Tagged: Monterey AVA

Dawn’s Dream: “Dreams are the touchstones of our character”

It is always a welcoming experience in the Dawn’s Dream Tasting Room!

It’s doggie grooming day once again – and an opportunity to visit another Carmel-By-the-Sea tasting room.  We first discovered Dawn’s Dream when their tasting room was located in the old White Oak Shopping Center, now a winery row.  We stop in from time to time, but it has been a while – and long overdue to write up their wines in Decanting Monterey!

About Dawn’s Dream: “With a passion for life and a head for business, Dawn Galante started producing award-winning wines in 2011 while maintaining a business model that allows for the opportunity to give back. Dawn’s passion for helping women and children equals her passion for making wine. With the goal to produce approachable wines of exceptional quality and elegance Dawn is sourcing fruit from the finest vineyards in California.  With a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé, the vineyards range from the coastal regions of Monterey County, to the warm, golden hills of Carmel Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands….”  You can read more on the website about her start in the winery business working with her husband, Jack Gallante, creating her own winery and pursuing her philanthropic work.

Today, I am presenting 8 Dawn’s Dream wines. Winery notes come from their website and tasting sheet.

2019 Dawn’s Dream Escolle Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.2% ABV, $32 (#585*)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of fresh, ripe white peach and nuances of clean, floral French oak barrels envelop your senses.  A hint of spring honey leads into a palate of lean minerality and bright citrus flavors; finishing with Granny Smith apple and honeydew melon.” 93 points, Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Mild tropical notes, tart pineapple on the palate – very tasty. December 2021

2019 Dawn’s Dream “Frances Jane” Chardonnay, Monterey, 13.4% ABV, $55 (#586*)

Winery Notes: “The inaugural vintage! Bright minerality and toasted oak greet the senses, leading to a bone dry, lemon and lime mid palate, hinting at green apple and Bosc pear. The finish simultaneously cleanses with crisp acidity while coating the tongue with a touch of creamy vanilla.  Named for Dawn’s second-born granddaughter with $5.00 of every bottle going to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.” 

My Review: Dusty yellow in the glass. A bit mellow on the nose.  Butter on the palate, yet crisp with good minerality. December 2021

2019 Dawn’s Dream “Rachael” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.5% ABV, $44 (#587*)

Winery Notes: “Aromatic hints of dried plum, exotic spice, and sweet cedar entice you in, while flavors of warm stewed black cherry and blackberry balance with cedar notes. This beautifully complex Pinot finishes with mild oak and lingering, soft, yet bright tannins.”

My Review: Translucent ruby in the glass with a big nose. Dusty rose, black tea and plum on the palate, a bit tannic, with a touch of sweetness on the finish.  December 2021

2018 Dawn’s Dream “Alyssa” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 13.1% ABV, $44 (#588*)

Winery Notes: “Notes of Bing cherry, pomegranate and orange zest point the way to glimmers of dried raisins, black tea, and bergamot on the palate; light toasty oak lends itself to a soft and lush finish.  An incredibly elegant wine!”93 points, Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Pretty ruby in the glass.  Fragrant on the nose with a bit of barnyard on the palate and a touch acidic. December 2021

2018 Dawn’s Dream “Nicole” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.1% ABV, $52 (#589*)

Winery Notes: “With a deep maroon-brick color, this wine exhibits soft, dark leather, cedar, and cranberry fragrances.  Flavors of ripe blackberry, dried plum and allspice are prominent, and bold tannins make the Nicole Pinot Noir the driest of Dawn’s trilogy.  One of our most food friendly wines!”

My Review: Dark, translucent ruby in the glass.  A touch of barnyard on the nose.  Coca cola, plum and cherry on the palate with a slight bitterness on the finish. Our favorite of the 3. December 2021

2018 Dawn’s Dream Bel Sogno Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey, 13.5% ABV, $75 (#590*)

Winery Notes: “Pedigreed Pinot Noir clones and new French oak come together to create this shining star in Dawn’s portfolio.  Dark berry, violet and espresso bean aromatics lead to flavors of dried blackberry, anise and vanilla.  The new French oak presence gives this “beautiful dream” a toasty, bold finish.” 93 points, Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Dark ruby, almost purple yet somewhat translucent in the glass.  Good cherry flavors, very balanced. December 2021

2016 Dawn’s Dream “Alyssa” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14% ABV, $85 (#591*)

Winery Notes: “Springtime wild berries intrigue on the nose, while piquant notes of pomegranate, raspberry, and candied orange-peel dazzle the tip of your tongue with a bright yet sumptuous acidity. The finish is silk-soft and swift, making this 2016 vintage the most expressive release of our beloved “Alyssa” pinot yet!”

My Review: Very purple in color. Mellow nose. Smooth and balanced with black tea and cranberry flavors. December 2021

2019 Dawn’s Dream “Eliza Jane” Syrah, Carmel Valley, 13.5% ABV, $58 (#592*)

Winery Notes: “Ripe plum notes prevail throughout, with traces of earthy minerality, white pepper and blueberry.  Bold tannins, finishing with spice and leather make our inaugural Syrah, named for Dawn’s first-born granddaughter, a first of its kind and daring addition.” 92 points, Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Inky purple in color.  Deep plum on the nose – smells so smooth. A bit of spice and bubble gum on the finish. We took one of these home to try again later. December 2021

Dawn’s Dream Tasting Room, NW Corner of 7th and San Carlos, is open for tastings daily – click here for the details.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room. 

Bunter Spring: How Many Former Senate Staffers Does It Take to Find Great Wines?

Another DC friend came to town – one who also happens to be an old colleague of Margaret Spring, the Spring of Bunter Spring Winery.  With three former Senate staffers in the mix, wouldn’t it be fun to taste there? With their grapes sourced from multiple counties and winery and vineyards in the Coombsville section of Napa, we were delighted to learn they are open again for tasting on the weekends (Friday-Monday). I’d say our tasting far exceeded my expectations, which were already high!  By that I mean high quality wines for reasonable prices. Winery notes come from their website. Check them out here. 

