The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) had its April session on The Barrel Room’s patio where Jana Saunders of Boëté Winery introduced their wines to us. As long-time members of their wine club, I was thrilled to finally make this happen for our members. We were allowed to bring appetizers to share and – bonus – it was a beautiful, sunny and warm afternoon. The wines were all delicious and the hospitality, unrivaled.
Boëtémakes such tasty wines from its Bordeaux varietals grown just beyond Carmel Valley Village. I pulled this short history from its website and encourage you to read the rest on its website:
“In the early 80’s John Saunders made wine at his Soledad Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands. At first making wine was a hobby and when his wines became popular with many of his friends in the restaurant industry, he decided to create a winery. In 1994, John and his wife Jana traded their 250-acre citrus orchard in Soledad California for 15 acres in Carmel Valley; land that had gone uncultivated due to lack of water. The first water well John drilled had gushed enough water to irrigate his vineyard forever. In early spring 1997, they planted their first vineyard on their sun-drenched hillside.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting just one new wine, as the others we tasted are available in the post linked above. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a matter of practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2021 BoëtéMerlot, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1560)
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: Ruby in the glass. Pleasant cherry dominates the nose. Tart palate with red cherry juice flavors. I would like to taste this new release gain – separate from an event. April 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
You can taste and purchase Boëté wines at The Barrel Room every day (closed Wednesdays), 12-5 p.m. 5 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village.
You can read more about the winery and purchase their wines on line through their website.
I was hunting around for a place to hold the May Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) First Friday meeting and contacted Jeff Meacham of De Tierra Vineyards. I received an immediate YES from him, making it one of the easiest places we have booked to date!
Our growing AWS group enjoyed the wines, an in-depth educational presentation by Jeff, great service by the staff and their lovely space. An extra bonus is you can order charcuterie or focaccia to accompany your tasting! My “dinner” there was delicious!
If your Monterey area winery has the capacity and interest to host us (up to 35 people) for one of our educational events, please let me know!
From their website: “De Tierra creates delicious, award-winning, and sustainably harvested wines to share from the unique terroir of Monterey County. De Tierra, as our name suggests, focuses on providing the best representation ‘of the land’. Great wines begin in the vineyard, and it is our goal to translate the defining flavors of place into great wine!”
De Tierra staff pouring our wines!
Jeff Meacham, who purchased the vineyard 2.5 years ago, educated us about the vineyard’s history – here are some of my notes: 25 years ago, Tom Russell was passionate about wine. He was seeking a property that had been organically farmed and would be Sustainable in Practice (SIP). He found it in Corral de Tierra, where there had been no overspray of pesticides. The first planting was their Merlot and it was the only commercial vineyard in Corral. (Jeff took a moment to inform us why it is important to make organic wines – that one of the reasons some wine isn’t good for you is the pesticides.)
Today they have 49 acres planted to 5 varietals. Last year, they acquired Hilltop Ranch Vineyards, as well (which used to be Cima Colina) which added Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to their varietals. They are shifting their focus to estate wines and they wanted sole access.
THE WINES
Today I’m bringing you 5 wines from De Tierra Vineyards. Winery notes come from their website, newsletters or tasting room. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 De Tierra Chardonnay, Russell Estate, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.3% ABV, $49 (#1555)
Winery Notes: “Lively color of pale gold and glimmers of green. On the nose you’ll pickup honeydew melon, pear, apricot, yellow apple and honeysuckle…Notes of Asian pear, star fruit and pineapple. Strikes a delicious profile between minerality and robust fruit character. Beautifully well balanced acid and a smooth finish.” 100%. Lighter brighter. They also have a Monterey chard with 25% new oak.
My Review: Pale in the glass. Lime twist on the nose. A lot of minerality on the palate. Tasty. May 2025
2024 De Tierra Rose, Hilltop Ranch, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $44 (#1556)
Winery Notes: “Pale ruby in color with notes of cranberry, pomegranate and strawberry…Black cherry and plum with a hint of mushroom. Velvet in texture with notes of blueberry and dark chocolate.”
