Category: Wine Blog/Reviews

Monterey AWS “Wines Up” at Puma Road’s Portola Tasting Room!

The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) is a young organization started only a couple of years ago.  Through a friend of a friend, I was put in touch with its Chair, Jacqueline Van Nes, back before I started writing wine blogs.  It’s a friendly and relatively small group.  I haven’t been able to attend many of their events.  When I do, I have really enjoyed the people, the wines, and the wine education.

Once a month, they head out on a First Friday “WinedUp” wine tasting – I joined them earlier this month at Puma Road’s Portola Tasting Room in Monterey.  What a fun and relaxing event!  I confess I convinced the tasting room manager to go off menu a bit for me so I could review all these wines for you!

Today I am presenting 9 Puma Road wines.  The winery notes come from their website here. My last tasting of Puma Road wines was published here: https://decantingmonterey.com/puma-road-next-stop-on-the-river-road-wine-trail/.

2020 Puma Road Sauvignon Blanc, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.5% ABV, $20 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon (#685*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is bright and delightful. Inviting, with earthy notes and aromas of citrus, apricot, peach, and mineral; on the palate, it offers flavors of citrus, peach, and minerality, with bright acidity and pineapple on the finish. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.”

My Review: Viscous straw in color.  White peach on the nose.  Mild melon, white peach and honeysuckle on the palate.

2019 Puma Road Rose of Grenache, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14% ABV, $22 (#686*)

Winery Notes: “Our maiden vintage of 2019 dry Rosé of Grenache is a peachy pink, and invites with aromas of apricot, strawberry, honey, and minerality. The palate delights with flavors of apricot and strawberry, with minerality and a rich feel. Serve chilled.”

My Review: Pale pink in the glass.  A touch of grapefruit on the nose and palate with a hint of bubblegum on the finish.  Very tasty.

2015 Puma Road Cabernet Franc, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, $37 (#687*)

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Cabernet Franc has a nose of dark fruit, leather, and clove. The mouth begins with the flavor of dark cherry, followed by a hint of licorice, with bright acidity throughout, and a rich finish.”

My Review: Raspberry and berry on the nose.  Not the huge fruit bomb I remember from the past.

2015 Puma Road Merlot, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 15.7% ABV, $37 (#688*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Merlot offers aromas of leather, spices, coffee, and dark fruit. The palate experiences flavors of dark cherry, spices, and leather, with a rich, velvety feel.”

My Review: Garnet in color.  Spice box on the nose.  Spice and dark berries on the palate with a little tobacco on the finish. I liked this wine.

2015 Puma Road Malbec, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14.44% ABV, $37 (#689*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Malbec has bold aromas of spice, leather, dark cherry, and tobacco. The palate experiences a rich feel, with flavors of raspberry, cherry, and spice, and a smooth, lasting finish.”

My Review: Nate’s favorite.  Dark ruby, inky in the glass.  Spearmint on the nose.  Very big on the palate – I agree with Nate!

2015 Puma Road Petit Verdot, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.87% ABV, $37 (#690*)

Winery Notes: “Relish in this deep, bold red and truly taste the essence of Paicines. The nose of our Petit Verdot displays aromas of dark cherry, leather, and spice. The mouth has a rich feel and bright acidity, with flavors of cherry, spice, leather, and clove. Pairs well with grilled steak and bone-in pork chops.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Very berry on the nose.  Rich berry yet lean on the palate with a touch of licorice on the finish.

2015 Puma Road Tannat, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 14.15% ABV, $40 (#691*)

Winery Notes: “Only around 300 acres of Tannat are grown in California. Traditionally, Tannat is used as a blending grape, to add body and deep color to other varietals. Puma Road Tannat stands on its own. Our 2015 Tannat has a nose of deep, dark fruit; warm, rich spice; caramel; and black pepper. On the palate, experience a rich feel, with flavors of dark cherry and spice – think clove – and a velvety caramel finish, with just the right amount of tannin.”

My Review: Ruby in color.  Dark berry/cherry on the nose.  Cedar, dark cherry, blackberry and raspberry on the palate with vanilla on the finish.

2015 Puma Road Cache, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.44% ABV, $37 (#692*)

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Cache is an approachable blend. It is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. This Puma Road customer favorite entices with aromas of dark chocolate, licorice, dark fruit, and spice. On the palate, it offers a rich mouth feel, with flavors of dark fruit, black cherry, and blueberry, with nice acidity. This wine pairs extraordinarily well with char-grilled meats, like a juicy ribeye steak, or a ground chuck burger. It will also be beautiful with duck, lamb, or brisket.”

My Review: Ruby in color.  Dark fruit on the palate.  Smooth and fairly lean on the palate. 

2015 Puma Road Predator, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard, Paicines AVA, 13.8% ABV, $40 (#693*)

Winery Notes: “The Predator is a blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (3%), and Malbec (2%). The result is an exceptionally smooth, yet nuanced Bordeaux-style wine. Our 2015 The Predator displays notes of spice, leather, dark fruit, and dark roast coffee. The palate has a rich, velvety feel, with layered flavors of dark fruit, cherry, and spice, with toasted oak and vanilla on its smooth, lasting finish. This wine can be put up for as long as you’d like, or enjoyed now. Decanting is recommended.”

My Review: Inky in the glass.  Dusty on the nose.  Complex dark berries and a touch of acidity and bubblegum on the finish.

Visiting Puma Road (from their website) (as of May 2022 – check for updates: “RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED – AMPLE OUTDOOR SEATING Parties larger than six, reservations required.”

Soledad: 32720 River Road. Current Spring 2022 Hours: Thurs-Mon – 12:00pm-5:00pm. 831-675-3548   info@pumaroad.com

Monterey: Portola Plaza, 281 Alvarado Street. Current Spring 2022 Hours: Sun-Thurs – 2:00pm-8:00pm, Fri & Sat – 2:00pm-9:00pm 831-747-1911    portola@pumaroad.com

Ordering and Picking Up Wine (as of May 2022): “At this time, we are offering amazing flat rate UPS Ground shipping prices — $10 for up to 11 bottles, $15 for 12-23 bottles, $30 for 24-35 bottles, and $45 for 36 or more bottles — as well as complimentary local delivery for orders of $40 or more to many parts of Monterey County. Please call 831-675-3548 or email info@pumaroad.com for more information.