2019 Spring Sauvignon Blanc “Oyster Wine” Santa Cruz County, 12.16% ABV, $20 (#518*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Our 2019 continues the series of standout wines from this vineyard, which we began using in 2014.  Barrel fermented and aged six months in older “neutral” French barrels.  Totally dry, light-bodied, tart, with subtle aromas of citrus, nectarine, and dried grass.  This wine was literally made for oysters on the half-shell.  It’s also great with goat cheese, or alone as an aperitif or refreshing thirst-quencher.  Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast, sulfite.  Filtered, not fined. At bottling: total sulfite 39 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (totally dry).” 48 cases produced.

My Review:  Made to go well with oysters!  VIneyard is near Corralitos and Watsonville.  Pale in color, a very light yellow.  Honeysuckle on the nose.  Lean on the palate with bright acidity. October 2021

2018 Spring Reserve Chardonnay, Monterey AVA, 14.43% ABV, $35 (#519*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine is fuller bodied and has a more powerful flavor and mouthfeel than our “regular” Chard, but since that’s sold out, you have to take our word for it.  Pear, yellow apple, edamami, with an unctuous texture.  Ingredients: grapes, yeast, sulfur dioxide.  Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 90 ppm, residual sugar 0.5 g/l (not totally dry).” 25 cases produced.

My Review:  From Chula Lina VIneyard outside of Chualar.  Very yellow with a lovely bouquet and delicious on the palate with butter, caramel, plenty of fruit and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. We thought this was an exceptional Chardonnay! October 2021

2019 Spring “Orange Wine” Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Cruz County, 12.08% ABV, $20 (#520*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Orange wine is a potentially misleading name for wine made from white grapes fermented on their skins in the manner of red wine.  Depending on the variety, and how long the maceration, the color can range from pale straw to deep pink, almost red.  This one’s relatively light as it was only on the skins for five days.  It has interesting aroma and flavors reminiscent of stone fruit and herbs, dried grass, savory spice.  Slightly tannic, with more texture than white wine.  Good with many foods, especially Asian, and shrimp. Ingredients: grapes, yeast, 40 ppm total sulfite. Dry.” 48 cases produced.

My Review:  I tasted this wine later for a special virtual wine class on “orange” wines. Pale orange, bold gold in color.  At first, scents of yeast, with emerging floral notes on the nose.  Strong flavors on the palate, including ripe peach – like a very bold rose – the oak comes through.  After opening up, very round and flavorful on the finish.  This would be a great food wine. October 2021

2019 Spring Rosé “Snow Globe”, Monterey AVA, 12.34% ABV, $20 (#521*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Made from Grenache and Syrah, grown on a rocky sunbaked hillside in far southern Monterey county, picked expressly for rosé.  Beautiful pale color, high-toned aroma.  It has an excess of totally harmless cream of tartar that precipitates in white flakes when refrigerated.  For fun, chill it, turn it upside down, and watch it snow!  Ingredients: grapes, yeast, tartaric acid.  Fined with milk and silica dioxide, then filtered.  At bottling: 58 ppm total sulfite, 0.4 g/L residual sugar (dry).” 50 cases produced.

My Review:  “A real rosé'” Pale salmon in the glass.  Caramel on the nose with real red fruit flavors on the palate. Light bodied.  Balanced acidity with a nice finish.  October 2021

2018 Spring Pinot Noir, Hilltop Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13.68% ABV, $30 (#522*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “In one of the many examples of AVA nonsense, this vineyard, a mile outside Carmel Valley Village, isn’t in the Carmel Valley AVA, although vineyards ten miles away, in neighboring Cachagua valley, are.  So legally it’s not Carmel Valley wine, it’s Monterey wine. Whatever.  It is VERY easy-drinking, medium bodied, perfectly balanced, with lots of varietal fruit and a distinctive spicy character from custom-coopered French oak barrels. Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast , 60 ppm total sulfite.  Not fined, reverse osmosis filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 60 ppm, residual sugar 0.5g/L (dry).” 107 cases produced.

My Review:  Ruby in color.  Some cherry notes on the nose.  Very nice on the palate – even this non-Pinot lover liked this wine. October 2021

2017 Spring Cowboy Surfer Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, 13.74% ABV, $30 (#523*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Our second iteration of this outrageous blend of normally antithetical varieties.  The first Cowboy Surfer, 2014, was a resigned wishful last resort use for a barrel of weird Pinot.  People loved it!  When it was gone they asked for more.  Not so easy, it turned out- there’s a reason why no one blends these two.  The result almost always tastes like either a pathetically weak Cab or a nasty hot puckery Pinot.  It took three years, but we finally made two wines that worked.  FYI the Pinot, from close to the beach, is the surfer.  The Cab, from cow country high up in the hills, is the cowboy.  Black cherry, raspberry, spice, and tannin, just slightly on the aggro side right now, will mellow into a very laid-back ride.  Ingredients: grapes, water, yeast, sulfite.  Not fined or fitered.  At bottling: total sulfite 65 ppm, residual sugar 0.1 g/l (very dry).” 49 cases.

My Review:  Dark in the glass yet a bit transluscent.  Perfume on the nose with a deliciousd palate showing the best of the Carmel Valley fruits – a great Cab Sauv-Pinot Noir combo – we really liked ths wine.  October 2021

2016 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon “Burger Wine,” Contra Costa County, 13.27%, $18 (#524*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Contra Costa is a great place for Zin, Petite Sirah, and Carignane.  It’s not well known for Cab, so we got a sweet deal on this fruit, and so do you. We treated it with the same respect as all our wines, including nice once-used French oak barrels.  Medium bodied, soft tannins, juicy blackberry taste, perfect with burgers.  It’s vegan, so veggie burgers work too. Ingredients: organic grapes, water, yeast, tartaric acid, sulfite.  Filtered, not fined.  Made using reverse osmosis.  At bottling: total sulfites 88 ppm, residual sugar 0.3 g/l (dry).” 73 cases.