My Review: Pale red in the glass. Heavy Pinot Noir flavors on the palate – lots of skin contact it seems to me (later confirmed by the winery). A rather big palate for a rose. May 2025
2022 De Tierra Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $64 (#1557)
Winery Notes: “Pale ruby in color with notes of cranberry, pomegranate and strawberry…Black cherry and plum with a hint of mushroom. Velvet in texture with notes of blueberry and dark chocolate.”
My Review: Very tasty. Cherry and raspberry flavors dance on the palate, balancing out the tannins. There is something so enjoyable about this wine. May 2025
2020 De Tierra Puzzler Red Blend, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $54 (#1558)
Winery Notes: “Garnet in color. Nose offers notes of rich earth, plum, fresh fig, black licorice and a hint of spice…Plush tannins balance this very complex full bodied wine. This wine starts with notes of plum and blackberry, then leads to black tea with a long tobacco finish.”
My Review: Very dark in the glass. Notes of blackberry and plum on the nose. Merlot dominates on the palate – a very soft and drinkable red blend – always a favorite selection of mine from De Tierra. May 2025
2020 De Tierra Petite Sirah, Pedregal de Paicines, Central Coast AVA, 14% ABV, $69 (#1559)
Winery Notes: “Extraordinary deep purple color, with notes of fresh blackberry, black tea, black pepper, pomegranate…Full-bodied flavors of blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, plums and black pepper, mocha, dense tannins. Our limited release Petite Sirah recently won GOLD and earned a 96 points rating at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition 2023.”
My Review: Dark plum, cassis, blackberry, blueberry and anise. This is a very smooth, full-bodied wine. I took some home! May 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“De Tierra provides a one of a kind tasting room experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just 1½ blocks off Ocean Ave., our tasting room is located in a cozy cottage that opens up to the sights and sounds of downtown. Come visit us and experience our extensive wine portfolio which features many single varietal wines, unique blends, sparkling and dessert wines. Make it a perfect match with our available locally sourced small bites.
“The Tasting Room at De Tierra Vineyards is open to the public Mon-Thr: 1pm-6pm and Fri-Sun: 1pm -7pm. Reservations are not needed, but are encouraged.” Click here for more information and to make a reservation.
I first heard about Swirling Hawk from its winemaker Frank Melicia, the winemaker at Parsonage and Silvestri. When one of our Monterey Chapter of the AWS members told me he was arranging a tour and tasting, I jumped on that tour. In late April, about a dozen of us met with David, the owner, at the winery for the story, a tour and a wine tasting. Swirling Hawk is not open to the public and only does small, private tastings with friends.
My bottom line: If you ever get an invitation to Swirling Hawk, say yes – you will be glad you did. The beautiful estate and vineyards are tucked away in Hidden Valley, off the Laureles Grade. The hospitality is first rate, as are the impressive wines. Moreover, all of that was accompanied by a lovely charcuterie spread. I took several wines home and am already looking forward to what is next.
“David’s family has been involved in the wine industry his entire life which nurtured his life long dream–to produce a world class wine for all to enjoy.
“After graduating college, he moved to California as a wine salesman where he met Marieke. Throughout their courtship, whether a casual gathering with loved ones, a dinner while traveling, or watching a sunset, they have always marveled at how a special bottle of wine dramatically enhances the experience.
“In 2017, they discovered Swirling Hawk Vineyards, a vineyard they knew would produce wines of exceptional quality and complexity. Swirling Hawk is singularly focused on delivering Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that will embody the unique air, land and sea characteristics surrounding this extraordinary vineyard.”
David shared that his current production is 250 cases. He currently has 15 barrels and will expand to 22. His wine club is modest – like his production: 1 release of 6 bottles per year. Nice.
