In December, I received a text from Anna Marie dos Remedios that she would be in town, pouring wines in her Idle Hour tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. We hadn’t seen Anna Marie and her partner Mindy since our trip to Portugal and Spain last Spring. We put it on our calendar and invited our friend, Erin O from Terravenos. We thought it would be great to introduce budding winemaker Erin to Anna Marie. We also invited the Monterey AWS and were pleased Jacqueline and Dominic Van Nes came! Both Erin and Jacqueline contributed to some of my notes.
We enjoyed an afternoon of wine tasting, delciious cheese board and chorizo, and winemaking story telling. And some wild story telling there was – especially about her innovations and challenges making the Sauvignon Blanc Pet Nat – would make a great podcast.
I have written about Idle Hour wines several times – just type “Idle Hour” in the search bar to find them. You can read more about their winemaking approach and history here.
Today I am presenting 7 Idle Hour wines. As always, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the winery. Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Winemaker’s Notes: This comes from the Clement Hills Vineyard. 44 cases produced.
My Review assisted by Erin: Refreshing – like a spritzer – a yeasty beer-wine. Gentle bubbles in the glass. Pear and white flower blossom on the nose. Earth, lemon zest, sweet spring grass and a touch of green apple on the palate. December 2022
This wine is not yet posted to her website. Making this wine was a grand adventure, as described above – would make a great podcast on the challenges and innovative thinking required in winemaking. 80 cases produced.
My Review assisted by Erin: Foamy, a little cloudy in the glass. Sweet, ripe stone fruit, honeysuckle and peach, creamy and aggressive, on the nose. Sweet and delicious with a bigger mouthfeel. A slight bitterness on the finish. Pithy. Lay this down a bit. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: This wine comes from Sarah’s Vineyard in Gilroy. “Aromatics of brioche and lychee, mild fusel oil viscosity with pear in the lingering mid palate with key lime acidity on the bright and dry finish.”
My Review assisted by Erin & Jacqueline: A sweet nose with grassy honeysuckle. Medium bodied. A smoky front palate like a gouda with brioche and lychee mid-palate and lime zest on the finish. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright blueberry and violet with a deep garnet color and the perfect bing cherry finish to pair with a pork tenderloin and cherry gastrique.”
My Review assisted by Erin: Inky in the glass. Violets, blueberry and dusty notes on the nose. Super bright fruit. Medium ripe tannings, a tiny bit grippy. Pair with risotto and skirt steak. I liked this wine. December 2022
We had tasted this wine on our cruise with Idle Hour last spring, but I had not captured tasting notes.
Winery Notes: 75 cases produced.
My Review: Dark ruby, a bit purple in the glass. Smokey, dusty nose. Very dark, crushed fruit on the palate. Chalky tannins with anchovy notes on the finish. December 2022
2019 Idle Hour Vin Rouge, Clarksburg AVA, 14.2% ABV, $30 (#916) Petite Sirah >50%, Cabernet Franc <50%
Winemaker’s Notes: N/A
My Review: Inky in the glass. A lovely, velvety palate with violet and oak notes. One of her tastiest wines. Serve with chorizo. December 2022
My Review: Smooth, rich fruit and a touch of caramel on the nose. Vibrant flavors of rose, cherry, and blackberry. Bing cherry on the finish. This is all juice – we like it! December 2022
You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. Check out how to visit them in Oakhurst here. Their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is nestled inside the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room. Big Sur is kind enough to pour Idle Hour wines upon request! And Anna Marie comes down here sporadically to do tastings and talk about her wines. Check their Facebook page Idle Hour Tasting Room @IdleHourWine for the latest info!
Decanting Monterey is a non-profit wine education effort to promote our Monterey wineries through social media and classes. If you would like to donate to the cause, please click the PayPal button below or visit the Decanting Monterey Make a Donationpage for more information. All monies received will be used to defray the expenses of operating this website and offset travel expenses for Central Coast wine education classes.
When the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society lost the planned location for their December gathering, the Scratch Tasting Room offered an excellent alternative! We are indebted to Scratch’s staff for accommodating us on very short notice. It allowed us to have an exceptional social and wine education event. I knew from photos announcing its opening that this tasting room was designed to the nines. But I didn’t realize how spacious it was! It would be a great location to have a quiet tasting with a girlfriend or a larger event like a bachelorette party or a reception. Really lovely. And the wines matched the setting.
Sabrine Rodems is Monterey County’s most renowned female winemakers. Not only is she the winemaker for the highly respected Wrath Winery (where I first learned of her), but also has her own label – Scratch – and serves as the winemaker for Kori Wines. While I enjoyed a bottle of Scratch’s Blanc de Blanc earlier in the pandemic, and have written up one or two of her wines, I had not had the opportunity to stop by for a wine tasting or write up a review.
About Scratch from its Website: “Scratch is a project of Winemaker Sabrine Rodems producing small-lot Chardonnay Sparkling, Riesling, Grenache, Pinot Noir and Cabernet from Monterey, Arroyo Seco, Santa Lucia Highlands and Santa Cruz Mountains AVA’s.
