Author: Central Coast Sharon

New Brosseau Wine Studio Impresses AWS Monterey!

THE STORY

As soon as we heard about the Brosseau Wine Studio in Marina, our AWS Scouting Party went to check it out – and quickly arranged for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter to visit. Bill Brosseau was happy to host our group to tell his family vineyard story – from spending his childhood weekends there to making it his own – and now his efforts to improve how others manage their vineyards and make wine.

Bill Brosseau stands behind the lineup of wines for the tasting
Bill Brosseau and his wines!

At this event, we tasted 7 of his wines plus appetizers provided by Pacific Coast Private Chefs! In addition, he offered us a special deal:  If we bought 5 bottles, we received a 6th one for free.  If we bought 9 bottles, we received 3 bottles for free! Over the top, man!

image of a beautiful veggie tray supplied by the caterer

This is my first post all about Brosseau wines. I previously reviewed in a few wines made from Brosseau grapes. These include I Brand’s La Marea Grenache and Folktale’s Le Mistral Syrah. You can find these by typing “Brosseau” in the Decanting Monterey search bar!

2 board members speaking before the group with 4 members in the picture
AWS hosts share event information with members and guests

THE WINERY

Bill gave us a little background on his wines.  They are made from organic grapes yet he still needs to make every process in his winery organic – down to the salt in the water softener – to get the USDA stamp of approval. His vineyard produced 46 tons of fruit this year. He considers his winemaking “more of an R&D lab.” He is currently playing with a sparking wine. He shared that wines are influenced by his mood. He considers his space at the wine studio as community. His wines are available in local restaurants and he only ships inside of California.

 You can read their whole story here: https://www.brosseauwines.com/About-Us/Our-Story.

tall cylinders filled with soils from the region, depicting the variances in soil by color, content and texture
Vineyard soil samples from the region

Moreover, we learned about the motivation for his wine studio “to unite iconic vineyard sites from our special wine region, with people who are passionate about attention to detail in farming and winemaking. The Studio offers an exploratory wine experience and more. A place to nurture and encourage personal connections and artistry in wine and beyond.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 7 Brosseau wines.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2023 Brosseau Chenin Blanc, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1717)

image of the Chenin Blanc bottle

My Review: Light golden in the glass with buttery aromatics. Delicious palate with just the tiniest bit of lime zest on the finish. My favorite wine of the tasting. March 2026

2018 Brosseau Old Vines Chardonnay, Chalone AVA Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#1718)

image of the Chardonnay bottle

My Review: Golden in color. Musty caramel on the nose. A full-bodied palate with a slightly acidic finish. March 2026

2023 Brosseau Grenache Rosé, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $20 (#1719)

image of the Grenache Rose bottle

My Review: Barely a hint of pink in the glass – I mean barely!  Honeysuckle on the nose and a balanced palate. March 2026

2018 Brosseau Old Vines Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1720)

image of the Pinot Noir bottle

Winery Notes: “Deep red hue. Aromas of cherry, sage, boysenberry, pomegranate, and wild thyme leap readily out of the glass. With some air, notes of roasted strawberry and jasmine complete the aromatic experience. The flavor profile segues nicely from aromas and is met with minerality. Fine tannins, modest acidity, and dense concentration make this a full sensory experience. This wine finishes with intricacy and a playful youthfulness. Enjoy now through 2032.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Rich nose of dark fruit and cherry. Some tobacco on the slightly tannic finish. This is a delicious Pinot Noir. March 2026

2023 Brosseau Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1721)

image of the grenache bottle

My Review: After that delicious Pinot Noir, this wine came off a little sharp on the palate for me. Worthy of a retaste! March 2026

2019 Brosseau Cuvée Kilene Syrah, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#1722)

image of the syrah bottle

My Review: Beautiful deep garnet in color.  While I did not detect anything distinct on the nose, the palate was rich, balanced and tasty. I took one home! March 2026

