I thought I had the January tasting for the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society all arranged – until it wasn’t. With very short notice, I tried to find another place in Cannery Row and, after a few panicked emails and phone calls, got connected with Jasmine Hernandez, the general manager at A Taste of Monterey. We were expecting 25 people and she agreed to host us – with the condition we purchase wines by the glass instead of their usual flights. After a little back and forth, we agreed! Crisis averted!
We were quite pleasantly surprised that a good part of the tasting room had been set aside for us – like a private event! Jasmine herself served us. And some people even ordered food. The options for wines by the glass were plentiful and everyone enjoyed the space. We got there as daylight was waning – definitely need to go back on a summer evening for the amazing bayfront views. Jasmine has invited us back for a regular tasting sometime – we will take her up on that!
A Taste of Monterey is a great place to start if you don’t know much about our local wines. It calls itself “”The Official” Regional Wine Visitors’ Center.” They have a huge wine shop in the front, plenty of tasting flights to choose from, and food pairings to accompany your tasting. You will find wines from our established wineries, such as Pierce Ranch, Scheid, and Silvestri; as well as newcomers to the region including Kori Wines and Cru, all of which have their own local tasting rooms. In addition, you will find some micro producers who don’t have tasting rooms of their own.
My strategy was to try wines I couldn’t get in another tasting room. The wines I chose, as I understand it, are made by the owner of A Taste of Monterey, sourcing grapes from local vineyards. As usual, winery notes come from their websites, the tasting sheet or discussions with tasting room staff. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
NV Pot Belly Charlotte’s Red, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $22 (#929)
Winemaker’s Notes: “The Petite Sirah backbone leads the way with rich dark fruit characteristics including black cherry and black plum. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes with interesting hints of clove spice. This medium-bodied red blend is then rounded out with a touch of Syrah. 65% Petite Sirah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah.”
My Review: Inky in the glass. Alcohol and dark fruit on the nose. Jammy dark fruit palate. This was a tasty wine. Would pair well with spaghetti or pizza. January 2023
2018 Mission Trail Friar’s Reserve Meritage, Carmel Valley, $45 (#930)
Winemaker’s Notes: “73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. Brilliant, very dark cherry garnet
color with a ruby rim. It is perfumed with deep spicy black cherry, cassis, anise, white truffle and cedar nose. Rich cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit is complemented with nuances of spicy anise, dark coffee and cocoa that finish with refreshing acidity and ample round, fine tannins.”
My Review: Blackberry and plum on the nose. Rich dark palate of black fruit and cedar. Delicious. January 2023
You can visit A Taste of Monterey at 700 Cannery Row, Ste. KK, Monterey, CA – 93940. They are open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-7pm. You can also buy the wines they carry on their website!
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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