My Review:  We tasted this wine last – it was quite good, very drinkable, especially for an $18 bottle of wine.  I’d like to taste it again, as being last did it a great disservice!

2014 Bünter “Natur” Syrah, Coombsville, Napa Valley, 13.27% ABV, $30 (#525*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Earthy, nutty, meaty, slightly spicy, slightly floral, with medium full body, good natural acidity, and rich tannins. Goes great with very spicy (hot) food, as usual for this wine.  It actually cools and soothes your mouth after a bite of anything painfully spicy.  The texture and mouthfeel are superb. The aroma and flavor are typical of no-sulfite reds: less fruity, more earthy. Definitely different.  Ingredients: Organic grapes. Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 2 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (bone dry).” 100 cases produced.

My Review:  Beautful dark ruby.  Dark fruit notes of cassis and currant on the nose.  Palate consisted largely of cherry flavors and was a little lighter than I was expecting, based on the nose. October 2021

2018 Spring Red Wine “Garagitage,” Highlands Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.64% ABV, $24  (#526*) 76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker’s Notes:

Winemaker’s Notes: “These grapes come from a small vineyard in the hills above Arroyo Seco just north of Carmel Valley Road. They were harvested, very ripe, on Sep 30, 2018. Upon release, in spring 2021, as I write, this wine is a rough and tumble California fruit bomb, with tons of grapey flavor, plenty of alcohol, and no manners.  Maybe, someday, it will grow up.  Meantime, have fun! Aged 15 months in once used French oak barrels.” 76 cases.

My Review:  OK, this was my favorite wine:  Very dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose, followed by a yummy palate of dark fruit.  We keep drinking it – what an incredible wine for a bargain price! October 2021

“Schniki”
With a vast array of wines to choose from, Mark helps customers narrow it down with his daily tasting menu. Herr Doktor Schnickerdoodle was the visiting winery dog that day!

Want to taste their wines?  From their website:  Great news! Bunter Spring has resumed tasting room operations.   Our Carmel Valley tasting room is open Friday through Sunday 11-5 PM.  We are open the rest of the week by appointment.  Since we work often in Napa, at the winery and vineyard, we are not always available, so please call in advance if possible.  Your hosts are fully vaccinated.  The tasting fee is $20 per person for six wines, with crackers and cheese.  The tasting fee is waived with a two bottle purchase.  Tasting is free to wine club members as per our Wine Club policy.  Call Mark at (202) 744-1343 for an appointment.  We would love to see you!

You can see the current releases here and contact Mark by phone or email to order.  Directions are here.  They ship within California and to Washington DC and Florida. 

*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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Impressive Pinot Noirs from Steve McIntyre Bring SLH to Life!

My dogs are continuing to drive where we go to taste wines. This time, we found ourselves at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel to fetch some extra special food for an aging pet.  We decided to drop into McIntyre to see what they were pouring. In addition to some fresh vintages, we tasted some impressive older Pinot Noirs, their flagship wines. You know by now that I am not the biggest Pinot Noir fan, yet we were blown away by these. 

About McIntyre Vineyards from their website: “The McIntyre Estate Vineyard lies in the “sweet spot” of Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, a 12-mile stretch of benchland renowned for producing wines of character and complexity. Originally planted in 1973, the 80-acre site (60 acres planted) boasts some of the Highlands’ oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The winery’s other estate property is the 81-acre Kimberly Vineyard in Arroyo Seco. Proprietor Steve McIntyre is one of the most knowledgeable viticulturists in California. As owner/operator of Monterey Pacific, he farms 16,000 acres in Monterey County. The McIntyre Estate Vineyard was among the first properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands to be SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certified…”

About the Santa Lucia Highlands (same site): “In a relatively short span of time the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has achieved superstar status. The region boasts 6,000 acres of vines ‑ primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah ‑ planted on terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region’s climate is shaped by the morning fog and strong winds funneled daily down the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay to the northwest. SLH enjoys one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in California.” According to Santa Lucia Highlands website, “…Some of the best and most praised Pinot Noirs from California are made from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Of roughly 6,400 acres planted, about 3,500 are devoted to producing world-class Pinot Noir…” I read another article recently claiming SLH as the best Pinot Noir from California.

Today I am presenting 8 McIntyre wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet and website.

2018 McIntyre Clair de Lune White Wine Blend, Monterey, 12.1% ABV, $18 (#510*) 80% Riesling, 20% Gewurztraminer

Winery Tasting Notes: “This White Wine Blend is sure to soar. Named after the founder’s first Bernese Mountain Dog, Jura Claire de Lune, this wine is royal…Fresh, graceful and full of energy, this wine’s aroma is reminiscent of rose petals, grapefruit, with hints of apricot and melon. Intense, but not overripe, with focused acidity and plenty of slate and mineral notes this wine is the perfect complement to the end of a great day!.” 200 cases produced.

My Review: Very pale in the glass.  Sweet bouquet and palate, with a touch of welcome bitterness on the finish offsetting the sweet a tad.  Liked the idea to serve this as more of an after-dinner wine. September 2021

2020 McIntyre Rose of Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.2% ABV, $24 (#511*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “This wine’s natural, vibrant copper color foreshadows the stunning aromas of fresh berry, watermelon, rhubarb, black cherry pie and currants. While the bouquet is open and forthright, the texture is a bit more mysterious. One moment it is dry, crisp and refreshing; the next it is bold, plush and opulent. The finish, as you might expect, is pure, full and satisfying. Enjoy!” 375 cases produced.

