Last June, I received Roxanne Langer’s (Lady Somm) business card from a neighbor. Roxanne and I started corresponding vie email with the intent of meeting up to discuss her wine business ideas. After scheduling, sniffles and holiday delays, we finally met in person in early February – after her concept for her business with her sister Tamara Carver, had been solidified. We met at their storefront located at the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. There was a lot of activity in their soon-to-be shop, with workers and deliveries happening nonstop throughout our conversation as they prepared for Lady Somm’s Grand Opening on March 21.
I was excited to meet Roxanne and Tamara and learn about their vision for the business – to make this space a place for wine education, wine tasting, special events and dinners, and a shop for wine and other cute items. Although they weren’t originally thinking of a physical location such as the Barnyard, when the opportunity was presented to them, they couldn’t turn it down. The space is super cute, with a vintage feel and a feminine touch.
Lady Somm is an ambitious undertaking in a place already dotted with wineries and wine shops. They distinguish themselves by their breadth of offerings and their depth of experience. As a Monterey wine educator myself, I offered them my help in any capacity. They invited me to their Grand Opening and subsequently invited me to one of their tastings. Thank you, ladies!
ABOUT LADY SOMM
From their website: “At the heart of Lady Somm are two sisters, Roxane Langer and Tamara Carver, whose passion for wine has blossomed into a mission to share it with the world. With backgrounds that span the globe and the wine spectrum, they invite you to join them on a journey of discovery, education, and enjoyment. Welcome to our world of wine.”
On their website, you can dive deeper into all of their wine education, tasting salon, travel and special events. I encourage you to take a peek! I am excited about their offerings – there is something for every budget. It looks like a place for regular wine events, running the spectrum from informal to fancy. It will be a fun place to hang out on the regular! I’m excited to try one of their Blind Tastings – can’t make the first one and hope they will do it again!
LADY SOMM’S GRAND OPENING
The Lady Somm Grand Opening on March 21st 2024 was quite an event! Set outdoors on a lovely afternoon, it was replete with wine tastings, catered food and chocolates, as well as acrobatic and artistic performers. The local Chambers of Commerce and press were there to assist with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony.
Artist Bekah Bull
Several of our local wineries were there, including Talbot, Wrath, Big Sur, Dawn’s Dream, and the Paso Robles-based Cordant Winery. I also got to speak with Qouignowner and baker/chocolatier Santana Rodriguez, who makes some of the most exquisite chocolates in our region.
THE WINE
Today I am following my approach to events by focusing on wineries I do not know. I am presenting to you a single wine from Cordant Winery. If I had noticed them sooner, I would have tried all their wines – this calls for a trip back down to Paso Robles! You can read more about visiting them here: “Join In Our Journey.”
ABOUT CORDANT
From their website: “Cordant wines are made without an agenda, but with close attention to detail.”
“We source grapes from a selection of the best vineyards throughout the California Central Coast from which to make our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone-style wines. Some are chosen with intention for vineyard designation because of their unique ability to express a specific location. Others are chosen purposefully to demonstrate what vineyards can do in combination, and for their ability to contribute to a greater good.”
2021 Cordant Indocile, Central Coast AVA, 14.5% ABV, $65 (#1282)
Winery Notes: “This year presented us with an opportunity to craft a new wine to showcase the uniqueness of the vintage. Cordant is known for producing both vineyard-designated and blended wines, such as our southern-Rhone inspired “Maniacal” GSM. So it seemed only fitting that we craft a northern-Rhone inspired blend to showcase our cooler-climate Syrah vineyards. The result is the first release of “Indocile”. Sourcing Syrah from some of our favorite vineyards, many in Monterey County, this wine is brimming with a mixture of cool and warm climate characteristics: dark fruits, herbs de Provence, lavender, and cigar to name a few. At the same time, it is also incredibly silky and sensual on the palate; we can’t get enough of it.” 93 points: Decanter. 96 points Drunken Cyclist.
My Review: Typical for a big event, I was unable to take notes at this event, so I am going from memory. This was a voluptuous, smooth, big red made in my style with lots of Syrah to make this a wine I could just keep drinking. I definitely need to get to Paso for a tasting. March 2024
Last summer, the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society was approached by Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards & Winery from the Umpqua Valley in Oregon. Gloria Reustle and her husband Stephen offer a unique educational blind wine tasting experience comparing their Umpqua Valley wines to European counterparts. They also teach on the European Regions and their style of wines.
They wanted to see if we would be interested in having such an event for our AWS group. After some back and forth, we were able to schedule this event for mid-March.
I’m all about wine education, so I’m happy to present this event in Decanting Monterey.
ABOUT UMPQUA VALLEY AVA
Having heard about Umpqua on a visit to relatives living in Oregon (it’s where their milk comes from), I was intrigued from the jump about this tasting. It is “Oregon’s oldest fine wine region.”
“Umpqua Valley is the cradle of modern Oregon fine wine. The “100 Valleys of Umpqua” are filled with lush rolling vineyards, over 30 wineries growing 50+ varieties and a cast of diverse winemakers all exploring and crafting some of the finest wines in the Pacific Northwest. Come and taste!”
Its History
“The Umpqua Valley’s wine-growing history dates back to the 1880s when German immigrants who had worked for the Beringer Bros., the oldest continuously operating vineyard in Napa, planted the first wine grape vineyard in the Valley. Post-Prohibition, Richard Sommer established HillCrest Vineyard near Roseburg in 1961. He was the first to plant and bottle Pinot Noir in Oregon despite being told by his UC Davis cohorts that it was impossible to successfully grow wine grapes in Oregon. During the 1970s, new wineries opened, including Henry Estate Winery and Girardet.
“Today the Umpqua Valley appellation continues to evolve and now has over 30 wineries making over 40 varieties into some of America’s most distinctive wines. Everyday more winemakers discover the area, bringing with them a passion for innovation and world-class wine. The Umpqua Valley appellation became official in 1984.”
From their website: “Reustle (pronounced “rus’el”) Prayer Rock Vineyards is a family-owned winery in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Located 20 minutes from Roseburg, the winery features a wine cave and produces 15 grape varieties, including Grüner Veltliner, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Tempranillo.”