“You may also place an order to be picked up at either location – please choose your location at check-out – during our amended hours of operation: River Road Soledad Tasting Room – Thurs-Mon 12-5pm, Portola Plaza Tasting Room – Thurs-Sun 1-6pm. For your convenience and safety, we are also offering curbside pick up. Instructions will be included in the receipt that is emailed to you upon completion of purchase.”

*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

Make a Donation!

Monterey County Vintners and Growers Know How to Celebrate Monterey Winemakers!

I tell you, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod is on it!  While we were completing a wine tour of Portugal and Spain, the home team was on alert for Central Coast wine activities.  We got a text the day we were flying home about the 29th Annual Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration. Were we planning to attend? The answer was yes! We last attended this event in 2018 and thought it was good but crowded. My assessment of this year’s event is that it was terrific!

This event, sponsored by the Monterey Vintners and Growers Association, was advertised as an opportunity to “Enjoy the incredible wines and culinary abundance from one of the world’s premier wine regions in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.” It was incredibly well organized (way to go, Kim Stemler!).  Located in Devendorf Park instead of the streets of Carmel-By-The-Sea, this event seemed a bit more private, out of the hustle and bustle of the village.  The entry was very efficient.  Daunted by a huge entry line, we were instantly relieved to see tickets were being checked and wristbands allocated before the gates even opened.  With the food moved to the exterior streets, attendees could move easily among the winery booths and step out for food.

The wineries were mostly familiar to me, with a few exceptions.  Most I have been to and are captured somewhere in Decanting Monterey.  That was a good thing, as we could pick and choose which one or two wines we wanted to taste at each. And some of the winemakers were there – either in force or for part of the event, including Sabrine Rodems, Keith and Tim Prader of Shale Canyon, Ian Brand, Kori Violini and the Rexford family. It meant so much to the attendees to be able to connect with these winemakers directly. And I was so happy to see Rexford there – I have missed their tasting room in the village and hope to get up to their winery soon.

We also enjoyed talking to The Wine Experience and mixing our own red blends (mine was rather vegetal – too much Cabernet Franc!).  We will definitely need to pay a visit and do this the proper way next time – taste each wine, then blend, silly Sharon. 

Our only regret is that we did not purchase the VIP ticket for this event, as we are reserve wine kind of people. That said, we tasted both familiar and new-to-us wines.  I’ll highlight a few memorable ones here.  I made the decision up front not to try to capture tasting notes, but to be in the moment, enjoying the event. And I can’t wait for next year’s event!

2015 Pessagno Tre Red Wine Blend, Pedregal de Paicines Vineyard,  Paicines AVA, 14.12%, $42 (675*) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 20% Petite Sirah

About Pessagno: “Pessagno Winery fulfills a twenty-year dream to produce limited quantities of exclusive luxury wines from prestigious single vineyards throughout Monterey and San Benito Counties. The winery is known for creating wines of distinct character and elegance. It is widely recognized as one of California’s finest wine sources.”

Winery Notes: “The 2015 Tre offers bold aromas of dark fruits, spice, oak, and tobacco. The palate is treated to a rich feel, deep dark fruit flavors, oak and tobacco, with a velvety caramel finish.”

My Notes: I was really surprised by this beautiful blend. It was perhaps the wine most aligned to my palate that we tasted that day – big, smooth, bold.  It was among the first and last wines we visited during the tasting. I will need to visit Pessagno for a complete tasting soon. Check out their website for upcoming events at the winery – and at the vineyard in Paicines, an AVA in San Benito County of which I am very fond!

2017 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Syrah, Chalone AVA, $54 (676*)

About Chalone Vineyard: “Monterey’s first winery, Chalone Vineyard is nestled amongst the Pinnacle mountains in Monterey.  High atop the Gavilan plateau, the ocean breezes sweep across the remarkable terroir of the Chalone vineyard with its volcanic limestone soils that give our wines their distinctive flavor.”

Winery Notes: “Bold and complex – just as you’d want a Syrah to be. Leather, cinnamon, tobacco leaf and dark fruits offer layers of intrigue for the senses.”

My Notes: I do love my Central Coast Syrahs and this was no exception! Smooth with the dark berry and earthiness you’d expect from a Syrah.  About time we get over to Chalone to do a wine tasting, as well!

2021 Bernardus Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, $30 (677*) Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, & Cinsault

Winery Notes: “Bernardus has been producing a small bottling of Rosé from our local vineyards for many years.  Now we are thrilled to announce the release of our first Rosé from the Provence region of France! To that end, we have partnered with a prestigious French winery: La Coste.  Bernardus is very proud to present a wine based on multi-national tasting trials:  Bernardus French Rosé!

“Flavors are full and rich, redolent with light red fruits on a long smooth finish.  An exceptional Rosé we know everyone will enjoy!”

My Notes: We wished the Provence Rosé member of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod had been with us to taste this delicious new French rose from Bernardus. I think it will be a hit!  Pretty pale pink in the glass.  Perfume on the nose.  Light on the palate with a touch of sweetness on the finish.

2018 Pierce Ranch Olonde, San Antonio Valley, $32 (678*)  39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 59% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Winery Notes: Bordeaux style blend composed of Cab. Sauv., Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

My Notes: We were all impressed by this wine, one that we did not get to taste during our March visit to their tasting room.  They informed me they have some other new releases coming out in the next few weeks, so another visit soon??

2018 Silvestri Estate Barbera, Carmel Valley, $65 (679*)           

Winery Notes: “Now on sale! $60 a bottle (normally $65) for a limited time only. Barbera is a red grape varietal originating from the Piedmont region of Northwestern Italy. Our small block of Barbera, which is the first planting of this varietal in Carmel Valley, was added to the vineyard to honor the Silvestri family heritage. It’s position on a warm southern facing slope allows this varietal to mature and ripen to its fullest potential before harvest.  With the influence of French oak barrel fermentation and maturation our Barbera exudes a deep richness and complexity that helps balance the grape’s high acidity.

