Tagged: Twisted Roots

Valentine’s Celebration at Twisted Roots!

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society wanted to do something a little special for its members:  food and wine!  Self-catered by their wonderful Board Member Anita, we celebrated an early Valentine’s Day at Twisted Roots, on February 3, 2023.

Monterey AWS members chat with Josh Ruiz, co-owner and winemaker, Twisted Roots.

We’ve always been fond of Twisted Roots for its signature Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs, as well as the occasional special red blend.  Winery co-owners Josh and Julie Ruiz, and Matt and Whitney Pridey bring us these wines mostly from their Lodi vineyard, established in 1918.  Why have a tasting room in Carmel Valley?  The Ruiz’s have relocated to Carmel Valley and his wife’s family owns the vineyard in Lodi.  A great marriage! And we were fortunate to have both of them and their awesome tasting room manager Shannon present for this event.

About Twisted Roots: “Twisted Roots is the work of five generations of family, dedicated to growing wine grapes following sustainable growing practices. While our family’s vineyard was established in 1918, it wasn’t until 2005 that we began producing our own wines. Our commitment to hand crafted, Sustainable & Green, small-lot wines, allows for the utmost care and attention to detail as we strive to produce premium-quality, consistently delicious wines…

“The name Twisted Roots comes from the deep and twisted roots of Lodi old vine Zinfandel found in Julie Ruiz’s childhood vineyard, where vines date back to the early 1900’s.  While excavating vines one day, her beloved uncle remarked “Those roots are really twisted, that would be a great name for a winery.”  This would be a day both Julie and her husband Josh would never forget.  This is the day the winery was truly born.

“Both Josh and Julie have an incredible love for agriculture, community and friendship.  Josh’s mission was to cultivate community around wine, a beverage that wasn’t common in his home growing up.  As an entrepreneur, Josh was determined to create a winery that was tied to the original roots of Lodi Vineyards, and share those wines with his now home in the Carmel Valley. 

“As luck would have it he joined forces with a few of his very special friends to create a dynamic winery and hospitality experience with a diverse selection of wines you won’t typically find in the area; Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Hard Cider to name a few.  All produced in small batches carefully selected from unique sites in an effort to maintain quality and allow for attention to detail shine.  We invite you to visit our charming and newly renovated tasting room, the perfect spot for enjoying the most important things in life, the people.”

When I present a class on our local wines, I like to talk about the affordability of going wine tasting there.  This winery is a case in point:  great wines for a $15 tasting fee!

Today we got to taste some additions to the usual big reds – a real treat.  I am presenting 5 wines, plus a bonus wine I knew to ask about.  As usual, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the winery website, or tasting room staff. Any errors are mine or mine alone.

NV Brut Rosé, California, 13.5% ABV, $35 (#937)

Winery Notes: “We are excited to release our first Rose! A Pinot Noir based sparkling, with lots of bright red berries. Great for all of your summer events!” The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine come from Alexander Valley.

My Review Powered by Terravenos: Dusty salmon in the glass. Warm on the nose with nice tiny bubbles. We detected rose petal, rainier cherry, and apple cider with a slightly brioche quality on the nose. ENO: high acid, medium alcohol, medium minus body. Creamy mousse with a medium plus finish. Well integrated. Flavors of melon, under ripe strawberry, white peach, rainier cherry. February 2023

2021 Albariño, Terra Alta Estate, Lodi, $35 (#938)

Winery Notes: “A delicious Spanish varietal, Albariño is a great every day white wine. It pairs perfectly with all of your summer time activities.”

My Review: Citrus, pineapple, mango, with acidity and tropical notes on the nose, Meyer lemon and pineapple, a nice palate with good minerality, including peach and sweet, tropical notes. Balanced.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi, 14% ABV, $40 (#939)

Winery Notes: “This is not the typical “Napa Style” Cabernet. Our Cabernet is soft and subtle, with all the fruit of a Cabernet but without that harshness!”

My Review: Rich, dark Cabernet color in the bottle. A rich, dusty bouquet. Lots of oak and berries wrapped in high alcohol upfront. It’s not very Cab-like, but it has a nice spice on the finish. It’s made more in the style of a Zinfandel, more like a fruit bomb. Soft, yet chewy, tannins with a touch of harshness on the finish.