“Sabrine received her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Theatre, Film and Television and worked in the film and theatre industry for many years before deciding to go back to school to earn her Master’s of Science in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. For the past twenty years Sabrine has been making highly acclaimed wines from some of the best vineyards in California.
“Working in the Central Coast and Monterey area has given her access to some of the best cool climate grapes in the world.”
I’m also intrigued by her edgy labels. I asked the winery about the message behind them and got this response: “Mr. Cola was once a photographer for the New York Times then eventually found his calling in producing art. Sabrine was originally drawn to Mr. Colla due to his edgy nature as well as powerful message. As we do not have a lot of female wine makers today, we really wanted to showcase strong independent “bad ass” women on our labels to celebrate the change in the industry but also in hopes of inspiring the next generation of female wine makers.” They suggested we check out the artist’s website here: https://www.eddiecolla.com/.
On Eddie’s website he says this: ” There is a visual conversation that takes place on the streets of urban environments. This conversation is dominated primarily by advertising and utilitarian signage and assumes passive participation. Whether invited or not I am going to participate in this conversation. Public spaces were never intended to be coated from top to bottom with photos of consumer products. These spaces should, in some manner, reflect the culture that thrives in that space.”
I have 7 Scratch wines to present to you today from this event. I was assisted in my tasting notes by Erin O of Terravinos. I’ll write more abut her in the coming weeks. Therefore, today my notes are a little more in-depth and descriptive. Erin has a much more sophisticated and trained palate than I. I’ve added “assisted by Erin” to those reviews. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or website: https://www.scratchwines.com/. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
Winemaker’s Notes: “Extra Brut Chardonnay sparkling wine with brisk acidity and refreshing bubbles. Citrus with some tropical flair of lychee, guava and white flowers.”
My Review, assisted by Erin: Light cream soda in the glass. Pear and honeysuckle on the yeasty nose. Very crisp palate with notes of lemon zest and green apple – very balanced flavors and a creamy mousse. Super youthful. Nice. December 2022
Winemaker’s 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 Review, assisted by Erin: Dusty rose/pale pink in color. Strawberry jam with a little biscuit and red apple on the nose. Strawberry and rose petals on the palate, amplified by crisp red fruits and ruby grapefruit. A soft mousse. Fills the palate with bubbles. Youthful. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “This Riesling is on fire! Big acid, bright minerality, grapefruit and lemon with a hint of flowers. There is no residual sugar in this wine so it is not sweet at all, it is completely dry. From the rocky, loamy Kristy’s Vineyard. ”
My Review, assisted by Erin: Medium lemon in color. Some lees on the creamy, biscuity nose – reminiscent of a sauterne! Nectarine, peach and minerality on the palate. Muted acidity and brightness. Drink now. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “Bright energetic palate of Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, sour cherries and berries. This juicy Pinot from the near top of the Santa Lucia Highlands bench shows the classic fruit of this AVA along with nutmeg, cinnamon and hints of white pepper.”
My Review, assisted by Erin: Pale ruby in color. Bouquet of cranberry, raspberry, red plum, and warm baking spices, followed by a touch of garrigue. Raspberry and cranberry on the palate with medium minus tannins and medium acid, leading to a slightly bitter finish. Not cherry at all. The intensity of the fruit is not matched by the alcohol. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “A rich and lush Pinot Noir with black cherries, plum, nutmeg, clove and hints of anise. Produced using 30% whole clusters fermentation creates a structured wine with balanced tannins and complexity.”
My Review assisted by Erin: Pale garnet in color. Dried cranberry and Bing cherry on the nose – potpourri. Medium-bodied palate presents a little jammy with medium plus grippy tannins and a touch of caramel with cherry notes on the finish. High alcohol.
Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine with nutmeg, clove, anise and black cherries will make your meal sing! This is a sneak-peek at this yet-to-be-released-wine.”
My Review, assisted by Erin: A perfume of rose petal, lavender, raspberry, black cherry and red fruits like cranberry and a tiny bit of chocolate, tobacco. Perfume carries over to palate with cranberry and raspberry flavors. This is a big wine with medium grippy tannins. December 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “From the steep hillside of the JANACA Vineyard on Mt. Madonna. Rich flavors of plum and blackberries with juniper, nutmeg, clove. Classic Cabernet!”
My Review, assisted by Erin: Inky in the glass. Brambly, blackberry nose with baking spice, mint and sage notes. Full bodied and rich with chalky tannins. This is a lovely wine that represents well one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions in California. December 2022
The Scratch Tasting Room is located at 1 East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM. You can find more information here.
In 2019, I was asked by the Northern Virginia John Marshall Chapter of the American Wine Society to present a class on Monterey wines. I was informed it would be “more educational” than the short presentation I do for another Washington DC group and it would require a PowerPoint presentation. Seriously? For something I do as a hobby/volunteer? I decided to do it – and it was very well received. I leaned heavily on information from the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website – thank you, Kim Stemler! The AWS chapter invited me back this year – and I was finally able to do the class in October.
This time, preparing the materials was much easier – I already had a basic presentation, which I updated with the latest Monterey County agricultural report and some climatic info, including the 2020 fire season. My goal this time was to cover as many of Monterey County’s AVAs as I could. I managed to include: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe, and Santa Lucia Highlands. Not bad!
