THE STORY
I’m always on the lookout for winery announcements that they are releasing a new vintage of one of my favorite wines. When Chesebro announced the release of the 2018 La Montagne Sauvage, I headed to the tasting room with my neighbor and friend, Sue. We were able to taste both the 2017 and the 2018 vintages. Caught up in the moment by its youthfulness, I later realized I didn’t capture any tasting notes
The La Montagne Sauvage has been one of my favorite Rhone blends made with grapes from the CM Ranch right here in Carmel Valley. The fact that one can get this wine for $35 is one of the reasons I respect Chesebro. Quality wines representative of our terroir at affordable prices. Stop in and tell them Decanting Monterey sent you.
THE WINES
Today, I am showcasing just one Chesebro wine. I last presented their wines to you in December 2025 here: Chesebro Releases Its 2017 Classics! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.
2018 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $35 (#1734)
Winery Notes: “Our proprietary Rhone belnd of Syrah (80%), Grenache (15%) and Mourvedre (5%) modeled after the legendary wines of the Southern Rhone Valley in France. Grown at 1800′ elevation, this is our flagship wine and our most popular blend from a small 2.5 acre vineyard in the mountains of Carmel Valley. Rich and broading with aromas of dark blackberries, chaparral, sage and all-spice. An ageworthy and deeply profound example of what these Rhone varietals can do on the granite soils of Upper Carmel Valley. ONLY 80 Cases Produced”
94 points – Wine Enthusiast: “This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre coalesces with power and grace. Dense aromas of boysenberry and graphite lead from the nose into a thick palate awash in creamy tannins. Flavors of roasted espresso, chocolate, blackberry and peppercorn are peaking now, so find this bottle and drink up.” — Matt Kettmann
My Review: Dark garnet in color. Get past the alcohol to the dark, intense plum, black berry, dark cherry and some cola aromas. Cola and dark cherry on the palate. This is going to grow into a lovely wine. Give it some time. April 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“Come Raise a Glass with Us! We are located at 19D East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.”
“We are now open for tasting on Friday through Sunday from noon until 5 PM and by apointment on other days. Due to our limited capacity please make an appointment on all days so that we may better serve you. Appointments can either be set up through this page…or by contacting Alex directly at Alex@chesebrowines.com or 831-238-2618. Due to our remote location, appointments are not available for the winery itself….” @chesebrowinestastingroom
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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