2018 was their first vintage. The grapes experienced shorter hang time but even temperatures. The 115 clone of Pinot Noir was most dominant in that blend. In 2019, the grapes received a longer hang time and hotter weather, resulting in a much different flavor profile – more raspberry and cherry.
As best I could capture from David’s descriptions, Swirling Hawk has 13 acres of estate wine consisting of 777/116 and 667 Pinot Noir clones. The Pommard vines are only 6 years old, while the rest are 25. The Pinot Noir wine is aged in 50% new oak and 50% neutral oak. He has 10 unique barrels from which to determine the reserve blend, which is 2/3 Pommard clone.
Today I’m bringing you 4 wines from Swirling Hawk. Winery notes come from our visit to the winery. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 Swirling Hawk Chardonnay, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, $50 (#1551)
Winery Notes: During our visit, David indicated he only made 15 cases of this wine. It is sold out, yet we were able to taste it at this private event. Stainless steel fermentation, but some oak sticks added just a touch of buttery richness.
My Review: Golden in color and viscous in the glass. Buttery nose balanced by citrus and white blossoms notes. Minerality on the palate with a citrus twist finish. May 2025
Winery Notes: This Pinot Noir is a blend of estate grapes: About 1/3 Pommard, 1/3 Swann and 1/3 of the rest of the hillside grapes.
My Review: Deep in color. Dark plum, Bing cherry and strawberry on the rich, fruity nose. This Pinot Noir is all fruit, like a dark cherry Jolly Rancher (in a good way). To me, this is a richer representation of the finest Monterey can produce. This was my favorite wine of the tasting. May 2025
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
Winery Notes: The reserve blend is made from 2/3 Pommard and 1/3 Swan grapes, with 2/3 neutral and 1/3 new barrels.
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
Our tour included a visit to “The Barn” where our friend Sarah enjoyed the fireplace.
As a diehard ParsonageRocco Reserve Syrah fan, I was not about to miss the real Rocco’s 21st Birthday celebration at their tasting room in April. This was a great opportunity to have a conversation with Rocco, his grandfather and winery owner Bill Parsons, enjoy a flight of Rocco Reserve Syrah wines, including a 2001 library Syrah made before he was even born. All of this was accompanied by some of his favorite childhood snacks, from his grandmother’s delicious endive topped with goat cheese, pecan and honey to the highly processed Cool Ranch Doritos. Who knew the latter would make such a great wine pairing? I lament the fact I didn’t get a picture of the cute display of Rocco’s favorite childhood snacks.
Today I’m bringing you 3 of the wines we tasted that day – the others previously appeared in Decanting Monterey – just search Parsonage to find them. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2023 Parsonage Rosé of Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#1548)
Winery Notes: “The rich fragrant floral bouquet is matched by its uniquely rich copper hue. Deep palate flavors, manifest of ripe strawberries and luscious nectarines. This rosé is for big red wine lovers! The mouthfeel is like a bullet down the middle of the pallet with a vibrant and savory finish.”
My Review: Copper/salmon in the glass. Rich in body – definitely a big rose for big red wine lovers – you won’t mistake this for a Provencal rose! 100% Syrah. April 2025
2008 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, Library Wine (#1549)
Winery Notes: “A blast of blueberry, blackberry, curry spices and cocoa on the nose. The monumental mouthfeel is layered with dark fruit, exotic spice, and French oak barrel brûlée. The signature notes of mineral and game with hints of liquor and Amarone deliver on an exceedingly long and dramatic finish.”
My Review: Dark, dense garnet in color. Dark plum and black licorice on the nose. The palate was scrumptious – a rich, delicious wine. Drinking exquisitely. Wish I had some at home. If you’ve got one in your cellar, now is the time to drink it. April 2025
2001 Parsonage Estate (Rocco) Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, Library Wine (#1550)
Winery Notes: “Deep nose of blueberry, sage, and game. Lush mouthfeel with dark berries, grilled meat and cinnamon/clove on the pallet with fine, ripe tenants and a long smooth finish.”