For the most part, my stories were very local and wines selected were based on personal relationships I have developed with vintners and tasting room staff. I also needed to live within the event’s budget, so I leaned on industry discounts and donated wines in order to present some others at their full price. For that, I am grateful especially to Bunter Spring, Chesebro, Idle Hour and Pierce Ranch. Thanks to their generosity, I was able to throw in a couple of “extra” wines to the tasting. And I was excited to be able to discuss some wineries for the first time. I’m also indebted to the Monterey Vintners and Growers Association for providing me with some large maps and the latest tasting room brochure – always a hit!
The event went well, with great appreciation by the attendees. Some of the wines I presented were teaching points, such as how a sparkling wine producer makes a Chardonnay or making rose from a smoke taint year. A few attendees said a couple of the wines didn’t taste like the varietal on the label. This was the case with the Pinot Noir and the Merlot. While I agree with the Pinot Noir statement (and that’s why this non-Pinot lover liked this wine), perhaps the commenters were thinking of a French Merlot vs. a California Merlot. I am not sure. The bottom line is that they enjoyed and appreciated most of the wines.
Today I am presenting 10 wines from Monterey County. Many of them have been presented before, but I thought you might find it interesting to see what I put together. Winery notes come from their website or the tasting room, unless otherwise noted. I encourage you to feel free to comment or “like” this post – engagement is always welcomed!
About This Wine: A Chesebro Wines project, named after their winery’s location. Intended as a same quality, more affordable label.
Winery Notes: Destemmed, crushed, immediately pressed. Stainless steel for 12 months. Intense tropical and citrus aromas are backed up by a smooth mouthfeel; and long crisp finish.
My Review: The Virginia crowd, well familiar with Virginia Viogniers really enjoyed this wine. Gardenia on the nose. Some apple and lime twist on the palate, with a touch of orange blossom and honeysuckle on the finish. February 2022
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: This was a big hit with the AWS class. I picked this wine based on Wine Enthusiast’s listing of this wine in its Top 100 Chardonnays – Top Under $25. 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 (in my opinion) which everyone enjoyed. April 2022
Winery Notes: “Pale straw, light golden hue. Lemon meringue, honey dew melon along with tropical pineapple, kiwi, lychee and guava. A flirty balance of fruit, delicate white jasmine flower and salty sea. Creamy mouthfeel coupled with structural integrated fruit throughout the sip. Fruit notes reminiscent of green apple, pear, pineapple, candied peach and nectarine. Soft florals balanced with a brined mid palate acidity, mouthwatering finish that showcases the bright fruit.” 94 points, Wine Enthusiast.
My Review: I chose this wine, as the Escolle VIneyard, owned by Caraccioli, is a source of grapes for some of the region’s best Chardonnays. This particular vintage presented a bit tart/acidic for the class – a good example of how a sparkling wine producer might make a Chardonnay. Pale in the glass. Touch of soft pineapple, a little butter and woodiness on the nose “like the Lone Cypress” or a cut shrub. Clean, nice, some minerality. December 2021
About This Wine: First time they have used Gamay for their rosé instead of Grenache (a wildfire by-product!). Harvested at low alcohol solely for making rosé. Grapes pressed like a white. Juice comes out this color. Stainless steel.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Beautiful light pink in color. Aromatics of rose petals and citrus combined with a light body and crisp acidity – perfect for pairing with food or just sipping on a hot day.”
My Review: This wine was great as a teaching point of what to do with grapes affected by the fires of 2020. It is unlike the typical Pinot Noir-based rosés from the region. Pale pink in the glass. Tart grape bubblegum wrapped in sweetness. March 2022
Winemaker’s Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.” Spent 1.5 years on the sediment. Donated to this class (many thanks, Anna Marie dos Remedios!!)
My Review: The AWS audience said this did not taste like Pinot Noir to them, which is probably why I like this wine. My notes: Dark ruby, almost purple in the glass. Earth, plum and spice on the nose. So not like a typical, cherry California Pinot Noir. Richer on the palate with dark fruit flavors. April 2022
2017 Pierce Ranch Vineyards Maçon, San Antonio Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $32 (#656) 53% Petit Verdot, 30% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano
Winery Tasting 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.” Donated to this class (many thanks, Pierce Ranch!).
My Review: The AWS group liked this little wine. 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 tasting day in March 2022
2018 Spring Red Wine “Garagitage”, Highlands Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.64% ABV, $24 76% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker’s Original Notes: “These grapes came from a small vineyard in the hills above Arroyo Seco just north of Carmel Valley Road. They were harvested, very ripe, on Sep 30 2018. Upon release, in Spring 2021, ss I write, this wine is a rough and tumble California fruit bomb, with tons of grapey flavor, plenty of alcohol, and no manners. Maybe, someday, it will grow up. Meantime, have fun!” 15 months in once used French oak barrels. 76 cases produced.
Winemaker’s Updated Notes: “Big ripe fruity red wine, lotsa alcohol, plenty tannin, enough oak. Screams “CALIFORNIA!” Gotta love it. Why pay more?”
