Author: Central Coast Sharon

Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

Sometimes it is hard to keep track of tasting rooms and their locations, as they swap primarily between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley Village.  We knew Scratch had moved to the valley and decided to check out this new winery in its tiny spot in the entry way to an art gallery.  Figge, Scratch and now Lepe, which opened back in April 2021! We were impressed with the wines and look forward to going back.  Check them out if you haven’t been there yet!

About Lepe Cellars from their website: “Our goal is simple: to capture the true expression of the vines by farming in a way that respects the biodiversity within the land. We are able to achieve our sustainable and natural approach by spending our time in the vineyards where winemaking begins. From here there is a continuous flow into the cellar where low-intervention artisanal methods are used to express a sense of place surrounding the Monterey wine region.

“We source from organically farmed vineyards and hand harvest using sheers to keep the fruit intact and pristine. Our growers avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. From there fermentation begins in small batches using native yeasts that originate from the vineyard and cellar, allowing the development for increased complexity. Aging continues in finely grained French oak barrels where the wine evolves naturally at its own pace. When the wine is ready, we begin the bottling process. Our wines are never fined nor do we use any other additives, making our wines organic, vegan and sustainable.”

About the Winemaker: “Miguel Lepe studied enology and viticulture at California Polytechnic State University – SLO. He began his career working for various well respected wineries across California’s Central Coast and South America. Passionate about his craft, Miguel’s hard work and dedication has led him on a new journey – creating Lepe Cellars to showcase the best of Monterey County wines.”  He makes his wines at the Wrath winery and his mentor was Peter Figge.

Today I am presenting 5 Lepe Cellars wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet, website and emails with the winery.

2020 Lepe Cellars Vermentino, Cedar Lane, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13% ABV, $26 (#478*) 

Winery Tasting Notes: “Layers of lemon and lime mingle with mineral tones, wet stone, and a floral bouquet. This bright and energetic Vermentino pairs well with oysters, scallops and sushi.”

My Review: Perfumey with bitter grapefruit on the palate.  Lime zest on the finish. I like a Vermentino from Cedar Lane! only 1 of 2 that I know. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2017 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13% ABV, $32 (#479*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Seared orange-rind and toasty bread aromas make for a slightly wild but intriguing nose. There’s a lemon-peel tang to the sip, where hints of cream, apple and pineapple converge.” 

My Review: Neutral oak was used to make this flavorful Chardonnay – lemon, pineapple and a touch of bitterness fill the palate. I like this Chardonnay! August 2021                                   

2020 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#480*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Bright and lush in style, unleashing fresh juicy cherries and raspberries with hints of hibiscus on the finish. Light to medium body spectrum achieving a fresh fruit forward profile. Pairs well with herb crusted pork tenderloin, grilled lamb, mushroom creams and dark sauces.”

My Review: Comes from a great SLH vineyard – garnet in color. I confess as not a Pinot Noir lover, I failed to capture proper tasting notes. August 2021                    

2020 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 13.7 ABV, $40  (#481*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “This single-vineyard expression from southern Monterey County begins with a floral hit on the nose before diving into cherry-compote and crushed rock aromas. It’s linear on the palate with red-plum, hibiscus and cinnamon tones, finishing with a spicy kick of white pepper.”

My Review: Spicy on the nose. This is about the best Zinfandel I have tasted from Monterey County – will for sure be one to watch.  It comes from one of the best potential spots for Zin in the area. August 2021                   

2019 Lepe Cellars Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $55 (#482*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “Elegant aromas of fresh blueberry and violets with hints of dark plum, black pepper and milk chocolate on the palate tied together with soft lush tannins. Pairs well with Lamb shawarma, Indian tandoori and barbecued ribs.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Beautifully jammy nose carrying over onto the palate.  Best Syrah we tasted on this day. I sure hope I bought some! August 2021           

You can buy Lepe Cellars wines on their website or at their tasting room on Dolores between 7th Avenue and Ocean, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-7 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. They are also sold at these locations:

  • Deer Park Wine & Spirits – Aptos, CA
  • Capitola Wine Bar – Capitola, CA
  • Star Market – Salinas, CA
  • Elroy’s Fine Foods – Monterey, CA
  • Village Wine & Tap Room – Carmel Valley, CA

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Le P’tit Paysan: Let’s Go Back in Time a Little Bit…

We recently opened Ian Brand’s 2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon and I wrote up this whole side-by-side review of the 2017 and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (2018 previously reviewed here: https://decantingmonterey.com/le-ptit-paysan-new-releases-continue-to-impress/). A few weeks later, we discovered a 2012 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah in our wine room and decided to open it, as well. So, let me revise my planned post a bit!