2019 Brosseau Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $50 (#1723)

image of the cabernet sauvignon bottle

My Review: This wine did not follow that big Syrah very well.  As it was one of the most popular wines of the night, it deserves a retaste! That’s on me! March 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Integrating Nature, Society, Science, and the Arts

“Brosseau Wine Studio was born out of Bill’s intrinsic motivation to unite iconic vineyard sites from our special wine region, with people who are passionate about attention to detail in farming and winemaking. The Studio offers an exploratory wine experience and more. A place to nurture and encourage personal connections and artistry in wine and beyond.

image of 8 of the barrels in the wine studio

“We are located less than 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean in the cool and foggy town of Marina, CA. To reserve a tasting experience with the Brosseaus, please click the link below. We look forward to visiting with you and sharing a personalized, immersive, and unforgettable experience.”

Read more and book your experience here: VISIT US AT BROSSEAU WINE STUDIO.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Carol Shelton’s Barbera d’Oakley Brings a Little Bit of Italy!

THE STORY

I don’t have many Carol Shelton wines left, but we enjoyed this one in December. The vineyard story alone makes it an interesting one – which I found on Carol Shelton’s website:

“The 130-year-old Planchon Vineyard in Oakley is the source of this interesting “Italian blend” of Barbera with its companion vines of Zinfandel and Merlot. The Barbera rows are a veritable jungle of vegetation on the perimeter of the ancient Zin vines; they thrive on their own roots in this sandy soil because the phylloxera bug that kills vines from the roots up is adverse to the grit of the sand under its shell. The blend is similar in many ways to a “SuperPiedmont,” where Bordeaux varieties (here we used Merlot) add structure and elegance to the straightforward black cherry and blackberry fruit of the Barbera grape, and the Zin and Carignane chime in with their own bright raspberry and spice notes.”

We met Carol Shelton, the Queen of Zin, many years ago at a Zinfandel Advocates and Producers event in Washington DC and have been fans ever since.

THE WINERY

From her website: “Carol Shelton has been Mastering the Zen of Zin since 1978. Focusing mostly on her favorite varietal, Carol is a guru of single vineyard Zinfandel. California has been the home world class Zin for over a century, making it the benchmark varietal of American wine culture. Carol & Mitch Mackenzie, her husband and business partner, have sought out exceptional vineyards throughout California including Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Mendocino, and the Cucamonga Valley of Southern California. Many of her vineyard sources are organically grown and decades old. She develops close partnerships with each grower to ensure her wines maintain and express the unique terroir of the vineyard.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this 1 wine from Carol Shelton. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Carol Shelton Barbera d’Oakley, Planchon Vineyard, Contra Costa AVA, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1716)

Winery Notes: “Vibrant nose of tart black cherry and blackberry, with a kiss of green herbs and earth, black peppery spice and vanilla oak. Mouth shows some nice tart cherry and pomegranate, and mouthfeel is silky smooth, almost dangerous in how easy it is to drink. This wine would be delicious with tomato-sauced pastas, harder cheeses, and grilled things, especially portabello mushroom caps! Buon appétito!”

My Review: Garnet in color. A warm, mellow nose of red raspberry, plum, bubblegum, spice and a hint of red cherry. The palate is bursting with red, tart cherry and cranberry juiciness.  This wine will wake you up! December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Carol Shelton has a relatively new tasting room in Santa Rosa, open for tastings 7 days a week from 11 – 4.  Reserve tasting fee is $20 per person each tasting fee may be waived with purchase of one bottle. You can read more on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

2021 Stolpman Originals Syrah Delivers Quality at a Value Price!

THE STORY

I can’t say I was surprised to find another Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah in our wine room, but what I was surprised by was the flavor of this nicely rated, well-priced 2021 vintage!  K&L Wine Merchants steered us right once again with the value and quality of this wine.  My last writeup of a Stolpman wine was here: Santa Barbara County Syrah: Getting One Rhône Varietal Right!!  

