Tagged: Scheid Vineyards

Enjoying Monterey Wines on the East Coast!

THE STORY

Earlier this month, I connected with my old wine group – and presented Monterey wines to them. I do this class about once a year and am always glad to be sharing my passion and enjoying Monterey wines on the East Coast.

This class was a bit easier to put together than ones I have done in the past.  Why? 1. An improved budget for the class allowed me flexibility to include some higher priced wines. 2. I had a free case of wine from one of the wineries (thank you!). 3. I stumbled onto some incredible shipping rates ($1 – really??) and huge sales on a couple of wines.  As a bonus, most of the wines presented had Wine Enthusiast ratings. Writer-at-Large Matt Kettmann does a great job covering Central Coast wines.

I have boasted that, while Monterey is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, I usually don’t present either. I set out to make this class is different. I felt it was time to show my East Coast friends a value (but tasty) Chardonnay representative of Monterey County – and what a really good Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands can be!

I could not pull off these classes without the generosity of our local wineries and the Monterey Vintners & Growers Association.  I have worked to develop deep relationships with Monterey wineries, including the winemakers, tasting room staff, and even some vineyards! They give me steep discounts on their wine (sometimes they even donate wine!) in return for me giving their wines visibility to a new audience. Many thanks to Bernardus, Corral Wine Co., McIntyre Vineyards, Parsonage and Scheid for their support and generosity. I’m so grateful.

Bernardus
Corral Wine Co.
McIntyre Vineyards

*Readers:  Is there a Monterey County winery you know or would like to know for my next class or a future post?  Wineries:  Is there a deal on one of your wines you would like me to showcase next Spring? Leave me a comment below or email me!*

Parsonage
Scheid

THE CLASS ITSELF – ENJOYING MONTEREY WINES ON THE EAST COAST

It Takes a Village: Before I launch into this class, I need to give a huge thank you to my many friends who helped me with this class: Paula, the board member who got me on the calendar and introduced me; my former neighbors Howard and Nora, who patiently received my wine shipments; Stephen who chilled the whites and found excellent cheese pairings; my good friend Steve, who helped me transport the wines to the event.  And, during the class, those friends plus Dina who helped pass out the wines to those East Coast wine aficionados.

I wrote about my approach to presenting Monterey wines in last year’s post: Decanting Monterey Tells All: Introducing New Monterey Wines and Wine Regions in DC! Check that out for the details! I’ll give a short synopsis here:

I started this almost-sold-out class (57 people!) by ensuring everyone knew where Monterey County is on the Central Coast.  I talked about our climate, the Blue Grand Canyon under the Monterey Bay, creating a Thermal Rainbow® – our high valley temperatures brought relief by the afternoon winds coming off the bay the stress and cool the vines – with accompanying fog to keep them from getting too cold overnight. I briefly ran through our winemaking history and current stats and encouraged them to visit! I highlight the ease and affordability of coming to Monterey to taste wine.  Armed with our tasting room brochures provided by Kim Stemler of the Monterey Vintners & Growers Association, I invite them all to visit.

I then talked briefly about the four Monterey County American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) from which today’s wines originated: Monterey, Arroyo Seco, the Santa Lucia Highlands and, for the first time, San Lucas. You can read more about our AVAs here.

Finally, I gave a short overview of each winery and presented each of the wines.  As we moved through the tasting, the group had extremely positive reactions and asked good questions.

  • They asked if wines were available locally – The Bernardus Chardonnay should be available locally; all others can be found via the wineries directly.
  • They cheered at the quality and expression of flavors in the Corral Sauvignon Blanc.
  • They asked how long the McIntyre could be cellared (another 8-10 years). And they seemed to really enjoy the two big red blends from Parsonage and Scheid.
  • One observation was that these wines were all rather high in alcohol – I assured them that it is not the trend, just happened to be the wines selected for this class. 

Overall, the attendees were very happy with both the educational component and the quality of the wines themselves. 

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the 5wines from this May tasting. Winery notes come from their tasting sheets or websites, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2020 Bernardus Chardonnay, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $30 (#884)

Winery Notes: “Bright white fruit aromas accented by subtle oak notes. The palate is intense and beautifully focused with vibrant peach and tropical fruit flavors along with spice accents. The long finish is supported by a refreshing acidity.”

