Tagged: Santa Lucia Highlands

I Brand & Family Release Party: Great People, Diverse Wines, Tasty Food, & Eclectic Music – a Fun Time for All!

I was tipped off by our Wine Pod partners that I Brand was having a release party in late June – the first one since COVID made its unwelcome arrival in Monterey County.  We made a quick plan to carpool there.

We have been to several past release parties where members and fans get to sample newly-released good wine, paired appetizers, and great music.  In short, really fun.  There were a lot of wines to try on this Sunday – some on the release menu – plus a number of library wines hidden in between.  It was kind of overwhelming – in a good way!  I felt rushed at first – and then just slowed down and got in the groove. We enjoyed the sliders, the pizzas, and the gourmet popsicles!  And more wine.  I truly appreciated the library wines, as a great counterbalance to the new releases.  These wines demonstrated the staying power of Ian’s wines – and made the case for holding onto more of his wines – which are so tempting to consume right away. Thank you so much, Ian, Heather, and the rest of the I Brand Family, for making this event possible once again.

I have 14 wines to present to you today from across all 3 labels of I Brand & Family, La Marea and Le P’tit Paysan – most tasted at the release party. I have presented the 2 Grenache wines before. And I added in a Syrah from our private collection. There was a lot going on at this event and we were moving a bit quickly, so I didn’t get the detailed tasting notes I might usually capture. I did go back to the tasting room in July to polish up a few of my notes – where I also got to taste the 2016 52-month Chardonnay – a bonus review for us at the very bottom of this post! Unless otherwise specified, winemaker’s notes come from the winery tech sheets or notes online.

2021 Piquette Nat, Arroyo Seco AVA, 7.4% AVA, $18 (#780)

Winemaker’s Notes: “A perfect summer sipper. Our Piquette Nat from California is Col Fondo process, an easy drinking blend of organic Zabala Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and hibiscus flowers.”

My Review: Made from Sauvignon Blanc and hibiscus flower, this looks like a Brut rose, smells like licorice, and, to me, tastes yeasty like a fruity beer. Very popular and different. June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Pinot Gris, San Benito County, $30 (#781)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Ranier cherries and lemon-thyme on the nose. Pink grapefruit and cara-cara orange lead the attack on the palate. Lingering tannin structure balanced with medium acidity and distinctive minerality contribute to a bright and festive Summer glass, perfectly suited for a wide array of food pairings.”

My Review:  An orange wine – the wax on the bottle is a huge hint!  Year over year, this is an excellent wine, light on the palate, crisp and tasty. We like this wine. June 2022

2021 La Marea Alternate Cut Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey County, $30 (#782)

Winemaker’s 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: Honeysuckle and citrus rind on the nose. Slightly funky palate of buttermilk and citrus rind, with a lingering creamy finish. The alternate cut makes for a heavier mouthfeel to this ever so slightly sweet Albariño.  June 2022

2014 Le P’tit Paysan L’Apiculteur Cedar Lane Vineyard Viognier, Arroyo Seco AVA, $42 (#783)

Winemaker’s Notes from wine.com: “Late ripening Viognier from the alluvial benches above the Arroyo Seco River fermented in a combination of stainless steel, neutral barrels and twice used barrels. Soaring honeysuckle aromas, flavors of pear and crushed stones, partial malolactic fermentation for focus and composition.”

My Review: This “library” Viognier was a bonus wine – this is an excellent representation of Central Coast Viognier – honeysuckle yet lean. The age on this bottle made it more complex and interesting. June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Arneis, Vista Verde Vineyard, Paicines, San Benito County, $30 (#784)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Jasmine flower and lilac on the nose. Dried apricot and quince lead the attack on the palate. Medium to full body finishes with notes of bergamot.” 133 cases produced

My Review:  Another atypical varietal that Ian likes to work with.  This is the second vintage of this wine that I have tried. This one is really special – a funky, earthy nose, followed by a light and tasty palate, especially after tasting the library Viognier. June 2022