About Le P’tit Paysan from wine.com: “The Le P’tit Paysan label is ‘Village’ wines reimagined for California. They take vineyards and lots that, for whatever reason, aren’t ready to stand on their own and we compose them into terroir specific, eminently drinkable wines that belong on your table. These wines are made with the same attention to detail that graces our single vineyard offerings, specific site selection, open top fermentation (reds) or whole cluster pressing (whites), a focus on endemic fermentations, no enzymes, no fining, gentle filtration only as needed.  Easy to drink but subtly serious, easy to pair but lovely on their own, demurring complexity, bright acidity, clean and fresh as the ocean air that blows in daily off the Monterey Bay.”

We liked the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and feel the direction of moving to Old Vines fruit from San Benito County, as he did with the 2018, is a great move.  That one was incredibly young when I tasted it and it deserves a revisit soon.  AND, for my DC-area readers, you can find the 2018 at lots of little markets around town!

2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 13.3% ABV, $25 (#475*)

91 Points by wine.com: “Wineries often grapple with this question: Do we produce a style of wine that most consumers will like our do we deliver the best vision of the grape variety? The 2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon pulls no punches and is a true to the grape variety as can be. TASTING NOTES: This wine is pert, well-built and Old World in style. Its aromas and flavors of black currants, earth, and dried herbs and held together in a tight and elegant format. It should pair well with a pan-seared lamb chop. (Tasted: March 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)”

My Review: Dark in the glass.  Black fruits on the nose with a touch of cedar.  Dark berry and cherry flavors on the palate.  Vanilla on the finish. A touch acidic. August 2021

2018 Le P’tit Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito County, $25 (#279*) (previously published)

Winery Tasting Notes: “currant, blueberry, cracked black pepper, medium-bodied”

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “This is a great example of Cab done in a more classical style, utilizing old vines for their aromatic and flavor range while remaining light on its toes. Aromas of crunchy blackberry, pepper and crushed wet stone lead into an energetic palate of black plum, chaparral spice and cracked pepper.” Matt Kettmann, 09/2021

My Review: Ruby in the glass.  A light, smooth bouquet and palate to match.  Very drinkable – not a big wine, but a great value and drinkable now! March 2021

2012 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, ~$21 (#476*)

Winery Notes: Black plums, blackberry, crushed rocks, black olive. Full and rich on the palate, but neither hot nor oaky. Structured without being overbearing, rich dark fruit, long finish with hints of stem tannins.

My Review: Inky ruby in the glass. Dark plum and blueberry on the nose. Soft blueberry and blackberry fruit is enveloped by a licorice finish. October 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Moving on Inside for a Tasting at Silvestri!

Continuing to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea tasting rooms, we went to an old favorite of mine, Silvestri!  Silvestri has the same winemaker as Parsonage and I am partial to their bigger reds.  I last brough you a Silvestri wine in August of 2020: https://decantingmonterey.com/silvestri-a-composer-of-elegant-carmel-valley-wines/. I won’t repeat the Silvestri story in this post – and you can read their latest newsletter here!

We were disappointed to see that the tasting room had lost its parklet due to decisions by the city, but were able to taste adequately nonetheless at the end of its attractive bar. I didn’t get to taste the Barbera while there, but picked it up for a future blog!

Today I am presenting 5 Silvestri wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their website. About their winemaking process from their website: “Our winemaking practices involve hands-on techniques such as French oak barrel fermentation for the Chardonnay and small open topped fermentors for the red varieties. The goal is to use traditional methods to allow the expression of the terroir while taking advantage of modern knowledge about wine fermentation and aging.”

*My late add to this post is a 6th wine, the 2020 Rosé.  While I did the regular tasting menu, my friend did the rosé menu and purchased this special pack of 5 rosé wines for $100!  She shared this one with me on a “hot” coastal September afternoon – perfect for the occasion!*

2018 Silvestri Tre Bambine Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, 14.3% ABV, $35 (#465*) 

Winery notes: “The Silvestri Vineyards Chardonnays are pressed and put into stainless steel tanks. It is then racked to French oak barrels to begin primary fermentation (sugar to alcohol) which takes place over a 3-4 week period. After primary fermentation is complete the wine is then inoculated to begin the malolactic fermentation process. This process gives the wine a buttery, creamy character. The wine is then stirred every 10 days for several months to increase mouthfeel and then barrel aged for approximately 10 months before bottling.” 134 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Meet the newest member of our family.  Born from grapes grown in our hilltop vineyard delivering highly aromatic fruit flavors.  Mango, melon with undertones of hazelnut make this wine a winner.  Just the right amount of acidity pops up in time to create the proper balance. This wine calls for crab cakes, pork or a soft brie type cheese.”

