I’m grateful I follow some of our local wineries on social media – Chesebro Wines is one of them. When they recently informed us that they had released the 2015 Chesebro Sparkling Rosé, we made a beeline for Carmel Valley. They opened a bottle for us to try it and we snapped up a couple to take home. It was worthy of a trip to the valley!
I’m also including here a couple of their red blends. The 2015 Las Arenas was recently consumed at home. On the other hand, the 2012 La Montagne Sauvage was part of a vertical tasting at their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. We have quite a few vintages of this blend at home awaiting the right event!
THE WINES
Today, I am presenting 3 Chesebro Wines. I last presented their wines to you in August 2023 here: Chesebro New Releases Wow Decanting Monterey! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.
2015 Chesebro Brut Rosé, Mission Ranch Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $50 (#1264) – Worthy of a Trip!
Winery Notes: “100% Mission Ranch Swan clone Pinot Noir. Aged on the lees for 7 years before being disgorged in 2016. Bottled with 6 grams/L dosage this wine is a light onion skin color, very fine bubbles and has aromas of brioche and bruised red apple that follows through on the palate with red berry and bright acidity.”
My Review: Beige-pink in color. Apple cider on the nose. Palate of fine bubbles and mouse with soft, raspberry notes. We bought some of this and have enjoyed it at home! February 2024
2015 Chesebro Las Arenas, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $27 (#1265)
Winery Notes: “Las Arenas refers to the sandy soils of Cedar Lane Vineyard. This Rhone style blend of 67% Grenache and 33% Syrah combines intense aromatics with smooth texture and bright acidity.”
My Review: Plum and blackberry on the nose. The palate has fruity blackberry notes balanced by a tobacco finish. This is a tasty wine. March 2024
2012 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV (#1266)
Winery Notes: “This Rhone style blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre is grown on our family ranch in the mountains of upper Carmel Valley. We feel it convey the wild character of this place we love.”
My Review: We tasted the 2014, 2013 and 2012 vintages at the same time. This vintage is all dark fruit, a touch jammier than the others. Smooth, yet chewy, with more tobacco on the finish. Delicious. February 2023
THE TASTING ROOM
The Chesebro Tasting Room is located at 19D East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.
“We are now open for tasting on Friday through Sunday from noon until 5 PM and by appointment on other days. Due to our limited capacity please make an appointment on all days so that we may better serve you. Appointments can either be set up through this page below or by contacting Alex directly at Alex@chesebrowines.com or 831-238-2618.” You can walk in or schedule an appointment at the tasting room link.
When Greg Freeman, winemaker at Chalone Vineyard, mentioned to me last summer that they were looking for a spot to open a new Chalone tasting room, I had no idea they would find one right in Carmel Plaza – perfect for a group! I jumped on the opportunity to schedule the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for our monthly First Friday WinedUP events. Stacey, the tasting room manager, was terrific to set things up with and offered us a special industry discount. This is my first time presenting Chalone Vineyard in Decanting Monterey.
When you talk abut the deep winemaking history in Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard plays a large role. From their website:
“Perched in the remote Gavilan Mountain range, 1,800 feet above California’s Salinas Valley, this rugged vineyard sits at the base of an extinct volcano bordering the Pinnacles National Park. Chalone Vineyard is one of the few wineries in the U.S. growing grapes in limestone-based soils, the same as in Burgundy. The spare, well-drained ground, limited rainfall, and low crop levels attracted Dick Graff, who wanted to make top-flight Burgundian-styled Chardonnay. Graff made his first vintage under the Chalone Vineyard label in 1966, producing what became a benchmark for California Chardonnay.
“Today, we continue to focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also produce limited amounts of Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah. All of our estate wines are grown and bottled at the estate, meaning we control everything from vine to bottle.”
Its history starts with the first plantings in 1919, its first wine in 1966, and the Paris Judgement in 1976, where its 1974 Chardonnay placed 3rd! To read more about its history and the significant role of Dick Graff, please click here.