My Review: Dense garnet, almost purple. Prune and earth on the nose. We tasted this one after the 2008 vintage – this one has a leaner, earthier palate. I preferred the 2008! April 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Hooray! We are open for both indoor and outdoor wine tasting daily.”
19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village
Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm
“Reservations can be made here or by phone. Please call us at 831-659-7322 for same day reservations.”
It was another evening warranting a Turley. In my hunt in our wine room, I found this 2020 Zinfandel from Amadeo’s Vineyard in Paso Robles. This would be the first time trying a wine from this vineyard and is the singular wine in today’s post.
But perhaps the even bigger news is my discovery that Turley recently closed its Amador County tasting room and winery. When I couldn’t find that tasting room on its website, I found the news in this Instagram post.
“Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Napa Valley by former emergency room physician Larry Turley in 1993. Under the direction of winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, Turley now makes 50 different wines from over 50 vineyards across California, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vines dating back to the late 1800s. By farming organically and focusing on old vine vineyards of these varieties, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture.”
THE VINEYARD
ABOUT AMADEO’S VINEYARD (from the Turley website)
“This historic site was planted in the 1920s as the only vineyard supplying the family-owned Amadeo Martinelli winery, located adjacent to the dry-farmed vines. In true Italian tradition, the vineyard is interplanted with cherry trees, as well as a handful of Grenache vines. The slope faces north and as such Amadeo’s is the coolest climate site we work with in Paso Robles, making it the last one to come in at harvest. As a result, the wine has a sleek texture, phenomenal acidity, and impressive depth.”
THE WINE
I have just 1 wine to present to you today from Turley. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2020 Turley Zinfandel, Amadeo’s Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 15.3% ABV, $42 (#1547)
Winery Notes: “A cooler climate 1920s dry-farmed estate vineyard in Paso. Black currant, black pepper, garrigue, meat marinade, crème de mûre, and lavender. Lush yet savory, would be excellent with lamb. Drink now at 55°-60°F.”
My Review: Garnet, almost purple, in the glass. Dark berry jam notes on the nose. Rich berry jam on the palate. Some yeasty notes throughout. April 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Want to try a Turley? Let’s head on down to Paso Robles!
Paso Robles Tasting Room: “A few miles inland of California’s storied Central Coast, Paso Robles is a pioneer’s paradise, where surfers, cowboys, vintners, farmers, and ranchers commingle amidst ancient vines, towering oak trees, and rolling hills.”
It is open daily 10 am – 4 pm. If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!
Today’s post is about 2 exceptional Lucia by Pisoni wines we have enjoyed recently. One was given to us by a visiting friend and the other we ordered while dining at the The Fish Hopper on Monterey’s Cannery Row.
I’ve written about Lucia by Pisonia couple of times –the best way to find them would be to search “Pisoni” on the Decanting Monterey website.
“The terrain was rough. There was no water. ‘Gary is crazy’ everyone said. Years later, he had developed one of “California’s great sites.” Read the whole story here!
Gary Pisoni is one of the pioneers in exceptional winegrowing and winemaking in the Santa Lucia Highlands. When he told his parents he wanted to plant vineyards on their farmland, his parents thought he was crazy. He planted his first 5 acres in 1982 and, once he found a water source, he expanded the vineyard another 17 acres. Those grapes are now amongst the most respected and coveted in all of Monterey County. He finally began producing his own wines in 2000. His operation is a family affair, with his two sons, Mark and Jeff Pisoni, joining the team.