Wine Enthusiast – 88 points: “Lime spritz and apple-slice aromas show on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows an earthier side, offering baked lemon and toasted nut flavors.”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Tropical and buttery on the nose and tasty with some grilled pineapple on the palate. Butter, caramel and slight metallic notes on the finish. I believe this Monterey Chardonnay is quite representative of our region. October 2023 & February 2024

2022 Corral Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.4% ABV, $30 (#1088)

Winery Notes: “Vibrant aromas of lemongrass, citrus, fersh herb, and guava with hints of gooseberry. Flavors of lemon, peach, and citrus finishing with a nice minerality and racing acidity.”

My Review: Straw in the grass. A slightly sweet nose of grapefruit & melon. The nose follows over to the palate with a grapefruit twist on the finish. It’s a lot, in a good way. September 2023

2016 McIntyre Vineyards Block 3 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $56 (#1290)

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “Roasted cherry and plum meet with turned earth and toasty oak aromas on the nose of this single-block bottling. The palate is wrapped in that savory oak flavor, which complements the dried sage and rich dark-fruit flavors, as strong tannins hold it all in check.” Matt Kettmann

Prince of Pinot – 91 points: “A combination of the Swan clone and the “Old Vine” Block. The crop was thinned to a maximum of three tons per acre or 1.5 lbs of fruit per foot of cordon. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blueberry-pomegranate and a compliment of toasty oak. An onslaught of purple and black berry fruits greet the palate. Not particularly nuanced but plenty of ostentatious fruit. Modest tannins, low acidity and a finish of modest length. The slightest warmth shows up on the finish.” July 2022

My Review: Dark ruby in color. Delicious nose of dark cherry. Palate is packed with dark, tart fruit like a dark cherry jolly rancher and some sandalwood. We liked this wine. March 2024

2020 Parsonage Wildcard, Monterey AVA, 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. Really well melded and delicious. May and November 2023

2020 Scheid Arbolitos, San Lucas Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, Monterey County, 15.5% ABV, $40 (#1287) 28% Primitivo, 28% Barbera, 19% Charbono, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum and elderberry. Acidic, bright and medium-bodied, it is framed by soft tannins. A rich red fruit finish prevails with notes of vanilla and mocha.”

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “From a head-trained vineyard of “little trees,” this proprietary blend pairs black plum and purple flowers with peppercorn and soy on the nose. The palate is firm in texture, offering ripe blueberry and violet flavors.”

My Review: A Super Tuscan-style field blend. Cassis on the nose – intense delicious fruit. Very delicious. Jammy smooth complex palate. I really like this wine and selected it for my next class. February 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS

All of these wineries presented today have tasting rooms in one or more of our three wine tasting areas of Monterey County:  Bernardus, Corral and Parsonage are in Carmel Valley Village. Scheid and McIntyre are in Carmel. Scheid also has a tasting room way down the Monterey Wine Trail. 

You can see a map of Monterey County wine tasting rooms and get more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Scheid Vineyards: As far as The Eye Can See!

THE STORY

As I continue on my hunt for wines for my upcoming wine class in Washington DC, I stopped in at the Scheid Vineyards tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  When you drive down Hwy 101 past Soledad, you will see Scheid VIneyards as far as the eye can see! There were three reasons why I sought out Scheid wines: 1. I thought it would be good to honor the legacy of their founder, Al Sheid, who passed away about a year ago. 2. In addition, it would allow me to present wines from less well known AVAs, such as San Lucas.  3. And, probably the main driver on that day, I noticed they had $1 shipping for a case of wine!

I was warmly greeted by the staff, who clearly understood my purpose. I was a bit rushed for this tasting, as I could only find a 30-minute parking space in crowded Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Scheid tasting room staff accommodated me! I was excited to try the current vintages of the Barbera and the 50/50, one of my favorites of their blends. But it was a blend I had not previously tried that caught my attention this time for my DC class: the 2020 Scheid Arbolitos, a ‘Super Tuscan” red blend. I am a Big Red girl, after all.

My last post about Scheid Vineyards was here: Scheid: Finding the Yin Yang of Monterey Wines! I’ve written about their wines a few times – just type “Scheid” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.