My Review: Light yellow in color. Butter and caramel on the nose. Crisp on the palate with melon flavors and good minerality. August 2021                                                                                                                       

2019 Silvestri Bella Sandra Estate Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, 14.5% ABV, $40 (#466*)

Winery notes: Same as above. 209 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Bella Sandra lovers will be delighted with the 2017 vintage.  An excellent vintage all around, this Chardonnay displays all the fruit, oak and acid balance it’s known for.  Begin with the aromas of pineapple and melon then taste the flavors of Asian pear a bit of hazelnut all combined.  Creamy, soft mouth-feel finishes with fine acidity. Indulge with a dish of lobster mac and cheese.  Delicious!” 

My Review: Grapefruit and sugar – dry and crisp – I preferred this Chardonnay to the buttery one.  August 2021                             

2018 Silvestri Pinot Noir, Rising Tide, Estate, Carmel Valley, 14.3% ABV, $45 (#467*)

Winery notes: “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” “This Pinot Noir comes from Block 1 in our vineyard.  This specific site presents the perfect ripeness and determines the dramatic results of this wine.  Science and art at it’s best, balancing numbers and taste.  After picking, our Pinot Noir is de-stemmed and whole berries are put into ¾ ton fermenters where they cold soak for 24 hours before adding yeast.  Whole berry fermentation maximizes the extraction of flavor and color.  After another 24 hours we “punch down” 3 times a day for 10-14 days.  After primary fermentation (sugar to alcohol) the juice is racked to one third to one half new French oak barrels.  Malo-lactic fermentation will take place here over a months time and will remain in the barrel for 8-12 months until bottling…” 292 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Relish the aromas and flavors of this Pinot Noir.  Raspberry, cherry, allspice and vanilla throughout this mouth-filling pleasure.  Silky and alluring to the finish. An ideal match with wild mushroom pasta.”

My Review: Comes from the first Pinot Noir planted on the estate in the 1990’s. Dark ruby in the glass. Cherry on the nose and a little black pepper and spice. Light cherry on the palate. August 2021               

2018 Silvestri Grenache-Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $40 (#468*) 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Winery Tasting Notes: “What a combo.  This Grenache/Syrah blend is just right.  These friends complement each other from the Grenache flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and fig to Syrah’s black raspberry, blueberry and white pepper spice.  Soft, toasty oak gives a smooth texture and moderate tannins with balancing acidity to finish it off. Roast lamb, braised beef with mushroom sauce are some perfect pairings with this wine.”

My Review: Rich ruby color.  Cherry and berry flavors intertwining on the palate, not quite sure which wine it wants to be.  Lots of fruit and a slight bitterness on the finish.  A tad acidic. August 2021                  

2018 Silvestri Syrah, Red Ranger, Estate, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $75 (#469*)

Winery notes: “The 2018 Red Ranger is the sixth release of our signature Syrah that represents a part of the vineyard featuring the Bien Nacido clone, which is known for its richness and complexity. We use 75% new French oak and age it in the cellar for 16 months…We are designating our reserve Syrah “Red Ranger” after our son Joey, a mild mannered poet until you face him on the longboard, downhill racecourse.” 114cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Red Ranger rocks!  That consistent depth of flavor, roundness and long finish are all here.  Blackberry, black currant and a trace of fig lead to the full mouthfeel, just the right acidity and long, luscious finish…Try with a sausage stew and roasted meats, or aged hard cheeses.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Very jammy, intense berry with an earthiness mid-palate.  Some raisin flavors on the finish.  Good texture.  My Silvestri favorite.  Always a must-buy for me! August 2021    

2020 Silvestri Rosé, Estate, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $20 (#471*)

Winery notes: “A 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Malbec shows seamless aromas of strawberry and raspberry with a dry, lingering finish.” 241 cases produced.

My Review: What a unique blend! To me, this rosé smelled like Champagne! Delicate sweetness on the palate with flavor of apricot. Perfect for a very warm, sunny day. September 2021

You can buy Silvestri wines online or at their tasting room on 7th Avenue between San Carlos and Dolores, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-6 p.m. on a first come, first served basis.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Idle Hour: “honest and enticing” – like a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo!

I last brought you Idle Hour wines back in January, when I reviewed quite a few of their wines:  https://decantingmonterey.com/idle-hour-bringing-clarksburg-and-oakhurst-to-carmel-valley/.  I won’t repeat those details here. They are focused on “…producing small-lot, single-vineyard designated wines from Monterey, San Benito, Madera and Yolo Counties.”

This time, I have a simple, straightforward post about their flagship wine, Tempranillo! 