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 2 Lucia by Pisoni wines. As usual, the winery notes come from their tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the owner. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2022 Lucia by Pisoni Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $55 (#1545)
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “The Lucia Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée represents the synergy that develops when three estate-farmed vineyards are blended and bottled as a singular wine. The 2022 vintage is comprised of 70% Pisoni Vineyards, 14% Garys’ Vineyard, and 16% Soberanes Vineyard. As the wine’s medium-ruby hue fills the glass, aromas of crushed strawberry, spiced plum, and underlaying hints of dark berry develop. The Pinot Noir transitions to the palate and shows savory notes of Asian spice, black tea, then gains volume with notes of plush red berries and subtle vanilla—from eleven months of aging in 45% new French oak barrels. The heavy morning fog and bracing coastal winds of the mountainous Santa Lucia Highlands keep this wine fresh and provide acidity that reawakens the palate after each sip. The finish shows youthful and layered, yet distinctly approachable tannin.”
You can read more about this wine on its tech sheet here.
My Review: Translucent, dark ruby with a purple tinge in the glass. Faint cherry nose with a quaffable palate with cherry and brambly flavors. This is not your typical SLH Pinot Noir! April 2025
2021 Lucia by Pisoni Syrah, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $65 (#1546)
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “Staking its claim as an immaculate representation of the new world, yet harkening back to its ancestral old-world roots, the 2021 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Syrah is a harmonizing display of this variety. The explosive profile bursts from the bottle immediately upon removing the cork and amplifies as this deep purple wine splashes into a glass. The aromatic intricacies are woven around notes of macerated blueberries and blackberry compote paired with a perfume of anise, violets, and fresh herbs. Coating the palate, this Syrah manages an unmistakable concentration and an undeniable elegance. Berry cobbler, new leather, toasted vanilla bean, and olive tapenade flavors gain momentum as the wine takes each breath. Vibrant acid and firm tannin from 100% whole cluster fermentation proclaim this wine’s youth. Drink now if you must, but patience will reward those who can resist the temptation of early enjoyment.”
You can read more about this wine on its tech sheet here.
My Review: I am disappointed to discover that I did not take tasting notes for this wine. I recall it being very smooth, sophisticated and delicious. I am not usually a fan of SLH Syrah but this one proved me wrong. The San Francisco Chronicle calls their Syrah “California’s Syrah at its best.” April 2025
My partner is always on the lookout for Central Coast bargains on the K&L Wine Merchants, where he found this 2023 Outward Massa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon on sale for $30. We picked up a couple to try now and later. It’s pretty young for trying now, but we did. Today’s post is about Outward and this single wine. You can read my previous posts about the Durney legacy of the Massa Vineyard here.
THE WINERY
About Outward Wines: “Outward Wines is a partnership between Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique. We produce small-lot, site-specific wines from California’s Central Coast. We currently farm about 6 acres of vines ourselves and also source grapes from vineyards along the coast. All of these vineyards are organically farmed at minimum.
“In the winery, we strive to minimize our impact in order to allow for a clear picture of what the site can provide naturally, and to give our wines a true sense of time and place.”
THE WINE
Today I am presenting 1 Outward wine. As usual, the winery notes come from their tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the owner. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2023 Outward Cabernet Sauvignon, Massa Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.3% ABV, $42 (#1544)
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “With no new oak influence, our Massa Cabernet is our ode to the old-school Cabs of California. Our 2023 Cab from this site carries a robust bouquet of aromatics with well-integrated tannins to provide body and structure. Brambly red and black fruits, notes of leather, cedar, and herbaceousness bounce from the glass, while integrated acidity and soft tannins complete the palate. This is a ready-to-drink Cabernet for any occasion—with or without food.” You can read more about this wine and the Massa Vineyard’s legacy herewhich also has a link to its tech sheet.
My Review: Garnet in color. Fruity nose with scents of dark plum, crushed berries, and cherry. Raspberry jam with blackberry notes, chocolate and leather on the medium- weight palate, leaving you wanting more. The palate wraps with grippy tannins and lingering vanilla notes, wondering how this wine would taste if you could cellar it for a few more years. We’ll try. February 2025
“We currently offer private, by-appointment tastings at our humble winery production space located in Grover Beach. Visits are approximately 75 minutes in duration and include a tasting of 5-7 wines. Tasting fees are $40 per person.” Please visit their website here for more information.