2017 Petite Sirah, Lodi, 15.5% ABV, $40 (#940)

Winery Notes: “The biggest of our red wines, with lots fruit up front, followed with some light tannins, and soft finish.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Big, bold flavor, Fruit-forward with big, bold blackberry and raspberry flavors. Wow. A big … red wine.  Well integrated and downright yummy.  I took some home and half has already disappeared! 

2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, the 1918, Lodi, 14% ABV, $40 (#941)

Winery Notes: “If you’ve ever wanted to know what wine from 100 year old vines tastes like, you’re in luck!! Planted in “1918”, these are the vines that started it all for the Twisted Roots Family. After 3 generations of family farmers, we are now able to bring you this special wine!”

My Review: Dark, dark ruby in color, sweet dark berries on the palate, caramel and vanilla on the nose  Very nice .

2020 Ross’s Cherry Road Red, Lodi, 14% ABV, $60 (#942)

Winery Notes: This is a special blend named after Julie’s beloved Uncle Ross, available to wine club members only. 85% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

My Review: Raisins, with lots of cherry and dark fruit. Very big, with prune flavors.

Taste Twisted Roots Wines: “Wine is an experience meant to be shared with others. Stop by our beautiful, newly renovated tasting room and let’s share it together.” Located at 12 Del Fino Pl, Carmel Valley, CA 93924. Open 12-5pm, Thursday-Sunday. Reserve online or at 831- 594-8282. You can also buy their wines on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Twisted Roots: Deep Roots on the Central Coast!

For the last couple of months, this blog has been on a roll.  With the pandemic winding down and wineries opening up, it only took a handful of wine outings to feed the blog with some hefty articles.  I hope you’ve enjoyed them.  If you missed them, take a look on back!  With our daughter in town, we’ll be slowing this back down to its usual old pace for a bit – until we get out again and create new stories to tell.  Meanwhile, I’ve had some wines in the wings waiting to be presented, so let’s go!

Twisted Roots Tasting Room at 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village is OPEN!

Back in January, I introduced you to Twisted Roots as one of several out-of-area wineries which have opened tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village. You can review that post here:   https://decantingmonterey.com/twisted-roots-showcasing-lodi-right-here-in-carmel-valley/. I include them in this blog, as they are part of our local wine tasting fabric. You can read more about the history and current team at Twisted Roots on their website. While mostly known for their big reds, they are also now making a couple of whites and sparkling wines – I look forward to trying those!

2013 Twisted Roots Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi AVA, 14.3% ABV, (#342*)

From the label: “Aromas of warm brambleberry, black tea and clove grace the palate with dark, luscious fruit-firm tannins.  With a finish featuring bright cherry notes, this is a fine wine to pair with most foods and it’s even enjoyable with cheesecake.  A portion of the profits from every bottle sold will be donated to the ALS Association to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease.” The 2015 vintage sells for $33, a very nice price.

My Review: Translucent ruby with a garnet ring in the glass.  Dark fruits of cherry and cedar notes on the nose.  Dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum with a bit of mushroom and earth mid-palate.  Almost slightly sweet on the finish. Yep, this is a Lodi wine alright!  March 2021

You can buy Twisted Roots wines on their website and at the tasting room.  Check out their webpage to hear more about their wine tasting options – inside and outside on their patios.  Nice!

*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.    

Twisted Roots: Showcasing Lodi Right Here in Carmel Valley!

We were pleasantly surprised when Twisted Roots launched a tasting room in Carmel Valley (I love Zinfandel and Petite Sirah – and Lodi big reds)! But we wondered why. Took us a while to learn that there was a local connection: Josh Ruiz, partner and winemaker, is originally from Salinas! Twisted Roots opening their tasting room at 12 Del Fino Place gives us yet another reason to come to Carmel Valley to taste wine. In addition to Monterey County wines, you can find wines from Santa Cruz, Clarksburg, Lodi and even Napa (both Rombi and Bunter Spring feature wines with grapes from Napa) in Carmel Valley Village!  We like to check in at Twisted Roots when we can catch them open to check out the latest releases, including what special wines/blends they may have. 

This is the second article about non-Central Coast wineries with tasting rooms in Carmel Valley.

The Twisted Roots tasting room at 12 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village

From the Twisted Roots webpage: Twisted Roots Vineyard includes vines (Zinfandel) planted in 1918, but the small lot winery didn’t start making its own wines until 2005 by producing its flagship Petite Sirah.  In 2009, they expanded to produce wines based on the other grapes in the vineyard, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Old Vine Zinfandel (1918) along with yearly “Limited Release” wines. 