THE VINEYARD

From the Stolpman Vineyards website:

“Oldest Syrah Vines in Ballard Canyon AVA

“The Originals Syrah vines are not only our “Original” planting, but they are the oldest vines in Ballard Canyon AVA.  The wine made from these vines in the mid 1990’s generated the Syrah-planting fervor which eventually led to the publication of Ballard Canyon AVA.  Because we withhold irrigation for months on end during our arid growing season, these vines have rooted deeply into our limestone in search of moisture.  They yield small crops of tiny, concentrated grapes.”

THE WINE

Today I’m bringing you just this one wine. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $30 (#1715)

Winemaker’s Notes: “A spectrum of red, blue, and black fruit pack into an opaque, luxuriously sleek mid-palate before crunchy, youthful tannin. The big, rich, coating body beckons for the savory, dry finish.  One of the densest Originals vintage in the fourteen year history of the cuvee.  The hedonistic waves begin to envelope the pronounced tannin within minutes of breathing, giving a glimmer forward to maybe 2026 when this wine will hit its next level and fall into a beautiful 10 year stride thereafter.” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Menthol and earth on the nose. Earthy palate of dark fruits and cotton candy.  We tasted this wine a couple of times in the Fall of 2025. 

THE TASTING ROOM

Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2434 ALAMO PINTADO AVE, LOS OLIVOS. Reservations are recommended.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

TURLEY PESENTI PETITE SYRAH: INTENSELY DELICIOUS!

THE STORY

Turley is widely known for its zinfandels, but have you ever had one of its petite sirahs? When I have to make purchasing decisions without the privilege of a tasting, we have a method: value (we always get an Old Vines and a Juvenile), history (some vineyards we just love year over year) and ratings (if a well-respected wine critic gives it a high score). But there is one thing: We always order their petite sirahs.

We recently opened this 2021 Turley Pesenti Vineyard Petite Syrah and found it absolutely scrumptious.

You can read my last post about Turley here: TURLEY ROLLS OUT THE 2023 FALL RELEASE WITH A PARTY!You can read more about the winery in that article or on their website.

THE WINE

I have just this one wine to present to you today from Turley. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Turley Petite Syrah, Pesenti Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, 15.7% ABV, $44 (member price) (#1714)

Winery Notes: “This estate-owned and certified organic vineyard was planted by the Turley team using cuttings from the legendary Hayne vineyard. Head-trained, dry-farmed and planted in limestone, the wines are dark, smooth, dense and classic Petite Syrah.  As the vines age the wines are increasingly expressive of the Pesenti Vineyard with minerality, savory spices and high tone pepper.

“Certified organic, dry-farmed estate vines descended from Hayne budwood. Captivatingly expressive from start to finish with blackberry preserves, black cherry, plum, graphite, and luscious, effortlessly smooth tannin. Unlike most Petites, this wine is rewardingly ready to drink now.”

My Review: Dense, inky purple in the glass.  Plum, mocha, vanilla and eucalyptus on the nose. Rich palate of blackberry, blueberry and leather. December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Want to try a Turley? Let’s head on down to Paso Robles!

Paso Robles Tasting Room: “A few miles inland of California’s storied Central Coast, Paso Robles is a pioneer’s paradise, where surfers, cowboys, vintners, farmers, and ranchers commingle amidst ancient vines, towering oak trees, and rolling hills.”

It is open daily 10 am – 4 pm. If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

A Rare Opportunity to Experience Durney Cabernet Sauvignon!

THE STORY

Stopping in at Chesebro last fall, my server Nic had some wines for me to blind taste. I love to do a blind tasting, as you can approach a wine with no preconceived idea of the varietal, the region, the producer or the vintage. For some reason, I said it looked like a Cabernet Sauvignon and that it smelled quite old. I was detecting tire rubber (now, that’s a new one!) and dark berries on the nose, followed by a deeply delicious, smooth palate. I fell out of my chair when I saw it was a 1988 Durney Cabernet Sauvignon! And then he had an even older one to share with me. What an unexpected privilege! Thanks, Nic!