My Review: The AWS class thought this wine was fabulous, with some asking what it would be like in 5 years (I invited them to my house to see!). This was my favorite wine from a winery tasting in the Fall 2021 and continues to be a household favorite: Very dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose, followed by a yummy palate of dark fruit. We keep drinking this wine – what an incredible wine for a bargain price! October 2021
2018 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $50 (#568)
During one of our visits to the winery over the last couple of years, we got to taste this wine – the first time I know of that they bottled a Merlot as a single varietal – it usually is blended in their popular Cheval Rouge. They weren’t sure they were going to continue to bottle it alone – we encourage them to do so, *if* supply permits! You can find all their available wines here: https://www.boetewinery.com/
Winery Notes: “Ruby red in color, aroma notes of dark berries jump out on the nose of this classic medium body Merlot, with black cherries, plum & a hint of cocoa spice on the palate.”
My Review: A couple of people in the AWS class stated this did not taste like a Merlot to them, yet everyone enjoyed it. Purple in the glass. Rich and juicy in the mouth with some solid dark fruits, blackberry and black currant. Balanced and very smooth on the finish. This wine is a big hit at my house. October 2021
Winemaker’s Notes: “Fruit punchy jammy everyday red. It’s great with red-sauced pasta, too.” 75 cases produced.
My Review: This was a big hit with the AWS class – and with me – I took all the leftovers home! Very dark in color. Sweet dark fruit on the nose. Jammy dark berries and a touch of alcohol on the palate. I would like to present it to another class some day. June 2022
2014 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley, $35 (#618*)
Winery Notes: “Grown on our estate in the Upper Carmel Valley’s rocky mountain soils at 1500’ elevation, this Rhone style blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre is powerful and rich with aromas of cassis, dark forest berries, scorched earth and spice. Blockbuster with a long lingering finish.
My Review: Rich ruby in the glass. Pleasant nose of fresh berries. Palate of berry jam, eucalyptus and chocolate with red currant and anise flavors on the finish. Super delicious. My very favorite of all the Chesebro wines. January 2022
Where can you taste these wines? I wrap up my classes by encouraging attendees to come taste our wines for themselves and walk them through the tasting room maps in the latest brochure which I received from Kim Stemler (again, many thanks!). If you want to find these specific wineries, check out their websites for the latest information. Here’s where I found these wines, some of which may no longer be available:
Carmel-by-the-Sea:Caraccioli Cellars Tasting Room on Dolores between Ocean and 7th. Diora does not have a local spot to taste, but wine was purchased at Carmel Belle.
Carmel Valley: Boëté (reservation required – by appointment only), Bunter Spring (tasting room closed, but contact the winemaker to taste his wines, Chesebro (including Tassajara Road), Idle Hour (inside the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room).
Monterey: Pierce Ranch Vineyards in the Cannery Road area of Monterey.
A few months back, they asked me to find a tasting room for their November WinedUP Friday. I suggested Hahn, as there was a desire to get back to Carmel-By-The-Sea. I have a relationship through my wine education efforts with the staff at Hahn, yet arranging this event took some convincing. I was able to work this out with Hahn’s Coby Shammas, who has worked with me in the past, helping me identify some Hahn wines for my classes and arranging a tasting for Decanting Monterey last February, which is posted here: https://decantingmonterey.com/hahn-rolls-out-the-red-carpet-for-decanting-monterey/.
I was recently asked by the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society if I would be willing to serve as an advisor to their board. I had to feel out what level of commitment this meant – maybe a meeting a month – and to keep doing what I am doing for them. Which means occasionally using my contacts to find them a venue for their WinedUP Fridays – both an educational and social event. I said ok, and am now officially a Monterey AWS Board Advisor! It is one small recognition that this blog has some meaning to someone. If you like what I am writing about, please feel free to comment or “like” this post – engagement is always welcomed!Also always looking for recommendations, although I have yet to run out of material!
OK, back to our event…The Hahn tasting room is a stellar event location. Nicely decorated with ample indoor and outdoor seating, it easily accommodated our group of about 20 people! The tasting menu that day was perfect, with 2 higher-end Lucienne label wines available for us. Extra hands were on staff to help pour and answer our many questions. Coby and the other wine presenters did a great job of ensuring we were able to taste all the wines. My final task was to ensure we were all out the door by 6:15 – we made it – with some prodding! I’d call the event a success!
I am presenting 7 Hahn wines today. Our one common comment on the wines is that Hahn loves its toasty oak. If you are also a fan, this is the winery for you! Winery vintage and tasting notes come from their website. I encourage you to read more about Hahn here: https://decantingmonterey.com/hahn-inspired-by-the-rhone-blends-of-southern-france/ and on their website.
2017 Hahn Winery Selection Blanc de Noir Brut , Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 11.5% ABV, $50 (#864) 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes: “Our Blanc de Noir, meaning “white of red”, is made of 100% Pinot Noir grapes from our certified sustainable Smith Vineyard. The fruit was harvested by hand in mid-August when sugars were low and acid was beautiful. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures, allowing the wines bright fruit aromas to shine.” 150 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, cantaloupe and toasted brioche, complemented by hints of apricot and orange zest. Flavors of grapefruit, pear, white peach and toasted bread lead into a long and graceful finish.”