2021 Le P’tit Paysan Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, 13.7% ABV, $24 (#785)

About LPP Sauvignon Blanc : “Paysan Sauvignon Blanc comes from Zabala Vineyard – located on a large holding on the Arroyo Seco floodplains that was part of land granted to the Zabala family before California’s statehood. It was first planted in the 1970s and has grown to encompass over 1000 acres. Zabala Vineyard is one of the rockiest vineyard I Brand works with, full of what is locally known as ‘Greenfield Potatoes’, which are the rather inedible round river stones that dominate the soil and have been collected into piles and walls at every property in the basin. This vineyard is located directly in the path of the daily Salinas Valley winds, which control sugar development and retain natural acidity. Certified organic grapes.”

Winemaker’s Notes: “The bouquet is an explosion of white peaches, gooseberries and perfumy passionfruit. This translates over to the palate with more gorgeous and concentrated white peach bursting to the front and evolving into hints of trailside strawberry. Bright acidity. Crisp, tart and refreshing. Lingering finish that has a subtle creaminess returning to tropical passionfruit.” 145 cases produced

My Review: The LPP Sauvignon Blanc comes from one of my favorite vineyards in Arroyo Seco. Very pale in the glass. Yummy butterscotch and tropical notes on the nose. A flavorful palate dominated by lime cloaked in honeysuckle, with a citrusy, buttery finish. Very balanced and tasty. June 2022

2019 Le P’tit Paysan Jacks Hill Chardonnay, Monterey County, 13.2% ABV, $20 (#786)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright, with orchard fruit giving way to an intense minerality. The wine is produced predominantly from a few vineyards at the base of Jack’s Hill, planted on the distinct iron oxide granite that dominates the east side of the Salinas Valley, directly east of Sleepy Hollow North.”

My Review: From our home collection. Pale golden in color. Tropical bouquet of pineapple and honeydew. Palate brimming with soft pineapple, with citrus notes. This is one of my favorite central coast everyday Chardonnays – def not buttery, oaky. June 2022

2020 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County, 13.67% ABV, $36 (#787)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Smoked chestnuts leading into dark cherry-cola on the nose. Ripe red fruits abound in the form of Bing cherries and Santa Rosa plum. Light body with very mellow tannin structure and soft glycerin finish which lingers and fades into petrichor.” 62 cases produced

My Review: Translucent, dark ruby in the glass.  Dark cherry on the nose and very smooth and tasty dark cherry on the palate. I prefer this to the previous vintage! June 2022

2014 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah, San Antonio Valley, 13.8% ABV, $42 (#788)

89 points – Wine Enthusiast : “Dried herbs, elderberries, peppercorns and a strong streak of gamy meat show on the nose of this bottling, which is less dense and more nuanced in style than many other Petite Sirahs. The gamy element extends to the palate, giving complexity to the black fruits and sticky tannins.” Matt Kettmann 6/2018

My Review: The grapes for this library wine come from Pierce Ranch – and this is a delicious wine.  Another reason to hold your I Brand wines. I would rate this higher than Wine Enthusiast did back in 2018. One of the wines I took home with me from this tasting! June 2022

2020 I Brand & Family Mourvèdre, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, 12.4% ABV, $45 (#789)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Saddle leather, and ripe huckleberries on the nose. Wild blueberries lead the attack on the palate transitioning into gorgeous and concentrated red ddelicious apple notes contributing to a bright and lingering finish. Medium to light body with pronounced yet balanced tannins finishes with redwood duff.” 34 cases produced

My Review: OK, this was another favorite from the release party.  Light cherry and pepper notes on the nose, following through on the palate. Grapey, smooth and delicious.  One of the finest Mourvèdres I have ever had.  Took one home. June 2022