I popped into the Shale Canyon Tasting Room in Carmel-by-the-Sea in February and was informed their 2019 Cabernet Franc had just been released. Their Cabernet Franc wines are their flagship, award winning wines. I presented an earlier vintage in one of my DC wine classes and was excited to try this one.
THE WINERY
About Shale Canyon from their website: “Shale Canyon Wines started vinting small lots of hand crafted varietals in 2008…Currently Shale Canyon Wines is comprised of Keith Prader, the winemaker, and Tim Prader tasting room and vineyard manager.
“Current production is about 1000+ cases per year with our main focus on producing wines that have outstanding nose, mouth feel and finish. For the Estate wines we are currently growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre. We source fruit from larger, well established vineyards whose farming practices are exemplary in the industry and whose fruit is second to none. The varietals include Syrah, Malbec, Chardonnay and Petite Sirah. We enjoy making classic and unique blends as well . Our Consortium is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Striation is 75% Zinfandel and 25% Mourvèdre, a wonderful floral wine. And Amalgamation, a very interesting blend of Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. Quality is our main goal. Quantity is always secondary. We hope you try and enjoy our wines!”
THE WINE
Today I am presenting 1 Shale Canyon wine. As usual, the winery notes come from their tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the owner. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “Our 2018 Estate Cabernet Franc starts with aromas of dark fruit, slight oak and a touch of floral. A complex wine with flavors of dark cherry, dark berry and cassis. A finish of vanilla with a hint of leather and medium firm tannins.
“Cabernet Franc is one of the world’s top 20 most popular grape varieties. Recent DNA testing has proven it to be an ancestor to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Malbec. It is so popular that is has its own “wine” holiday, International Cabernet Day is celebrated August 30th.”
My Review: Rust in color. Cranberry leather, dark, plum eucalyptus and cassis on the nose. Juicy palate of blackberry, cherry, a touch of prune and anise on the finish. Medium to full bodied. February 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Visit Shale Canyon’s Tasting Room! You can try Shale Canyon wines ($20 and $25 tastings) at their tasting room on Paseo San Carlos Courtyard, Westside San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Their Spring hours are Monday-Thursday 1–4pm; Friday 1-7; Saturday 12-7; Sunday 1 – 5 and suggest reservations for parties of 6 or more. You can contact them at reservations@shalecanyonwines.com.
This past February, I met up with 2 of our departing Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society board members at the WrathTasting Room in Carmel Plaza to seek their advice before they departed the area. Today’s short post is about 2 new releases I tasted that day.
“The wrath of Juno sent Aeneas wandering the Mediterranean in Vergil’s Aeneid. For the ancient Romans, ira or wrath, was a tool of a god, an unstoppable anger driven by forces greater than man. One can argue that we see such fury in both the might of nature and the passion of art. Wrath appears in the edgy power of Robert Plant’s voice and the raw wail of Eric Clapton’s guitar. It is frozen into Jackson Pollock’s violent splatters of paint. Wrath is in the wall of maritime fog that rolls into the Salinas Valley and the relentless afternoon winds that scream through our grape trellises. Wrath wines represent a nexus of nature and an unbridled passion for winemaking. Welcome to Wrath.”
“Wrath produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc from our estate vineyard and respected properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Our production is small, our distribution is limited and our wines reveal attitude, passion, and an inherent respect for what a vineyard can give us.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 2 Wrathwines from this December mini-tasting. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. You can read more about each wine on their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2021 Wrath Rosé Extra Brut, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 12.3% ABV, $65 (#1541)
Winery Notes: “The inaugural vintage of our Brut Rosé, using sustainably grown estate fruit. Primarily produced with chardonnay and a small amount of pinot noir for color and added flavor. Bright aromas of pomegranate and watermelon lead to a flavors of Rainier cherry and rosehips with a clean, fresh finish. With less than 200 cases produced, this is a wine to enjoy knowing that you’ve discovered a rare opportunity to enjoy what few will have.”
