THE STORY
In December, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter held its annual holiday party at A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row, at a time of year when we could enjoy its amazing views of the Monterey Bay. At this sold-out event, 40 members and guests indulged in 5 outstanding Monterey wines, perfectly paired with delicious appetizers. This was a fun and social gathering for our group, while we learned more about Monterey wines from our venue hosts, Jasmine Hernandez and Scott. Thanks, again, Jasmine and Scott, for such a wonderful event!
Our chapter board previewed and selected the 5 wines for our tasting, which were sourced in different parts of Monterey County – from the famous Santa Lucia Highlands to the southern San Antonio Valley. The knowledgeable staff guided us through each wine. The favorite wine was the NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé. The most unique was the Russell Joyce Le Blanc, a blend of Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, from two vineyards in the Arroyo Seco AVA. Another favorite of the evening was the Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir – a notch above the typical SLH Pinot Noir!
You can read my last post about A Taste of Monterey here: A Taste of Monterey: More Than Just Its Amazing Views! Read more about them on their website! Interested in joining the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter? Join the national American Wine Society and select Monterey as your chapter!
THE WINES
Today I am presenting the 5wines from this holiday tasting. They are all from Monterey County. Winery notes come from winery websites, unless otherwise noted. You can read more about each winery on its website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé, Monterey County, $45 (#1687)
Winery Notes: “Brilliant rose gold in color, the Rosé Brut sparkling wine opens with soft notes of watermelon, kiwi and a beautiful yeasty quality that invites you in. The palate is elegant, with cherry, floral, and a creamy texture that has a bright finish.”
My Review: Fine bubbles with balanced acidity. Everyone enjoyed this perfect way to start our event. I have valued this wine since I first tasted it a few years back and it remains one of my top local sparkling wines. December 2025
2024 Russell Joyce Le Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA $35 (#1688)
Winery Notes: “Discover the exceptional flavors of this fine white wine from Monterey, California. Experience the delightful combination of white peach, watermelon rind, and spring flower aromas. Refresh your palate with notes of salted green apple, grapefruit, and a hint of river rock.” (Monsieur Marcel)
My Review: Sweet, floral nose. Good acidity and lots of minerality with a Meyer lemon , grapefruit zest finish. December 2025
2021 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1689)
Winery Notes: “The 2021 vintage Pinot Noir offers a captivating display of luscious red and black cherry fruit, skillfully intermingled with a delightful blend of assorted spices that perfectly embodies the essence of Tondré Grapefield and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The palate offers a velvety texture that exudes elegance. It’s acidity is balanced complementing the moderate tannins to perfection.”
My Review: Cherry and forest floor on the nose. A richer than typical Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir palate. I liked this Pinot Noir. This is the one wine which was recommended by the staff as an exceptional Pinot Noir to showcase for our tasting. Way to go, Scott. December 2025
2019 Shale Canyon Merlot, Arroyo Seco AVA, $40 (#1690)
Winery Notes: “Big, full-bodied Merlot with classic Bordeaux attributes. This wine begins with a big bouquet of ripe fruit and violets. The middle is graced with raspberry, pomegranate and cherry. A long finish of cedar and frim tannins. Only 246 cases produced.” (from A Taste of Monterey website)
My Review: This was a smooth, rich, full-flavored Merlot. Packed with plum, raspberry, cranberry and cherry, this wine was smooth and tasty. December 2025
2021 Marin’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $45 (#1691)
Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon displays characteristics of black cherry and licorice with supple tannins on the finish. We used 15% new french oak on this wine. Only 6 barrels of this wine were produced.” (Vinoshipper website)
My Review: Coming from the most southern region of Monterey County’s winemaking, this Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the dark, riper fruits from this warmer climate. It is a full-bodied crowd-pleaser, one of the favorites of the event.
THE TASTING ROOM
A Taste of Monterey is located at 700 Cannery Row, Ste. KK (head to the back of the first floor and up the staircase), Monterey, CA – 93940 Phone: (831) 646-5446. Hours: Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-7pm. Click here for more information on wine tastings and food.
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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