There is a great article about vintner Josh Ruiz from Eve’s Wine 101 and another great article from LodiWine.com here if you want to read more about why Lodi makes such great Petite Sirah. 

2016 Twisted Roots 1918 Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi AVA, 14.7% ABV, $40 (#32*)

According to its website, the 2016 Twisted Roots “1918” Old Vines Zinfandel is made from “the grapes that started it all for Twisted Roots… Originally planted on the “Dairy” Vineyard in 1918! Three generations of our family have cared for these vines, and they are still producing to this day. This wine presents itself as big and fruity on the nose, but on the pallet (sic) it has gentle fruit and smooth tannins. We aged this wine in 100% neutral French oak barrels to showcase the depth of flavor these old vines produce.”  

My Review: Very dark purple in color, the nose and palate match on this wine:  dark fruit, currant and licorice with a touch of alcohol.  An almost port-like finish.  April 2020

2015 Twisted Roots Petite Sirah, Lodi AVA, 15.8% ABV, $30 (#128*)

Reviews: From the above Lodi Wine article: “This is a dryer, slimmed down version of the varietal, which suits a Petite Sirah lover looking for the black color and blue fruit, but underlined by more of an edgy, angular tannin than the big, rounded, overtly fruit driven styles more typical of California iterations. Slightly caramelized, toasted vanillin oak helps drive the point home in this zesty, toothsome yet moderately sized (as Petite Sirahs go) wine.” The current release is the 2016 and sounds more up my alley: “…intense berry flavors up front, followed by a smooth, subtle finish.” It sells for $33 and you can for sure buy it through the winery’s website.

My Review: A rich, deep ruby red in color, with a strong berry nose. There is still quite a bit of tannin and acidity in this wine, with a tobacco finish. August 2020 

Twisted Roots has a beautiful, spacious outdoor setting and a private room for wine tasting in better times.

Twisted Roots currently is offering free shipping. Check out Twisted Roots Vineyard on Facebook for their current specials.  Check out their webpage to hear more about their wine tasting options – whenever we are able to reopen.  “For more information or to make a reservation, call (831) 594-8282 or email info@twistedrootsvineyard.com.”

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

Just in Time for the Weekend: Carmel Valley Village Tasting Room Update!

As I started to write my first blog posts, I realized, if I am going to do a Real Wine Blog, that I need a lot more photos. It’s been kind of overcast and cool in Pacific Grove, day after day. Last weekend, I decided I would drive out to Carmel Valley Village where I would be sure to find some warmth and sunshine and could take some pictures of the tasting rooms. I was able to check out their outdoor wine tasting venues, as that’s what’s permitted here in Monterey County as of this writing. A nice warm sunny day, lots of wine flowing everywhere. Except to me – I was on a mission!

I parked in front of the former location of Mercy’s tasting room and set out on foot.  (I miss Mercy so much.) The tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village are easily walk-able, unless you are intending to buy a lot of wine!  As you go through this list, please remember we are living in a very fluid situation right now.  If you are planning a wine tasting visit, the best option is to review the winery’s web page to see if they are open and if you need a reservation. Safety is the most important feature of each of these venues.

I began my trip with Massa Estate, 69 W. Carmel Valley Road, as it was where we started our Monterey County wine exploration way back when. It is the first tasting room as you enter the village. The owner, Laurie Massa, welcomed me in, showed me their tasting list, and allowed me to take photos of their outdoor space.  Massa has an incredible outdoor space to not only taste wine, but also for food. Local Chef Michael Jones is here with a very special menu – you can taste the wines and order a meal – or carry one out.  So many cute, outdoor tables with umbrellas – it’s just adorable here. In addition, there’s croquet in the front lawn so you can come, play, and relax. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Massa Estate has a cute, fun, yet elegant outdoor space.

The next winery I went to was Georis, 1 Pilot Road. We’ve always had a fondness for the brand, as Gaston Georis (Walter’s brother) once taught my husband French!  Their indoors wine tasting bar and room is very large (for better times). Their outdoor spaces are incredible for significantly socially distance tables for any sized party, even a larger, private event, as appropriate. I would feel very comfortable coming to Georis to do winetasting of primarily his great Merlots. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Georis has the largest outdoor space with distanced tables, and a vineyard setting.