Today it is guided by winemaker Greg Freeman. Here’s an excerpt of his bio from Chalone’swebsite:
“…Freeman’s official wine career began with the opportunity from Hahn to improve the winery’s lab capabilities in 2003. Greg quickly progressed to Winemaker where he was involved with multiple brands, including: Hahn Winery, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, Boneshaker, Cycles Gladiator, Rex Goliath, and Huntington. Freeman credits his development as a winemaker to working closely with Nicholas Hahn and Paul Clifton, Director of Winemaking at Hahn.
“Since 2017, Greg has held positions as Winemaker for Georis/Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley, California and Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas. He joined Chalone Vineyard in 2021, bringing two decades of Monterey winemaking to bear as he writes the latest chapter in the winery’s storied history…”
AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?
The Chalone team put together a special tasting for us and honored our industry status – thank you so much! We had a surprising 30 members and friends show up for this event and were grateful the space could accommodate us. After most people arrived, Brian gave us an engaging history of the vineyard and winery, up through the Judgement of Paris – and then to the present, with winemaker Greg Freeman. Everyone seems to enjoy the event and the wines, with a deep gratitude for the tasting room staff.
THE WINES
I have 6 Chalone Vineyard wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their newsletters or other websites as noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct any winery website typos! My good friend Erin of tèr·ra·ve·nos assisted me with some of the details in my reviews. Check out her website!
2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Rosé of Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $38 (#1258)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Garnet-colored, the 2021 Rosé opens with strawberry and cherry aromas. On the palate, the bright red fruit flavors continue, joined by tender vanilla from barrel aging.”
My Review: Really colorful in the glass. Vibrant medium pink and red in color due to longer time on the skins. Perfume and strawberry on the nose. Packed with strawberry and watermelon flavors with a hint of banana. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2021 Chardonnay Musqué is expressive and bright. Fruit-forward aromas of Meyer lemons, white peaches, and nectarines are accompanied by floral notes and a touch of wet stone. On the palate, mouthwatering acidity and a lingering minerality provide a vibrant and satisfying finish.”
My Review: Grilled pineapple on the nose. Shockingly flavorful on the palate. Bright flavors of pineapple and tropical notes. Over the top and a bit sweet. March 2024
Winery Notes: “Our golden-hued 2020 Chardonnay opens with lemon curd and mandarin orange with hints of toasted brioche. These characters carry through to the honeyed, full mid-palate where classic Chalone wet rock minerality provides a lifted, elegant finish.” 92 points, Wine Enthusiast
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Ripe yellow peach, honey, pineapple, golden pear and lemon curd, with a touch of white flower, on the nose. Lean on the palate with muted tropical and white peach flavors, some perfume with a bitter finish. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2019 Grenache exhibits intriguing characters of red plum, smoky oak, tart blackberry, and balanced minerality. The palate possesses robust, yet silky tannins that deliver a luscious and lingering finish.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Translucent ruby in the glass. Sassafras on the nose. Intense cherry on the palate like a jolly rancher. Good acid on the front of the mouth but it falls away on the sides. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Reserve embodies everything you’d desire from a Pinot Noir. Vibrant cherry and raspberry, forest floor and truffle greet the nose. On the palate, plum and spice with chalky minerality are framed by a viscous, luxurious mouthfeel and velveteen tannins.”
My Review: Warm nose of baking spices and earth. A very nice palate with rich flavors and a subtle cherry finish. Everyone seemed to like this wine. My favorite of the evening. March 2024
2019 Chalone Vineyard Syrah, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $70 (#1263)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Syrah displays a dark inky to purple hue in the glass and reveals captivating aromas of blackberry, plum and white pepper. Notes of black cherry and peppery spice mingle seamlessly on the mid-palate with chewy tannins and vibrant acidity.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Dried fig, black olive and leather on the nose. Cooked fruit on the palate. Good acid. I can’t recall if this bottled was opened freshly. If not, I’d like to try it again. In the past I have enjoyed this wine. March 2024
THE NEW CHALONE TASTING ROOM
“Our new Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room doors are open at the enchanting Carmel Plaza, where Ocean Avenue meets Mission Street. In the heart of Carmel, we’re poised to share the extraordinary estate wines from our iconic Chalone Vineyard, a true gem and Monterey County’s oldest-producing vineyard.”