My Review: Pale pink in color.  Crisp on the nose and a palate with apple flavors and some citrus notes – bright acidity. September 2021              

2017 McIntyre Estate Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#512*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Great wines speak to both sides of your brain. They are cerebral yet artistic, rational yet hedonistic. Take our 2017 McIntyre Estate Vineyard Chardonnay. For the analytical left side, there is precision, structure and minerality. For the intuitive right side, there is texture, opulence and concentration. For both sides there are lush impressions of toast, crème brûlée, oak and grilled almonds.” 321 cases produced. 92 points, Vinous

My Review: Pale yellow in the glass.  Mild butter, caramel and pineapple on the nose.  Bitter citrus and pineapple – very balanced – in a well-rounded flavor.  Very nice, not over oaky.  September 2021                      

2017 McIntyre Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.8% ABV, $48 (#513*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “The confluence of favorable weather, mature vines, sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified) and minimalistic winemaking practices yielded one of the most complete wines we have ever produced. Our 2017 McIntyre Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is deep, dark, intense, powerful and exotic. It delivers a plethora of the sensory goodies stretching from earth to fruit. Highlights include plums, blueberries, violets and silky tannins.” 346 cases produced.

My Review: Very dark ruby in color. Cherry and cocoa on the nose.  Round cherry and some cedar on the palate.  I liked this compared to many Monterey County Pinot Noirs. September 2021                     

2015 McIntyre Estate Block 3 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4% ABV, $56 (#514*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our 2015 Block 3 Pinot Noir embodies everything we love about the Santa Lucia Highlands. It’s big, but supple and lively. While it possesses effusive, bright fruit aromas, there is also a dark undercurrent of earth, forest and minerals. The palate is powerful, yet elegant. Best of all, this Pinot drinks beautifully now, but will continue to evolve and expand over the next decade.” 200 cases produced.

My Review: Even darker ruby in the glass. A surprisingly big nose of cassis. Very nice dark fruit flavors – a medley dancing on my palate with a dark caramel finish. Wow! We liked this wine! September 2021   

2014 McIntyre Estate Old Vine Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.3% ABV, $65 (#515*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Our 2014 Old Vine reminds me of the great 1979 Stony Hill Pinot Noir – the wine that ignited my passion for this noble grape. Polished, textured and expressive, as one would expect from 40-year-old vines, this wine offers plenty of ripe blackberry/cherry aromas and flavors that suggest Sorel mushrooms and black pepper. There is plenty of soft, supple tannin and the finish delivers exceptional presence and depth.” 200 cases (6 packs) produced.

My Review: Dark ruby. A brighter red/black fruit bouquet and much sharper, brighter on the palate with cherry and raspberry flavors.  The finish is typical of California Pinot Noirs.  These older Pinot Noirs are impressive. September 2021

2016 McIntyre Merlot, Kimberly Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.8% ABV, $28 (#516*)

Winery Tasting Notes: Our 2016 Kimberly Vineyard is the epitome of Goldilocks-climate Merlot. It marries the lavish, ripe fruit of a warm site with the elegance and structure of a cool locale. As in previous years, the dominant character traits include blackberry, anise, cassis and dried currants. Below that is a bed of juicy black fruit and supple, silky tannins. While it drinks well now, this Merlot will continue to evolve and improve over the next decade.” 250 cases produced.

My Review: Rich and dark in the glass.  Some jammy baking notes on the nose.  The palate was nice and “velvety,” with a dry (tannic) finish exhibiting white pepper flavors. September 2021

2015 McIntyre Per Adua (“Through Adversity”), Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.6% ABV, $60 (#517*)

Winery Notes: “Per Ardua is the ancient Gallic motto for clan McIntyre. It means “Thru Difficulty,” a sentiment that is as significant today in the Santa Lucia Highlands as it was two centuries ago for our ancestors in the Scottish Highlands. For three decades we have endeavored to produce a world-class Bordeaux red from the cool, windswept hillsides of Monterey County. Our inaugural bottling of Per Ardua is the culmination of those efforts. Deep, rich and complicated, it is emblematic of the terroir, the grapes and the difficulties we have faced over the last 30 harvests.” 150 cases produced. 92 points, Vinous

My Review: Very dark ruby in the glass.  Mellow dark fruits on the nose.  Mid-palate is smooth and rich with quite a bit of tannin still on the lingering finish. September 2021   

You can buy McIntyre wines on their website or at their tasting studio, 169 Crossroads Blvd in Carmel, from 11-6 Thursday through Sunday.  They are open for tasting 12-6 on those days or by appointment. You can contact them at 831-626-6268 or taste@mcintyrevineyards.com.

*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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Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

Sometimes it is hard to keep track of tasting rooms and their locations, as they swap primarily between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley Village.  We knew Scratch had moved to the valley and decided to check out this new winery in its tiny spot in the entry way to an art gallery.  Figge, Scratch and now Lepe, which opened back in April 2021! We were impressed with the wines and look forward to going back.  Check them out if you haven’t been there yet!

About Lepe Cellars from their website: “Our goal is simple: to capture the true expression of the vines by farming in a way that respects the biodiversity within the land. We are able to achieve our sustainable and natural approach by spending our time in the vineyards where winemaking begins. From here there is a continuous flow into the cellar where low-intervention artisanal methods are used to express a sense of place surrounding the Monterey wine region.

“We source from organically farmed vineyards and hand harvest using sheers to keep the fruit intact and pristine. Our growers avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. From there fermentation begins in small batches using native yeasts that originate from the vineyard and cellar, allowing the development for increased complexity. Aging continues in finely grained French oak barrels where the wine evolves naturally at its own pace. When the wine is ready, we begin the bottling process. Our wines are never fined nor do we use any other additives, making our wines organic, vegan and sustainable.”