2016 Idle Hour Tempranillo, Heringer Estate Vineyard, Clarksburg CA, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#460*)

About the 2016 Tempranillo from their website: “Tempranillo has become one of our flagship wines, one of two wines of the many varieties we produce that will always be on the list here at Idle Hour. I fashion our Tempranillos after the region I find to be the most alluring in Spain, where this Iberian varietal calls home, the Ribera del Duero. Perhaps the variety sees more press from Rioja, where it is the main wine in the blends produced there. I find the 100% Tempranillo wines from the Ribera to be the most honest and enticing.  I hope you enjoy our version!” 225 cases produced.

My Review: Super dark in the glass.  Plum and cherry on the nose, following through on the palate, with a touch of spearmint on the finish.  Her Tempranillo is one of my favorites. July 2021

You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. Their new Carmel Valley Tasting Room at 1 Delfino Place (inside Big Sur Vineyards tasting room) is open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays.  Check them out at www.idlehourwinery.com or on Facebook at Idle Hour Tasting Room @IdleHourWine for the latest info!

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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KORi Wines: It’s a “family affair”!

Time to celebrate a friend’s birthday while her husband was out of town.  Since she forms a core part of the Decanting Monterey COVID Wine Pod, why not go to lunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea and do some wine tasting afterwards?  After a lovely patio lunch at Grasings, we headed to our first stop – KORi!

I didn’t know much about KORi Wines except that they are relatively new and have earned critical acclaim. I was excited to know more about her wines and her at her tasting room!

From the Label: “Kori Wines are a family affair – a partnership between respected Santa Lucia Highlands grower Kirk Williams and his stepdaughter Kori Violini.”  Yes, we are talking Kirk Williams of KW Ranch fame!

Critical Acclaim from the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition:

  • Double Gold: 2017 San Saba Syrah (Monterey) 94 pts
  • Gold: 2017 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH) 90 pts
  • Silver: 2018 Griva Sauvignon Blanc (Arroyo Seco), 2014 KW Ranch Pinot Noir (SLH)
  • Bronze: 2018 Highlands Ranch Rosé (SLH) 

Today I am presenting 7 of Kori’s wines.  The winery notes come from the labels and their website. The prices are from the tasting sheet.  We were excited to know that the winemaker is Sabrine Rodems from Wrath, as well as her own label, Scratch. The reds are all aged in French oak. 

2018 KORi Blanc de Blanc, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, ??% ABV, $45 (#449*) 

Winery notes: “Our first sparkling wine from our estate grown Chardonnay.  Vibrant acidity and a fresh (dry) palate. Drink 2020-2028.”

Winery Tasting Notes: “Lemon. Lime Zest. White Blossom. White Nectarine. Fig. Lychee.”

My Review: Nose at first was yeasty, common in California sparklers, but it dissipated over time.  Clover and a touch of nuttiness on the nose. Stone fruit and citrus on the palate.  My Champagne loving partner liked this wine. August 2021                                                                                                                          

2020 KORi Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13.6% ABV, $27 (#450*) 

Winery notes: “A personal favorite varietal of Kori’s, grapes sourced from esteemed Griva Vineyard in Arroyo Seco.”

Winery Tasting Notes: Guava. Lychee. Melon. Lemon Cream.

My Review: Viscous yet clear like water in the glass. Green apple, crisp pear and honey on the nose.  Honey and grapefruit on the palate with some ripe cheese flavor mid-palate.  Very refreshing. August 2021                

2019 KORi Rosé, Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.2% ABV, $25 (#451*) 

Winery Notes: “Our 2nd vintage! Like the previous vintage, 2019 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes from our estate owned Highlands Ranch Vineyard.” 200 cases produced.

Winery Tasting Notes: “Rose Petal. Rainer Cherry. Wet Gravel. Crab Apple. Stone Fruit.”

Critical Acclaim: “Bronze Medal – SF International Wine Competition 2019”

My Review: With 24 hours on the skins, this wine is bold in color.  Slightly bitter on the nose.  Rich in flavor on the palate, we’d say this is not a patio-sipping rosé. Rather, this would make a great food wine. August 2021                

2018 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (#452*) 

    Winery notes: Not available.

    My Review: Slightly perfumey on the nose.  Good, rich flavor with a slightly bitter finish. Would be good with a meal.  August 2021                 

    2017 KORi Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.3% ABV, $49 (#453*) 

    Winery notes: “From our family, estate owned first vineyard planted in 1997 at the corner of Fariview & River Roads in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Drink 2020-2027” 94 pts from Wine Enthusiast

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Blackberry. Bay Leaf. Red Cherry.”