Their beautiful tasting room is located on the lower level of Carmel Plaza at Ocean and Mission – where Hahn’s tasting room previously was.
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 & FamilyTasting 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.
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!
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!
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.
As a huge fan of Monterey County wines, I hold a special place for the resources and efforts of Kim Stemler and the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. When I learned I could be there to join the Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years, I could not wait for the date!
THE STORY – The Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years
This annual meeting was held on January 31st at Rustiqué Winery out River Road. It was mostly attended by our local vintners and a handful of their supporters. After their board meeting, we mingled and sampled some of their newest wines, some not yet released. It was a relaxed and friendly setting with a delicious lunch, followed by the meeting itself.
MINGLING
Before the meeting, I had the chance to speak with several winemakers I have gotten to know over the years. We asked about the 2023 vintage and heard the following: gratitude for the lack of wildfires, plentiful in yield, yet some mixed results vineyard by vineyard. David Baird from Folktale indicated he is looking forward to the imminent release of his 2023 whites and rosé. I thanked Miguel Lepe of Lepe Cellars for recently hosting the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society and he invited us back any time! Sabrine Rodems was very excited to show off the new Scratch C-47 Grenache-Syrah. Adrien Valenzuela from Corral Wine Co.brought their latest Petite Sirah just being released – wow. Kirstie Dyer invited us up to Holman Ranch for a tour and tasting. Dennis Hoey of Odonata did a double-take at our last name – just one letter separates us. People do ask me if we are related. Later, I joked that we should invite him to our upcoming family reunion as a long, lost cousin!
There were a number of Associate members of the group present, to whom I was introduced as a “Monterey County wine influencer.” I prefer the term “groupie.” I’m just a passionate fan and wine educator who helps get the word out about our fabulous wineries and wines.
THE MEETING
At the meeting itself, there was great recognition of how far the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association has come over these past 50 years – from their early meetings in a bar to having this larger meeting in a winery barn! Kudos were given to Kim Stemler, the face of Monterey wines, for her hard work increasing the profile of our vineyards and wineries, while working with regulatory bodies.
Kim has worked to support the members and to find solutions to challenges like COVID and wildfires (air support first makes a difference!). She provides a single point of information to streamline communication. One marketing success from 2023 was renaming the River Road Wine Trail to the Monterey Wine Trail and soon we will see new signs put up to help guide visitors. And she helped us get our local wines onto the shelves of Whole Foods! She also talked about getting wineries to visit each other to share techniques and expertise.
BRAINSTORMING
The next part of the meeting was to brainstorm at our tables some of the biggest positives and negatives for the region. At our table, we talked about the positive of growing recognition of Monterey County wines and the negative of increased shipping costs throughout the production supply chain, including delivery to consumers. As an example, the sharp increase in shipping costs during and after the pandemic have made it increasingly difficult for me to put together a class for my DC-based group.
With this much growth in the past 50 years, I can’t even imagine what it will be like the next time the Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years!
THE WINES
Today I am sharing impressions of 9 of these latest wines; I didn’t take detailed notes. Winery notes, where available, come from their websites or labels, or as otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2022 Moonlit Harvest Chardonnay, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $22 (#1246) produced and bottled by Cowboys, Livermore, California
From the Back Label: “Eighteen eighty-three is the year C.H. Wente founded his winery in Northern California. This wine pays homage to his pioneering spirit and passion for quality grape growing and winemaking. The grapes for this wine were grown and harvested under our serenely moonlit estate vineyards located in Monterey, regarded as one of the best places in California to grow Chardonnay. The cool, coastal influences are ideal for delivering flavors of ripe apple, guava and mango balanced by subtle oak, vanilla and spice. Enjoy!”