“Before the vineyard and winery, Stephen and Gloria Reustle owned a successful marketing company based in Philadelphia that taught them the value of providing world-class products to a loyal customer base. However, having a farming background and a love for wine, Stephen had always dreamed of owning a vineyard and winery. Selling their marketing firm, the Reustles moved to the West Coast in hopes of finding an ideal location to start their vineyard. After an extensive search, the Reustles eventually purchased property through a newspaper advertisement for ‘Potential Vineyard Land’ in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley.”
Notable Achievements
“In 2007, Stephen and Gloria began entering their wine in competitions. It wasn’t long before they started to receive medals, many of which included ‘Gold’ and ‘Double Gold.’ In 2015, however, Stephen and Gloria received their most prestigious award yet: Best Syrah of the New World at the 6 Nations Wine Competition. This prestigious wine judging showcases the top 100 wines from each nation…the United States, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile. Reustle not only claimed the top award for the Syrah category but also secured a tie of second place for its 2012 Syrah Winemaker’s Reserve.”
While Stephen and Gloria are very proud of all their awards, they are especially proud of this one. Stephen told us a great story about how he was invited to Australia to receive these awards. He declined due to his responsibilities at the winery – until the U.S. Ambassador himself called him to insist he come. SOMMJournal also featured Reustle in this article: Rise of Oregon Syrah.
More recently, the Great Northwestern Wine Competition rated the 2021 Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner 99-points and three Platinum Awards! In addition, the 43rd Annual Dan Berger’s Int’l Wine Competition named Reustle the 2023 Small Winery of the Year.
You can read more about Reustle’s history and operations here.
AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?
This event was fabulous! It was so professional and personable at the same time. I’d say it is one of the best wine education events I have ever attended. Stephen and Gloria Reustle are great people who engaged, educated, and shared with us so much information about all of the wines and the regions they come from. They have their presentation down to a science with wonderful graphics and pictures with side-by-sides of the Umpqua vs. Europe wines, all enhanced by their engaging stories. Stephen included all the facts and figures I like to collect and Gloria engaged with each of us individually. And they offered us amazing discounts on their wines. I would highly recommend this presentation for your wine group.
THE WINES
I have nine wines to present to you today. The first wine was a “pre” wine and not part of the side-by-side comparison. Winery notes come from their websites, slides or handouts, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
Now, for the reviews!
2022 Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Hefeabzug Estate Selection Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley AVA, Oregon, 13.1% ABV, $36 (#1273)
Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “An earthy note that mixes loam and wet gravel transitions to aromas of chilled Cosmic Crisp apple slices and saline. The wine’s tangy blood orange flavor is joined by traces of lemon verbena and jasmine green tea. Lighter-bodied, with mildly tangy acidity.” — Michael Alberty
My Review: Pale in the glass. A nice nose of honeysuckle and crisp fruits. Pear and apple on the palate with a tart finish. A lingering green bell pepper. March 2024
Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Graceful with a mineral crunch adding to the notes of apple and lime, all backed by a firm backbone of acidity. This is a rather delicate example, with nice floral highlights and a sea-salt note, which would all match beautifully with smoked fish.” — Aleks Zecevic
My Review: Light in the glass. Very lean on the nose with delicate white flowers and peppery notes. Almost a rust smell in the glass. Crisp on the palate with yeasty notes. I preferred this wine in the blind tasting. March 2024
2022 Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley AVA, Oregon, 13.1% ABV, $38 (#1275)
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “This is typically one of the better American examples of Grüner Veltliner, and the 2022 vintage is no exception. The Green Lizard’s pear, mandarin orange and earthy daylily aromas combine to create an amaro-like sensation. Flavors include more mandarin oranges, green tea and a burst of white pepper.” — Michael Alberty
My Review: Extremely pale in color. Pear and honeysuckle on the nose. Light on the palate, a bit sweet almost cloying with a light finish. March 2024
Jasper Morris – 92 points from wine.com: “From Francemont, close to the border with Santenay. A little more depth of colour and nearly as delicious a nose as the Clos St-Jean. This is still a fine rather than a muscular Morgeot, on the raspberry side. On the palate the Morgeot character does assert itself with muscular tannins. Needs longer than Clos St-Jean, and while it will never be as elegant there is good potential here. Drink from 2026-2032.”
My Review: Ruby in the glass. Earth and barnyard on the nose. Lean and hot on the palate with an earthy finish. Bitter. March 2024
2021 Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley AVA, Oregon, 13.7% ABV, $48 (#1277)
Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “A fruit-filled aromatic set features ripe blueberries, smoked blackberries and a trace of tangerine. Tart red raspberries and boysenberries are joined by flavors of orange peel, basil and saline. Grippy tannins and a mildly leathery texture provide a nice framework for all of the fruit”. — Michael Alberty
My Review: Brown-tinged ruby in color. I guessed by color alone that this was the Burgundy – but the palate said otherwise! Smells like California Pinot – cherry on the nose. Tasty palate with enough fruit to be interesting to me. I preferred this wine. March 2024
2021 Dumien Serrette Cornas Patou, Appellation Cornas Protégée, Cru des Côtes du Rhone, France, 13% ABV, $48 (#1278)
Winemaker’s Notes from wine.com: “’Patou’ is the name of the small vineyard parcel located to the south of the village of Cornas. This pure Syrah wine showcases the true soul of Cornas: deeply colored, robustly structured, endlessly satisfying. Black and purple fruits mix with silky tannins and hints of licorice and soy.” 93 points – Jeb Dunnuck
My Review: Dark garnet/purple in the glass. On the nose, it reminds me of a Paso Robles or Napa wine – very grapey. Dry, with lean dark fruit on the palate. March 2024
2021 Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah, Umpqua Valley AVA, Oregon, 13.9% ABV, $48 (#1279)
Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “This reserve wine’s blueberry and lavender aromas are almost eclipsed by a savory scent of steak sizzling on an outdoor grill. A sturdy wall of tannins supports copious amounts of tart marionberry and raspberry flavors. The additional pork fat and pepper flavors are mouthwatering. Pair with cassoulet or burgers.” — Michael Alberty
My Review: This wine is really dark purple. The bright, “Sweetart” jammy fruit on the nose is balanced by spice and earth. Mouthfilling fruit. I personally had a hard time picking between these 2 Syrahs and in the end picked this one. Our group preferred this wine, as well.March 2024
Winery Notes from wine.com: “Alomado refers to the rolling hills or “lomas” that mark the landscape of the Sonsierra Riojana, considered by many to the finest terroir in Rioja for cultivating Tempranillo due to the Atlantic weather, high altitude, and limestone rich soils. Alomado is Eduardo and Carlota’s most Atlantic and accessible interpretation of a field blend planted on the Ábalos side of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.”
