THE STORY
When a friend (thanks, Brad!) emailed me that Chesebro was releasing its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, we made a bee-line for the tasting room. We could not get enough of the 2018 vintage. Alas, we were too early – it wasn’t yet available. We were able to catch up on the other newer releases and even got an invitation from tasting room manager Alex to their upcoming members’ release party. And so we did! There, we got to spend time with Will, Mark Chesebro’s son and winemaker, and taste the highly anticipated 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today’s post includes wines from both tastings.
THE WINES
Today, I am presenting 9 Chesebro Wines. I last presented their wines to you in March 2025 here: Chesebro Releases Its 2017 Classics! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. The professional reviews below are quoted from the winery’s website. I’ll be honest. Sometimes I think I have already tasted wines and I do not take detailed notes. Unfortunately, several in today’s post fall into that category. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.
2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Grenache Rosé, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1673)
Winery Notes: “Beautifully light and fresh Provençal style Rosé. Perfect for everyday (especially warm ones).”
My Review: Pale in the glass. Light on the palate with a floral finish. Very tasty. I would happily serve to family, friends and even present in a class! September 2025
2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Albariño, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1674)
91 Points Wine Enthusiast: “Intensely peachy aromas weave from stonefruit through white flower bouquets on the nose of this bottling. Orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine elements float atop the stonefruit core on the cleanly presented palate.”
91 Points James Suckling: “Threading the needle between mineral purity and subtle springtime blossoms, this is a wine of definition and tension, with enough phenolic complexity to reward attention. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors with terrific acidity. Drink now.”
My Review: My only note on this wine was that it presented quite tart. Worthy of a revisit and more detailed notes. September 2025.
2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1675)
Winery Notes: “A Chardonnay hommage to Burgundy – 25% new oak… Clean and fresh with a broad mouthfeel and persistent finish.”
My Review: A tasty Chardonnay, reflective of our region and one I would gladly serve to guests! September 2025
2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Vermentino, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1676)
Winery Notes: “A unique Italian (and French) white variety typically found in Corsica, Sardina and Liguira. Smooth and light on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. It is aromatically complex with citrus, herbal and often floral notes. Versatile and fresh it can be a great pairing with many lighter dishes such as poultry, fish, vegetables and fresh cheeses.”
My Review: Acidic pineapple on the nose (very positive) carrying over to palate with a slightly bitter finish. It is so rare to stumble upon a Vermentino here – you have to love this wine! November 2025
2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.2% ABV, $28 (#1677)
90 Points Wine Enthusiast: “Rounded aromas of peach bubblegum and tangerine sorbet are cut by a steely minerality on the nose of this bottling. That poppy, candied passionfruit flavor is framed by a chalky frame on the palate. “
92 Points James Suckling: “Aromas of pears, white figs, white grapefruit, citrus blossoms and saline minerality. The crunchy palate is both drying and mouthwatering, with shiso and white licorice throughout. Drink now.”
My Review: Pale in the glass. Peach and melon on the nose. Refreshing tart lime on the finish. November 2025
2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1678)
Winery Notes: “”100% Cedar Lane Vineyard” Pinot Noir. Precision and class! Aromas of crushed red berry fruit, blood orange and forest floor with amazing nuance and Pinot Noir character. Fresh and playful throughout the palate leading to a long and caressing finish!” 93
93 Points Wine Enthusiast (Editor’s Choice): “Aromas of fresh yet tightly wound white pepper, herb and raspberry pop on the nose. The Palate is bright and tense offering, cranberry, rose petal, and more peppery spice flavors.
My Review: Cherry ale on the nose. This is not like the SLH Pinots – it is richer in body and flavor, with a slightly sweet the finish (maybe that raspberry pop?). November 2025
2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard The Swallow Reserve Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1679)
Winery Notes: “Produced only in top vintages. Winemaker’s selection. Only 42 cases made – 30% New French Oak.”
My Review: Very big flavors on the palate with a fabulous mouthfeel. I liked this wine and we took some home. September 2025
2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Las Arenas, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $30 (#1680)
Winery Notes: “Rhone Blend – 50% Grenache 50% Syrah grown on sandy soils in Arroyo Seco. Dense, dark and decadent….”
92 Points James Suckling: “Focused aromas of medicinal cherries, pepper and spices mark this 50-50 blend. The effusive fruit finds its way to the palate, where it’s layered with wild red berries, dried orange peel, leather and more spices. Dusty crushed rocks in the finish. Structured for solid mid-term cellaring. Drink or hold.”
My Review: Definitely a Rhone blend. Spicy nose, with spice, cedar and menthol on the palate. Quite tasty. September 2025
2019 Chesebro Cabernet Sauvignon, Chaparral Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $48 (#1681)
Winery Notes: “From the highest elevation (2400ft) vineyard in Carmel Valley (Chaparral Vineyard). Dry farmed 1.5 acres with tiny yields of less than 2 tons per acre. Aged 22 months in new French oak. Only 40 cases Produced.”
My Review: BBQ ribs on the nose. Sweet red and black fruits and spice on the jammy palate. Delicious, brimming with cherry and berry jam, finishing with eucalyptus notes. Pretty darn good. September 2025
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 2025
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