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.”  He makes his wines at the Wrath winery and his mentor was Peter Figge.

Today I am presenting 5 Lepe Cellars wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet, website and emails with the winery.

2020 Lepe Cellars Vermentino, Cedar Lane, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13% ABV, $26 (#478*) 

Winery Tasting Notes: “Layers of lemon and lime mingle with mineral tones, wet stone, and a floral bouquet. This bright and energetic Vermentino pairs well with oysters, scallops and sushi.”

My Review: Perfumey with bitter grapefruit on the palate.  Lime zest on the finish. I like a Vermentino from Cedar Lane! only 1 of 2 that I know. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2017 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13% ABV, $32 (#479*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Seared orange-rind and toasty bread aromas make for a slightly wild but intriguing nose. There’s a lemon-peel tang to the sip, where hints of cream, apple and pineapple converge.” 

My Review: Neutral oak was used to make this flavorful Chardonnay – lemon, pineapple and a touch of bitterness fill the palate. I like this Chardonnay! August 2021                                   

2020 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#480*)

Winery Tasting 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. Pairs well with herb crusted pork tenderloin, grilled lamb, mushroom creams and dark sauces.”

My Review: Comes from a great SLH vineyard – garnet in color. I confess as not a Pinot Noir lover, I failed to capture proper tasting notes. August 2021                    

2020 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 13.7 ABV, $40  (#481*)

Winery Tasting 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. It’s linear on the palate with red-plum, hibiscus and cinnamon tones, finishing with a spicy kick of white pepper.”

My Review: Spicy on the nose. This is about the best Zinfandel I have tasted from Monterey County – will for sure be one to watch.  It comes from one of the best potential spots for Zin in the area. August 2021                   

2019 Lepe Cellars Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $55 (#482*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Elegant 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. Pairs well with Lamb shawarma, Indian tandoori and barbecued ribs.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Beautifully jammy nose carrying over onto the palate.  Best Syrah we tasted on this day. I sure hope I bought some! August 2021           

You can buy Lepe Cellars wines on their website or at their tasting room on Dolores between 7th Avenue and Ocean, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-7 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. They are also sold at these locations:

  • Deer Park Wine & Spirits – Aptos, CA
  • Capitola Wine Bar – Capitola, CA
  • Star Market – Salinas, CA
  • Elroy’s Fine Foods – Monterey, CA
  • Village Wine & Tap Room – Carmel Valley, CA

*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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KORi Wines: It’s a “family affair”!

Time to celebrate a friend’s birthday while her husband was out of town.  Since she forms a core part of the Decanting Monterey COVID Wine Pod, why not go to lunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea and do some wine tasting afterwards?  After a lovely patio lunch at Grasings, we headed to our first stop – KORi!

I didn’t know much about KORi Wines except that they are relatively new and have earned critical acclaim. I was excited to know more about her wines and her at her tasting room!

From the Label: “Kori Wines are a family affair – a partnership between respected Santa Lucia Highlands grower Kirk Williams and his stepdaughter Kori Violini.”  Yes, we are talking Kirk Williams of KW Ranch fame!

Critical Acclaim from the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition:

  • Double Gold: 2017 San Saba Syrah (Monterey) 94 pts
  • Gold: 2017 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH) 90 pts
  • Silver: 2018 Griva Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco), 2014 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH)
  • Bronze: 2018 Highlands Ranch Rosé (SLH) 

Today I am presenting 7 of Kori’s wines.  The winery notes come from the labels and their website. The prices are from the tasting sheet.  We were excited to know that the winemaker is Sabrine Rodems from Wrath, as well as her own label, Scratch. The reds are all aged in French oak. 

2018 KORi Blanc de Blanc, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, ??% ABV, $45 (#449*) 

Winery notes: “Our first sparkling wine from our estate grown Chardonnay.  Vibrant acidity and a fresh (dry) palate. Drink 2020-2028.”

Winery Tasting Notes: “Lemon. Lime Zest. White Blossom. White Nectarine. Fig. Lychee.”

My Review: Nose at first was yeasty, common in California sparklers, but it dissipated over time.  Clover and a touch of nuttiness on the nose. Stone fruit and citrus on the palate.  My Champagne loving partner liked this wine. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2020 KORi Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.6% ABV, $27 (#450*) 

Winery notes: “A personal favorite varietal of Kori’s, grapes sourced from esteemed Griva Vineyard in Arroyo Seco.”

Winery Tasting Notes: Guava. Lychee. Melon. Lemon Cream.

My Review: Viscous yet clear like water in the glass. Green apple, crisp pear and honey on the nose.  Honey and grapefruit on the palate with some ripe cheese flavor mid-palate.  Very refreshing. August 2021                

2019 KORi Rosé, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#451*) 

Winery Notes: “Our 2nd vintage! Like the previous vintage, 2019 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes from our estate owned Highlands Ranch Vineyard.” 200 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Rose Petal. Rainer Cherry. Wet Gravel. Crab Apple. Stone Fruit.”

Critical Acclaim: “Bronze Medal – SF International Wine Competition 2019”

My Review: With 24 hours on the skins, this wine is bold in color.  Slightly bitter on the nose.  Rich in flavor on the palate, we’d say this is not a patio-sipping rosé. Rather, this would make a great food wine. August 2021                

2018 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (#452*) 

    Winery notes: Not available.

    My Review: Slightly perfumey on the nose.  Good, rich flavor with a slightly bitter finish. Would be good with a meal.  August 2021                 

    2017 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.3% ABV, $49 (#453*) 

    Winery notes: “From our family, estate owned first vineyard planted in 1997 at the corner of Fariview & River Roads in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Drink 2020-2027” 94 pts from Wine Enthusiast

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Blackberry. Bay Leaf. Red Cherry.”