“Black cherry, dried strawberry and plum aromas blend through to like flavors and move on to full, soft tannins with sufficient acidity. A more refined yet full-flavored Barbera” 462 cases.

My Notes: This was a terrific Barbera with delicious berry, raspberry flavors.

2018 Silvestri Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, $48 (680*)   

Winery Notes: “Moving to a warmer section of the vineyard is our Syrah. After harvest our Syrah is de-stemmed and placed into ¾ open top fermenters.  Here, whole berry fermentation takes place to maximize the extraction of flavor and color. The juice is then racked to French oak barrels.  Malolactic fermentation is initiated and will take place for about a month. We then rack the wine after 6 months, and age for another 12-18 months before bottling.

“Syrah fans everywhere.  Our Syrah continues to please year after year.  Savor the aromas of blackberry and dried plum while enjoying the mouth-watering flavors, velvety texture along with medium tannins. Complement with sausage pizza, grilled veggies or grilled meat.” 123 cases

My Notes: This is my kind of Syrah – big, smooth, juicy with delicious dark berry and plum flavors, without the earthiness that, for me, can be a distraction. 

2019 Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 14.5% ABV, $15 (681*)

Winery Notes: “We craft this richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon with California grapes picked at the peak of ripeness in our coastal vineyards. Adding a twist to traditional barrel-aging, select lots of the blend are aged in a mix of new and used bourbon barrels. The new barrels give the wine its deep undertones of toasted oak. The used barrels—selected from a renowned Kentucky distillery—exude notes of vanilla and dried herbs, hinting at the fine bourbon that once graced these casks. The result is a bold, flavorful wine, unlike any other Cabernet.

“Layered and complex, our Bourbon Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with aromas of blackberry cobbler, graham cracker, brown sugar, milk chocolate, coffee and smoke. A palate of blueberry pie, praline, sweet vanilla custard, caramel and mocha is framed by soft, chewy tannins and a hint of toasted oak on the lingering finish.”

My Notes: This was kind of fun – they brought both the Bourbon Barrel-aged and Rye Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignons for a compare and contrast.  I say Bourbon Barrel hands down! As an affordable, everyday Cabernet Sauvignon, this is kind of a fun one.

2020 Scratch  Brut Rose, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, $49 (682*)        

Winery Notes: “The touch of 828 Clone Pinot Noir to the Clone 96 Chardonnay base synergistically add a juiciness to the mid-palate that makes you want to take another sip!  Clone 96 Chardonnay has a round honey-dew melon mouth feel and with the addition of pinot makes you think you are biting into a fresh Fuji apple.  This sparkling wine is make using the classic Methode Champenoise, fermented in the bottle.”

My Notes: Wow!  Winemaker Sabrine Rodems was here!  It was so great to meet her in person.  We have enjoyed her wines from Wrath, Scratch, and Kori Wines!  And I love a great sparkling rose!  Another place to wine taste soon, as all I have tried are her sparkling wines.  

2019 Shale Canyon ZSM, Arroyo Seco AVA, $55 (683*) 48% Zinfandel, 32% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Winery Notes: “The 2019 ZSM is a blend of Estate Zinfandel – 48%, Arroyo Seco Syrah – 32% and Estate Mourvèdre – 20%.  On the nose you will get bright berry fruit with a touch of violet on the bouquet.  The middle is full of dark fruit, predominately blueberry, followed by raspberry and huckleberry.  On the finish you will get a touch of smokiness from the newer oak barrels, firm tannins and a touch of vanilla.  This full bodied wine is still young only having been bottled in the first week of July 2021, but it is drinking exceptionally well already.”

My Notes: This is a brand-new release which will soon be on their website and available in their tasting room!  It was our pleasure to taste this big red – another wine right up my alley.

2019 Folktale Le Mistral Joseph’s Blend, Monterey County, $50 (#684)                                   

About Folktale Winery:  “In 2015, a band of artists, craftspeople, and lovers of life brought their wandering imaginations and lofty aspirations to a magical piece of land in Carmel, California. Out in the sunny valley, we cultivated grapevines and gardens to craft beautiful wines and experiences to delight the senses. We named this place Folktale Winery & Vineyards.

“Folktale was inspired by the idea that in every great bottle of wine, there is a story. It is filled with uniqueness of place, a year of sun and rain, and the art and craft of winemaking. The story is about our people, our guests, and our passion. This is a love story, and the best love stories never end.”

Winery Notes: “Grapes for this vintage of Joseph’s Blend were hand-harvested from 5 different vineyards in our region.  Each lot fermented in small batches and was gently pressed and racked to French oak barrels to age.  After 6 months, all lots were tasted and a final blend was created.  The wine spent another year in barrel before being bottled in Aug, 2021.  In this year’s blend, Grenache came from Ventana and Mission Ranch Vineyards (Arroyo Seco AVA), Syrah from Cedar Lane Vineyard (Arroyo Seco AVA) and Tondre Grapefield (Santa Lucia Highlands AVA), and Mourvedre from Sandy Lane Vineyard (Contra Costa County).”

My Notes: OK, it was a little strange that Folktale was the only winery out in the food area.  I wished I had found them earlier and had had the capacity to give their wines a thorough tasting.  I am looking forward to seeing where their wines are going. This GSM was a fine wine, worthy of a retaste.  I admit I have shied away from Folktale as it is more of a food with wine pairings place, but maybe that isn’t a bad thing to try.  The Le Mistral tasting looks great to me.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Odonata Plays “Mystery Wine” with Decanting Monterey!

A year ago, we went to Odonata with the more senior part of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod.  We have been saying ever since that we needed to go back when it was the only tasting of the day.  While we failed to get the senior partners together, we were able to go back with our daughter, a Decanting Monterey junior plank holder, in March. 