My Review: Very slight color – a touch dusty pink. Very dry and crisp, with apple flavors. Kind of like a sophisticated, adult sparkling apple cider – an adult Martinelli’s! November 2022
Vintage Notes: “The winter rainfall was slightly below average, but we were able to compensate with early spring irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring temperatures aided vine growth and they were able to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful, which allowed for gradual ripening of the fruit. It was another remarkable growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, resulting in wines with beautiful color, great structure and naturally balanced acidity.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “This elegant wine presents with expressive and complex aromatics of citrus peel, lemon, pineapple and nectarine. Bright flavors of tropical fruit, lemon zest and hints of pear and melon mingle on the mid-palate, rounding out medium-bodied mouthfeel with refreshing acidity and a clean, mineral finish.”
My Review: Extremely pale in the glass, almost like water. Honeysuckle on the noce and palate. Pear flavors, with lemon/lime on the finish. November 2022
2018 Hahn Lucienne Lone Oak Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#866)
Vintage Notes: “Aromas of white melon and ripe citrus are accented with notes of banana and spiced vanilla. Medium-bodied, refined and elegant on the palate, the wine displays flavors of lemon citrus and nectarine, highlighted by vibrant notes of minerality on a medium acidic finish.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of red and black cherries, red currant, and strawberry with notes of violet and rose petals. On the palate, layers of red fruit and fresh berries, rhubarb pie with a touch of warm spices complemented by vanilla notes and integrated oak on a long delicate finish.” 93 points – Vinous
My Review: Pale golden and viscous in the glass. Buttered toast on the nose. Crisp, slightly burnt caramel on the palate with lemon curd, coconut, and brioche notes. The oak on this wine is out of balance – all secondary. If you love a buttery Chardonnay, you will love this wine. November 2022
2019 Hahn Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $60 (#867)
Vintage Notes: “Curving along the ridges and valleys of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Smith Vineyard is Hahn’s highest elevation vineyard, reaching 590 to 1,280 feet above sea level. Originally planted in 1974, Smith is also Hahn’s first estate vineyard, and today its 131 acres are certified sustainable. With rocky well-drained soils and eastern exposures that sit well above the fog line, this is a cool climate site with moderate wind and ample sunshine that contributes to a long growing season.” 1300 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Fragrant aromas of black cherry, red plum, black tea and notes of mint and forest floor. On the palate, flavors of red cherry, black currant and a hint of clove are supported by intriguing layered round tannins, lush mouthfeel and balanced acidity.” 93 points -Vinous.
My Review: Nice transluscent ruby in the glass, swirls purple. Cherry, subtle berry, very drinkable. Tasty and juicy. The Lucienne is a respectable SLH Pinot Noir. Pick one up if you can! November 2022
Vintage Notes: “The vintage presented us with half the average rainfall, therefore, irrigation was supplemented in January and February so the vines would awaken to a full soil moisture profile. March gave us our last winter storm and by the end of the month, all blocks had signs of bud break. The early Spring weather was cooler than normal, with periods where the marine layer would leave heavy dew on the leaves and flowers. Summer was followed by mellow temperatures, allowing the fruit to mature and slowly develop complex flavors, color, and depth, resulting in wines with balanced tannic structure, round mouthfeel and soft acidity.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of black cherry and plum, with hints of vanilla and cocoa. Flavors of dark berry, sweet spice, and mocha greet the palate with a luscious mouthfeel, balanced acidity and a smooth finish.”
My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass. Black plum and black cherry with a little baking spice on the nose. Black fruit and spices continue on the palate, smooth and tasty. A little thin, perhaps typical for the varietal. Interesting to find a Merlot from Arroyo Seco! November 2022
Vintage Notes: “The fruit for this Winery Selection Zinfandel is sustainably grown by the Mettler family, our growing partner of more than 20 years that has been farming Zinfandel since the late 1800s. Their vines are over 50 years old and certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program. In 2018, these vineyards had a mild early growing season which led to full canopies and good separation of the berries during veraison. Temperatures post veraison were slightly above the usual levels but still allowed for the perfect ripening of the fruit, leading to concentrated flavor and color development.”
Winery Notes: “Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and plum with delicate notes of raisins and warm spices. Lush and full-bodied on the palate, the wine bursts with flavors of black fruit and berry accompanied by a touch of vanilla and toasty oak on the finish.”
My Review: Almost purple in the glass. Toasted marshmallow nose. Rich, dark berries wrapped in tobacco and toast, with anise notes on the finish and a touch of mint. November 2022
2019 Smith & Hook Malbec, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $40 (#870)
Vintage Notes: “The 2019 vintage started out with below-average rainfall causing supplemental irrigations to be applied while the vines started to awaken. There were a few heatwaves getting close to 100 degrees, but the vines bounced back from the stress with no issues. The farthest south of Hahn’s four SLH vineyards, the Hook vineyard is the least affected by the cooling influence of winds from Monterey Bay. Warmer temperatures earlier in the afternoon and consistent sun exposure accelerate ripening and yield rich, opulent flavors.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of loganberry and allspice are followed by hints of lavender, violet, and spring blossom. On the palate, notes of dark fruit with a kiss of olive and minerality, finishing with a touch of toasty cedar and espresso with a long, complex finish.”