    Critical Acclaim: Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Ruby in color. Intense cooked cherry on the nose.  The palate was raisin-like – intense fruit yet both bitter and sweet. This wine had been opened from the previous day; we declined an offer to open a fresh bottle. August 2021            

    2018 KORi Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#454*) 

    Winery notes: “The first Cab from KORi Wines!  Sabrine couldn’t have done a better job making our debut Cab with single vineyard Alexander Valley fruit. Drink 2020-2030.” 225cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Pomegranate. Charred Pepper. Sour Cherry. Black Tea.”

    My Review: Ruby in color.  Green pepper on the nose.  Dark berries with solid tannins.  Explosive of flavor on the palate with a slightly tobacco finished. Delicious, yet a bit light for a Cabernet Sauvignon. I would recommend cellaring this wine. August 2021   

    2018 KORi Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14.5% ABV, $42 (#455*) 

    Winery notes: “Hot off the heels of the, now sold out, 2017 vintage comes the San Saba 2018 which a slightly drier year shows the same great black fruit, plum, baking spice & smoked meat put in a more concentrated package.” 195 cases produced.

    Winery Tasting Notes: “Juicy Bramble Fruit. Black Pepper. Cigar Box.”

    Critical Acclaim: Double Gold – SF International Wine Competition

    My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  White pepper and jammy berries on the nose, with lots of pepper masking most of the fruit on the palate. August 2021                

    You can buy KORi wines online or at their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea “Monday-Thursday 1-6 (TUES CLOSED), Friday Noon-6, Saturday Noon-7, Sunday Noon-6. Reservations not required. Mission St between Ocean & 7th Avenue, Court of the Fountains, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921” 

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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    Another Parsonage Wine, Another Bill Parsons Story!

    I asked my significant other to open something special for the two of us to enjoy – and he selected this library wine.  We learned earlier this year that, when you are allocated a library wine, you should not delay too long in opening it.  We were excited to try this 2006 Parsonage Dario.  Bill Parsons, the proprietor of Parsonage, always has a story about his wines – and he loves to tell a story!

    My dearest DC friends enjoying some Bill Parsons storytelling back in 2019!

    I try to be balanced in my selection of wineries to present. But, of course, the model I use drives me a bit more to wineries where I am a member or have a close relationship – especially during the first pandemic year of the blog when wine tastings were curtailed. So, I am a bit embarrassed to share these stats of how many wines per winery I posted during year one of Decanting Monterey. Bill Parsons likes this chart – and you can see why…we have been buying their wines since before they had a tasting room – and they were one of only a few places we visited to taste wine in year one of the pandemic. As I look at the data, I am not sure it is 100% correct, but you get the gist. And I have been able to get out and explore a bit more in recent months, so Year Two should look a bit different.

    Count of wines by winery during Decanting Monterey’s first year – guess where we are members!

    I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here:  https://www.parsonagewine.com/. Winery notes below are from Bill Parsons.  

    2006 Parsonage Dario Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $80 (#444*)

    Winery Notes: “The Dario, named for Ali and Frank’s number two son and our grandson number three, is 100% Estate merlot. We usually make 50-100 cases a year. The 2006 vintage was our first Dario. Vintage 2006 started out to be our best ever. In barrel tasting it was just sublime. We made the mistake of hiring a crossflow filtration specialist who over heated some of our wines. He sort of cooked the estate merlot before we figured out what was happening. We never filtered again after that episode. The 2006 estate cab and Tanner reserve weren’t harmed and they were beautiful. The 2006 Dario was only slightly diminished…The Dario has always been a favorite for both Summer and me. The fruit is heavy on blackberry and black plum. The nose is always floral with exotic spices. The mouthfeel is full without tannic heft of our cabs and syrahs.” 

    My Review: Sweet yet smoky on the nose. Intense dark fruit, plum and a little tobacco on the palate. Still drinking well, a little thinner than expected. We have learned to drink these library wines when they are issued and not to continue to hold them! So, if you have one, open it! July 2021

    Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – click here for the details.  You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at 19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.  

    • Tasting Room Photo Courtesy Parsonage

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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    Sometimes You End Up with Grocery Store Chardonnays

    I admit I am spoiled living in the heart of Chardonnay country, where we can take a short drive or simply reach into our fridge for a really delicious Chardonnay.  While we aren’t the biggest white wine fans, we do enjoy sipping a good one on our front porch on a rare warm and sunny day, like the other day when we opened a stunning I Brand & Family 2018 Chardonnay from Escolle Vineyard. This wine (reviewed here before) boasted lemon colors, tropical nose, and rambunctious tropical flavors with a pineapple overlay. But I digress…

    I’ve been on the road a bit dealing with family matters.  Fortunately, I was sent with a lovely 6-pack of local big reds I love.  I visited a relative who opened one of today’s Chardonnays and I had to resort to a grocery store for the other one for a family gathering.  They both fit the Central Coast profile of this blog, so lucky me!