I’ve written about Durney before as, to me, it represents the legacy of early Carmel Valley winemaking at its finest.  My last post with major discussion of Durney was here:Massa Estate – the Legacy of the Durney Vineyards Continue!

According to the Historic Vineyard Society, Durney was the first vineyard planted in Carmel Valley ad their wines were served in the Reagan White House during the Reagan Administration! With some of the most precious Cabernet Sauvignon vines in all of Monterey County, they made some of the best local wine. 

We used to visit their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, but I don’t think we grasped the significance of their vineyard – until after they were gone. We even had some half bottles of their precious Cabernet Sauvignon in our collection.  I think if we had known or understood then what we know now, we would have collected more of their wine.

I’m not the only one to have tasted this wine.  You can read another review including a rich history of Durney here: Grapelive: Wine of the Day November 26, 2025.

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting the 2 Durney wines I tasted that day.  Any errors are mine and mine alone.

1988 Durney Cabernet Sauvignon, Durney Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV (#1712)

Grapelive: “A brilliant bottle that has aged much better than expected from a less than perfect vintage, this dark garnet 1988 Durney Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows off a deep and complex medium/full palate of earthy mulberry, dried currant, dark berry and baked cherry fruits, along with spicy cedar, loamy notes, sage, potpourri and pipe tobacco. Fresher and more elegant than I would have hoped, this was a lovely Bordeaux like experience.” 

My Review: I tasted this blind. In my opinion, it looked like a Cabernet Sauvignon in the glass. It smelled much older than it looked – I got tire rubber and dark berries on the nose, a strange mix. The palate was a sharp contrast to the off-putting nose. It was excellent in flavor, with a nice, smooth palate. This is a worthy wine – if you can find it anywhere. November 2025

1983 Durney Cabernet Sauvignon, Durney Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13% ABV (#1713)

My Review: Very port-ish fruit. Vanilla, whiskey, and smoked meat on the nose.  All following over to the palate. November 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

AWS Monterey Celebrates an Early Valentines Day at Lepe Cellars’ New Location!

THE STORY

When we heard that  Lepe Cellars had moved to a great new spot in Carmel Valley, we leapt at the chance to take the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter there for one of our 2026 tastings. We recalled fondly how Miguel Lepe and his tasting room manager Thyra Roth hosted us for our holiday party a couple of years’ back.

In February, we held an early Valentine’s celebration at their new venue.  Members brought food (delicious) to pair with the wines.  Upon arrival, we heard that Lepe Cellars was raffling off a magnum of Petit Verdot for us – what an extra treat on top of their industry discount they afforded our group! With 32 members and guests in the room, Thyra kept things hopping while Miguel talked to us about making single varietal, single vineyard wines to showcase our Monterey vineyards.  It was a fabulous event.

A picture of appetizers amid valentine's day decor - big red hearts and napkins
This was an early photo – members brought so many delicious appetizers to share!

I last presented Lepe Cellars here: Lepe Cellars Hosts a Jingle-Mingle!

THE WINES

I have 7 Lepe Cellars wines to present to you today, from that evening’s event plus a scouting trip last November. Winery notes come from their website or tasting sheet unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

3 members sitting around a table with employ plates enjoying the event
Members enjoying our social event.

2023 Lepe Cellars Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $75 (#1705)

Bottle label for the 2022 Barrel Select Pinot Noir with a banner across the middle indicating it is a 10 year celebration

Winery Notes: “Expressive and lush this wine opens with notes of red cherry and raspberry jam interwoven with notes of rose petals and clove. On the palate are notes of wild strawberry, dried herbs leading to a lingering vanilla finish.”

A member and 2 guests enjoying the event
We love it when new guests check us out!