Then I walked over to Seabold, 2 Pilot Road. I am not yet familiar with Seabold, so it was a good way to meet them and see their outdoor spaces.  They have smaller outdoor tables as well as big picnic benches and the occasional late afternoon music. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. 

Seabold: Great space and some music, too!

Cowgirl Winery, 26 Pilot Road, has incredible outdoor space for wine tasting and fun – open 11:30-5 daily.  (Sorry, I didn’t make it there to get pictures.)

Even though their wines come from elsewhere, I include Twisted Roots in my blog because of their tasting room location at 12 Del Fino Place (oh, and we enjoy their great wines).  They also have a nice outdoor setup on the side of their building open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.  Reservations suggested.

Twisted Roots has an excellent, quiet outdoor space for wine tasting!

I walked by Bunter Spring at 9 Del Fino Place, which is not doing public tastings until further notice.  Mark Bunter told me he is doing pickups by appointment, free local delivery, 20% off any six bottles, 25% off twelve bottles, and half-price shipping to CA, DC and FL only.

Bunter Spring is closed for tastings and Idle Hour is moving down the street!

Idle Hour right next door had a big sign saying they were moving in with Big Sur Vineyard’s tasting room at the end of the street.  That was welcome news to me, as collocation with Big Sur will probably result in a more constant presence than the out-of-town Idle Hour could always provide.

Big Sur Vineyards at 1 Del Fino Place was setting up as I dropped by.  Owner Lenora Carey showed me something really cool they are using for their outdoor wine tastings – wine vials that look like big test tubes called “taste tubes!”  Customers receive the flight of wines in a tube rack and pour their own when ready, improving social distancing during the tasting. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Big Sur Vineyards is using these cool “Taste Tubes” for a more touch-free experience!

Joullian, 2 Village Drive, is open daily 12-4 p.m. – reservations required.  They had a couple of small tables visible on their front patio.

Bernardus is still closed for in-person wine experiences due to their current focus on wine production and some virtual wine tastings.

Boekenoogen, 24 W. Carmel Valley Road, has an incredible outdoor patio, so their transition to outdoor operations was very easy.  They are open daily, 12-5 p.m.

The lovely patio was occupied, so photos will have to wait.

I’d been talking to Rombi Wines, 1 Center Street, which, like the rest of the wineries, had just set it all up for indoor operations when the order came down to move things outside.  Sal Rombi was able to create a relaxing, quiet spot to taste his big wines just in front of his tasting room.   Open Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Rombi’s first outdoor tasting guests!

Joyce, 1 E. Carmel Valley Road, has a nice outdoor space and some great wine sales.   Reservations preferred; weekends also first come, first served.  Wednesday-Friday 12-5 p.m.  Saturday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Over to Albatross Ridge, 9 E. Carmel Valley Road, which showed me their outdoor space behind their tasting room – a lovely space with plenty of tables.  Sunday-Thursday 12-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12-8 p.m. Reservations preferred.  They are open in Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well.

Finally, a very short walk over to the old White Oak shopping center at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, where the rest of these tasting rooms can be found: 

We were invited several weeks ago by Parsonage to help them test-drive their indoor wine tasting procedures (they learned a lot from our visit, as we tasted EVERY wine!) – only to have to revamp their procedures and space for outdoor operations.  They have built a parklet and are able to serve several tables outdoors.  Reservation required.  Thursday-Monday 12-5 p.m.

Parklet photo courtesy of Parsonage – very clever!

Rexford Winery tasting room is closed.  For a limited time, they are offering complimentary shipping on new orders of 3 or more bottles.  Chesebro tasting room was likewise closed. 

Windy Oaks is using a couple of small tables in front of its tasting room for outdoor operations.  The staff is very welcoming.  According to their website, the Carmel Valley tasting room is open Friday-Tuesday 12-5:30 – reservations recommended. Their Carmel-by-the-Sea location is open for limited tastings Wednesday-Monday 12-6 p.m. by reservation.

 I Brand also has some small outdoor tables and is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 and by reservation.  

These wineries are so happy to be sharing their wines with you.  I hope, if you get a chance, that you will get out to the valley and try some yourself.  Check to see if they require a reservation and confirm they are open.  It all looked good to me!  Come on out, give it a shot come out and support your local vintners.

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