We started with a challenging game of corn hole; then we got down to business.  Eric hosted us once again and proceeded to march us through their wines.  Meanwhile, some lovely women, who just wanted a glass of rosé, sat at a nearby table.  Eric had no rosé to offer and instead gave them a proper wine education and tasting, while continuing to pour for us.  He shifted his approach with us to a game we like to call “mystery wine” – guess the varietal. Our tasting took 2 hours and we left with a case of wine, including some for my upcoming Northern Virginia AWS wine class! Thank you so much for the industry recognition – it is deeply appreciated!

These lovely women became an extension of our afternoon tasting at Odonata!

About Odonata: “Odonata offers an eclectic selection of wines from grapes sourced from our Estate and other local vineyards. The focus is quality and sustainability throughout the wine making process from the selection of the Vineyards, through production, to the finished product. The Vineyards are farmed organic, or SIP (sustainable in practice) Certified.

“While production is small by industry standards, the number of wines is extensive. This small lot principle enables Odonata to focus on consistent high-quality instead of high-volume.

“With our small lot production only a selection of our wines are available at any one time and these are frequently changing, so be sure to purchase them before they are gone.”

Today I am reviewing 15 wines, including 1 previously reviewed. Winery notes come from their webpage above, where you can also purchase their wines.

2018 Odonata Sparkling Riesling, Tondre Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, 12% ABV, $38 (#661)

Winery Notes: “This fizz is floral with a subtle spiciness on the nose, pretty fruit in the mouth with tiny bubbles. This sparkler is fun as a pre-dinner delight or paired with exotic food like Thai, Sushi, etc… Bubbles are for every day, enjoy!”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Apple cider and grilled pineapple on the nose. A bit of yeastiness tamps down the sweetness of the apple. March 2022           

2020 Odonata Chardonnay, Gularte Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14% ABV, $25 (#662)             

Winery Notes: “Farmed with the Silacci family right down the street from the winery.  This is fruit is crisp apple supported by a generous boost of new French oak.  California inspired Chardonnay, with a crisp mineral core.”

My Review: Straw in the glass. Nice tropical notes on the nose.  Up front oak mellowed out into a nice wine with a punch of lime flavors on the mid-palate.  March 2022

2019 Odonata Pinot Noir, Silacci Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 12.6% ABV, $32 (#663)

Winery Notes: “Cherry fruit, cola, and subtle spices on the nose. Dense forrest floor, and hints of wild strawberry on the palate.”

My Review: Bright cherry red in the glass. The palate reveals the fruit with berry flavors.  A bit metallic. Tannins balance the red fruit with peppery spices.   March 2022

2018 Odonata Pinot Noir, Falcon Hill, Santa Cruz County, 14.1 ABV, $42 (#664)                                   

Winery Notes: “This wine is elegant with viscous cherry, subtle spice and pleasurable texture.”

My Review: Darker cherry in the glass.  While light in body, richer in flavor across the board than the previous wine. Red cinnamon notes. We preferred this wine. March 2022   

2017 Odonata Black Darter, 13.5% ABV, $28 (#665)   86% Grenache, 14% Syrah      

 Winery Notes: “An exquisite nose of raspberries and spice that draw you into the glass. This wine was fermented with 14% whole cluster, to create complexity and better mouthfeel!”

My Review: Bright, rich ruby in the glass.  We are now heading toward medium bodied reds. Very balanced on the palate with cherry flavors.  We liked this wine. March 2022                

2019 Odonata Cote du Denis Malbec, et, Hollister, San Benito County, 13.5% ABV, $28 (#666)    94% Malbec, 4% Viognier     

Winery Notes: “Malbec co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Adds balanced tannin, and pushes floral notes!”

My Review: So pretty in the glass with vibrant red and purple colors (cranberry and plum). Plum and currant ( grape Bubblelicious) on the nose. Juicy and smooth on the palate. My favorite wine of the day. March 2022      

2017 Odonata Grenache, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $28 (#317) 

Winery Notes: “Vibrant and lively on the nose with alluring nuances of fresh flowers and berry fruits. On the palate you’re treated with pepper herbs, fresh minerality and delightful tannin. The richness and depth of this Grenache erupts with every sip, while conveying texture and balance.”

My Review: Cherry and berry flavors wrapped in cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice flavors. March 2022                                                                                                                                                               

2018 Odonata Sangiovese, 14.2% ABV (#667)                 

Winery Notes: “Strawberries, hints of cinnamon, leather and earth. The palate is round with balanced acidity and tannin.”

My Review: Deeper red in the glass. Very berry with spice and coffee on the nose. Dry on the palate with cranberry, cherry, some tartness. Lean.  This was Cassandra’s favorite wine. Of course – she loves a good Chianti! March 2022

2019 Odonata Syrah, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4%, $32 (#668)           

Winery Notes: “Cool climate Syrah! Spicy, dense, chewy tannins with black fruit dominate the mouth feel, while the finish lingers with you softly and gently, urging further exploration.”

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass. Warm dark berries on the nose. Rich berries, mocha, and spice on the finish with a touch of earth. Right up my alley. Selected for one of my classes. March 2022                                                                                                                                                         

2019 Odonata Syrah, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV (#669)                                                 

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass.  Some sweetness on the nose with berry and spice notes. Smooth berries on the palate. I liked this one, too. March 2022                                                                                   

2019 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.4% ABV, $49 (#670)                       

Winery Notes: “Dark and inky in color! The nose is filled with perfumed fruit, spicy blackberry, cassis, and cedar. This wine is rich, fun and vibrant on the palate. Flavors of wild cranberry, licorice, black fruit and finishes with a fresh mouthfeel. With a little more aging the youthful fruit will drop out and bring forward a polished tannic structure.  Enjoy now with a 30 minute decant or age it for the next 10 years!”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Lean Cabernet notes on the nose and some cinnamon on the palate. March 2022