2019 La Marea Grenache, Central Coast, 14% ABV, $30 (#635)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Aromas of red fruit about in this ripe and silky grenache with flinty undertones. Bright acidity leads the way on the palate allowing the lovely, light red fruit shine in the form of overripe strawberries and loganberries. California anise, white pepper, and mild tannins finish neatly.” 440 cases produced

My Review:  With grapes from Monterey and Santa Clara, this one gets the Central Coast label.  A pretty, translucent ruby in the glass.  Cherry, cranberry on the nose.  Dances on the palate with smooth cherry and red currant, with a lingering intensity on the finish. December 2021, June 2022

2014 La Marea Brosseau Vineyard Grenache, Chalone AVA, $68 (#636)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Bing cherry, roasting lamb, clay. smoldering dry leaves, sea shells. Soaring aromatics. Palate opens with savory elements: garrigue, cigar tobacco, spearmint, overlaying the unmistakable elegant texture of vineyards planted on calcium-rich soils. Chaparral, menthol, red cherry and cranberry on the finish.” 124 cases produced

My Review:  Ruby in the glass.  Fresh cherry and raspberry on the nose.  This was quite yummy with fresh red fruits on the palate and darker flavors of currant and leather on the finish. These library wines show the staying power of Ian Brand’s wines – we loved them all. A hint to hold them a bit longer. December 2021, June 2022

2021 I Brand & Family Escolle Vineyard Gamay Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 12.2% ABV, $42 (#790)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Telicherry peppercorn and carraway seed lead the bouquet, evolving into spiced black plum notes. The peppery and spice plum carries over to the palate attack and the finish is short, but exquisitely spicy for a light to medium bodied and chillable red. Pronounced yet balanced tannins. Finishes with notes of California garrigue; think sagebrush, manzanita and mugwort.” 95 cases produced

My Review:  Oh, the Gamay Noir!  What a way to top off the afternoon! Ruby, almost purple in the glass. Very grapey nose. Grapey, smooth, jammy, good!  I took one of these wines home, too! The challenge will be to hold it and not just open it and drink it. June 2022

2018 I Brand & Family Syrah, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, $42 (#791)

Winemaker’s Notes: The Graff Family Vineyard “…is a small 3 acre vineyard planted in 1989 to Syrah, Mourvedre and Melon de Bourgogne. The site has depleted, granitic soils and, combined with the elevation and exposure, it’s a perfect situation for producing deep, funky, expressive American Syrah.” 39 cases produced

My Review:  From our private collection. Dark ruby in the glass. Light cherry on the nose. Red fruits on the palate. This isn’t a huge Syrah – a bit lighter and more elegant, refreshing and tasty. Very nice on day 2.  May 2022

2016 I Brand & Family 52-month Chardonnay, Monterey, 15% ABV (#792)

Winemaker’s Notes: 52-months in a steel tank. Aged in the bottle one year before release. “Delicate & oxidative aromas similar to a beautiful Fino sherry. Palate confirms aromatics.  Nutty entry, candied pineapple & ripe tangerines on initial & mid-palate. Finishes with warm marzipan, toasted cinnamon, anie & cloves. Searing acidity throughout.” 41 cases produced

My Review:  I am not sure I would have guessed this was a Chardonnay. Toasted pineapple notes on the nose and palate, but an almost fortified or Sauternes-like quality on the finish – butterscotch and pineapple.  July 2022

The I Brand & Family Tasting Room is located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 6 pm.  Reservations are recommended – more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Make a Donation!

Joyce: Exploring the Endless Potential of Monterey’s Coastal Terroir

My neighbor was in town last month and she is always game to “help” me with my wine blog.  We belong to the same winery out in Carmel Valley Village – and she was willing to check out Joyce with me.  I hadn’t been to Joyce since December 2019, when I picked up a case of James Joyce Merlot for a planned (and cancelled) wine class.  My DC area friends enjoyed that case of wine during the pandemic. In the hopes of finding another Merlot for my next class, we headed to Joyce.