    2019 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey, 13.5% ABV, $20 (Wine #438*)

    This is one of my Chardonnay-loving friend’s favorite Chardonnays, so I was happy to try it with my relatives. I found it rated for 89 points on wine.com.

    About La Crema: “When La Crema was founded in 1979 as La Crema Viñera, meaning the Best of the Vine, the name was intended as an unabashed boast: These vineyards produced the very best grapes in the region. Today, the name has been shortened to mean, simply, the best, and La Crema’s wines represent the best grapes from preeminent cool-climate regions in California and Oregon.

    “La Crema wines—inspired by Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—are made in small lots that nurture distinct flavors and balance. The end result is elegant wines that are unswerving in quality over time.” 

    Winemaker’s Notes from their website: “Aromas of baked apple, brioche, and PINEAPPLE are followed by flavors of Asian pear, LEMON-TANGERINE, and notes of MINERALITY. The 2019 vintage presents balanced acidity and a long finish.” 100% Chardonnay; 8 months in the barrel.

    My Review: Buttery, tropical notes on the nose.  Butterscotch and tropical fruits on the palate – a bit sweet yet perfect for a hot Sacramento evening. Very different from the non-oaky Monterey Chardonnays I typically drink. July 2021

    2019 Edna Valley Chardonnay, Central Coast, 13% ABV, $9 (Wine #439*)

    When you are stuck in a small town SavMor for wine options, the selection is far from what I can find at even my local Safeway.  We know Edna Valley for its excellent wine, so this was the safest, best choice available!

    About Edna Valley Vineyard: “The region now home to Edna Valley Vineyard saw its first grapes planted in the days of the California missions. In the 1800s, it was believed that the grapes in this region were of the highest quality. Today, we still hold this to be true. Following in the footsteps of our founder, pioneering vineyard developer Jack Niven, we continue to craft award-winning Chardonnay – the first variety planted in the Edna Valley. In addition to our flagship Chardonnay wine, we offer five other varietal wines nationwide: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.” 

    Winemaker’s Notes from their website: “Our Chardonnay showcases grapes from some of California’s most sought-after wine regions in the Central Coast. The result is a dry, beautifully balanced, bold expression of Chardonnay with tropical aromas of toasted coconut and Tahitian vanilla. Juicy layers of white peach, split honeydew melon and ripe apricot are highlighted with hints of lemon zest and a crisp, refreshing finish.”

    My Review: Pale but rich golden in the glass.  Tropical fruits, butter and bamboo on the nose.  Light and a tad sweet on the palate, balanced acidity and a touch of bitterness on the finish.  A bit less flavor and minerality than I’m used to in my Monterey Chardonnays. August 2021

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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    A Wine from Chile in a Central Coast Wine Blog?

    Now what is Sharon doing? OK, let me explain…

    In August 2019, my girlfriends and I went wine tasting in Hollister.  I was always exploring and looking for wines to showcase in my DC classes.  Lots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – until we hit DeRose.  Alphonse DeRose, proprietor and vintner, personally met with us and did our wine tasting.  He had lots of the bigger reds some of us preferred.  He also talked a little about his international partnerships.  I picked up a couple of Alchemy wines from Chile and just rediscovered them in my wine room.  I suggested we do South American wines for one of our August virtual wine classes.  The topic got expanded to wines from Central and South America.

    About Carménère: Carménère was originally used as a blending grape (much like Petit Verdot), one of the six original Bordeaux varietals.  However, it suffered the fate of Phylloxera and is rarely seen in France and is mostly planted in Chile today.  It is an offspring of Cabernet Franc and related to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon!  You can read more at these two sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carm%C3%A9n%C3%A8re https://www.winefornormalpeople.com/the-best-grape-story-of-all-time-carmenere/

    About Cachapoal Valley: “The northern half of the great Rapel Valley has traditionally been known for its red wines, particularly Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, which account for approximately 80% of the region’s total production. The valley features diverse microclimates that produce a suitable environment for a wide array of wines, ranging from cold-climate varieties in the vineyards at higher altitudes in the foothills of the Andes, to varieties requiring warmer climates in the areas surrounding Lake Rapel along the coastal hills. Here in this valley, the gentle breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the clay soil create synergy to pave the way for one of the leading regions producing Carménère in the country.” https://www.winesofchile.org/en/chile-a-wine-producing-country/valleys-and-guarantee-of-origin/cachapoal/. A good map of Chilean wine growing regions can be found here: https://vineyards.com/wine-map/chile.