My Review: Yeasty apple notes on the nose. Crisp and bubbly with a tart apple, yet slightly sweet pleasant finish. February 2025
Winery Notes: “Wrath’s blend of clones 777 and Pommard 4 has always showcased the dark, earthy side of our estate pinot fruit and the 2021 vintage is no exception. The nose shows off black cherry and forest floor. Whole cluster fermentation (20%) balances acidity and adds to its layered flavors, while a rich, seamless intensity defines the palate with bing cherry, black raspberry and an allspice element; all leading to a long, structured finish.”
My Review: Spice, plum and violets on the nose. Very much Monterey County Pinot Noir on the palate. Very nice and a great value for the quality. February 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
Wrathhas 2 places to taste their wines and we think they are both lovely. So handy to stop in at Carmel Plaza, but what a treat to drive out River Road to the bucolic setting of their winery – bring your lunch!
Winery Tasting Room: “Located at 35801 Foothill Road (at the junction of River Road) in Soledad, CA, 5 minutes west of Hwy 101. Open Fri-Mon from 11-5pm, closed Tue-Wed-Thurs. Direct: 831.678.2992”
Carmel Tasting Room: “Located in Carmel Plaza, downtown Carmel at the corner of Ocean Ave. and Mission St., ground floor. Open Fri and Sat from 11-6pm. Open Sun through Thur from 11-5pm
Sometimes you just want a good Zin, so I was delighted to find this 2019 Carol Shelton Oakley zinfandel open in our wine room. We met Carol Shelton a long time ago in Washington DC at a Zinfandel Advocated and Producers (ZAP) event and have been fans ever since.
Carol Shelton was one of the pioneer female winemakers in a man’s world. She spent almost 2 decades as a winemaker for others until her husband urged her to start making her own wines. You can read her full story here: THE ROAD TO ZEN. Here’s an excerpt:
“…Carol (Shelton) & Mitch Mackenzie, her husband and business partner, have sought out exceptional vineyards throughout California including Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Fountaingrove District, Paso Robles, Lodi, Mendocino County, and the Cucamonga Valley of Southern California. Many of her vineyard sources are organically grown, dry farmed and many decades old. She develops close partnerships with each grower to ensure her wines maintain and express the unique terroir of the vineyard.”
THE WINE
Today I’m presenting 1 wine, the 2019 Carol Shelton Oakley Zinfandel. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2019 Carol Shelton Oakley Zinfandel, Contra Costa AVA, Contra Costa County, 14.4% ABV, $32 (#1540)
Winery Notes:“Beautiful nose of sage, blackberry and milk chocolate, touch of caramel and cedar from the oak, bit of dusty earth. Almost Cabernet-like in its profile, from the kiss of green herbs to nicely structured tannins. Bright acidity while still creamy, and a plush, long finish.”
My Review: Dark garnet, jammy plum, blackberry, and vanilla on the nose. Finishes with a strong cassis, vanilla with some lingering tobacco notes. Reminiscent of a Amador Zin with less of the prune and more dark fruit. February 2025
“The setting for Carol Shelton Wines may not be what wine tasters envision when planning a visit to wine country. But Zin and fine wine lovers stepping into our homey, unpretentious tasting room will find a dream come true.
“After tasting through luscious award-winning wines including; Rose, White Rhone, Red Rhone and single-vineyard designate Zinfandels, finishing with our magical Late Harvest; our locale—an industrial section of Santa Rosa—becomes immaterial.
“We are open for tastings 7 days a week from 11 – 4. Reserve tasting fee is $20 per person each tasting fee may be waived with purchase of one bottle.
“Walk-ins are welcome or give us a call (707-575-3441) to make a reservation and come on by to taste our award-winning wines.”
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