We were warmly welcomed in the tasting room and headed outside to one of the very nice tables for the tasting. Our server was very knowledgeable and provided us tons of information, answering even my peskiest question.  The menu was very much focused on Monterey wines from across the county: Carmel Valley, Monterey, and Santa Lucia Highlands sub-AVAs.  While I was still on a mission to find wines for a class, the menu didn’t include their James Joyce label from San Benito County.  And no Merlot to try:  sold out.  And no industry discount.  Alas, I can’t get lucky every time!

I previously wrote about Joyce Wine Co back in December 2020.  You can read more about Joyce there https://decantingmonterey.com/joyce-wine-company-small-lot-wines-from-monterey-california-with-balance-finesse-and-focus/ and on their website https://joycewineco.com/.

Today I am presenting 5 wines we tasted at their Tasting Room in February, plus 1 I purchased for later consumption.  Unless otherwise specified, winery notes come from their website. The map below gives a good visual on the vineyards they use for their wines.

2018 Joyce Wine Co Escolle Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.3% ABV, $35 (#643*)

Winemaker Notes: “The fruit for this Chardonnay comes from Escolle Vineyard located at the Northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. This site is impeccably farmed by the Caraccioli Family, who are incredible stewards of their land. Very low water usage translates into low yields of intense fruit full of flavor and acidity. The strong marine influence and well drained gravelly loam soils of Chular combine to deliver Chardonnay fruit that showcases both power and finesse.”

Tasting notes: “AROMA Rose hips, stone fruit, clove spice, toast/dough, river stone  FLAVOR Apple, bosc pear, wild peach, steely/mineral, brioche/lees”

My Review: Pale golden in color.  Tropical notes on the nose.  Balanced oak on the tasty and lively palate, with a touch of lime on the finish.  We liked this wine. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Gabilan Mountains Pinot Noir, Monterey, 12.6% ABV, $45 (#644*)

Winemaker’s Notes (condensed from the Tech Sheet): “The Gabilan Mountain Pinot Noir comes from a small vineyard site positioned on a soft slope located on the east side of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. Soils consisting of decomposed granite and limestone allow for an ethereal expression of Pinot Noir. To highlight and preserve the purity of the wine, grapes were fermented using partial whole-cluster and native yeast. The resulting wine was then aged for 10 months in neutral French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. These honest winemaking practices combined with thoughful farming allow this vineyard site to show both power and finesse.” 18 barrels produced.

My Review: Translucent bright ruby in the glass with a bright red berry nose.  Smooth on the palate with light berry flavors with subtle structure on the finish.  A pleasant wine. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Tondre Grapefield  Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, $45  (#645*)

Winemaker Notes: “Tondre Grapefield captures the soul of the Santa Lucia Highlands in the glass with dark brambly fruit, spice, light earth tones and a decedent textural mouth feel that comes from the cool climate site set of the regions sandy loams. This vintage shines with a deep garnet/ruby hue and a medium/full bodied palate of blackberry, plum and of course cherry fruits along with a touch of tea spice, lavender and soft oak. This wine gains in the glass and while youthful fresh it delivers an excellent play between lush ripe fruit and savory briar notes, this is not a vintage to miss.” 18 barrels produced.

My Review: Richer and darker in color, seemingly a tiny bit cloudy in the glass, with a richer bouquet than the previous wine.  Richer flavors on the palate, with some tartness in the balance.  February 2022

2019 Russell Joyce Grenache Syrah, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $38 (#646*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The special Small Lot Collection Grenache-Syrah is a blend of 70% Grenache from Cedar Lane and 30% Tondre Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah. Mostly concrete tank fermentation and aging making for a new California expression of a Southern Rhone style red in an ode to Chateaneuf-du-Pape. The ripe and dark fruited Grenache-Syrah has an intense purple/magenta hue in the glass with an incredible bouquet of wild flowers and spices that leads to a forward palate of olallieberry, racy plum, red currant and huckleberry fruits, sprigs of lavender, pepper, minty notes and a fresh tang with some delicate floral tones, savory elements and lingering kirsch. Seriously proportioned and dense without being heavy, this very limited Grenache-Sryah release, develops nicely with air and love the studied display of fruit and stony earth that comes out.”

