Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 3
THE STORY
Still on Day One of our weekend in Paso Robles, I was on a mission to taste Monterey wines at Indigené Cellars. We had a hard time finding them, as they are located off the alley, unlike most of the downtown wineries facing the central plaza. They are tucked away right next to Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, where we had dinner. As a bonus, we got to meet briefly vintner Raymond Smith while we were at the winery. (For more about our Paso weekend, see all my posts here and subscribe for free to see all the upcoming installments!)
I heard about Indigené Cellars some time back and had corresponded with Raymond about finding a way to sample some of his Carmel Valley AVA wines. I’ve tasted the Ambiente once before, but this was or chance to taste a broader portfolio of his wines.
THE WINERY
About Indigené Cellars from their website:
“Established in 2006, Indigené Cellars has astounded discerning wine lovers for more than a decade. Our small, family-run winery is dedicated to terroir-based winemaking to produce exceptional and noteworthy wines. We at Indigené invite you to experience our humble translation of art, nature, and tradition.”
About Raymond Smith:
“Raymond Smith, founder of Indigené Cellars celebrates the origin of the terroir in every bottle of wine he makes. After years of bottling and tasting both fruit off the vine and wine, Smith has found his niche making wines that, as the land, are in a constant state of evolution and known to wow visitors with every sip.
“Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Smith worked as a ship joiner and grocery clerk, relocating to Paso Robles, CA, a small town on the Central Coast in the late 1980’s. He quickly acclimated himself to the many aspects of the wine business. Shortly thereafter he helped build and eventually owned and operated a small fleet of mobile wine bottling lines, developing great relationships with growers and producers, who shared the intricacies of the wine business. Smith chose to further challenge himself and work to create excellent growing conditions and ideal cellaring practices, focusing on distinguishing aromas, transcending earth-tone textures, a balanced, fruit-driven palate, and a well-structured tannin to create unique noteworthy varietals and elegant blends.”
THE WINES
Today I’m bringing you the 5 Indigené wines we tasted. The notes are amplified by the “Decanting Monterey Wine Pod North.” Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 Indigené Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $30 (#1616)
Winery Notes: “Complex and Focused citrus notes brushed with light minerality. Layered tones of almond and quince frame vanilla and asian spice that fade as the medium toast expands.”
My Review: Honeydew and white peach on the nose. Crisp palate with minerality shining through. Tasty. August 2025
2020 Indigené Ambiente (Tuscan Blend), Paso Robles AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1617)
Winery Notes: “Smooth aromas of blistered black cherry and cola show on the nose of this bottling. The palate proves to be a pleasantly down-the-middle expression of the grape, offering both cherry and an array of nutmeg and cola spices.” Gold Medal Best in Class, Central Coast Wine Competition
Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Creamy aromas of caramel and black plum pudding make for a rich entry to the nose of this bottling. The palate is thick in mouthfeel, offering baked berry alongside allspice, pepper and more caramel flavors.” — Matt Kettmann, March 2024
My Review: Rose petal and oak on the nose. Thin dark fruit on the palate with tar and tannin. August 2025
2012 Indigené Venado Grande Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA, 14% ABV, $40 (#1618)
Winery Notes: “Features an expressive mix of flavors built around dried currant, dusty, cedary oak, a gravel pit of newly crushed rock and melted black licorice.”
My Review: Fabulous nose. And a big finish. Holding up well – in its prime. August 2025
2021 Indigené Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1619)
Winery Notes: “Deep garnet hue with rich black cherries, cocoa and new leather nose. Cherry and ripe plum notes are wrapped beautifully in lavender, expresso powder and dark chocolate. Medium to full bodied…”
My Review: Smooth and yummy. A fine representation of wine from Cachagua, Carmel Valley. August 2025
2018 Indigené Parenthesis Syrah, Paso Robles AVA, 14.8% ABV, $50 (#1620)
Winery Notes: “Opaque purple and brilliant violet hue. Floral laced notes of black and blue fruits are medium to full Bodied. A wild herb and olive tapenade slant brings restraint to the earthy minerals and long polished tannins.”
My Review: Rather cassis like. I’m a huge Syrah fan and would like to try this wine again. August 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Come visit us at our downtown Paso Robles location.”
815 12th St Suite B. (off the alley behind the building), Paso Robles. Open Thursday – Saturday, 1 pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.”
Check them out on Instagram here: @indigenecellarsofficial.
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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