My Review: Pale translucent ruby in the glass. Spicy nose of cinnamon and light cherry. Cherry and woody cinnamon stick on the palate. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Grenache, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $45 (#1706)

bottle label of the 2022 Grenache

Winery Notes: “Opens with notes of plum and dried cherries and a trace of wet stones. The palate unfolds with notes of fresh strawberry, savory soy and a hint of dried thyme.”

93 Points – Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast: “The mineral side of Grenache is rarely explored, but this bottling from a very rocky appellation puts the earth on center stage. Aromas of crushed riverstone meet with cherry and light baking spice on the nose. The palate’s strawberry and caramel flavors ride that stony edge into the finish.” — Matt Kettmann

2 members in matching burgundy shirts smiling, enjoying the event
Enjoying good wines and a good time!

My Review:  A pretty, medium ruby in the glass. A mellow, darker cherry nose. Nice smooth palate with dark fruit flavors and a lingering finish. I think this is one of the best Grenache wines made on the Central Coast.  November 2025

2023 Lepe Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Merit Vineyard, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $65 (#1707)

bottle label for the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Blackberry, black currant, vanilla.”

Picture of the couple who won the magnum of wine from the raffle with other guests in the background.
Lucky Winners of the Raffle!

My Review:  Medium, opaque garnet in the glass. A lot of smooth fruit with cherry notes. February 2026

2023 Lepe Cellars Cabernet Franc, Tre Gatti Vineyards, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $55 (#1708)

bottle label for the 2023 Cabernet Franc

Winery Notes: “This wine opens with inviting aromas of dark fruit, including black cherry and ripe blackberry, accented by a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it reveals layers of raspberry and red plum, leading into a lingering savory finish with notes of black pepper and dried herbs.”

A member and his guest enjoying the event
A warm welcome to a new guest!

My Review: Cloudy in the glass. Cherry, red currant on the very smooth palate, with a spicy finish. While a lighter style, it is quite tasty. I took one home. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Anniversary Red Blend, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $75 (#1709)

2022 Anniversary blend label - has a banner indicating it is 10 year celebration

Winery Notes: “Deep and velvety this red blend is bursting with notes of black berry jam, black currant and a touch of violet. The palate is juicy with notes of cranberry and plum and finish with rich notes of brown sugar and baking spice. 42% Petit Verdot (Merit Vineyard) 34% Cabernet Sauvignon (Merit Vineyard) 20% Cabernet Franc (Tre Gatti Vineyard) 4% Syrah (Zabala Vineyard).”

Miguel Lepe is pouring wine for our members with Thyra standing in the background
Miguel and Tira enjoying our evening!

My Review:  Medium garnet in color. Pepper, vanilla, and port notes on the nose. Big palate with balanced acidity and tannin. I like this wine. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Syrah, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $55 (#1710)

Picture of bottle label for the 2022 Syrah

Winery Notes: “Blueberry, dark chocolate, dried herbs.”

My Review:  Garnet in color. A mellow blueberry on the nose. Nice palate with blueberry, blackberry and spice on the rich palate. This was tasted in November and not at this event. November 2025

2023 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $55 (#1711)

Picture of bottle label for the 2023 Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “Plum, boysenberry, chocolate.”

My Review:  Garnet in the glass. Sweet plum and port on the nose with a bright cherry palate. November 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

The Lepe Cellars tasting room is located at 19 E Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel Valley, CA and is open during these hours: Friday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm, Sunday – Monday 12pm – 5pm, Tuesday – Thursday by appointment only.

2 men standing beside the AWS Monterey Chapter banner outside of Lepe Cellars
Our AWS Monterey Chapter Banner!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Boëté Releases its Irresistible 2019 Cheval Rouge!

THE STORY

With an out-of-town friend in tow, we stopped into The Barrel Room in Carmel Valley Village to taste Boëté wines and pick up our allocation. The guys loved the setting – there was a tv screen to view the football game no matter where you sat! And we were served by both Dillon and Jana Saunders over the course of our tasting.  Always great to see them! According to my records, the only new wine was the 2019 Boëté Cheval Rouge.  I remember when the 2018 came out during the pandemic and I participated in their hearts painting activity over a Zoom call. How far we have come since those times.