My Review: Pretty garnet in the glass. Redder than the other Tempranillo. Mouth-filling, delicious palate with loads of fruit – dark berries dominate. I could drink it every day. Fruitier than the other wine – the group voted for this wine as its favorite. March 2024
2021 Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley AVA, Oregon, 13.90% ABV, $48 (#1281)
My Review: Looks leaner in the glass, a dark garnet. Earthier and more alcohol and tannins. This is a big wine – still quite oaky and tannic – it needs more time. These wines were a tough call for me to determine which was my favorite. I assumed this was the Spanish wine and I voted for this wine! March 2024
“Immerse yourself in the charm of our vineyards and winery. There are multiple ways to experience Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards… checkout upcoming events, schedule tastings, or book a stay on our property. Explore our Estate page and dig deeper into our history and discover what makes this place special. Immerse yourself in the winery grounds where you’ll catch glimpses of Alpacas, Goats and Scottish Highland Cows grazing in our meadows. Traverse our network of hiking trails concluding with panoramic views at the famous Prayer Rock, or enjoy a glass of wine at the dockhouses…where every sip will tell a story.” You can read more about their tasting options here: Reservations.
I would highly recommend visiting Reustle if you are in the Umpqua Valley!
We really enjoy our big red wines from Parsonage. During February, we tried 3 of them: the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, the newly-released 2018 Tanner Reserve, and a recent library acquisition: the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – before it was named Tanner! Who says Monterey doesn’t make great cabs?
We recently dined with friends at Maligne restaurant in Seaside, CA. We decided to bring a special wine for corkage there and thought the 2005 Parsonage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon would be the perfect one – it did not disappoint!
I’ve presented Parsonage wines to you many times. Just type Parsonage in the search bar of any page on the Decanting Monterey website. And while you’re there, sign up to get my blog delivered to your email every Thursday!
THE WINES – Who Says Monterey Doesn’t Make Great Cabs?
Today, I am presenting five Parsonage wines. Winery notes come from their website, tasting sheets, or release notes, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. I previously presented the 2017 Parsonage Cabernet Sauvignon way back in 2020 and this is the first time I have presented the rest.
Winery Notes (upon release): “This Cabernet Sauvignon field blend is joined with a mix of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It’s a full-throttle bombastic beauty, typical of younger vines. The nose is all about very dark fruit marked by brambleberry compote. Plum and cassis join with the brambleberry on a muscular palate that finishes with some major league tannins.”
My Review: Luscious and beautiful intense, dark garnet in the glass. Tobacco, intense dark fruit on the nose. A palate of black fruits with a chalky and bitter tannic finish. It’s a big wine. Needs to open up. February 2024
Winery Notes: “Round and opulent with fully ripened tannins leading to a smooth finish.”
My Review: Garnet in the glass. (Or as Bill Parsons said, “One of the deepest mauves I’ve ever seen.”) A lot of fresh fruit and caramel on the nose. Good balance of tasty fruit and structure. This wine has a long way to go. As my partner said, “The tannins are very assertive.” Hold this wine. February 2024
2005 Parsonage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $135 (#1269)
grapelive.com Review: “Every vintage just gets better here, and 2005 looks set to take the throne as the Parsonage king wine. Nothing in this area even comes close to this wine, it is a freak of nature and I can only compare it to Napa and Pauillac in its style and richness, then again it just might even be better! Bill Parsons finds it hard to take in, but he is a man living the dream, as his wines rank as world class or even world-beaters! The 05 Reserve Cab is utterly fantastic with blackberry jam, cassis, currants and plum fruit bursting at the seams, it is almost more impressive for the depth and balance that is has! Everything is in its place and the wine is so focused and defined it can’t help but be a classic.” 98 Points, grapelive
My Review: Very dark in the glass. Dirt, oak and black fruit notes on the nose. Delicious and well-structured palate, finishing with blackberry, plum and dark cherry flavors. Can respect the age of this very well made and elegant wine. It is aging nicely and can still be enjoyed for years to come. If you’ve got one, why not enjoy it now? February 2024
2020 Parsonage The Aussie Red Blend, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $44 (#1270)
Winery Notes: “Our popular, magical blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. We like to pair it with rack of lamb or duck. This is a big red wine. 50% Cab and 50% Syrah.
“The 2020 Aussie posits a massive bouquet in a spectrum of rich black fruit, fennel, and mineral notes. The robust palate exhibits blackberry, currant and an explosion of savory, earthy, grilled meat on its full throttle finish.”
My Review: Cherry notes, followed by a big palate of dark fruit. My style of wine. The first 2 times I tried it, I detected a hint of smoke on the finish. However, I did not notice that at all on my last tasting. March 2024
Winery Notes: “A fragrant nose of rose petal, bing cherry, cola, and Darjeeling tea. Theses flavor essences are joined on the medium-density palate by strawberry and red raspberry on the elegantly tart finish. Pairs excellently with Gruyere and crackers.”
My Review: We tasted this wine and considered it representative of the region. It’s a good Pinot. I’m not a Pinot Noir fan and I didn’t take specific notes. My apologies. February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
Parsonage is open for tastings every day – click herefor the details and to make a reservation. Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at 19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.
Corral Wine Co. co-owner and winemaker Adrien Valenzuela had shared with us that the newly-released Pinot Noirs would be available now in the tasting room in early February. We stopped by the check them out – and to try again their new Petite Sirah. I’m honing in on my wines for my next DC class and wanted to check out my options. I’ve got their Sauvignon Blanc in my lineup – what else might I pick?
Sourcing grapes from some of the regions very best vineyards is key to their success – from the correct side of Paso (depending on the varietal) to some of my personal favorite vineyards in Monterey County and beyond to San Benito County.
THE WINES – AVAILABLE NOW!
Today I am presenting 3 Corral Wine Co.wines from this September tasting, plus a few we tasted earlier in the year. I previously wrote about my first sip of the 2020 Petite Sirah here: Monterey County Vintners & Growers Celebrate 50 Amazing Years!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.