My Review: Quite tasty and balanced with distinct tropical notes balanced with a little buttery oak – quite representative of a Monterey County Chardonnay. I would present this in a class. January 2024
2022 (?) Kori Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County (#1247)
My partner poured this, so I am assuming it is the 2022, for which I cannot yet find any notes.
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: The tasty fruit for this wine comes from one of a top Arroyo Seco vineyard – Griva. A nice balance of citrus flavors with a predominance of that classic Sauvignon Blanc grassiness. January 2024
My Review: Big, bold flavors in this well-balanced wine. I don’t know the blend, but it clearly has enough Syrah to please my palate. Excellent. January 2024
2020 Corral Petite Syrah, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV (#1249)
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: Rich and dark blue and blackberry tongue-coating flavors. I know I am not supposed to have favorites but this was, for our palates, our favorite wine of the day! January 2024
2019 Silvestri Eugenia Red Blend, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $65 (#1250)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Eugenia is a unique blend of our estate reds (35% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc,15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot) at 25% New French Oak. Aged 18 months in barrel… Our version of a Bordeaux blend using all five varietals with Malbec leading and Cabernet Sauvignon just behind offering bold flavors of plumb and black currant and structure. Cabernet Frank and Merlot evenly support with balancing softness and a slight herbacousness and a minor contribution of Petit Vedot with color, tannin and spice.”
My Review: Very berry on the nose and palate, opening into a richer red. Tasty. January 2024
2021 Rustiqué Syrah, Tondré Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV (#1251)
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: I was excited to try this Syrah from the esteemed Tondré Grapefield. My guess is that it is the first Syrah produced by Rustiqué. It was quite berry on the nose, followed by a very nice palate. I’d like to try this again. Time for a visit to Rustiqué! January 2024
2019 Odonata Sangiovese, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley AVA, Santa Clara County, 14.2% ABV (#1252)
Winery Notes: “Strawberries, hints of cinnamon, leather and earth. The palate is round with balanced acidity and tannin. Great vintage for Machado Sangiovese, this wine is powerful and fruit forward, but will lean out into dried leaf and cool subtleties as time progresses. 10-20 year wine for sure.”
My Review: We got a lot of berry and cherry flavors with solid tannins on the finish – agree this would benefit from cellaring and I would like to taste it again!January 2024
2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $80 (#1074)
Winery Notes: “The renowned Garys’ Vineyard was planted with the celebrated “Pisoni clone” by the two iconic growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Together they have brought worldwide attention to this fabulous appellation for the exceptional quality of its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. This year, Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni have graciously offered Bernardus a few extra tons of the superb Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir (expertly farmed by Mark Pisoni). This enabled us to ferment in 3 small fermenters, providing a new subtle complexity to the finished wine.
“Our 2021 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes a gorgeous perfume of ripe, dark red fruits along with notes of rose pedal. The fabulous palate is very intense – powerful yet elegant – with layers of boysenberry, ripe black cherry and a hint of spice. This is without a doubt, our finest Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir to date!”
My Review: We somehow ended up with a bottle of this wine at our table. Pinot Noir is not my wheelhouse, but this big, complex Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the finest I have tried. A pretty, bright red ruby color. Cherry and raspberry nose, followed by continued red fruit flavors on the complex palate. It went exceptionally well with our meal. January 2024
2021 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV (#1253)
Winery Notes: N/A.
My Review: Tobacco on the nose. Dark plum and berry flavors on the palate. Pretty delicious. This was a great wine with which to finish the program.
THE TASTING ROOMS
With the exception of Moonlit Harvest, these wines can be tasted in our local Monterey County tasting rooms, spanning the 3 regions of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley Village, and the Monterey Wine Trail. You can find more information on their websites or at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website.
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 – clickherefor 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.
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.
“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.
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.
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 – clickherefor 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.
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 – clickhere 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.
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 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.
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.
“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.
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