The Boëté Cheval Rouge is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and, in this particular vintage, only a touch of Merlot.  This wine has an irresistible, dark yet sweet jamminess and as my favorite of the day. We served the 2018 vintage to friends in January and it has matured in the bottle to a point of extreme deliciousness.

I last wrote about Boëté Winery here: 2018 Boëté Cabernet Franc Revisit: Scrumptiousness in a Glass.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the five wines we tasted in December, including the newly released 2019 Cheval Rouge. The rest of these have been presented before – over the lifetime of Decanting Monterey – but all have new, updated tasting notes. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1560)

My Review: Garnet in color.  Plum, black currant, and eucalyptus on the nose. Medium weight on the palate with a tart cranberry, red currant finish. December 2025

2019 Boëté Reserve Cabernet Franc, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $54 (#1489)

My Review: Dark garnet in color. Eucalyptus, dark fruit, alcohol and some spice on the nose. Very dark berries and eucalyptus notes on the palate. One of the very best Cabernet Francs from Monterey County. December 2025

2021 Boëté Cheval Rouge, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1704)

My Review: Very dark in the glass. Black plum, BBQ sauce, and stems on the nose. Sweet jamminess like raspberry jam on toast on the smooth palate. This was my favorite wine of the day. December 2025

2018 Boëté Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $52 (#1490)

My Review: Prune, bacon and hints of smoke on the nose. Medium palate with tasty cherry flavors and mild acidity on the finish. December 2025 (2019 has been released since I wrote this)

2017 Boëté Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $80 (#339)

My Review: Dark plum, blueberry and cedar on the nose. Prune, blackberry, and blueberry with balanced acidity. Drinking well. December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste and purchase Boëté wines at The Barrel Room every day (closed Wednesdays), 12-5 p.m. 5 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village. 

© Decanting Monterey 2025

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

The Newly-Released 2022 Rombi Merlot is a Beauty!

THE STORY

It was great to stop in and see Kathy in the Rombi Wines tasting room in Carmel Valley Village back in December. We were able to catch up and I delivered some holiday chocolates for Sal.  My homemade, yet professional chocolates. People say I should sell them, but that would be work. We were pleasantly surprised to find this stunning, newly released 2022 Rombi Merlot now being poured in the tasting room.  I used to have to cellar his wines for about 10 years for them to seem ready (they are so big), but this wine is pretty awesome now. I asked Sal if there was anything special about this wine or the vintage he’d like to tell me and his only comment was that he didn’t make enough of it. I highly recommend stopping by some weekend to try it out for yourself.

Photo of the year label "2022" with the Rombi seal from the neck of the bottle

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: Rombi: A Preview of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon!I’ve written about them many times – you can search on my websitefor Rombi on the search bar.

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine.

2022 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $65 (#1703)

My Review: Red plum, blackberry and blueberry fruits plus cinnamon on the nose. Very smooth palate.  Medium grippy tannins. Juicy, delicious, with some wood on the palate. I am impressed by this wine for its flavor, structure and quality. December 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

AWS Monterey Chapter Kicks Off 2026 at Tira Nanza’s New Tasting Room!

THE STORY

In early January, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapterheld its first event of 2026 at the relatively new Tira Nanza tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I was pleased to see Alyssa in the tasting room.  We met her years ago – before we moved here – in the Chesebro tasting room. We had quite a crowd at the event and she handled us so calmly and professionally.

Not only was this our chapter’s first visit to Tira Nanza, but this also was the first time I have tasted a whole flight of their wines, as previously I saw them at trade or large public events.  We deeply appreciate the industry discount afforded to all our members!