2021 Corral Wine Co. Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $68 (#1267)
Winery Notes: “Bright vibrant aromas of red fruit: strawberry, pomegranate, dark cherry, and rose petals. Rich texture, balanced acidity, and a long fruit driven finish.”
My Review: Ruby, earth and cherry on the nose. Tobacco, tart cherry on the front. Fades on back palate. Very representative of our region. February 2024
2021 Corral Wine Co. Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA , Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $58 (#1268)
Winery Notes: “Rich, full flavors of drk cherry, blackberry, bay leaf, clove, spice, and a long finish.”
My Review: Darker in color with more purple in the ruby. Dark cherry on the nose. Big bodied and rich dark berries on the palate. Unsweetened chocolate and espresso bean on the finish, with a touch of alcohol. Now here is a wine I would like to present in a class! February 2024
2020 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $54 (#1249)
Winery Notes: “Deep aromatics of ripe red and black fruit, black pepper, and leather with hints of graphite, nutmeg, and a slightly charred oak which give way to its full body but elegant mouthfeel and flavors of dark berries and nice structured tannins on the finish.”
My Review: Rich, thick dark purple in the glass. Eucalyptus or sage on the dark berry nose, following over to the thick, rich palate. This is one delicious tasty wine. I took some home and would definitely present this wine in a class! February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
“Come say “Hello” at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village” located at19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite C, Carmel Valley. Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6 p.m.
When Greg Freeman, winemaker at Chalone Vineyard, mentioned to me last summer that they were looking for a spot to open a new Chalone tasting room, I had no idea they would find one right in Carmel Plaza – perfect for a group! I jumped on the opportunity to schedule the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for our monthly First Friday WinedUP events. Stacey, the tasting room manager, was terrific to set things up with and offered us a special industry discount. This is my first time presenting Chalone Vineyard in Decanting Monterey.
When you talk abut the deep winemaking history in Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard plays a large role. From their website:
“Perched in the remote Gavilan Mountain range, 1,800 feet above California’s Salinas Valley, this rugged vineyard sits at the base of an extinct volcano bordering the Pinnacles National Park. Chalone Vineyard is one of the few wineries in the U.S. growing grapes in limestone-based soils, the same as in Burgundy. The spare, well-drained ground, limited rainfall, and low crop levels attracted Dick Graff, who wanted to make top-flight Burgundian-styled Chardonnay. Graff made his first vintage under the Chalone Vineyard label in 1966, producing what became a benchmark for California Chardonnay.
“Today, we continue to focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also produce limited amounts of Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah. All of our estate wines are grown and bottled at the estate, meaning we control everything from vine to bottle.”
Its history starts with the first plantings in 1919, its first wine in 1966, and the Paris Judgement in 1976, where its 1974 Chardonnay placed 3rd! To read more about its history and the significant role of Dick Graff, please click here.
Today it is guided by winemaker Greg Freeman. Here’s an excerpt of his bio from Chalone’swebsite:
“…Freeman’s official wine career began with the opportunity from Hahn to improve the winery’s lab capabilities in 2003. Greg quickly progressed to Winemaker where he was involved with multiple brands, including: Hahn Winery, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, Boneshaker, Cycles Gladiator, Rex Goliath, and Huntington. Freeman credits his development as a winemaker to working closely with Nicholas Hahn and Paul Clifton, Director of Winemaking at Hahn.
“Since 2017, Greg has held positions as Winemaker for Georis/Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley, California and Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas. He joined Chalone Vineyard in 2021, bringing two decades of Monterey winemaking to bear as he writes the latest chapter in the winery’s storied history…”
AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?
The Chalone team put together a special tasting for us and honored our industry status – thank you so much! We had a surprising 30 members and friends show up for this event and were grateful the space could accommodate us. After most people arrived, Brian gave us an engaging history of the vineyard and winery, up through the Judgement of Paris – and then to the present, with winemaker Greg Freeman. Everyone seems to enjoy the event and the wines, with a deep gratitude for the tasting room staff.
THE WINES
I have 6 Chalone Vineyard wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their newsletters or other websites as noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct any winery website typos! My good friend Erin of tèr·ra·ve·nos assisted me with some of the details in my reviews. Check out her website!
2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Rosé of Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $38 (#1258)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Garnet-colored, the 2021 Rosé opens with strawberry and cherry aromas. On the palate, the bright red fruit flavors continue, joined by tender vanilla from barrel aging.”
My Review: Really colorful in the glass. Vibrant medium pink and red in color due to longer time on the skins. Perfume and strawberry on the nose. Packed with strawberry and watermelon flavors with a hint of banana. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2021 Chardonnay Musqué is expressive and bright. Fruit-forward aromas of Meyer lemons, white peaches, and nectarines are accompanied by floral notes and a touch of wet stone. On the palate, mouthwatering acidity and a lingering minerality provide a vibrant and satisfying finish.”
My Review: Grilled pineapple on the nose. Shockingly flavorful on the palate. Bright flavors of pineapple and tropical notes. Over the top and a bit sweet. March 2024
Winery Notes: “Our golden-hued 2020 Chardonnay opens with lemon curd and mandarin orange with hints of toasted brioche. These characters carry through to the honeyed, full mid-palate where classic Chalone wet rock minerality provides a lifted, elegant finish.” 92 points, Wine Enthusiast
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Ripe yellow peach, honey, pineapple, golden pear and lemon curd, with a touch of white flower, on the nose. Lean on the palate with muted tropical and white peach flavors, some perfume with a bitter finish. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The Chalone 2019 Grenache exhibits intriguing characters of red plum, smoky oak, tart blackberry, and balanced minerality. The palate possesses robust, yet silky tannins that deliver a luscious and lingering finish.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Translucent ruby in the glass. Sassafras on the nose. Intense cherry on the palate like a jolly rancher. Good acid on the front of the mouth but it falls away on the sides. March 2024
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Reserve embodies everything you’d desire from a Pinot Noir. Vibrant cherry and raspberry, forest floor and truffle greet the nose. On the palate, plum and spice with chalky minerality are framed by a viscous, luxurious mouthfeel and velveteen tannins.”
