THE STORY
My friend and neighbor, who is a member at A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row, took me with her to do a tasting and pick up her wines. We got a waterfront table with amazing views straight out to the bay. We could see Del Monte Beach and Moss Landing from our seats. Gorgeous.
Since the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter is planning it holiday party there, we decided to try some of the dishes we plan to serve with our wine tasting. We tried the Sausage and Mushroom Flatbread (san marzano tomato sauce, molinari toscano, creminelli calabrese salami, fennel sausage, mushroom medley, roasted peppers, mozzarella) and the Singaporean Prawn Cocktail (poached prawns served with chili and ginger cocktail sauce). Delicious!
You can read my last post about A Taste of Monterey here:A Taste of Monterey: Lovely Summer Tasting with a View!
THE WINES
Today I am presenting just 3wines. 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.
About Muirwood (from their website):
“The Zaninovich family has deep farming roots, spanning nearly a century. In the early 1970s, we were captivated by the raw beauty and exceptional potential of the undiscovered Arroyo Seco wine region in Monterey County. Today this area has emerged as one of California’s most celebrated wine-growing regions, and among the most breathtaking…”
2023 Muirwood Merlot, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $23 (#1832)
Winery Notes (from A Taste of Monterey website): “The Muirwood Merlot blends the unique characteristics of several vineyards to create a distinctive and exceptional wine. Grapes from the Arroyo Seco AVA. Dark plums and ripe berries with a soft smooth finish.”
Wine Enthusiast – 88 points: “Solid if standard aromas of cherry and woodspice show on the dense nose of this bottling. Slightly gritty tannins frame the sip, where red fruit and pepper spice flavors make for a rustic palate.”
My Review: Dark berry jam and cedar on the nose. Jammy dark fruit on the palate. To me, it was a bit over the top, over extracted. September 2026
About Long Valley Ranch from the label:
“Located in the Central Coast region of California, the Salinas Valley is also known as the Long Valley, a name coined by writer John Steinbeck due to its 100-mile length. Cradled between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, this bountiful stretch was carved out by the Salinas River millions of years ago and holds some of the world’s richest farm and vineyard land. We’re proud to be farmers of our estate vineyards for over 45 years in the Long Valley, a place that is truly a gift from Mother Nature.”
2023 Long Valley Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $24 (#1833)
My Review: From the jump, in the glass, this wine looks so rich. The palate does not disappoint – smooth and tasty. September 2026
About Silvestri Vineyards from their website:
“Welcome to Silvestri Vineyards. We feature estate grown, produced and bottled wines from our vineyard in Carmel Valley, California. We invite you to come visit our beautifully appointed tasting room in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea to try our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris varietals.”
2019 Silvestri Eugenia Red Wine, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $30 (#1250)
My Review: Dense garnet in the glass. Dark plum, blackberry and a touch of licorice on the nose. On the palate, this wine presents so rich and soft, well integrated. I took one home and it was consumed promptly! September 2026
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-8pm. Click here for more information on wine tastings and food.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon
Recent Comments