THE STORY
We popped into Corral Wine Co. for our first wine pickup thinking it would be a quick stop on our way to 2 other winery parties. No such thing! Owner Larry Bell insisted that we go out to their lovely new patio and I’m glad he did! It is always great to be able to taste a wine before you buy, but we also got to taste the newly released 2023 Reserve KW Ranch Pinot Noir. And wow is it a beaut! Winemaker Adrien Valenzuela has taken Pinot Noir to a new level with this wine! We took all of these wines home.
My last post about Corral Wine Co. was here: Corral Wine Co. Wows Members with its Magnums! I’ve written about them several times – just type “Corral” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.
THE WINERY
From their website: “In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast.
“We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting just 3 Corral Wine Co. wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.
2025 Corral Rose of Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $36 (#1764)
Winery Notes: “Aromas of white peach, fresh strawberries, and hints of watermelon lead into flavors of crushed red berries, sea salt, and hibiscus. The palate concludes with notes of wild rose and a crisp, dry finish.”
My Review: Pale peach in the glass. Peach and melon on the nose. Refreshing palate May 2026
2025 Corral “Pancho’s Chard” Chardonnay, River Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $44 (#1765)
Winery Notes: “The nose opens with aromas of Meyer lemon and orange blossom, leading into citrus notes with hints of slate and wet stone. The palate features flavors of lime and citrus, supported by a fresh, racing acidity and a long, juicy finish.”
My Review: Hazy pale yellow in the glass. Buttery citrus nose. Some heft on the tasty palate. May 2026
2023 Corral Reserve 777 / POM 4 / 667 Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $72 (#1766)
Winery Notes: “This wine features aromas of blackberries and dark cherry, with an undertone of earthiness and baking spices. On the palate, flavors of black cherry and plum fruit lead into a finish characterized by sweet baking spices.”
My Review: Beautiful ruby, slightly orange in the glass. Cherry dominates the nose with a touch of alcohol. Smooth and rich on the palate with delicious red fruits. Very unctuous for a Pinot. Loved this wine. May 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA”
Open Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6-ish p.m.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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