    2017 Alchemy Carménère, Cachapoal Valley, Chile, 14.1% ABV, $28 (Wine #433*)

    About Alchemy and the 2017 Carménère (from the bottle): “Alchemy is a hand made creation of Winemaker Alphonse DeRose and friends.  Inspired by a late night evening of music played by Chilean friends Juan Pablo and Omar, the three concocted a version of only the best grapes being processed 100% by hand.  Each berry is hand removed from every cluster one by one. The result is a robust wine with aromas of dark red fruits, spice and toast. Alchemy is only produced from exceptional year and has limited availability with only 250 cases produced!”  Alphonse DeRose is proprietor and vintner of DeRose Winery in Hollister, CA. You can buy Alchemy wines at DeRose.

    Additional Winemaker’s Notes: “Our Carmenere is a 100% handmade wine, fermented with natural yeasts, aged for 12 months in French Oak. Bottled without filtering.” (translated by Google Translate) https://www.movilatienda.cl/en/vinas/alchemy

    My Review: Inky purple in the glass.  Fragrant nose of jam and vanilla. Lush, intense dark berries on the palate.  Intense and smooth with a spicy finish.  Love this wine. August 2021

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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    “Monterey-South Wine Class” – What does it even mean?

    When my DC virtual wine class picked the theme of “Monterey-South,” even I wasn’t sure what that meant.  They further clarified “Monterey County or south of Monterey.”  Perfect!  Right up my alley!  We hunted through our wine room and found a Pierce Ranch Graciano. I’ve presented Pierce Ranch a couple of times here – you can simply search “Pierce Ranch” to find them. The wines selected by my friends came from Monterey County and Paso Robles.

    I tried to capture notes from my friends’ presentations for inclusion to show the breadth of wines randomly chosen. One member lamented that he couldn’t really find in Washington DC any of the Rhone Ranger wines.  I told him he would have to come visit here and find them at the wineries!

    While this was a unique way to share these Central Coast wines, I didn’t get to taste any except the Graciano. Therefore, you might see them pop up again later in this blog!

    2019 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $28

    My friends presented this Chuck Wagner wine, now made by his son, Charlie. 

    Winemaker Notes from wine.com: “A lively flaxen gold, this wine features a harmonious nose that previews the playful balance to come on the palate. Scents of brown spice, toasted almonds, custard and light oak mingle with Meyer lemon zest, honeysuckle and a hint of apricot. Entry is round, as the wine’s fruit and natural acidity build on each other, with echoes of brown spice, citrus and apricot enveloped in a creamy texture. A vibrant finish of lemon/lime showcases the distinctly bright acidity produced from the Monterey coast, leaving an enticing freshness that prepares the palate for another sip.” Wine.com – 91 points.

    My Friend’s Review: Viscous in the glass. Nice, not overly oaky.  The oak is there and adds depth to the taste without being detracting. Pear and apple on the nose, peach and a little caramel. Nicely balanced with good acidity. Can’t say the flavor profile is bold but harmonious. August 2021

    2017 Chamisal Vineyards Chardonnay, Monterey County, 15.3% ABV, $24

    While the Chamisal Vineyard and winery is located in Edna Valley, the fruit for this wine comes from Monterey County! 

    Winemaker’s Notes from wines.com : “Toasted oak and crème brûlée. Fruit driven with lemon cream, Fuji apple, ripe pineapple, and baked pears. Rich and creamy with lingering acidity, broad texture and finishing clean.”

    The Wine Advocate – 91 points: “The 2017 Chardonnay Monterey County opens with notes of gunflint and toast over baked apples, yellow pears, popcorn and a tropical tinge. The palate is medium-bodied and rounded with an über spicy, fresh fruit profile lifted by mouthwatering acidity, and it finishes long and toasty. This has an appealing yin-yang of savory and bright citrus character.” Erin Brooks, 6/2020

    2019 Carol Shelton Coquille Blanc, Paso Robles, 13.5% ABV, $26  40% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 10% Marsanne

    About the 2019 Coquille Blanc: “Exotic nose of spicy pears and white peaches, almond paste/marzipan, a touch of honeysuckle perfume. Multi-dimensional (many layers), a hard-to-describe range of aromatics, intriguing, almost mysterious! In the mouth it is crisply dry yet creamy and round and full-bodied, with nice almond paste on crisp-yet-juicy pear fruit.”

    My Friend’s Review: Yellow in color.  More minerality on the palate than fruit and a touch acidic on the palate.  Really brings the Paso/Central Coast terroir.  Complex – but not robust. 