I admire Greg and Sydney for taking on the former Galante Vineyards and making it their own – successfully – in a relatively short time. Their flagship estate wines – Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon – are stunners. Opening a tasting room in town is a bonus – especially for folks who find the drive to Cachagua a bit intimidating. Hats off to you both! I wish you great success.

We learned that the winery is using a second label “Offshoot” for wines made from grapes outside of their estate vineyard, even for grapes acquired a stone’s throw away! 

This is my first post all about Tira Nanza. My last post that included its wines was here: Trade Tasting Reveals the Gems of Monterey Wines!

THE WINERY

From their website: “Hello! We’re Greg and Sydney. We started Tira Nanza with the goal of creating a wine brand that truly values the process of making wine just as much as the finished product. While we enjoy drinking wine as much as the next person, this wasn’t what drew us to the industry. Having our hand in every step of the process (from planting, to farming, to winemaking, to bottling, to sharing it with all of you) and learning new things along the way is what truly excites us.

“In a world where efficiency reigns supreme, we believe that making great wines takes time, patience, intention, and most importantly, the ability to work with nature instead of against it. At the end of the day our mission is simple — for our wines to reflect the year, the land, and the heart behind them. By farming organically, using minimal intervention winemaking, and always aiming for balance (both in the vineyard and in the winery) our goal is to create wines with integrity and intention that also taste amazing.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Tira Nanza wines.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.

2024 Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1698)

Winery Notes: “Our Malbec Rosé has converted more than a few Rosé “non-believers” and the 2024 vintage makes the most compelling case yet. Our 2024 Malbec Rosé is completely dry, with notes of raspberry sorbet and fresh strawberries. Equally enjoyed by red wine drinkers and Rosé lovers alike, this Rosé is as versatile as they come.”

My Review: Beautiful rose gold in color. Peach and pear on the nose. Nice palate with balanced acidity. I took one home. January 2026

2024 Offshoot Vermentino, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1699)

Winery Notes: “Playful and light-bodied with surprising complexity, our 2024 Offshoot Vermentino is the perfect white wine for summer. With notes of lime zest and the salinity of crushed oyster shells, this beloved Italian varietal will transport you to a sunny day on the coast.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Honeysuckle on the nose. Light, crisp and tart on the palate with a squeeze of lime on the finish.  A crowd favorite this evening. January 2026

2024 Tira Nanza Viognier, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $60 (#1700)

Winery Notes: “The 2024 vintage brought us not only our best ever crop of Viognier but maybe our best wine yet as well. We split the vineyard block in two, fermenting and aging the fruit from the older vines in a tulip shaped concrete tank and fermenting and aging the fruit from the younger vines in stainless steel. The resulting blend is a full-bodied wine that exudes intensely perfumed floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a captivating freshness.”

My Review: Pale yellow in the glass. Honeysuckle, melon and pear on the nose. Big palate of Meyer lemon and melon. Smooth and balanced. My favorite of the tasting. January 2026

2022 Offshoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County,               14% ABV, $48 (#1702)

Winery Notes: “As result of our smaller 2022 Tira Nanza Cabernet harvest, we decided to experiment with some local, organically farmed Cab from a nearby Cachagua vineyard. The result is our 2022 Offshoot Cab. Where our Tira Nanza Cab is all about finesse and elegance, this Offshoot Cab is all about power. Dark-fruited and supple with subtle notes of baking spices, this wine is sure to be a hit with lovers of big, jammy reds.”