My Review: Warm nose of baking spices and earth. A very nice palate with rich flavors and a subtle cherry finish. Everyone seemed to like this wine. My favorite of the evening. March 2024
2019 Chalone Vineyard Syrah, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $70 (#1263)
Winery Notes: “The 2019 Syrah displays a dark inky to purple hue in the glass and reveals captivating aromas of blackberry, plum and white pepper. Notes of black cherry and peppery spice mingle seamlessly on the mid-palate with chewy tannins and vibrant acidity.”
My Review (tèr·ra·ve·nos powered): Dried fig, black olive and leather on the nose. Cooked fruit on the palate. Good acid. I can’t recall if this bottled was opened freshly. If not, I’d like to try it again. In the past I have enjoyed this wine. March 2024
THE NEW CHALONE TASTING ROOM
“Our new Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room doors are open at the enchanting Carmel Plaza, where Ocean Avenue meets Mission Street. In the heart of Carmel, we’re poised to share the extraordinary estate wines from our iconic Chalone Vineyard, a true gem and Monterey County’s oldest-producing vineyard.”
Their beautiful tasting room is located on the lower level of Carmel Plaza at Ocean and Mission – where Hahn’s tasting room previously was.
Y’all know I’m a Turley girl at heart. While my Central Coast palate has shifted to Syrah, sometimes you just want to enjoy a Turley Zinfandel. In my hunt in our wine room, I found this 2019 from Pesenti Vineyard and deemed it ready to drink! Later in the month, I opened the companion 2019 Turley Petite Sirah. Both of those wines are being presented today.
(As an aside, we were recently in Carmel Valley Village where a bottle of Turley was being shared amongst the tasting room staffs. See, I am not the only one.)
I’ve posted before about how we “discovered” Pesenti Vineyard’s great wines many years ago – and then it was purchased by our beloved Turley. You can read my last major post about Turley here: TURLEY: A RARE IN-PERSON TASTING FOR DECANTING MONTEREY!
“Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Napa Valley by former emergency room physician Larry Turley in 1993. Under the direction of winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, Turley now makes 50 different wines from over 50 vineyards across California, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vines dating back to the late 1800s. By farming organically and focusing on old vine vineyards of these varieties, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture.” You can read more about Turley and proprietor Larry Turley here.
ABOUT PESENTI VINEYARD
“This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.” The Zinfandel vines reached 100 years old in 2022!
THE WINES
I have just these 2 wines to present to you today from Turley. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a general rule, I do not correct any typos from winery websites.
2019 Turley Zinfandel, Pesenti Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 15.6% ABV, $38 (member price) (#1256)
Winery Notes: “Certified organic vines planted in the 1920s in calcareous soils. Bright, vivid red fruits, black raspberry, Sweet Tarts, and minerality. Sleek and silken on the palate, with the traditionally lively acidity and a hint of passionfruit on the finish.”
My Review: Garnet in color. Raspberry and blueberry jam on the nose with a touch of warm earth. A slightly sweet, jammy palate of raspberry and cherry. Tasty and fun. Sometimes you just want to enjoy a Turley. Drinking well. February 2024
2019 Turley Petite Sirah, Pesenti Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.9% ABV, $38 (member price) (#1257)
Winery Notes: “High-toned and powerful, with purple flowers, roasted meats, blackberry liqueur, and grilled bread. Strongly textured with impressive tannins moderated by ripe fruits and a long finish. Recommend decanting and/or laying down, then serving at 60°-65°F.”
My Review: Rich, dark garnet in the glass. A nose packed with jammy berry, cranberry and leather. The palate was shockingly harsh at first opening with tobacco and ash. As it opened up, a smooth berry crush was balanced by stems on the chalky palate, with a vanilla, stemmy finish. Now this is a Paso Petite Sirah! I agree with Turley on this one = decant or hold. Glad we bought 2 of these! February 2024
“Here at Turley, we consider ourselves and our wines Californian above all else.
We take great pride in traversing old trails in search of ancient vineyards across the state, and encourage you to explore some new territories with us.”
Their two locations are open for tastings by appointment: Thursday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!
Amador County Tasting Room: “Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, our Amador county tasting room in Plymouth is the home of the Gold Rush and the nation’s oldest vineyards.”
Paso Robles Tasting Room: “A few miles inland of California’s storied Central Coast, Paso Robles is a pioneer’s paradise, where surfers, cowboys, vintners, farmers, and ranchers commingle amidst ancient vines, towering oak trees, and rolling hills.”
Today’s post is just a simple story, but I uncovered greatness behind it. I found today’s wine at an airport hotel restaurant/bar. I was asking if another wine was a blend and the staff pointed me to this Austin HopeTroublemaker: “still stirring things up.”
“Austin Hope is the mark of our family’s multigenerational legacy in Paso Robles, reserved for the finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and estate Rhône varieties. These are the definitive wines from Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year.
““The goal is simple: to make wines that express everything Paso Robles has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.” Austin Hope
“Winemaker Austin Hope created his namesake label in 2000, just five years after taking the helm of the family business. Austin Hope wines were initially dedicated to Rhône varieties grown at the Hope family’s estate vineyard.
“Then, in 2017, after years of exploration and only when he felt he could create something truly exceptional, Austin released his first Cabernet Sauvignon—which became an immediate standard-bearer of Paso Robles.
“Today, Austin Hope wines are synonymous with Austin’s personal quest to elevate Paso Robles on the world stage.
“In Austin Hope’s younger days he was something of a troublemaker. And on those days when his schoolwork or attitude didn’t quite live up to the family’s expectations, he was sent to the vineyards for a hard day’s work meant to teach him a lesson. Little did the Hope’s know that this childhood punishment would be the beginning of a life-long passion and career. It was in those days spent in the vineyards, the Paso Robles sun beating down and his hands in the dirt, that Austin found inspiration for his life’s journey.
“Troublemaker is inspired by those early days of pushing boundaries and finding your path. Still stirring things up, we here at Troublemaker are all about challenging the status quo and embracing the journey of life. The way we see it, rules restrict our ability to create and innovate. Besides, pushing the boundaries is fun.”