ABOUT SCHEID VINEYARDS – AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE

I would encourage you to read the history of Sheid Vineyards on their website here. It is an interesting story.  What began as an investment as a tax shelter (they are quite transparent about this) grew into vineyards as far as the eye can see as you drive down Highway 101.  

“For the first 15 years or so, Scheid Family Wines was known as Monterey Farming Corp., a grape grower that sold all of its production to winery clients for use in their own brands…

“Which brings us to today. We now own 12 estate vineyards located along a 70-mile stretch of the Salinas Valley. While in the early days, our business was about supplying grapes to other wineries, we now focus on building our own brands which we produce at our state-of-the-art winery, as well as a smaller Reserve Winery where the small production wines of Scheid Vineyards are crafted.”

ABOUT THE SAN LUCAS AVA

The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association provides this information about the San Lucas AVA:

“San Lucas is nestled on the southwestern edge of the Salinas Valley. Comprised of sweeping alluvial fans and terraces, grape growers have cultivated over 8,000 acres. Unlike other AVAs in Monterey County, San Lucas experiences significantly less cooling from Monterey Bay, which results in a warmer overall climate.

“Fluctuating elevations expose this area to morning fog and temperatures that oscillate as much as 40 degrees during the summer from day to night. These conditions contribute to a protracted growing season that yields grapes with full bodies and flavors. These grapes boast stunning color commensurate with their flavor, and varietals include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc”

You can read more about all the Monterey County AVAs here.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Scheid Vineyards wines from this February tasting. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2019 Scheid GSM, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $36 (#1283)

Winery Notes: “Featuring the bright, ripe raspberry fruit of Grenache, the jamminess and lushness of Syrah, and the subtle spice and earth of Mourvèdre, this captivating blend is a balance of delightful flavors. Aromas of currant, cherry and raspberry on a medium-bodied palate of bright fruit and balanced acidity lead into a lingering red fruit finish.”

My Review: Pleasant, Concord grape nose. Bright acidity on the palate. Refreshing. February 2024

2022 Scheid Barbera, San Lucas Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $36 (#1284)

Winery Notes: “Our 2021 vintage is bright and appealing, with ripe red fruit flavors of cranberry, cherry and currant accented by vanilla and floral notes. The texture is vibrant yet velvety with juicy, supple tannins and a medium-bodied mouthfeel. An exuberant fresh fruit character makes for a delicious experience.”

My Review: Pretty bright ruby in the glass. Earth and forest floor on the nose. Rich on the palate – a dense wine. A pleasing and flavor-packed, medium-bodied palate with a tart finish. February 2024

2020 Scheid 50/50, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $36 (#1285) Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 50/50 possesses the structure and dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and the softness and punched up fruit of Syrah. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum are accented with hints of pepper and vanilla.  Rich black fruit, integrated tannins and a subtle toasty oak finish will convince you that soul mates really do exist.”

My Review: Dark ruby in color. Plum, blackberry, and blueberry jam with a hint of earth on the tasty, lively palate.  Licorice notes on the finish.  This wine is not too heavy. Right up my alley. February 2024

2020 Scheid Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $40 (#1286)

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and ripe plum with notes of tarragon and toasty oak. Bold and full-bodied, it is framed by elegant tannins. Lingering notes of black fruit, vanilla and mocha prevail on the finish. While drinking beautifully now, this rich and vibrant Cabernet will age nicely over the next 5-10 years.”

My Review: Wood chips on the nose. Very tasty palate with smooth tannins.  This is an easy drinking, “Tuesday night” wine. I kind of like it. February 2024

2020 Scheid Arbolitos, San Lucas Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, Monterey County, 15.5% ABV, $40        (#1287) 28% Primitivo, 28% Barbera, 19% Charbono, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 vintage is intense and focused, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum and elderberry. Acidic, bright and medium-bodied, it is framed by soft tannins. A rich red fruit finish prevails with notes of vanilla and mocha.”