My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in color. Dark, ripe plum and dark berries – quite jammy on the nose – with some cinnamon spice, all following over to the palate. I took one home. January 2026

2023 Tira Nanza Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $85 (#1701)

Winery Notes: “Silky smooth and with all the elegance and freshness of our previous vintages but with more structure and a power all its own, our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to both the incredible 2023 vintage and to our commitment to continued improvement. With enticing red fruit aromas, enhanced by the inclusion of 10% Merlot, this Cab spent 18 months aging in French Oak (75% neutral/once used, 25% new) and is absolutely ready to enjoy right now, but those patient enough to cellar a few bottles will reap the rewards as it continues to develop in bottle.”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Lean, dark berries and cassis on the nose. Very nice smooth palate of dark berries and forest floor. Due to the leaner style, I’d recommend serving this one before the Offshoot. The crown jewel to be cellared. January 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste Tira Nanza wines at their vineyard in Cachagua or their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Find more information here!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

American Wine Society Monterey Chapter Scopes Out Corral’s Fabulous New Outdoor Space!

THE STORY

Deep in the planning for the 2026 calendar of events, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s Scouting Party visited Corral Wine Co. The goal was to check out its fabulous outdoor space for an upcoming summer event. What we got was a fabulous, private tasting which even accommodated our mascot-by-default, Mushu. We enjoyed it so much that we followed up with Larry Bell and are all set for our summer 2026 outdoor event! Thanks, Larry and Marissa!

My last post about Corral Wine Co. was here: Introducing Our East Coast Friends to Corral’s High Quality Wines! I’ve written about them several times – just type “Corral” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.

THE WINERY

From their website: “In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast.

“We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Corral Wine Co.wines for the first time and a revisit of their 2021 Petite Sirah.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. My notes are amplified by the AWS Monterey Chapter Scouting Party. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.

2024 Corral Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1693)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of stone fruits, citrus, wet stone, and hints of gooseberry. On the palate lemon, citrus, peach while finishing with its nice racing acidity and minerality.”

My Review: Extremely pale in the glass. Acidic and minerality on the nose. Creamy peach and melon with pineapple notes on the light palate. November 2025

2023 Corral Chardonnay, Highlands Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56        (#1694)

Winery Notes: “Rich tropical fruit aromatics of grilled pineapple, and crème brulee with hints of lifted sweet toasted spice and roasted nuts and toasted marshmallow. Flavors of citrus and myer lemon, sweet baking spices, and lemon custard.”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Caramel on the balanced nose. Delicious palate of crushed pineapple. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $68 (#1695)

Winery Notes: “On the nose dark cherry, cassis and forest floor. On the palate dark berry, hints of leather and sweet baking spicecs. Rich bold mouthfeel with layers of soft tannins lingering through the finish with subtle sweetnees.”

My Review: Cloudy in the glass. Cherry, red currant really smooth with a spicy finish. While a lighter styled, it is quite tasty. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir,  Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56 (#1696)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of darker fruit, ripe cherry and a freshness made up of sandalwood and a slight earthiness, sweet spice, and a warm richness. With a nice rich and lush mouthfeel and a long lasting finish.”

My Review: True to varietal. Spicy, peppery with riper richer grapes. I prefer this one. November 2025

2023 Corral Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, $56 (#1697)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of blueberries and plum with a slight herbal aroma and hints of lavender leading way into red licorice and allspice with intense flavors of boysenberry, black cherry leading the way for cocoa powder and a nice mineral finish being enhanced by the limestone rich soil.”

My Review: Blueberry, cherry and spice on the nose. A spicy, tongue-coating palate. Really delicious. Medium tannins and a bit acidic. While not as big as other California Zinfandels, this is the best representation of a San Benito Zinfandel I have tasted so far. It would go well with your turkey and cranberries or a leftover turkey sandwich! November 2025

2021 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $56 (#1534)

Winery Notes: “Rich in color with aromas of dark fruit and ripe red fruits lead way to hints of sage, nutmeg and leather. Flavors of blackberries, baking spices, velvety tannins on the finish.”

My Review: Rich, thick, dark purple in color. Crushed black currant with eucalyptus and sage notes on the nose. Huge, rich palate of dark fruit, finishing with lingering intense black currant and saddle leather. This is one delicious wine. We took some home! February/March 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

VISIT US

“We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA”

Open Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6-ish p.m.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

*FOLLOW ME ON Instagram, Facebook, and CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

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