2017 Odonata Petite Sirah, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley, 14% ABV, $28 (#671)        

Winery Notes: “Opulent fruit, herbs and spices on the nose. The palate is perfectly balanced with loads of dark fruit, tannin and graphite.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Some mocha on the nose.  A big, rich, smooth palate with a dry finish. March 2022                                                                                                  

2018 Odonata Barrel Select, Hook Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, (#672)   Syrah, Grenache      

My Review: Rich red ruby in color. Berry on the nose. Very spicy with tangerine notes on the palate. March 2022                                                                                                                   

2016 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Montebello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains (#673)       Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot       

My Review: Rich red ruby with some purple in color. Fresh and some vegetal notes. March 2022                                                                                        

Odonata Late Harvest Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley, 19% ABV, $25 (#674)        

Winery Notes: “Punched down gently throughout the cold soak, fermentation, and maceration totaling 7 days. Pressed to a stainless tank where we added 20 gallons of high-proof alcohol to stop the fermentation and leave this wine with 8% sugar. Finished wine: 19.12% alc., aged in 33% New French Oak                                     

“Sweet berry, mocha, and touch of sage. This is a very balanced expression of Dessert Wine, which allows it to be enjoyed on its own or added to any dessert you like!”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors with some chocolate.  Not cloying, just a delicious dessert wine. Would go great with vanilla bean ice cream. March 2022                                                                                     

Visit the Odonata Tasting Room: “Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata winery and tasting room. We hope you will stop by our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.” Open Daily 11 am – 5 pm.  Located at 645 River Road, Salinas CA, 93908.

*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

Make a Donation!

Pierce Ranch: Bringing Spanish and Portuguese Varietals to Life

I have long admired Pierce Ranch for its bravery to distinguish itself by its location in the San Antonio Valley and, more importantly, working with Spanish and Portuguese varietals not typical for Monterey County.  Increasingly, our local vintners are sourcing some fruit from this region, but this is the home of Pierce Ranch.

We thought it might be cool to get more acquainted with Spanish and Portuguese varietals before an upcoming trip along the Douro/Duero River in Portugal and Spain. In early March, we had the chance to stop in for a tasting. I was also hunting for a rosé for an upcoming wine class.  Alas, it was sold out/no longer on sale.  That said, we still found several “class-worthy” wines and took quite a few home to our private stock.

About Pierce Ranch Vineyards https://piercevineyards.com/about.html: “Pierce Ranch Vineyards is a small, family-owned operation centered in southern Monterey County’s San Antonio Valley appellation. We produce limited-run, estate-grown wines with an emphasis on Spanish and Portuguese varieties….Our vineyards are located in a highland valley at the southernmost tip of Monterey County, just on the border between the small towns of Bradley and Lockwood. Perched in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range roughly 14 miles from the ocean and some 25 miles from Paso Robles, the Bradley-Lockwood area is a unique region with viticultural roots going back more than two centuries. First recognized as an ideal grape-growing region by the missionaries of Junipero Serra, the establishment in 1771 of the Mission of San Antonio de Padua also saw the planting of some of the first vineyards on the continent. These vineyards, planted in the eponymous Mission varietal and providing fruit as well as the necessary raw material for sacramental wine, remained in cultivation until the gradual decay of the mission system in the mid 1880s.”

I previously presented a few of their wines here:   https://decantingmonterey.com/pierce-ranch-eclectic-varietals-from-the-san-antonio-ava/ and here https://decantingmonterey.com/pierce-ranch-shop-like-its-the-cold-war/.  Today I am showcasing 9 of their wines, 2 of which were previously reviewed.

2020 Pierce Albariño, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#654)

Winery Notes: “This 2019 Albariño is the product of our vineyards in the San Antonio Valley, a recently declared appellation at the southernmost tip of Monterey County. Grown in a mix of calcareous rock, broken shale, decomposed granite, and clay, the 2019 vintage provides a clear expression not only of varietal character but also of our vineyards’ own unique terroir. Produced on a limited scale, it was fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel. With the rich aromatics and crisp acidity that are the signature of the variety, it features notes of white stone fruit and citrus, with a hint of salinity and a characteristic minerality. Only 121 cases were bottled.”

My Review: Straw in the glass. A lean, floral nose, classic. Tart on the palate with a lemony twist – powerful up front and fading on the finish. Was served a bit cold for a proper tasting. March 2022

2019 Pierce Rosé, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#655)

Winery Notes: “The 2018 Rosé is a lively and distinctive blend of Grenache and Touriga Franca with a touch of Arinto. A rich middle and slightly creamy texture presents a fruity yet restrained profile, with notes of citrus, honeydew, and pomegranate, accompanied by a lingering acidity and salinity in the finish.”

My Review: Dusty pink in the glass. Nice, perfume, floral nose. Rich, dark flavors on the palate with grape skin flavors. Gravel rock minerality on the lingering finish. March 2022

2017 Pierce Tempranillo, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#236)

Winery Notes: “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.This 2017 Tempranillo is the product of our Panhandle and Y Ranch Vineyard plantings, joining the structure and linearity of the Panhandle’s granite soils to the finesse and the aromatics typical of the shale and clay of the Y Ranch site. It was fermented with only native yeasts and aged in French and American oak for eighteen months. Notes of blackberry and black cherry combine with hints of lavender, cedar, tobacco, and sage.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. A big, plum bouquet. Very nice up front flavors. This lighter-bodied Tempranillo is juicy and drinkable. While not the biggest Tempranillo, this was very tasty – we liked it. Reminiscent of one of our favorite California Tempranillo wines. March 2022

2017 Pierce Maçon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#656)  53% Petit Verdot, 30% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano 

Winery Notes: “Something of an Ibérique Supérieur, our new Maçon brings together Tempranillo, Graciano and Petit Verdot to form a slightly idiosyncratic blend of Spanish and French varieties. Combining a hint of Iberian aromatics with the earthy, mineral palate reminiscent of a Bordeaux, this is a wine that approaches Old World character while also indulging a touch of experimentation. A floral nose balances itself against a darker midpalate and a solid tannic structure, as notes of violets and dried herbs give way to an underlying earthiness and a savory, vaguely smoky finish.”