My Review: A Super Tuscan-style field blend. Cassis on the nose – intense delicious fruit. Very delicious. Jammy smooth complex palate. I really like this wine and selected it for my next class. February 2024

THE TASTING ROOM

Scheid Vineyards has 2 places to taste their wines:

Their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea at San Carlos and 7th is consistently ranked Top Tasting Room in the Monterey County Weekly’s “Best of” competition: “A block off Ocean Avenue in historic Carmel-by-the-Sea, our Tasting Room is a warm and inviting haven to taste an array of our wines.”

At their winery located at 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield, CA: “Just off Highway 101 between Greenfield and King City, our “home” location set among the vineyards and easy to find thanks to our 400ft wind turbine.”

Click here for more information!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!


Scheid: “Bringing people together to enjoy and savor life.”

Today I am bringing you another “Catchup Monday” post: Scheid Vineyards: “Bringing people together to enjoy and savor life.” “Catchup Monday” is my effort to get caught up on some of the many wines we have tried this year – outside of a larger wine tasting event.  It was a busy spring and summer!

THE STORY

In June, we opened this wine in our private collection, from a tasting we did at the Scheid Vineyards tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.with our daughter and a friend several years ago, before the pandemic. I’m a sucker for a good Petite Sirah and we had taken a couple of these home.  While I have presented a couple of Scheid wines in Decanting Monterey, we clearly need to stop by for a full tasting. 

Here are some of my previous posts about Scheid:  Scheid Vineyards: Innovative Twist on an Austrian Classic   Scheid: Finding the Yin Yang of Monterey Wines!   Even More Wines from the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Event!

ABOUT THE HAMES VALLEY AVA

“Located at the southern tip of the Salinas Valley, just across the border from San Luis Obispo County, Hames Valley Vineyard is flanked by the Santa Lucia Range to the west and the rugged Gabilan to the east. Sheltered from afternoon winds, Hames Valley has the widest diurnal temperature swing in Monterey County (up to 50°F). It is an ideal locale for big, tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão.”

You can read more about Hames Valley and all our AVAs here: Monterey County AVAs.

ABOUT SCHEID VINEYARDS

“Al Scheid set his roots in Monterey County in 1972, embracing his role as a pioneer of winegrowing in the region. Al’s outlook has always been that life is an adventure and this attitude served him well as he embarked on the journey of a lifetime. He has always said that if he had planned to build a family wine business, it never would have happened. Instead, he moved forward through his innate entrepreneurial spirit, relationship building, sheer hard work, a healthy dose of courage and as he’s the first to admit, more than a bit of luck.” You can read more about them here.

THE WINES

I have just one wine to present to you today from Scheid Vineyards. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2017 Scheid Petite Sirah, Hames Valley Vineyard, Hames Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.9% ABV (#1168)

Winery Notes: “There is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. Rather it earned its name from the small size of the berries, which creates a high skin-to-pulp ratio that gives this wine its dark, inky pigmentation and high tannin levels. This workhorse variety produces some of the most powerful reds on earth and can dance along the edge of muscular versus elegant in a way like no other varietal. The trick when making P.S. is to highlight the fruit and tame the tannins. Our 2017 is ultra-ripe, full-bodied and opaque in color, as it should be. The nose is ripe and bold with blackberry jam, plum and cedar aromas. The palate is

fleshy in texture, with excellent depth, firm structure, and a long, mildly tannic finish with a hint of clove.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Licorice and a little barnyard on the nose. Intense, smooth palate of dark fruit and spearmint. We liked this wine very much! June 2023

THE TASTING ROOMS

Scheid Vineyards has two in-person tasting rooms:

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea: SE Corner San Carlos & 7th (831) 626-WINE (9463) “Located one block from Ocean Avenue at San Carlos & 7th in historic Carmel-by-the-Sea, our Tasting Room is a warm and inviting haven to taste an array of Scheid Vineyards wines. Discover our wines, vineyards, and the wonderful diversity of the Monterey growing region while enjoying our estate grown wines.” Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • Winery Tasting Room: 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield, CA 93927 (831) 386-0316 “Located just off Highway 101 between Greenfield and King City, our “home” location is set among the vineyards, just an hour’s scenic drive from the Monterey Peninsula and easy to find thanks to our 400ft wind turbine. Guests can enjoy our abundance of shaded and spacious outdoor patios while enjoying lawn games and more!” Hours: Daily 11 am to 6 pm.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!


Even More Wines from the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Event!   