    2016 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $75/$22 WTSO

    About the 2016 Soberanes Pinot Noir: “Santa Lucia Highlands’ two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys’ Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting vineyard. We have chosen two Pinot clones: the celebrated Pisoni clone and Dijon clone 667. The 2016 Soberanes displays a beautiful ruby robe and vibrant red fruit aromas. The palate exhibits crisp flavors of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a long finish, promising an excellent future ahead.”

    Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “Elegantly earthy on the nose, this bottling starts with aromas of pomegranate, rose petals and dried herbs. The palate is quite tart with flavors of sour Montmorency cherry, and the savory dusting of herbs and baked earth balances the sip.” Matt Kettmann, 12/2018

    My Friend’s Review: As Cameron Hughes might say, a “Cabernet lovers Pinot Noir” with big bold flavors and a dark garnet hue. An exceptional Pinot Noir, comparing well to a 2012 Lucienne we all tasted in person together in June.  He got the wine for $22 in a complex WTSO BOGO sale. 

    2017 Pierce Ranch Graciano, San Antonio AVA, 14.8% ABV, $30 (#432*)

    My friends wanted to know what a Graciano tasted like – I could think of no direct comparison.  I looked up the grape and found this information:  I found this Vinodiversity article: “A naming mess: The original variety is Spanish and is named Graciano in its homeland the Northern Spanish Ebro Valley and Navarra. It is grown in the Jerez region of southern Spain under the name Tintilla de Rota. Graciano is used in France under the name Morrastel. But the Spanish use the variety called Mourvedre (or Mataro in Australia) under the name Morrastel. To add to the confusion the Portuguese variety Tinta Miuda is now known to be to be the same variety. Not to be outdone the Californians grow Graciano under the name Xeres.”

    And, if that wasn’t confusing enough, here’s a Matt Kettmann article about mislabeled Graciano vines akin to the Melon de Bourgogne story I recently shared. What a mess. And it doesn’t taste like Mourvèdre at all!

    About the 2017 Pierce Graciano: “Perched in a highland valley at the southern tip of Monterey County, our vineyards, with their wide variation in diurnal temperature and rocky soils, provide an excellent setting for the classic grape varieties of Spain and Portugal. A standout among these is certainly Graciano, a native of Spain’s famed Rioja region. Estate-grown in the calcareous rock and shale-rich loam of our Home Ranch Vineyard, the 2017 vintage is a medium-bodied wine with dark, rounded fruit and a solid tannic structure. A limited-run bottling, it was fermented in small lots and aged in French oak for 15 months. Blackberry and black cherry combine with hints of shale and thyme.”

    My Review: Garnet in the glass. Pomegranate and cranberry on the nose. Cherry and licorice on the palate with tobacco and vanilla notes. We enjoyed this wine for several days. August 2021

    2018 J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $25 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah, 2% Malbec

    Winemaker’s Notes: “Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit and spice character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate with a firm and appetizing finish.” 93 points – Wine Enthusiast Editors’ Choice. 

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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    Blue Fox: A Relatively New Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village!

    When I was at Galante recently, they recommended Blue Fox Vineyards tasting room.  While I haven’t been there myself, a plank-owner of our COVID Wine Pod, brought me this wine, which we enjoyed greatly.

    I don’t know much about Blue Fox. It had a tasting room in Cannery Row, but moved in the past year to Carmel Valley Village into the space Talbot used to own, right behind Cowgirl. Edible Monterey published a beautiful article about owners Edward and Julia Lovaas which you can find here. I can’t wait to taste its interesting and uncommon whites like Arneis and Tocai Friulano plus the big reds I enjoy, including Syrah and Zinfandel.

    2013 Blue Fox Cellars Syrah, Seebass Vineyard, Mendocino County, 15.2% ABV, $45 (#430*)

    Winemaker Notes: “Our Syrah thrives in the gravely clay soils of Seebass Vineyard.  Aged for 33 months in French Oak Barrels the bold tannins are tamed to create an elegant impeccably balanced wine, expressing flavors of plum, ripe raspberry, earth and spice.  Our Syrah goes well with braised meats, wild game, mushroom risotto and hard aged cheeses.  Cheers!” 

    Wine Enthusiast – 83 points: “This wine is rustic in flavor and sturdy in texture, showing cedar and dried cherry notes framed by very firm tannins, full body and a dry mouthfeel.” Jim Gordon 05/2019

    My Review: This was a delicious Syrah from Mendocino, worthy of a higher score than it received.  Elegant, balanced, flavorful and ready to drink.  While not as rich as some of my Monterey County warmer climate Syrahs, I am intrigued and want to explore more of their wines! July 2021

    You can buy this wine on Blue Fox’s website or visit them in the former Talbot tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. 

    *Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

    © Decanting Monterey 2023

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