My Review: Dark, inky ruby in color. Toasty caramel and dark fruit on the nose. A rich delicious palate of dark fruit – perhaos my favorite wine of the evening. I took one of these home! November 2022
Visiting Hahn: Hahn Tasting Rooms are located a their estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands, as well as in Carmel Plaza. You can find more information and make a reservation here.
Estate: “Immerse yourself in the Santa Lucia Highlands with a visit to our Estate Tasting room. Choose one of our three tasting options or gear up for some adventure on our ATV Tour. Be sure to include time to relax on the deck to enjoy the spectacular view of Smith Vineyard.” Open Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 37700 Foothill Road, Soledad, CA 93960.
Carmel Plaza: “Come visit us in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Our Hahn Family Wines Tasting Room is located in beautiful Carmel Plaza, a popular wine and shopping destination located blocks away from Carmel Beach and the World Famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.” Open daily, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Carmel Plaza, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street on the Ground Floor.
Back in May, I received a call from Phil Arnold, the Vice Chair of the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society. He expressed I could be helpful to their WinedUP Friday wine tasting events because I know so much about our local wineries. The first one I organized was at Parsonage, which I wrote about here: . The next one was at Corral, which I negotiated for 1 September, the Friday of Labor Day Weekend! I previously wrote about Corral here: https://decantingmonterey.com/come-say-hello-at-corral-wines-new-tasting-room/.
From the Corral Wine Co website: “Corral Wine Company is a production of Bell Family Vineyards. 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.”
Happy Birthday, Jessica!
Corral Wine Tasting Room, which only opened in January 2022, has a very cool and relaxing vibe. Jessica Gatton, their awesome tasting room manager, and I were expecting quite a crowd and I wanted the members to be able to taste all the wines. We weren’t really sure how it would go, as people arrived at different times, so no one was on the same wine at the same time. And it was Jessica’s birthday – she had plans immediately after the event. On the verge of chaos, Corral reinforcements arrived, including their co-owners Skip and Dani Wilcox and co-owner/winemaker, Adrien Valenzuela. The Corral staff all chipped in to pour the wines and the AWS group was very happy. The wine was greatly enjoyed and many purchases wrapped up the evening. Thank you, Jessica, Adrien, Skip, and Dani, for all your hard work, making this an exceptional event!
As soon as Jacqueline Van Nes, Chair of the Monterey Chapter of the AWS, realized we had the winemaker in the house, she inquired if he would speak to us. Adrien readily agreed! We were thrilled that he was willing to address our group – an unplanned and very welcomed action.
Corral Winemaker Adrien Valenzuela with Monterey AWS Chapter Chair Jacqueline Van Nes
Adrien shared with us his wine background and training. A local from Salinas, he said he had left the area and had not planned to come back. He is written up as one of four up-and-coming winemakers in this September 5, 2019 Monterey Weekly article: Four young Monterey County winemakers talk about launching new labels in a time of uncertainty. Here is a quote from the article: “The career paths taken by Monterey County’s winemakers are not always predictable. Adrien Valenzuela studied biology and expected a career in nursing to follow – that is, until he did an internship at Estancia. He is now a winemaker for Constellation Brands in Gonzales, which owns almost 30 different labels, including Estancia and Robert Mondavi.” And now with Corral Wine Co.
He also shared the Corral story and trajectory. Their first vintage was in 2018, with a mere 500 cases, with fruit sourced from Monterey, Paso Robles, and Gilroy. This past year, that number reached 1400 cases and now they are expecting 2600! Nice! While some of what they produce comes from Bell Ranch in the Carmel Valley, they have been fortunate to obtain fruit from some notable Monterey County vineyards (Zabala in Arroyo Seco, KW Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and Massa in Carmel Valley). And they are expanding their acquisition of fruit from specific areas of Paso Robles, as well as from the Enz Vineyard in San Benito County.
Phil Arnold got up to say a few words about the Monterey Chapter of AWS, a young chapter that started in January 2020, right before the pandemic. It is a great group of people interested in learning more about wine. In addition to the first Friday WinedUP events, they host an annual BBQ, wine judging and other events. If you are interested, you can join them by becoming a member of the national AWS here: https://americanwinesociety.org/. The AWS is “America’s largest community of wine explorers”! Then you can join the Monterey Chapter. Membership is quite affordable and they are a non-pretentious and friendly social group.
Today, I am presenting 8 Corral wines from the AWS tasting event, 2 of which have been presented here before, with expanded tasting notes. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. You can read more details about some of these wines on their webpage here.
Winery Notes: “Bright, vibrant aromas of tropical fruit, such as guava and grapefruit dominate along with some fresh cut hay, lemon blossom, wet stone and racing acidity.”
