THE STORY
When we are looking for a wine to open, it is easy to gravitate toward a Carol Shelton. Her wines are reliably tasty and on the big side of red. This Grenache Noir brings us something a little different from her usual big Zins.
My last post about Carol Shelton Wines is here: Zinfandel Expert Carol Shelton: the Road to Zen.I’ve written about Carol and her wines several times. Just type Carol Shelton in the search bar.
THE WINERY
Carol Shelton was one of the pioneer female winemakers in a man’s world. She spent almost 2 decades as a winemaker for others until her husband urged her to start making her own wines. You can read her full story here: THE ROAD TO ZEN.
THE WINE
Today I’m presenting 1 wine, the 2021 Carol Shelton Grenache Noir. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
THE GRAPE
“Grenache Noir is the darker-skinned member of the Grenache family, which also includes green-skinned Grenache Blanc and mauve-skinned Grenache Gris—it is often just referred to as “Grenache” (or Garnacha in Spain), although that is sort of like just saying “Pinot” instead of Pinot Noir or Pinot Blanc/Gris. In any case, the variety is clearly color challenged, but it produces such lovely delicate red fruit that we can forgive that! We selected this lot from wines destined for the Coquille Rouge blend because we fell in love with its easy-drinking vivacity—enjoy!”
2021 Carol Shelton Grenache Noir, Contra Costa AVA, Contra Costa County, 13% ABV, $28 (#1567)
Winery Notes: “Color is only a bit darker than our Rosé! Nose shows delightful ripe strawberry aromas and some peppery spice, along with a bit of black cherry fruit, and of savory leather notes in the background. Lighter bodied in mouth but super soft and creamy with a nice tangy finish. This would be fantastic with any lighter dishes with poultry or fish, or vegetarian meals, especially with lots of mushrooms! Try Chicken with Snow peas and Shiitake mushrooms, perhaps?”
My Review: Pale, tinged garnet in the glass. Sweet plum and raspberry jam on the nose. Tasty cranberry and raspberry jam on the finish. A clear exhibition of this winemaker’s touch. Not like our Monterey Grenache wines. April 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Taste the Magic
“The setting for Carol Shelton Wines may not be what wine tasters envision when planning a visit to wine country. But Zin and fine wine lovers stepping into our homey, unpretentious tasting room will find a dream come true…
“We are open for tastings 7 days a week from 11 – 4. Reserve tasting fee is $20 per person each tasting fee may be waived with purchase of one bottle.
“Walk-ins are welcome or give us a call (707-575-3441) to make a reservation and come on by to taste our award-winning wines.”
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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