    Critical Acclaim: Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Ruby in color. Intense cooked cherry on the nose.  The palate was raisin-like – intense fruit yet both bitter and sweet. This wine had been opened from the previous day; we declined an offer to open a fresh bottle. August 2021            

    2018 KORi Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#454*) 

    Winery notes: “The first Cab from KORi Wines!  Sabrine couldn’t have done a better job making our debut Cab with single vineyard Alexander Valley fruit. Drink 2020-2030.” 225cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Charred Pepper. Sour Cherry. Black Tea.”

    My Review: Ruby in color.  Green pepper on the nose.  Dark berries with solid tannins.  Explosive of flavor on the palate with a slightly tobacco finished. Delicious, yet a bit light for a Cabernet Sauvignon. I would recommend cellaring this wine. August 2021   

    2018 KORi Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14.5% ABV, $42 (#455*) 

    Winery notes: “Hot off the heels of the, now sold out, 2017 vintage comes the San Saba 2018 which a slightly drier year shows the same great black fruit, plum, baking spice & smoked meat put in a more concentrated package.” 195 cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Juicy Bramble Fruit. Black Pepper. Cigar Box.”

    Critical Acclaim: Double Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  White pepper and jammy berries on the nose, with lots of pepper masking most of the fruit on the palate. August 2021                

    You can buy KORi wines online or at their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea “Monday-Thursday 1-6 (TUES CLOSED), Friday Noon-6, Saturday Noon-7, Sunday Noon-6. Reservations not required. Mission St between Ocean & 7th Avenue, Court of the Fountains, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921” 

    *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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    Fine Monterey Wine in a Can? YES!

    I stopped at Wrath’s Carmel wine tasting room early last fall to pick up some Syrah and I noticed these cans on the shelf.  I learned they contained Wrath’s AL Sauvignon Blanc.  I have presented their delicious Sauvignon Blanc in a past class, so I knew this would be a quality wine.  I tried to convince my virtual wine class that we should do a tasting of canned wines, but the idea was never accepted.  So I had to back into a topic that would allow me to present this wine:  let’s do Sauvignon Blanc! For $5.99, you gotta try it, right?

    2018 Wrath AL Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey AVA, 12.9% ABV, $6 for 375 ml (#402*)

    (The current release is the 2019; all info on their website is linked to that vintage vs. the 2018.)

    About the AL Sauvignon Blanc from wrath.com: “AL Sauvignon Blanc is the newest addition to Wrath.  We’ve got nothing against corks or bottles but ​sometimes, a can just gets the job done.  Whether hiking, boating, or by the pool… whenever cans of beer ​go into a cooler, a can of wine should be there too.  Enjoying the convenience of canned wine shouldn’t ​have to mean sacrificing quality.  Grapes used for AL are sourced from our estate San Saba Vineyard and are ​treated with the same care and respect as our bottled wines.  So go play, relax, enjoy and recycle!”

    “Estate grown grapes are hand picked and hand sorted before fermenting in steel vats; then rested on the lees for 3 to 4 months while flavors knit together.  Filtering and canning takes place at the winery.  Only BPA-free cans are used. The new wine is allowed to rest for six months before release.  Our cans have an internal liner and the air pocket created by this design helps keep the wine chilled longer if being used outside and enjoyed directly from the can.”

    My Review: Pale yellow/straw in the glass.  Fragrant pineapple and lemongrass on the nose.  Palate burtsing with tropical fruits.  This is a delicious wine which I would love to drink at a picnic or on the beach at sunset (if permitted!).  The can did a nice job of keeping the wine chilled. June 2021

    You can buy Wrath wines directly from their website or tasting rooms. 

    Regarding Tastings: Both the winery tasting room in Soledad and the Carmel Plaza tasting room are open for tastings!  Check out this link for more details: https://www.wrathwines.com/Visit.

    *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.    

    BOLD Wine Co: “exciting, affordable, sustainably-grown”

    This is Post Two about Seabold wines, today’s post focused on BOLD Wine Co.  For more about Seabold, please see the 6/14 post. When I did my tasting at Seabold, I was told they came up with the name the night before the bottle labels needed to be printed.  They thought of the Monterey Bay and the ocean breezes and their desire to be bold in the creation of their wines. Literally Sea Bold. BOLD Wine Co is the label for wines Chris Miller, the proprietor and winemaker, gets to play and experiment with.  From their website:

    BOLD Wine Co is the label for wines the winemaker gets to play and experiment with.  From their website:

    “We believe that everyone should have access to delicious and balanced wines that speak to their place of origin. Every year we work with new vineyards and varieties for Seabold Cellars; those first few vintages, the new wines that we find promising are released under the BOLD Wine Co label. We produce exciting, affordable, sustainably-grown wines from the Monterey Peninsula.”

    The quotes below come from the Seabold web page https://www.seaboldcellars.com/ or from their tasting sheet.  

    2017 BOLD Wine Co Grenache Rosé, Paso Robles AVA, 13.4% ABV, $20 (#378*)

    Winery Notes: “Drs. Serena Friedman and Michael “Farmer Mickey” Drucker built up this 400-acre ranch from scratch with their bare hands. Incredibly hard workers and tireless proponents of the Paso Robles region, they grow mostly Bordeaux and Rhône varieties…Red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper, dried lavender, red currant.” 120 cases produced

    My Review: Vibrant salmon in the glass – a lot of time on the skins. Very sweet nose – almost bright cherry, followed by full-bodied strawberry cream on the palate. Like a strawberry shortcake! I would love this in a bubbly version! May 2021

    2018 BOLD Wine Co Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $25 (#379*)

    Winery Notes: “Balestra is located just north of the Santa Lucia Highlands on a well-drained alluvial bed of coarse loam and clay, which combined with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, delays ripening while retaining low pH levels. Olson is one of our favorite vineyards in Monterey County, 4 miles off the Pacific Ocean, with bracing acidity. Unfortunately, while the Pinot Noir quality is outstanding, yields are typically just about 1 ton per acre…Crushed raspberry, balsamic strawberry, rhubarb, white mushroom.”  Whole cluster pressed, native yeast fermentation. 412 cases produced