My Review: Very light, pretty in the glass. Grapefruit, guava and grilled pineapple on the nose. Yummy palate of lychee, mango, papaya, sweet grapefruit and hay, with some minerality on the finish. Love Zabala VIneyard and find this to be a very attractive and sophisticated wine. I’d like to feature this wine in a future class! March/September 2022
2020 Corral Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, $26 (#605)
Winery Notes: “Bright and fresh aromas of strawberry and orange blossom, with nice, bright acidity.”
My Review: Dusty rose (“ballet slipper pink”) in color. Sweet bouquet of white peach, with a light palate of white peach and honey and a touch of smoke on the finish. This is a 2020 rose (fire year), afterall. A classic pool wine. Only red wine they made from 2020. March/September 2022
2021 Corral “Pancho’s Chard” Chardonnay, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.1% ABV, $36 (#839)
Winery Notes: “Crisp & refreshing acidity, with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle.”
My Review: Light in color, with the scent of “Melon de Bourgogne” and lemon on the nose. A bit of a wine spritzer look and taste in the glass. Fairly lemony palate – “like a lemon bar! This is such a new release that they don’t even have the labels yet! September 2022
2019 Corral Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $52 (#840)
Winery Notes: “Composed of two different clones from two vineyards in the heart of The Santa Lucia Highlands, this Pinot Noir shows off a lighter body, bright, red fruit and earthiness.” From the Highlands Ranch & KW Ranch Vineyards.
My Review: Transparent dark ruby in the glass. Perfume on the nose. Palate laden with alcohol. This wine seems young and not ready for release – might need to open up more or settle down. September 2022
Winery Notes: “Rich flavors of cherry, plum, and nutmeg. Elegant and lasting finish.”
My Review: Inky ruby in the glass. Smells like dark fruit, almost raisiny. Very bold on the palate – big and smooth. I’m not a Pinot Noir lover, but I truly like this wine! As with the 2018, I would not have guessed this was a Pinot Noir if I were doing a blind tasting. This is one of my favorite wines from today’s tasting. We thought we had this wine at home, but it was the previous vintage, so I will have to rectify that! September 2022
2019 Corral Enz Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, 14.8% ABV, $48 (#842)
Winery Notes: “Light-medium body, old vine Zinfandel. Red fruit and spices.”
My Review: Beautiful dark ruby in the glass. Nose of dark fruits, pepper and violets. Very jammy, mocha (cocoa powder), with some licorice on the finish. I’m a long-time Zinfandel fan and took one home! On a previous visit, Larry Bell played mystery wine with this wine with me – while I suspected Zinfandel, I didn’t think he was making one. And he did – and it is good! September2022
2019 Corral “See What You Can Do” Red Blend, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $62 (#843)
Winery Notes: “50/50 Cabernet & Syrah blend with notes of cranberry, pine needles, and all spice.” 50% Cabernet from Massa Estate, Cachagua (Carmel Valley AVA); 50% Syrah from Zabala Vineyard (Arroyo Seco AVA) 75 cases produced.
My Review: Inky in the glass. Mocha, plum, dark berries and vanilla on the nose. Palate of sharp berries and spearmint with vanilla and anise on the finish. This wine is very young for all this big fruit from some of the best vineyards in our area. Recommend cellaring for a year or more – if you can resist! One of our favorite Corral wines. September 2022
22019 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $52 (#844)
Winery Notes: “Ripe black fruit: blackberries, blueberries tobacco, black pepper, and toasted baking spices. Rich in flavor, full bodied with a long finish.”
My Review: Beautiful dark ruby in the glass. Smoke and alcohol on the nose – not a ton of fruit. Palate is smooth and rich with dark berry flavors and yummy. This is my favorite, current Corral wine – we keep buying more because we keep opening it at home! September 2022
We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA! Hours are Sunday, Monday and Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00ish pm; and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. They have two tastings: The Cellar Rats (referring to Larry and Skip) ($20 for 4 wines) and The Maker (referring to their winemaker, Adrien) ($25 for 6 wines).
The Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) asked if I had any ideas or connections for one of their First Friday WinedUP. I recommended Parsonage and reached out to Summer. After some consultation (due to the potential size of our group and the after-hours time we wanted to visit), they agreed to have us. And I think everyone is glad they did!
Parsonage’s exceptional tasting room staff, Summer and Linda, welcomed the Monterey AWS with their big smiles and expertise!
While we planned to use their outside seating, the wind had kicked up – and they accommodated us indoors instead. It was perfect. We got to choose between the regular tasting and the reserve tasting. We, of course, did both since we are wine club members. And Parsonage showcased some “extra” wines, as well – their rarely-made Chardonnay and reserve Petit Verdot. Lucky us!
But before we get to those, I have another story. In December 2019, I was in the Parsonage tasting room when they informed me that they were having a big sale on their large format wines, specifically a 3-litre bottle of the 2005 Carmelstone Syrah from their estate. This is one of my all time favorite wines (please don’t tell Rocco). Normally $500, this large bottle was on sale for $265. We had a family reunion slated for Easter of 2020 and, after many texts back and forth with my husband, we decided to buy it for that event. And then COVID happened, meaning no reunion.
The 2005 3L bottle compared to the 2006 750 ml bottle!We opened this bottle with a Durand Corkscrew – just in case the cork was tricky – but it was in perfect condition!
