THE STORY
This past February, I met up with 2 of our departing Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society board members at the Wrath Tasting Room in Carmel Plaza to seek their advice before they departed the area. Today’s short post is about 2 new releases I tasted that day.
My last post about Wrath was here: Wrath: When the Power Goes Out, Let’s Go Wine Tasting! I’ve written about their wines a few times – just type “Wrath” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.
ABOUT WRATH
From the Wrath website:
“The wrath of Juno sent Aeneas wandering the Mediterranean in Vergil’s Aeneid. For the ancient Romans, ira or wrath, was a tool of a god, an unstoppable anger driven by forces greater than man. One can argue that we see such fury in both the might of nature and the passion of art. Wrath appears in the edgy power of Robert Plant’s voice and the raw wail of Eric Clapton’s guitar. It is frozen into Jackson Pollock’s violent splatters of paint. Wrath is in the wall of maritime fog that rolls into the Salinas Valley and the relentless afternoon winds that scream through our grape trellises. Wrath wines represent a nexus of nature and an unbridled passion for winemaking. Welcome to Wrath.”
“Wrath produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc from our estate vineyard and respected properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Our production is small, our distribution is limited and our wines reveal attitude, passion, and an inherent respect for what a vineyard can give us.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 2 Wrath wines from this December mini-tasting. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. You can read more about each wine on their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2021 Wrath Rosé Extra Brut, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 12.3% ABV, $65 (#1541)
Winery Notes: “The inaugural vintage of our Brut Rosé, using sustainably grown estate fruit. Primarily produced with chardonnay and a small amount of pinot noir for color and added flavor. Bright aromas of pomegranate and watermelon lead to a flavors of Rainier cherry and rosehips with a clean, fresh finish. With less than 200 cases produced, this is a wine to enjoy knowing that you’ve discovered a rare opportunity to enjoy what few will have.”
My Review: Yeasty apple notes on the nose. Crisp and bubbly with a tart apple, yet slightly sweet pleasant finish. February 2025
2021 Wrath Pommard 4/777 Pinot Noir , Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $39 (#1542)
Winery Notes: “Wrath’s blend of clones 777 and Pommard 4 has always showcased the dark, earthy side of our estate pinot fruit and the 2021 vintage is no exception. The nose shows off black cherry and forest floor. Whole cluster fermentation (20%) balances acidity and adds to its layered flavors, while a rich, seamless intensity defines the palate with bing cherry, black raspberry and an allspice element; all leading to a long, structured finish.”
My Review: Spice, plum and violets on the nose. Very much Monterey County Pinot Noir on the palate. Very nice and a great value for the quality. February 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Wrath has 2 places to taste their wines and we think they are both lovely. So handy to stop in at Carmel Plaza, but what a treat to drive out River Road to the bucolic setting of their winery – bring your lunch!
Winery Tasting Room: “Located at 35801 Foothill Road (at the junction of River Road) in Soledad, CA, 5 minutes west of Hwy 101. Open Fri-Mon from 11-5pm, closed Tue-Wed-Thurs. Direct: 831.678.2992”
Carmel Tasting Room: “Located in Carmel Plaza, downtown Carmel at the corner of Ocean Ave. and Mission St., ground floor. Open Fri and Sat from 11-6pm. Open Sun through Thur from 11-5pm
831.620.1909”
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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Very good https://is.gd/tpjNyL