Sub AVAs: Central Coast (Paso Robles – Creston/El Pomar/Estrella, Arroyo Grande Valley, Monterey)
Varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah
THE WINE
Today, I am presenting just this one wine. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
Austin Hope Troublemaker Red Blend, Central Coast AVA, $20 (#1255)
Winey Notes: “Troublemaker Blend 16 has an opaque purple color. The nose is bursting with jammy boysenberry and blackberry, along with a fresh hint of raspberry. These fruit aromas carry through to the palate and are accentuated by underlying tones of peppercorns, dried tobacco and roasted coffee. Velvety tannins and balancing acidity bring out the vibrant fruit character of this complex blend.”
“Comprised of varietals that flourish in Paso Robles’ distinct growing region, Troublemaker consists of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Zinfandel. Syrah is the backbone of the wine, setting the stage for a fruit-forward style and a full body. Petite Sirah contributes to the deep ruby color. Sweet and bright red fruit flavors of Grenache blend with the rustic and lively flavors of the Mourvèdre, while Zinfandel adds its signature zing to round out the blend.”
My Review: Dark in the glass with earth, plum and black fruits. Dark and brooding on the palate, with tobacco, plum, cassis and coffee. It’s a big, complex, heavy wine that comes at a great value. I’d like to try this again when I know it is a fresh pour. January 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
“The Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar offers seated tastings with a casual, fun approach to award winning, world class wines. The spacious, unique tasting areas are a blend of eclectic décor, lounges and outdoor cabanas overlooking the estate vines. We look forward to sharing our wines, our passion and creating an exceptional experience for you. Reservations are strongly encouraged as we sell out frequently.”
Located at 1585 Live Oak Road in Paso Robles. Open 10-5 daily. You can get more information and make a reservation here.
For additional information please call 805-238-4112 or email cheers@hfwines.com
In early February, The Decanting Monterey Wine Pod went out to dinner at Bistro Moulin, where I had not dined since it changed owners. Seeking a big, bold red that would satisfy our palates, we found this Aleksander wine. We learned it represented a journey from Slovenia to the NBA to Paso Robles!
“An exquisitely balanced Bordeaux blend, Aleksander is fruit of an enduring passion and family commitment to establishing an authentic legacy.
“The overused expression “It is the journey, not the destination” dances on the edge of banality. Yet, there is truth to the old saying, as often happens to be the case with clichés. We are interested in the unfolding of events, the delightfully serendipitous occurrences, and chance encounters that occur along the way because they give meaning to our destinations. Aleksander embodies our European roots, but it also incarnates the places and cultures that continue to shape our journey. Our destination is ever-shifting; it moves with us and with those who join our Aleksander family along the way…”
THE JOURNEY: From Slovenia to the NBA to Paso Robles!
“Our journey began in Slovenia, a small country renowned for its distinct ability to produce quality wines of all kinds. Our co-founders, Goran and his eldest son Sasha, started to nurture a profound interest in wine during the early years of Sasha’s professional basketball career in Italy. Exploring the northern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, they developed a deep appreciation for the wines of Livio Felluga. Quickly, the father and son began to envision themselves owning a family winery that would reflect their respective palates and inherent familial epicureanism. After he was selected in the 2004 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Sasha and the family – joined also by his mother Sena, his brother Al, and his sister, Nina – settled in California. They quickly embarked on a quest for the perfect piece of land, which would take them one step closer to bringing their vision to fruition.
“Having accomplished the goal of founding what is now S&G Estate in Paso Robles in 2010, the whole family joined efforts to create a memorable, Merlot-dominant red, reminiscent of Old-World wines, but made on California soil. After obtaining his business degree from the University of Redlands in 2016, and a subsequent successful season as head coach of a professional basketball team in Japan, Al decided to dedicate himself fully to Aleksander as Chief Operating Officer. Since the genesis of the family brand, Sena and Goran have resided on the estate, running every aspect of the business, from production to logistics, as well as curating exclusive private wine tasting experiences. While pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), their daughter Nina remained deeply involved in the family business.”
THE WINE
Today, I am presenting just this one Aleksander wine. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2018 Aleksander Red Wine, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 13.0% ABV, $93 (#1254) 63% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
Winery Notes: “The 2018 Aleksander will one day be regarded as one of the best wines from the Aleksander Family. The growing conditions in 2018 were nothing short of perfect. The vintage conditions with the winemsking of our very own Goran Bjekovic, give this wine characteristics rarely found in red wines…” (I found this note through an internet search, but could only see this preview…)
My Review: Rich, crushed berries on the nose. A thick and dry palate of dark fruit, with dark plum notes on the finish. This was a very tasty wine which quickly disappeared. February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
I am intrigued enough to make a special trip down to Paso Robles to learn more about their wines.
“We offer private wine tastings by appointment only. To reserve a tasting, please contact us at logistics@aleksanderwine.com.” You can read more about their tasting options here.
I love it when wineries enthusiastically welcome the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for our monthly First Friday WinedUP events. And Will and Angie from the I Brand & FamilyTasting Room did just that for us in early February, sharing the latest from I Brand with our Monterey AWS group.
THE STORY – The Latest from I Brand with the Monterey AWS!
ABOUT THE MONTEREY AWS CHAPTER
The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society was founded in early 2020 – just before the pandemic. Many of its early activities had to take place over Zoom. As things reopened, it began its monthly First Friday WinedUP events, visiting a different local winery tasting room to improve its knowledge of the region and our wines. I’ve been advising them for a while now on places to go, wines to taste.
When I reached out to Will Larkin at I Brand & Family, he was immediately enthusiastic about the idea. We set the date for February 2. In a few quick emails we established the pricing and size of the event. Piece of cake!
I Brand had its A-team – Angie and Will – on tap for the event. They had prepared a special tasting menu just for our group. We started with a rose pre-wine while we waited for everyone to arrive.
Angie and Will know everything about I Brand & Family wines. Will shared with the group some facts and figures about how the have the largest portfolio of any single winery in Monterey County. He explained the single vineyard, old vines nature of the I Brand & Family label (as opposed to La Marea and Paysan, the other two labels). We discussed the news reported by Laura Ness in Edible Monterey that Ian Brand Expands into Dorcich Facility – such a fabulous opportunity for Ian Brand.
AND, SO, HOW WAS THE TASTING?
We were delighted that so many of our members turned out for the occasion. Everyone enjoyed the tasting room venue, the quality and value of the wines, the hospitality, and the ability to mingle about and socialize. As a special treat, we welcomed some new members to our group!