THE STORY

As I mentioned in my previous post, I really feel like Decanting Monterey is getting some recognition when I start getting invited to events that are “wine trade only.”  This is part 2 of my experience at the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Tasting organized by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association in Carmel in early August. Check my blog for Part 1 from earlier this week and I will have one more next week!

Today’s post will include our engagement with Silvestri Vineyards, Rexford Winery, Opaque Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Scratch Wines, and Tira Nanza.    

THE WINES

SILVESTRI VINEYARDS

It’s been a while since I have tasted Silvestri wines.  I have long been a fan of their Barbera and Syrah, so it was a real treat to try these at this event.

2019 Silvestri Vineyards Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $48 (#1098)

Winery Notes: “Syrah fans everywhere!  Our Syrah continues to please year after year.  Savor the aromas of blackberry and dried plum while enjoying the mouth-watering flavors, velvety texture along with medium tannins. Complement with sausage pizza, grilled veggies or grilled meat.”

My Review: Beautiful dark ruby in glass. Dark fruits enrobed with eucalyptus. Mouthfilling. Delicious. I had forgotten how delicious their Estate Syrah could be! August 2023

2019 Silvestri Vineyards Estate Barbera, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $75 (#1099)

Winery Notes: “Barbera is a red grape varietal originating from the Piedmont region of Northwestern Italy. Our small block of Barbera, which is the first planting of this varietal in Carmel Valley, was added to the vineyard to honor the Silvestri family heritage. It’s position on a warm southern facing slope allows this varietal to mature and ripen to its fullest potential before harvest.  With the influence of French oak barrel fermentation and maturation our Barbera exudes a deep richness and complexity that helps balance the grape’s high acidity.

“Black cherry, dried strawberry and plum aromas blend through to like flavors and move on to full, soft tannins with sufficient acidity. A more refined yet full-flavored Barbera.”

My Review: Hammy bacon on the nose, like BBQ ribs. Dark fruit on the palate. Yummy. August 2023

2019 Silvestri Vineyards Red Ranger Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $75 (#1100)

Winery Notes: “The 2019 Red Ranger is the 7th release of our signature Syrah that represents a part of the vineyard featuring the Bien Nacido clone, which is known for its richness and complexity. We use 75% new French oak and age it in the cellar for 16 months…

“Red Ranger rocks!  That consistent depth of flavor, roundness and long finish are all here.  Blackberry, black currant and a trace of fig lead to the full mouthfeel, just the right acidity and long, luscious finish. Try with a sausage stew and roasted meats, or aged hard cheeses.” 93 points, 2023 Wine Enthusiast buying guide!

My Review: Inky in glass. Rich palate of dark fruits highlighted by some woody notes. My favorite red wine of the day. August 2023

REXFORD WINERY

I do miss Rexford’s tasting room in Carmel Valley.  It sat quietly next to Parsonage, where COraal Wine Co. is today.  We’d stop in to talk to the vintner from time to time.  He makes one heck of a delicious Chardonnay and Merlot.  But today I decided to try their Zinfandel.  We just don’t seem to have the right climate for Zinfandel, yet I continue to seek one out.

2019 Rexford Zinfandel, Gillian Enz Vineyards, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, 15.5% ABV, $37 (#1101)

Winery Notes: “Lime Kiln Valley is a small viticultural area located in the San Benito County south of Hollister. The area features soils of decomposed granite and limestone, with warm days and cool nights that lead to a long growing season producing balanced wines with great depth. We think that Sam’s great grandparents produced wine from grapes grown here more than a century ago so we are pleased to offer this Zinfandel. Aged in American oak and bottled without fining or filtration, the wine is full-bodied with rich berry flavors and a smooth finish. Enjoy it with barbecue, grilled meats or pasta.”

My Review: Garnet in color. While our region is not known for its Zinfandel, this Rexford wine is not bad for a lighter Zinfandel. August 2023

OPAQUE WINES

At the 30th Annual Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration, which I wrote about here, I talked about the Riboli Family wines and San Simeon’s Stormwatch. At this event, I chose the Opaque line of wines.