My Review: This is an intriguing combination of French and Spanish grapes. Dark ruby in color with cedar, mocha and rose petals on the nose. Full bodied, with mocha, cherry, berry and black tea flavors on the palate. Our favorite wine on this day. March 2022

2018 Pierce Cosecheiro, San Antonio Valley AVA, $32 (#657)

Winery Notes: “A nonvintage bottling consisting of our 2017 and 2018 Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, the new Cosecheiro is already proving to be a charming, lively, and eminently drinkable wine. With a rich palate framed by a fresh acidity, it foregrounds the soft fruit and florality characteristic of the younger Tourigas, while also embracing the darker earthy and mineral qualities of the older vintage. Boysenberry, black plum, red cherry coulis and black pepper on the nose meet with hints of rosemary, savory wood spice, and dark cocoa on the palate, leading to a clean, bright finish.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  This Portuguese grape exhibited cherry and dark berry on the nose, carrying over to the palate. Slate and a tad tart on the finish. Very soft. March 2022

2019 Pierce Mal/Zin, San Antonio Valley AVA, $30 (#658)  48% Zinfandel, 24% Malbec, 24% Alicante Bouchet

My Review: Leading toward purple in the glass. Peppery Zinfandel on the nose. Pleasant on the palate with round cherry and berry flavors dancing on the tongue, the Zin balanced by the 2 other grapes.  Slightly bitter and dry on the finish. March 2022

2017 Pierce Cabernet Sauvignon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $25 (#659)

My Review: A warm nose. A touch of green pepper amongst the fruit. March 2022

2017 Pierce Petite Sirah, San Antonio Valley AVA, $28 (#237)

Winery Notes: “Located in the southernmost tip of Monterey County, the newly declared San Antonio Valley appellation is already showing itself to be an ideal region for producing nuanced, complex Petite Sirah. Consisting entirely of fruit sourced from our Y Ranch Vineyard’s rocky, hillside Block 1, this 2017 estate bottling provides an elegant expression of the variety, with excellent depth and solid tannic structure. A limited run, it was fermented using only native yeasts and aged in primarily neutral French oak for eighteen months. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, black currant, and black plum combine with a savory component and traces of spice.”

My Review: Purple in the glass. Dark, juicy grape flavors – delicious and smooth. Missing some distinctive fruit flavors on the palate with a chalky finish. I liked this wine. March 2022

2018 Pierce Malbec, San Antonio Valley AVA, $32 (#660)

Winery Notes: “Bordeaux native grown in our Panhandle Vineyard.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass. Palate exhibits lavender, cherry and red berry flavors – very balanced and good. March 2022

Tasting Pierce Ranch Wines https://piercevineyards.com/index.html: Please visit us at our tasting room, located on 499 Wave Street in New Monterey, between Cannery Row and Lighthouse Avenue. The tasting room hours are as follows: Mon – Thur: 12:00 – 7:00 pm; Fri & Sat: 12:00 – 8:00 pm; Sun: 12:00 – 6:00 pm.

*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

Make a Donation!

“Monterey Nights”:  A Blast from the Past

We are going to have a little fun today.  We recently had a family reunion for 25 people at our small, 2-bedroom home. It’s how we roll.  We decided to open “Grandpa’s” wines, including a magnum of non-vintage Monterey Peninsula Winery’s Monterey Nights, which my father-in-law won in some raffle many, many moons ago.  The label is an indicator:  a “pure California grape wine blended with natural flavors.  Serve chilled.” Hm…

About Monterey Peninsula Winery: OK, readers, I need your help.  About all I can find is they were established perhaps in 1968 in Sand City and disbanded by about 1996. I see something about foreign ownership (NFI) and also heard a Carmel dentist was a co-owner and that one of the vineyards where they sourced their grapes was later owned by Talbot and now by Gallo.  I hear it was popular with my generation back in the day.  I see they also made a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and an Alicante Bouschet. Some of these older wines are still available!

Monterey Peninsula Winery “Monterey Nights,” Monterey, 12.5% ABV (Wine #653*)

I want to say up front that this wine was not bad – meaning turned or off in any way.  It was just old – and still a mystery.  I mean “grape wine….serve chilled…” We guess it was a white, sweet wine, back in its day.

My Review: Amber in color, like a well-aged tawny port.  Nose of caramel, sweet like Muscatel.  In flavor, like a weak tawny port (only 12.5% ABV) or a muscatel.  April 2022

You can still search for and find some old bottles of Monterey Peninsula Winery – like this one here: https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/peninsula+doctor+rsrv+merlot+monterey+county+central+coast+california+usa/1/usa-ca-y  

*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

Make a Donation!

Diora: “Indulgence Begins in the Vineyard”

It is always fun to hunt down what I feel are wines truly representative of what we can do here in Monterey for my wine classes. My next one is for the Northern Virginia American Wine Society.  I was reading the Wine Enthusiast Magazine a couple of months back and saw this Monterey Chardonnay earned the #9 spot on The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2021.  I tracked it down at a market in Carmel-By-The-Sea and we served it during a family reunion.  Now that I have finally tasted it, I hope I can still acquire a couple more bottles!

About Diora: “At Diora, indulgence indeed begins in the Vineyard. Diora is the culmination of a thirty-year vineyard-to-bottle journey at the Santa Lucia Highlands and our family-owned San Bernabe estate in Monterey. Specific blocks at San Bernabe were replanted in the early 1990s in a unique wind orientation to allow the vines to thrive off the Monterey Bay’s cool ocean breezes and thicken the skins to heighten the luscious, round textures on the palate. The elevated positioning of the Santa Lucia Highlands helps produce Diora’s underlying structure and mouth-coating texture.”  Diora is part of the Delicato family of wines. 