I have 6 wines with updated tasting notes to present to you today from I Brand’s3 labels: I Brand & Family, La Marea and P’tit Paysan.Winery notes come from their newsletters or other websites as noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. Now, for the reviews!
Winemaker’s Notes: “Initial aromas of watermelon and cantaloupe are inescapable, transitioning to trailside strawberry with a touch of air. Melons and strawberries persist on the palate, and bright red fruits continue into the finish transforming into a pleasing strawberry-basil herbaceous salinity.”
My Review: Pale pink in color. Slightly sweet watermelon on the nose, followed by a perfect rose palate. I would use this in a class and would drink one in the micro-climate! February 2024
2022 I Brand & Family Arneis, Vista Verde Vineyard, San Benito AVA, San Benito County, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1056)
According to Will, Arneis is a northern Italy varietal which is planted to help fight phylloxera!
Winemaker’s Notes: “This is our third vintage of Arneis from Vista Verde. We originally tried this block out because we were looking for anything white after the fires of 2020 in case the smoke taint was worse than we thought. It turns out that the Vista Verde hillside does a damn good version of this rare and resurging Piedmontese variety with textbook apricot, honey and raw almond flavors. Our wine making remains largely unchanged over the last three years: Nail the pick, press whole cluster, settle, ferment and age in the same barrels and let it rest on lees until we are ready to bottle. Every time I open a bottle, I’m happy I did.”
My Review: Light golden in the glass. Caramel and floral on the nose. Crisp and clean on the palate with honey notes and a long finish. A very nice wine. February 2024
2021 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $36 (#1059)
Winemaker’s Notes: “Aromatics of Meyer lemon and nutty pralines lead the way on the nose, quickly evolving into a beautiful floral bouquet of honeysuckle. Bright acidity starts things off on the palate with layers of fruit; including underripe pear and granny smith apple, rounding out with a warmth reminiscent of quince. The bright acidity blends with well-integrated tannins, finishing neatly with toasted oak.”
My Review: Hint of burnt sugar and honey on the nose. Balanced, with a slightly buttery finish. The French oak aging presents itself in a very balanced way, with the toasty notes and hint of butter. This wine is year over year perhaps the best Chardonnay made in Monterey County. February 2024
2020 La Marea Old Vines Grenache, Central Coast AVA, 14% ABV, $30 (#1060)
Winemaker’s Notes: “This blend of three ‘old vine’ Grenache vineyards from the Central Coast is a unique wine. There aren’t more than a handful of old vine Grenache vineyards on the Central Coast and we’ve gone about collecting every significant block (and some fairly tiny ones) we can because we believe in the history and future of Grenache in our region. We’ve tried bottling grenache every which way, but this three-vineyard blend is tops for depth and approachability –– it’s like everything you want from a great Pinot Noir at a third of the price. Try it with a slight chill on a warm summer evening with light fare from the grill or stash it in the cellar for a couple of years. Our experience, is our Grenaches really start showing their full potential between years 4 to 8.”
My Review: Translucent ruby in the glass. I detected cherry and caramel on the nose. The savory palate was laced with crushed berries and root beer flavors, with a touch of smoke on the finish. February 2024
2021 Paysan Le P’tit Pape, Central Coast AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#1226)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The nose begins with wet river rock and California chaparral combined with cherries and plum skin leading the way toward a meaty, teriyaki, black olive reminiscence. Composed on the palate, notes of white pepper and dried herbs – bay laurel and thyme, provide a complex complement to the fruit on the nose. A distinct umami soy/hoisin silkiness finishes with an understated balance and subtle minerality.”
My Review: Dark in the glass. Sweet and herbaceous on the nose. The “California chaparral” shines through, with cherry notes on the finish. This is drinking well – good and tasty. Excellent quality for value. February 2024
2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, DeRose Vineyard, Cienega Valley AVA, San Benito County, 12.7% ABV, $36 (#1224)
Winemaker’s Notes: “The initial bouquet is a lovely perfume of wild raspberry and Santa Rosa plum with subtle hints of sweet tobacco and violet. Red fruit persists on the palate, incorporating a vibrancy reminiscent of Ranier cherries. Underlying the ripeness of the fruit is a bright acidity melded with pronounced tannins to create a well-integrated interpretation of the variety.”
My Review: Garnet, almost purple in the glass. Sweet plum on the nose. Plum, red and black berries and green pepper on the palate. Presents as a Cabernet Franc, light and lean. February 2024
2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County, 11.9% ABV, $48 (#1225)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “The bouquet is rich with aromas of dried red fruits and cocoa nibs. Hints of espresso and chocolate-covered cherry lead the way on the palate, rounding to strawberry. Coastal fir lingers with pronounced tannins that create a wonderful tension with the wine’s mellow acidity.”
My Review: Garnet in color. Bright, crushed fruit on the palate with cherry notes and a slightly tannic finish. Richer than the DeRose. Lovely wine. Would be great with a meal. February 2024
THE TASTING ROOM
The I Brand & Family Tasting Room is located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm. Reservations are recommended – more information here.
Last June, Decanting Monterey hosted one of its occasional private tastings, this one focused on the “Influence of Oak” on Tempranillowines from Ribera del Duero, Spain. As background, in 2022 we went with Idle Hour Winery on one of its fabulous trips organized by ToursandWine.com (by Expanding Horizons). This one was an Amawaterways cruise down the Duoro River across Portugal, followed by a road trip along the Ribera del Duero for a private Tempranillo tasting. The private tour conducted by Bruno Criado del Rey of Tempranillo Wine Tours was a first-class, first-rate experience – everything from the wineries, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, meals, museums and hotels. If you ever want a first-rate Spanish wine tour, Bruno is your man. In addition, he provided us much of the entertainment on our trip – he is a fabulous singer and performer!
You can read more about this wine region of Spain in the Wine Enthusiast travel article: Ribera del Duero.
During that tour, we had 2 very different wine experiences: The first stop was at Sarmentero, a very small family-run winery, where we tasted several Tempranillos, each aged differently in stainless steel or oak, making a great compare and contrast of the influence of oak aging on a wine. We decided to ship back enough of this wine to share this experience with friends.