    My Review: Bright cherry in the glass.  Slightly sweet cherry on the nose – classic Pinot Noir.  Cherry Jolly Rancher on the palate.  Agree with the hibiscus tea! May 2021

    2019 BOLD Wine Co Carignan, Redwood Valley, 13.6% ABV, $25  (#380*) 82 cases produced

    Vineyard Notes: “REDWOOD VALLEY At a higher elevation and cooler temperature than much of surrounding Mendocino County, Redwood Valley has warm days and intensely cold nights, leading to a long ripening season that often lasts into November. The winemaking tradition here goes back to the mid-1800s, with small plots of original plantings from that era…VINCENZO VINEYARD First planted in 1918, Vincenzo is owned and cared for by the grandchildren of the original farmer. Organic and dry-farmed since its planting, the old-vine head-trained vines here are remarkably healthy and yield intensely flavored wines.”

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Campfire, blueberry skins, black raspberry, star anise, violets, and charred meat.”

    My Review: Beautiful ruby – a tad purple.  Berry/cherry on the nose – like a Pinot Noir! Smooth on the palate brimming with delicious berry flavors. Just when I was thinking I was done exploring Carignan, I found this Carignan, which I liked a lot! May 2021

    You can buy BOLD Wine online or at the Seabold 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.    

    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.    

    Ancient Roman Winemaking Meets Modern Viticulture!

    Wine class this week was Italian varietals produced in the US.  I decided to open the 2017 Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina I picked up during a wine tasting in March.  I became obsessed with Wrath Falanghina when I read this article about Sabrine Rodems’ own label, Scratch, in Edible Monterey Sabrine Rodems On Exhibit Scratch Coming to Carmel. 

    “Owner Michael Thomas has kept Rodems plenty busy with his many often unconventional winemaking ideas, and has given her the latitude to chase different styles, like unoaked Pinot and fiercely oaked Sauvignon Blanc. When they ripped out a block of underperforming Muscat (I’m still crying over that), Michael, an archeologist, decided to plant Falanghina, an ancient Roman grape that was vinified in amphora. So, Rodems acquired a modern day replica of the ancient clay vessel from Italy (called a dolio) and tried her hand at Falanghina in clay. Truly an interesting, textural wine with just a hint of licking a clay pot.”

    You gotta try it, right?

    2017 Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina, Monterey AVA, 13.2% ABV, $29 (#352*)

    Winery Notes from wrath.com: “The 2017 Ex Dolio Falanghina comes from the two rows of this ancient Campanian grape planted on our estate vineyard. It is fermented on the skins in the dolium (the modern version of an ancient clay fermenting vessel) until dry.  Then racked off and placed back into the dolium for 6 months of aging.  It is left naturally unfiltered and unfined before bottling.  The resulting wine possess very bright, racy acidity that is beautifully balanced with lush fruit flavors and a pronounced bouquet of ripe apricot…Our Ex Dolio Falanghina is a wine with one foot planted in ancient Roman winemaking traditions (fermented and aged in a dolio, not filtered or fined) and one foot in modern methods (modern viticulture and winemaking control measurements to ensure stability). For those who are unsure about drinking a naturally unfiltered wine, we suggest standing the bottle upright in a cooler or refrigerator for a day or two, just as one would handle a vintage Port. Most of the particulate matter will settle at the bottom of the bottle, although there is no issue with consuming it along with the wine.” 72 cases produced. 

    Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Winemaker Sabrine Rodems and proprietor/archaeologist Michael Thomas emulate Roman winemaking, with this skin-contact bottling that’s aged in a ceramic vessel. Golden yellow in the glass, the wine offers apple juice and butterscotch on the nose, with a hint of citrus. The palate shows dried citrus and bitter orange. It’s funky but enjoyable.”  Matt Kettmann, 8/2020 https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/wrath-2017-ex-dolio-falanghina-monterey/

    Is this a White? Rosé? Orange?

    My Review:  This is a golden, almost orange wine! There was a lot of sediment/crystallization in the bottle – I had to filter it into my glass.  Light, sweet apricot and gardenia on the nose.  Apricot/apple juice on the palate with some bold acidity and citrus notes. A very interesting and bit strange wine (maybe it is the touch of clay?)! May 2021

    You can buy Wrath wines directly from their website or tasting rooms. 

    Wrath Tasting Room in Soledad!

    Regarding Tastings: Both the winery tasting room in Soledad and the Carmel Plaza tasting room are open for outdoor and limited indoor tastings!  Check out this link for more details: https://www.wrathwines.com/Visit

    *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.    

    Odonata: Our Final Stop on the River Road Wine Trail!

    Our third and last River Road Wine Trail stop with our COVID Wine Pod in mid-March was at Odonata.  I had given Denis Hoey a heads up that we were coming, yet we had no idea what to expect.  And we were late.  Which his guy Eric pointed out to us.  Heh.  We also didn’t understand the format – we were used to seeing a tasting sheet and picking the few wines we would taste. When we were presented with the sparkling Grenache, followed by a tray of beakers, we were worried we wouldn’t get to taste the big reds we love.  We actually got to taste everything! We finally relaxed and Eric, as he had time, sat with us to give us more information on the wines and the winery.  I ask a lot of questions!

    Located at the former Marilyn Remark winery spot, the outdoor setting was lovely – we sat right in the middle with couches surrounding a round table.  The tasting menu was virtual, so bring your smart phone! It would be a fabulous picnic location, so we are definitely going back.  And we will go back as our first and only stop – would be so worth it. 