2019 Diora La Splendeur du Soleil Chardonnay, San Bernabe AVA, Monterey, 14.5% ABV, $20 (Wine #652*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “This Diora La Splendeur du Soleil Chardonnay is a beautiful, golden hue, with aromas of toasted oak mingle with light spice notes of cinnamon. The delicate flavors of vanilla bean give way to a lovely, soft and light buttery layer. This reminds one of a rich, yet delicate crème brûlée with a soft, round mouthfeel that will pair beautifully with lobster or sautéed scallops. The light acidity and long finish of this wine will also be a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes.” This wine comes mostly from its San Bernabe estate vineyard, where it gets its tropical notes.  The rest comes from its Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard, providing more of the citrusy balance. 

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Excellently presented aromas of butter, nectarine, warm almond and white flower are delicate but expressive on the nose of this bottling. An immediate acidity races through the palate, lifting the toasty and buttery elements while pairing smartly against the ripe citrus and white flower elements.” Matt Kettmann, December 2021

My Review: Viscous and golden in the glass.  Tropical nose with melon and a touch of smoke.  Grilled peach and pineapple on the palate with toasted caramel on the finish. This was a very interesting, atypical Chardonnay which everyone enjoyed.  April 2022

Diora’s website contains a tab for finding their wines near you.  You can also order their wines from their website – it will take you to Delicato’s purchasing engine.  While Diora does not appear to have a tasting room, Delicato Family Wines is located at 12001 South Highway 99 in Manteca, California between Modesto and Stockton and is open every day from 9am – 5:30pm. You can find more details here.

*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

Make a Donation!

Another Exceptional Chilean Wine from DeRose’s Creation of Alchemy!

I explained to you last August why I was showcasing a Chilean wine in my Central Coast wine blog:  https://decantingmonterey.com/a-wine-from-chile-in-a-central-coast-wine-blog/ In February, we opened the Alchemy 2015 Syrah – and I thought it was terrific, as I did the 2017 Alchemy Carménère. So, here is another one!

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

2015 Alchemy Syrah, Cachapoal Valley, Chile, 14.1% ABV, $22 (Wine #651*)

About Alchemy and the 2015 Syrah (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 vision 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 years and has limited availability with only 100 cases produced!” 

Additional Winemaker’s Notes: “Our Syrah is a 100% handmade wine, fermented with natural yeasts, has a 12-month age in French Oak. Unfiltered bottling.” (translated by Google Translate) https://www.movilatienda.cl/en/vinas/alchemy

My Review: Rich dark ruby in the glass. Intense red and black berries on the nose. Bold flavors on the palate – dark berries, rich and smooth with enough red currant tartness balanced by Chambord on the finish to keep it from being over the top. I really liked this wine. February 2022

You find more information on purchasing DeRose Winery and Alchemy wines here: https://derosewine.com/online-store/. You can also visit them daily at their winery in Hollister: 9970 Cienega Road. When we visited in 2019, Alphonse himself presented the wines.

*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

Make a Donation!

KORi Makes a Worthy Syrah from the Family Ranch!

I introduced you to Kori Wines back in September here: https://decantingmonterey.com/kori-wines-its-a-family-affair/. When I stopped in for that tasting last August, I was hoping to taste the soon-to-be-released 2019 Syrah by winemaker Sabrine Rodems. It didn’t arrive in time. 

I was able to go back to visit in February, where we were warmly welcomed in the tasting room and we left with several bottles tucked under our arms.

Today I am presenting just this one Kori wines.  The winery notes and prices come from their website.

2019 Kori Syrah, KW Ranch Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14%, $42 (#650*) 

Winery notes: “Juicy Bramble Fruit. Black Pepper. Cigar Box.” 170 cases produced.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points:  “Pleasantly funky aromas of nori, toasted sesame seed, asphalt and black plum make for a compelling nose on this bottling. That funky streak extends through the sip, where tar, teriyaki and pepper flavors meet with a furikake seasoning, all atop roasted dark fruit.” Matt Kettmann, May 2022

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Berries on the nose. Smooth on the palate with notes of berry jam and chocolate.  February 2022                                                                                                                           

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

Make a Donation!

Shale Canyon: A Big, Structured Cabernet from Arroyo Seco!

We stopped in at Shale Canyon before dinner with friends and stumbled upon a great sale of their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon for only $20/bottle! What was not to like!  While we produce some fine Cabernet Sauvignons in our warmer growing regions, Monterey County isn’t really known for its Cabernet Sauvignons, but a wine like this one shows the potential for it in some of our warmer growing regions.

I introduced you to Shale Canyon last November here: https://decantingmonterey.com/shale-canyon-daring-to-grow-blend-varietals-not-typically-associated-with-monterey/, so today’s post will be short and sweet. 

Today I am presenting just one Shale Canyon wine.  The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet.

2013 Shale Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.8% ABV, $35 (#649*) 

Winery Notes: “A very big floral bouquet of violets and dark berry. This wine is very complex and the most distinctive flavors noted are blackberry, black cherry, and pomegranate.  It is very fruit forward.  A lingering finish with leather, tobacco and elegant structured tannins complement the experience. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.”

My Review: Deep ruby in the glass. Cedar, plum, dark berries and cherry on the nose and palate with a currant/cassis finish.  A fabulous value wine! December 2021

You can buy Shale Canyon wines on their website or at their tasting room on Paseo San Carlos Courtyard, Westside San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea.  They are open Sunday through Thursday 1–5, Friday and Saturday 12-7 and suggest reservations for parties of 4 or more.  You can contact them at reservations@shalecanyonwines.com.

© Decanting Monterey 2022

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

Joyce: Exploring the Endless Potential of Monterey’s Coastal Terroir

My neighbor was in town last month and she is always game to “help” me with my wine blog.  We belong to the same winery out in Carmel Valley Village – and she was willing to check out Joyce with me.  I hadn’t been to Joyce since December 2019, when I picked up a case of James Joyce Merlot for a planned (and cancelled) wine class.  My DC area friends enjoyed that case of wine during the pandemic. In the hopes of finding another Merlot for my next class, we headed to Joyce.