Our second stop was at the large Emilio Moro, where we had a thorough winery tour in its huge, and seemingly endless barrel rooms, where it mass produces its wines, based on its family heritage. We had an extremely delicious lunch there, with its lovely wines flowing freely. Emilio Moro wines can be readily found in the US.
Fast forward to June 2023: We invited the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and a few other regulars and neighbors to recreate this tasting at our home. These included, among others, Summer Emmons, whom we know through Parsonage Winery, and Erin O’Reilly of Terravenos.
We used the Terravenos-designed tasting sheet, from which I have amalgamated everyone’s comments into a single review. We even ranked the 4 Sarmentero wines and, you guessed it, oak matters. The longer a wine spent in oak, the richer the flavor and body of the wine. The Emilio Moro wine stands alone, as, despite its short time in oak (6 months), the winemaking style has produced a richer, fuller-bodied wine.
“Sarmentero is placed in the backyard of a castilian house in the tiny town of Quintanilla de Arriba, Valladolid. The property was acquired in 1942. Until that year, the house was part of the three miller houses in the town. From 1942, the house was dedicated to the production of tiles, cattle breeding and growing wheat and barley along with personal wine production.
“Generations of vine growers gave us the knowledge, discipline, love and the passion for wine to show its best nuances. Amparo Repiso, fourth generation winemaker, decided to go further with her dream and start her own winery in 2004. She started with just one barrel of wine, 60 gallons. That wine succeeded so much among everybody that she decided to keep producing wine and has been slowly increasing the production little by little to this day.
“Bodegas Emilio Moro is one of the oldest leading quality producers in Ribera del Duero. The history of the family goes back 3 generations. 1st generation Emilio Moro was born in 1891 and 2nd generation Emilio Moro in 1932. Both were born in a viticulture environment surrounded by vineyards and grew up treading grapes and racking wine in their native village of Pesquera de Duero, in the province of Valladolid.
“Emilio Moro taught his son, Emilio how to make wine but also to love it. Then Emilio passed along that knowledge, passion, and love for wine to the third generation. Currently the third and fourth generation together run the winery.
“The vineyards were grafted with the purest clone of Tinto Fino, commonly known as Tempranillo, recovered from the oldest vineyards that the family owns, Valderramiro and Resalso. Currently the family owns more than 200 hectares. They are located between 2,400 to 3,000 feet of elevation.
“The third generation lead by Javier, Rubi and Fabiola started the newest project of the family when they were looking to the area within Spain capable of producing the best white wine. They settled in Bierzo in 2016 and have been making wines there with Godello variety ever since.
““Wine is art. If you listen, it speaks to you, it tells you when it needs to rack, when to rest. It’s like a living being that needs to be understood and cared for”. D. Emilio Moro”
THE WINES
I have 5 wines to present to you today, 4 from Sarmentero and 1 from Emilio Moro. The prices for the Sarmentero wines are their prices for purchase in Spain and do not include the high shipping cost to get them to the US. They shipped the wine legally and properly. The Emilio Moro price is the purchase price in the US. Winery aging, tasting and pairing notes come from their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. The reviews are an amalgamation of our attendee’s notes, at least the ones they were willing to leave behind!
Tasting notes: “Dark purple color with a garnet frame that reflects the youth of this wine. Intense aromas of blackberries, cassis and blueberries led by notes of caramel. Smooth and fresh aftertaste, medium tannins.”
Our Review: Purple in color. Licorice, blackberry, dark plum and pencil lead on the nose. Light and lean with tart fruits on the palate. A dry, short finish with plum and fruit notes. Flavors improved without the accompanying foods. A great bargain! June 2023
Aging: 5 months in American and French oak barrels
Tasting notes: “Smooth and lush medium body wine. Ruby and purple color edges framed by a red fruity and oaky bouquet. Smooth long aftertaste and medium velvety tannins.”
Pairings: Perfect for small bites and tapas, cheese and cured meats, rice dishes and tomato based sauces.
Our Review: Garnet/deep purple in color. Caramel, blackberry and a distinct barnyardy funk on the nose. Medium-bodied and smooth, soft on the palate. June 2023
Tasting notes: “Colors of red cherry framed with purple edges. Pretty aromas of ripe and candied fruit that frame the licorice notes. Sweet spicy wood, black cherries and plum flavors on the palate. Well-structured and balanced, long but silky and smooth aftertaste.”
Pairing: Assorted cheeses, red meats, roasted vegetables, chocolate-based desserts or milk chocolate.
Our Review: Inky ruby in the glass. Fruity nose with vinegar and raisiny notes. A nice, medium-bodied wine with tasty fruit flavors mid-palate, followed by a bite on the finish. Very delicious. June 2023
Tasting notes: “Raised and refined in the style of high-quality and very limited production (100 cases). Seductive and intense aromas of black cherries, dry fruit, licorice and toasty oak. Velvety tannins and dense flavors of candied fruit, black fruit and notes of dark chocolate. Extremely well-balanced and long and deep aftertaste.”
Pairings: Red meats, cured cheese & meat, grilled vegetables, dark chocolate & dark chocolate desserts.
Our Review: Dark garnet color, with burgundy edges. Warm spices, caramel, earth, fruit, roses and pepper on the nose. Fuller bodied, with plum and intense blue fruit flavors. A dry finish with light tannins. June 2023
Tasting notes: “Elegant and subtle, a low production volume which has brought out the best essences of the grape. It’s a powerful, balanced wine with exceptional elegance. The aromas of Tempranillo have been refined through the ageing process and it has notes of wood in the background and the personality of the variety. In the palate, it is a reflection of the nose: strong and powerful with mellow and refined tannins.” 91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Decanter
Our Review: Deep ruby/garnet in color. Dark cherry, plum and berry fruits with some herbaciousness and earthiness on the nose. Woody palate of crushed berries – very pleasant and tasty – pretty yummy. June 2023
THE TASTING ROOMS
You can learn about tasting options at Sarmentero by visiting their link Come Visit. We likely did the Combo option, which was an explanation of the history, the vineyards, a tour of the wine production facility, followed by a tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by light food pairing. I would recommend doing it all.
You can visit and taste Emilio Moro wines through a variety of experiences outlined on their Enotourism page of their website. We very likely did the GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE option on our tour, which I would highly recommend. I would definitely go back and do it again.
Please make a comment if you have had a Spanish wine tasting experience worth sharing with our readers!
Recent Comments