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
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
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.
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