My Review: Berry on the nose.  A nice palate of robust, smooth fruit – very appealing to my taste. February 2022

2019 Russell Joyce Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley 13.8% ABV, $60 (#647*)

Notes from the Tasting Room: The grapes for this wine come from the Joullian Vineyard in Carmel Valley.  With light oak notes, it is a more fuller representation of the fruit. 

My Review: Dense, dark ruby in the glass.  Berry notes on the nose.  A medium palate of dark berry flavors.  Pretty yummy. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Tondre Grapefield  Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4% ABV, $35 (#648*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Planted in 1997, Tondré Grapefield sits in the center of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The terroir is defined by portruding Southeast facing slopes, strong marine influences from the Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. To show transparency, the fruit was harvested at moderate sugars and fermented using 60% whole clusters and native yeasts. The wine was then aged for 10 months in a combination of small concrete vessels and neutral French oak barrels before being bottled infined and unfiltered. These honest winemaking practices combined with thoughtful farming allow the savory fruit and natural acidity of this cool climate Syrah to shine.” 10 barrels produced.

Tasting Notes: “AROMA Black fruits, peppercorns, dried lavender, minty herb, crushed violets, forest floor FLAVOR Black raspberry, pomegranate, damson plum, liquid violets, embers, mixed spices”

My Review: Fresh ruby in the glass.  At first, Bing cherry on the nose.  Palate of bright, tart cherry flavors a la Jolly Rancher.  As it opened up over a couple of days, the flavors balanced out, revealing a little more earth and deeper flavors. March 2022

You can buy Joyce wines from their web site or tasting room. Their tasting room is located at 1 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village is open.  It has a lovely outdoor setting.  You can find more information and make a reservation here.

*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

Make a Donation!

2021 Wrap-up #2: Spanning Arroyo Seco to SLH to Carmel Valley – and a local Napa!

As promised last week, here is my catchup post of 7 Monterey County wines/vintners to close out 2021! I’ve reserved a few “fr emergency posts” and am excited about the winery visits I’ll be starting with in January! If you haven’t signed up to receive my blog by email, do so today – in the bottom right corner of this page!

Before we get started, may I ask, “What are you drinking New Year’s Eve?”  Please share in the comments below. We might be enjoying a Caraccioli Cellars Brut Rose – to be determined!

2013 Chesebro Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.6% ABV, $27 (#564*)

While I didn’t have any photos of the 2013, I hope these 2015 Las Arenas images will do!

I presented the 2016 vintage of this wine back in June.  This is one of the wines I like to present in my East Coast wine classes!

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Black raspberry, blackberry, lavender and pepper show on the deeply purple nose of this blend of 67% Grenache and 33% Syrah. Dense black fruit shows first on the palate, followed by a zesty explosion of acidity, flowery spices and cola.” Matt Kettmann, 12/2016

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Anise and berries on the nose. Berries, cherry and leather on the palate with lingering anise flavors. August 2021

2016 Rombi Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, $75 (#565*)

Sal Rombi had recommended his club members open one of his Petite Sirahs as it was drinking beautifully.  We opened this one by mistake, but it was a very happy mistake! I include this wine here since Sal is one of our local vintners!

