May 2021

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

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