    We were a couple of wines in when one Wine Pod member asked another what he thought of the wine we were tasting.  The response was, “It’s our 19th wine.”  Enough said.  Wine tasting notetaking discipline went out the window.  Luckily, we had designated drivers to get us home safely. 

    COVID Wine Pod happily arrives at Odonata – the final stop for the day!

    About Odonata: “Odonata Wines is a small family winery owned and operated by winemaker Denis Hoey. Located on the California coast, farming vineyards around the Monterey Bay Area. Odonata produces small batches of each of their wines and focuses on local grapes that are organic and grown sustainably. Hoey works closely with local growers to ensure the highest quality wines from the vines to the glass.”  “The credo we subscribe to is blending of old world winemaking methods and attitudes with new learning and a continuous search for improvement. We always want it to be interesting and exciting when you come to the tasting room or winery.” While they own some vineyards, they also source grapes from others well known and maybe not so well known throughout the Central Coast AVA.  Odonata is the Greek word for dragonflies and damselflies. 

    2018 Odonata Sparkling Grenache, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $38 (#311*)

    A celebratory welcome with this sparkling Grenache!

    Odonata Tasting Notes (website): “Strawberry in color, fresh baked bread, guava, and peaches on the nose. The palate is filled with texture! It finishes with under ripe tropical fruit that brings fresh acidity to balance out this bubble.”

    2019 Odonata Viognier, Marin’s Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $25 (#312*)

    Odonata Tasting Notes (website): “Notes of creamsicle, peaches and other stone fruit provide a tropical lift to the nose. The palate is lush and creamy, and is accentuated by moderate acidity through the mid-palate.”

    My Review: Pear, apricot and peach, with burnt honey, taffy and toasted marshmallow – not your typical Viognier!

    2019 Odonata Sauvignon Blanc, Joullian Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $25 (#313*)

    Odonata Tasting Notes (website): “Our first time ever making a “sauvi-b” and we couldn’t be more excited about the outcome!  This wine has it all!  Vibrant and fresh, with notes of key lime, grapefruit and melon.  The palate is filled with fresh acidity, and is balanced out by passion fruit and kiwi!”

    2016 Odonata Remembrance, Circle B Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, 12% ABV, $28 (#314*) 75% Petite Sirah & 25% Grenache. “All Proceeds from this wine are being donated equally to three important causes. 1) Alzheimer’s Research 2) Cancer Research 3) Our local Women’s shelter.”

    Winery Notes: “Ripe and luscious on the palate.  Pleasant texture, with a lengthy finish. This wine is an easy drinker that will pair perfect with any grilled meats, Italian fare, etc. Pretty versatile all round fun glass of wine.”

    2019 Odonata Cote-Du-Denis Carbonic Carignane, Circle B Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, $28 (#315*)

    Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Winemaker Denis Hoey hops on the carbonic train with this elegantly labeled bottling, and it hits all the marks. Bright raspberry, hibiscus and rainy cement aromas lead into a zesty palate of plum, strawberry and more wet rock flavors.” Matt Kettmann, September 2020

    My Review: Beautiful translucent red in the glass, sweet on the nose, light cherry on the palate. 

    2018 Odonata Pinot Noir, Silacci Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $32 (#316*)

    Tasting Notes: “Cherry fruit, cola, and subtle spices on the nose. Dense forest floor, and hints of wild strawberry on the palate.”

    My Review: Very berry on the nose and very nice on the palate.

    2017 Odonata Grenache, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $28 (#317*)

    Winery Notes: “Vibrant and lively on the nose with alluring nuances of fresh flowers and berry fruits. On the palate you’re treated with pepper herbs, fresh minerality and delightful tannin. The richness and depth of this Grenache erupts with every sip, while conveying texture and balance.”

    My Review: A nice red color in the glass with a touch of bitterness on the finish. 

    2017 Odonata Sangiovese, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley AVA, $32 (#318*)

    Winery Notes: “Cool nights and warm days make this marvelous complex wine. It starts with darker berries, met with sweet strawberry notes. finishes with a smooth rustic and smokey nose. On the palate, I make this wine to embody the true Italian varietal that Sangiovese is. Earth and spice driven, with subtle fruit drive this wine to pair wonderfully with any Italian dish!” We liked this wine!

    2018 Odonata Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, 15% ABV, $32 (#319*)

    Winery Notes: “Aromas of sweet blackberry jam, strawberry puree, and loamy soil on the nose. The palate is held together by bright acid and tannins, offering flavors of violets, blueberry, and black licorice.”

    My Review: I have yet to find a Monterey/San Benito County Zin I love.  This one was OK!  Worthy of a re-taste soon!

    2018 Odonata Syrah, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.8% ABV, $42 (#320*)

    Winery Notes: “Elegant cherry fruit, red berry, cinnamon and spices on the nose. Bountiful fruit with opulent texture smooth out the palate. Enjoy this classic S.L.H. Pinot on its own or with a wide variety of food!”

    My Review: Purple in the glass, a bit smokey with cherry on the finish. 

    2016 Odonata Petite Sirah, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley AVA, 14% ABV, $28 (#321*)

    Winery Notes: “Opulent fruit, herbs and spices on the nose. The palate is perfectly balanced with loads of dark fruit, tannin and graphite.”

    My Comment: This was our favorite so far of all the wines we tasted on this day!

    2018 Odonata Dessert Zinfandel, 19.12% ABV, $25 (#322*)

    Winery Notes: Sweet berry, mocha, and touch of sage. This is a very balanced expression of Dessert Wine, which allows it to be enjoyed on its own or added to any dessert you like!

    My Review: It was a very good dessert wine!  I would pick up one of these if we were still doing dinner club and I needed one!

    We picked up the Brunello and the Spiketail for a future review!

    Visiting Odonata (from their website): This winery is very easy to drive to from many points – not far off Hwy 68!! “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 our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.”

    *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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