My Review: Very dark ruby, almost purple in the glass.  Plum and blueberry on the nose.  Rich on the palate brimming with smooth dark fruits:  blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry and a touch of smoke.  This is fruity yet elegant, smooth and rich, with a little tobacco on the finish.  Very pleased with how these wines have matured! September 2021

2020 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 12.3% ABV, $28 (#566*)

From the Bernardus Website: “All our Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from a block specially planted for Bernardus in the Griva Vineyard with the celebrated “Musqué” clone. All our grapes are hand-picked during many successive pickings at various ripeness levels in order to have a broad palette of flavors and acidity levels from which to create our final blend…

“Tasting notes:  Our 2020 Griva bottling shows aromas of lime zest accented by grassy notes. The palate is soft and long, exhibiting crisp fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit. Our 2020 version exhibits a beautiful balance of rich texture and a gently crisp, refreshing acidity.” 10,550 cases produced

My Review: Quite pale in color.  Fresh, tropical notes on the nose – honeysuckle and white nectarine.  Smooth, tropical flavors of papaya and gentle pineapple with bright acidity and a lime zest twist on the finish.  We liked this wine so much that I brought a couple of bottles home – it remains a favorite! October 2021

2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $80 (#567*)

From the Bernardus Website: “The Santa Lucia Highlands are known as one of the premier Pinot Noir appellations of the world. One reason for this lofty reputation is Rosella’s Vineyard, one of the finest Pinot and Chardonnay vineyards in California. Gary Franscioni planted his home ranch, named for his lovely wife, in the heart of the Highlands. His home vineyard is planted with a selection of the best available Pinot Noir clones and farmed with unparalleled passion and attention to detail. We at Bernardus are fortunate to have access to three small blocks: 2 planted with clone 777, and the third with the celebrated Pisoni clone.

“Our 2018 Rosella’s Pinot displays gorgeous aromas of ripe red fruits along with notes of cola and toasty oak. The palate is beautifully lush, exhibiting bright ripe red cherry and plum flavors, accented by subtle hints of spice.” 93 points – Vinous. 866 6-packs produced

My Review: Bright ruby in the glass.  Nice mellow cherry and cedar on the nose.  Oak (structured tannins) on the palate – dark cherry and berries (slightly sweet fruit) with leather on the finish.  Very good. October 2021

2018 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $50 (#568*)

During one of our visits to the winery this year, we got to taste this wine – the first time I know of that they bottled a Merlot as a single varietal – it usually is blended in their popular Cheval Rouge.  They weren’t sure they were going to continue to bottle it alone – we encourage them to do so, *if* supply permits! You can find all their available wines here:  https://www.boetewinery.com/

My Review: Purple in the glass.  Rich and juicy in the mouth with some solid dark fruits, blackberry and black currant.  Balanced and very smooth on the finish.  This wine is a big hit.  I just bought more of it!  October 2021

2017 Spring Cabernet Franc, Carmel Valley, 14.34% ABV, $35 (#569*) 86% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

We opened this wine just after my recent, big post about their amazing wines.

From the Bunter Spring Winery Website: “This wine is from a historic organic vineyard in the hills high above the Carmel River.  The AVA gives a distinct and recognizable character to its fruit, something midway between Napa and Paso Robles- which is exactly where it is! Super ripe red fruit flavors with a whiff of lavender and spice.”  20 months in French and American oak barrels, 50% new.

My Review: Blueberry and blackberry on the nose and palate.  Smooth and perfectly balanced.  I really was impressed by this Cab Franc and hope we can get some more! November 2021

2017 Silvestri Red Ranger Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $75 (#570*)

I couldn’t find any notes about the 2017 vintage, but I did review the 2018 here: https://decantingmonterey.com/moving-on-inside-for-a-tasting-at-silvestri/.

My Review: Deep purple in color. Dark fruit on the nose. A bit heavy handed dark fruit upon opening with a tobacco finish. Smoother after it opened up, rounding into blackberry and plum with a touch of mint on the dark fruit palate. Some clove on the finish. Paired very well with dark chocolate. I think it is still too young to drink this wine and we should have decanted it. November 2021

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.    

SIGN UP HERE TO GET Decanting Monterey DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL!!

Don\'t miss a single exciting post about our Central Coast/Monterey wines! Enter your email address below for a free subscription to Decanting Monterey. Be sure to open the confirmation email and validate your subscription! See you soon!!

Verified by MonsterInsights