We were warmly welcomed in the tasting room and headed outside to one of the very nice tables for the tasting. Our server was very knowledgeable and provided us tons of information, answering even my peskiest question.  The menu was very much focused on Monterey wines from across the county: Carmel Valley, Monterey, and Santa Lucia Highlands sub-AVAs.  While I was still on a mission to find wines for a class, the menu didn’t include their James Joyce label from San Benito County.  And no Merlot to try:  sold out.  And no industry discount.  Alas, I can’t get lucky every time!

I previously wrote about Joyce Wine Co back in December 2020.  You can read more about Joyce there https://decantingmonterey.com/joyce-wine-company-small-lot-wines-from-monterey-california-with-balance-finesse-and-focus/ and on their website https://joycewineco.com/.

Today I am presenting 5 wines we tasted at their Tasting Room in February, plus 1 I purchased for later consumption.  Unless otherwise specified, winery notes come from their website. The map below gives a good visual on the vineyards they use for their wines.

2018 Joyce Wine Co Escolle Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.3% ABV, $35 (#643*)

Winemaker Notes: “The fruit for this Chardonnay comes from Escolle Vineyard located at the Northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. This site is impeccably farmed by the Caraccioli Family, who are incredible stewards of their land. Very low water usage translates into low yields of intense fruit full of flavor and acidity. The strong marine influence and well drained gravelly loam soils of Chular combine to deliver Chardonnay fruit that showcases both power and finesse.”

Tasting notes: “AROMA Rose hips, stone fruit, clove spice, toast/dough, river stone  FLAVOR Apple, bosc pear, wild peach, steely/mineral, brioche/lees”

My Review: Pale golden in color.  Tropical notes on the nose.  Balanced oak on the tasty and lively palate, with a touch of lime on the finish.  We liked this wine. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Gabilan Mountains Pinot Noir, Monterey, 12.6% ABV, $45 (#644*)

Winemaker’s Notes (condensed from the Tech Sheet): “The Gabilan Mountain Pinot Noir comes from a small vineyard site positioned on a soft slope located on the east side of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. Soils consisting of decomposed granite and limestone allow for an ethereal expression of Pinot Noir. To highlight and preserve the purity of the wine, grapes were fermented using partial whole-cluster and native yeast. The resulting wine was then aged for 10 months in neutral French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. These honest winemaking practices combined with thoughful farming allow this vineyard site to show both power and finesse.” 18 barrels produced.

My Review: Translucent bright ruby in the glass with a bright red berry nose.  Smooth on the palate with light berry flavors with subtle structure on the finish.  A pleasant wine. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Tondre Grapefield  Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, $45  (#645*)

Winemaker Notes: “Tondre Grapefield captures the soul of the Santa Lucia Highlands in the glass with dark brambly fruit, spice, light earth tones and a decedent textural mouth feel that comes from the cool climate site set of the regions sandy loams. This vintage shines with a deep garnet/ruby hue and a medium/full bodied palate of blackberry, plum and of course cherry fruits along with a touch of tea spice, lavender and soft oak. This wine gains in the glass and while youthful fresh it delivers an excellent play between lush ripe fruit and savory briar notes, this is not a vintage to miss.” 18 barrels produced.

My Review: Richer and darker in color, seemingly a tiny bit cloudy in the glass, with a richer bouquet than the previous wine.  Richer flavors on the palate, with some tartness in the balance.  February 2022

2019 Russell Joyce Grenache Syrah, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $38 (#646*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “The special Small Lot Collection Grenache-Syrah is a blend of 70% Grenache from Cedar Lane and 30% Tondre Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah. Mostly concrete tank fermentation and aging making for a new California expression of a Southern Rhone style red in an ode to Chateaneuf-du-Pape. The ripe and dark fruited Grenache-Syrah has an intense purple/magenta hue in the glass with an incredible bouquet of wild flowers and spices that leads to a forward palate of olallieberry, racy plum, red currant and huckleberry fruits, sprigs of lavender, pepper, minty notes and a fresh tang with some delicate floral tones, savory elements and lingering kirsch. Seriously proportioned and dense without being heavy, this very limited Grenache-Sryah release, develops nicely with air and love the studied display of fruit and stony earth that comes out.”

My Review: Berry on the nose.  A nice palate of robust, smooth fruit – very appealing to my taste. February 2022

2019 Russell Joyce Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley 13.8% ABV, $60 (#647*)

Notes from the Tasting Room: The grapes for this wine come from the Joullian Vineyard in Carmel Valley.  With light oak notes, it is a more fuller representation of the fruit. 

My Review: Dense, dark ruby in the glass.  Berry notes on the nose.  A medium palate of dark berry flavors.  Pretty yummy. February 2022

2019 Joyce Wine Co Tondre Grapefield  Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4% ABV, $35 (#648*)

Winemaker’s Notes: “Planted in 1997, Tondré Grapefield sits in the center of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The terroir is defined by portruding Southeast facing slopes, strong marine influences from the Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. To show transparency, the fruit was harvested at moderate sugars and fermented using 60% whole clusters and native yeasts. The wine was then aged for 10 months in a combination of small concrete vessels and neutral French oak barrels before being bottled infined and unfiltered. These honest winemaking practices combined with thoughtful farming allow the savory fruit and natural acidity of this cool climate Syrah to shine.” 10 barrels produced.

Tasting Notes: “AROMA Black fruits, peppercorns, dried lavender, minty herb, crushed violets, forest floor FLAVOR Black raspberry, pomegranate, damson plum, liquid violets, embers, mixed spices”

My Review: Fresh ruby in the glass.  At first, Bing cherry on the nose.  Palate of bright, tart cherry flavors a la Jolly Rancher.  As it opened up over a couple of days, the flavors balanced out, revealing a little more earth and deeper flavors. March 2022

You can buy Joyce wines from their web site or tasting room. Their tasting room is located at 1 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village is open.  It has a lovely outdoor setting.  You can find more information and make a reservation here.

*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

Make a Donation!

SIGN UP HERE TO GET Decanting Monterey DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL!!

Don't miss a single exciting post about our Central Coast/Monterey wines! Enter your email address below for a free subscription to Decanting Monterey. Be sure to open the confirmation email and validate your subscription! See you soon!!