2019 Opaque Darkness  Red Blend, El Pomar District, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.9% ABV, $30 (#1102)

Winery Notes: “The word “opaque” means “impenetrable to light” and refers to the dark, inky, impenetrable color of the Riboli family’s proprietary blend. Opaque Darkness brings together the impressive quality of our estate grown Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah grapes. After aging in French and American barrels for 15 months, our hand-crafted artisan blend reveals ripe flavors of raspberry and blackberry with notes of spice and vanilla. Enjoy the darkness!”

My Review: Inky in color. Dark fruit berries not overdone. Very balanced. Really quite delicious. A superb value. August 2023

SCHEID VINEYARDS

At the Scheid table, we were introduced to a couple of family wine lines I had not heard of before. These two wines were lots of fun and perhaps the polar opposites, showing the range of what Monterey County can produce. 

Sunny with a Chance of Flowers: “Sunny is made for mindful wine lovers – who, like us, believe less can be more. Zero sugar, fewer calories and less alcohol, yet still positively delicious! It’s everything you want in a wine and more –certified sustainable, vegan and gluten-free.”

VDR – Very Dark Red: “Very Dark Red—the name speaks for itself. Effortlessly bold, it captivates the senses with an inherent confidence that draws you in. Slightly mysterious, yet unexpectedly approachable, this robust red blend reveals new layers of depth and personality with each lingering sip.”

Sunny Positively Bubby Rosé, Monterey County, 9% ABV, $20 (#1103)

Winery Notes: “Everything is better with bubbles! Our Sunny Bubbly delights with flavors of fresh strawberry and watermelon wrapped in a package of lovely, fine bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish. We are all born to sparkle…Aromas of fresh strawberry and watermelon. Lovely, fine bubbles. A crisp, refreshing finish.” 91 points – Wine Enthusiast and Best Buy

My Review: Pale pink. Cantaloupe flavors. Very bubbly and light. Zero sugar. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. August 2023

2020 VDR (Very Dark Red) Proprietary Red Blend, Hames Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $25 (#1104)

Winery Notes: “Very Dark Red—the name speaks for itself. VDR is a non-traditional proprietary red blend headlined by a rare combination of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot – two grape varietals known for their extraordinarily deep violet hues, concentrated flavors and full-bodied profiles. Big and bold, VDR not only turns heads, it turns the curious into evangelists with its layered complexity, lush mouthfeel, supple tannins and smooth, lingering finish.” https://www.cheersandco.com/

My Review: Inky in the glass. Dark fruit and caramel on the nose. A rich, jammy palate of dark fruit. Very tasty – a great value. August 2023

SCRATCH WINES

I think anyone who has met Sabrine Rodems would agree that she is a formidable talent in the Monterey winemaking world. She makes wine for Kori, Scratch, and Wrath, all in the same building at Wrath Wines.  Her talent, creativity and stamina are equally impressive. I fell in love with Wrath’s San Saba Syrah many years ago and knew, when I tried the Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina, that she was one to think outside the box and dare to be different. 

I’ve had Scratch wines a few times and finally visited her cute, trendy and spacious tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. I was delighted to chat with Sabrine a bit on this day and taste some more of her wines.

2022 Scratch Rosé of Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV (#1105)

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: Bright pink in the glass. Fuji apple and great flavors on the palate – bright and delicious. August 2023

2021 Scratch C47 Marsanne/Roussanne White Blend, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $59 (#1106)

Winery Notes: “These two Northern Rhone varietals grown in Carmel Valley from the Paloma Creek Vineyard are traditionally blended together. The slightly crisp nature of Marsanne with white nectarine, quince & lemon balance out the creamy Roussanne with fig, peach, pear and a little nuttiness.”

My Review: Melon on the nose. Creamy from the fruit with an attractive sweetness at the finish. August 2023

2019 Scratch C47 Red Blend, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County, 14.5% ABV, $95 (#1107) Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Winery Notes: “Classic Bordeaux blend from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Cab Sauvignon and Cab Franc from the steep slopes of Janaca Vineyard. Merlot harvested from the high elevation of the Zayante Vineyard. Black berries, blueberries with hints of juniper & spices all come together in this blend, creating a sophisticated and age worthy bottle to enjoy now or in the future.”

My Review: An attractive dark garnet in color. Lots of berry flavors, yet retains a lean nature. August 2023

TIRA NANZA

We had met Greg Hill at the Monterey Winemakers’ Celebration back in June, so it was great to see him here and try another of his wines.  We are big fans of our newest and youngest wineries and believe Tira Nanza shows great promise. I previously reviewed his Cabernet Sauvignon here.

2022 Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé, Central Coast AVA, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1108)

Winery Notes: “Back by popular demand, our 2022 Malbec Rosé may differ from its predecessor in color but it shares the same vibrant fruit and complexity that made the ‘21 so special. Lighter in color and more tropical in flavor, with notes of strawberry, cantaloupe and mango, this Rosé can be enjoyed in any setting. Fermented and aged in Stainless Steel”

My Review: We detected floral notes on the nose and palate, with anise on the finish. It was served very cold. August 2023

THE TASTING ROOMS

Most of these wineries have tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea or in Carmel Valley – please check their websites for more information.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Scheid: Finding the Yin Yang of Monterey Wines!

I introduced Scheid Vineyards to you back in September here: https://decantingmonterey.com/scheid-vineyards-innovative-twist-on-an-austrian-classic/.   When I picked up that Grüner Veltliner, I looked for what else I wanted to try and picked up a couple of big reds. 

Today’s post gets really fun, as we are venturing to the southern most tip of Monterey County’s 9 AVAs – through the Monterey AVA on down to San Lucas and Hames Valley AVAs! 

When driving down Highway 101, you will see that Scheid’s vineyards stretch along almost the entire Salinas Valley down to the San Luis Obispo County line! (Map courtesy of Scheid Vineyards)

On its website ( https://www.scheidvineyards.com/), Scheid describes the San Lucas appellation as having “sunny days tempered by cooling ocean breezes. Here, the days are warmer and longer, yet cool down quite dramatically when the sun goes down. Fruit-forward and softly-textured wines are the hallmark of this region, known for producing an outstanding array of varietals.”  And they describe the Hames Valley as having “long, warm days that make this an ideal area for sun-loving reds. This region produces balanced, full-bodied wines of intensity, such as Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Malbec.”

2017 Scheid 50/50, Monterey AVA, 14.8% ABV, $30 (#247*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah.

The “yin yang” of the 50/50 melded into a delicious wine!

About the 50/50: Scheid describes the 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah as “yin yang” – “complementary opposites that interact within a greater whole as part of a dynamic system” – combining the “rich, polished and powerful” Cabernet Sauvignon with the “supple, fruit-forward and a little sassy” Syrah. They describe the 2017 50/50 as possessing “the structure and dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and the softness and jammy fruit of Syrah, combining to present a delicious example of elegance and power in one glass. Aromas of blackberry preserves and plum accented with notes of sage and smoky spices will convince you that soul mates really do exist.”  The 50/50 comes from their Mesa del Rio Vineyard in the Monterey AVA, plus their San Lucas and Hames Valley vineyards.  This unfiltered wine was aged 16 months in American, Hungarian and French small oak barrels for secondary fermentation and aging. 480 cases produced.

My Review:  Blackberry and plum on the nose, smooth round palate of dark berries, lingering flavors. Euphoric. One of the best Central Coast wines we have tasted recently. Super yum. Highly recommend. December 2020                         

2016 Scheid Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Kurt’s Vineyard, San Lucas AVA, 14.8% ABV (#248*)                                 

The 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Kurt’s Vineyard from Scheid’s webpage.

About the 2016 Kurt’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from their website: “Kurt Gollnick our COO, chose a 10 acre plot to plant his favorite variety, a micro site that is capable of growing world class Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is dark and concentrated with aromas of blackberries, boysenberries and elderberries with notes of chocolate, hazelnuts, toasty oak and a hint of violet. The palate delivers rich, juicy black fruit flavors followed by soft, integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.” Aged 20 months in oak barrels. Unfiltered. 

My Review:  Garnet in color with a jammy blackberry nose with caramel notes.  Juicy palate of yummy blackberry and cherry, with licorice and mint on the finish.  I really liked this wine. January 2021

You can order Scheid wines directly from their webpage.  Their tasting rooms are open daily for outdoor tasting.  You can make a reservation and get more info here:  Visit Scheid.

Scheid’s tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea!

*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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