I wondered how this bottle would hold up – and whether we would ever get to serve it. With no reunion in sight, what we would do with it? Fortunately, we were able to have the reunion in Spring of 2022. We had this wine the first night and it was spectacular. We all agreed it was the best wine of the weekend. No offense to all those other great wines we had. And we had no problem finishing off the bottle in one night – it was a lot of people and we do love our big reds!
Today, I am presenting 12 Parsonage wines – mostly from that July 1 event, but also a few others we served at our family reunion back in April. Winery notes come from the Parsonage website, as usual.
I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here: https://www.parsonagewine.com/.
2021 Parsonage Chardonnay, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 15% ABV, $36 (793)
Winery Notes: “A true outlier! No oak bombing. Never been a Chardonnay quite like this one. A white flower melange of jasmine and elderflower with tropical fruit hints of perfectly ripe kiwi, pineapple, and guava, followed by subtle lemon zest. The opulent mouthfeel suggest a presence of honey owing to the wine’s slow passage across the palate which creates a lengthy and dramatic finish.”
My Review: Full malolactic fermentation, all stainless steel. Very tropical nose with melon notes. Rich on the palate – a touch sweet, full of ripe tropical flavors. July 2022 (No buttery, no oak)
Winery Notes: “A perennial warm weather favorite. And a surprise to everyone who thinks they don’t like Rosé! Made with Grenache grapes. Owner Bill Parsons’ tasting notes: Another spectacular bouquet of candied violets, star anise, bubble gum, and your favorite perfume. Delicious mouthful of ripe strawberry, mulberry, red currant with a hint of orange zest in this off-dry marvel!”
My Review: Brownish tint to the pink juice. Tropical nose. A little sweet on the palate with a slight metallic taste on the finish. July 2022
Winery Notes: “A vibrant nose of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate and wildflowers. The gorgeous red fruit is full, round and rich on the palate with a hint of Darjeeling on the long, lovely finish.”
My Review: Ruby in color. Jammy nose of berries and cherries. A lot of fruit on the palate and a touch tart – like a dark cherry Jolly Rancher – in a good way. Black tea on the finish. I like this wine. July 2022
2019 Parsonage Cyrano Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $28 (796) 70% Merlot, 30% Syrah
Winery Notes: “Our versatile red table wine easily pairs with a variety of different foods. We think it goes especially well with pizza and spaghetti with red sauce. This vintage is full bodied. A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Syrah. Rich, ripe and voluptous. The Cyrano is one of our best sellers.”
My Review: Pretty ruby in the glass. Yummy dark fruit on the palate and a lot of oak on the dry, slightly minty finish. New release – perhaps young still.This was left extra time in the barrels thanks to COVID (2.5 years). Let this one sit a bit more in the bottle. July 2022
Winery Notes: “Exemplary of our house style of making wine from grapes at the pinnacle of perfect ripeness, this Pinot has brilliant notes of black cherry with dried rose petals, cola, and English breakfast tea. The rich, round, elegant palate adds raspberry and currant to the dominant black cherry compote with the tea tannins driving the vibrant finish.”
My Review: Ruby in the glass. Very lean and sophisticated, more like a Burgundy. This reserve wine was lighter than the 2 previous wines – I’d like to taste it again in a different order. July 2022
2018 Parsonage Wild Card Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $38 (533)
Winery Notes: “As wild and crazy as they come, Frank’s seven varietal blend is to winemaking what a crazy quilt is to sewing. The magical blend, in no particular order, is Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It’s an intriguing mélange of perfumed raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, plum and cranberry on a medium palate with a lively finish.”
My Review: This review is a complete rewrite from the tasting I did in October 2021. Rich, dark ruby in the glass. A jammy nose. Complex tannins and layered, jammy fruit. The 7 varietals have melded very nicely together in this vintage – this is a winner! July 2022
2018 Parsonage Syrah, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $48 (535)
Winery Notes: “Big and rich, our flagship varietal. Pairs well with anything grilled or barbequed. The 18th iteration of our signature wine is deep, rich and savory with dark berries, mocha and umami that synergistically form the delicious Parsonage terroir. This vintage has a little something different that is thought-provoking and downright cerebral. There’s a fascinating component that asks you to take a moment and attempt to identify its nature. Then you can’t resist reflecting on just what is that mysterious essence? It’s quite compelling. If you figure it out, please let me know.”
My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Sophisticated nose of berries, followed by huge palate of berries, with menthol and black pepper on the finish. Grapes sourced from their estate, Cedar Lane, and Coastview vineyards. July 2022
Winery Notes: “In a single word – MAGNIFICENT! The Rocco Estate Reserve Syrah is our flagship wine, the wine that put us on the map. All of the Rocco vintages have been big, opulent, and complex world class Syrahs. The 2018 has these attributes and more. This Rocco possesses a mysterious nature that calls out for a moment of palate reflection. It’s something about the interface of perfectly ripe fruit and savory flavor. There’s all that beautiful dark fruit colliding with grilled tenderloin and exotic spices/herbs backgrounded with mocha and hints of umami. A wine for the ages, simply MAGNIFICENT!!!”
My Review: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one wine, this would be it. Dark, rich ruby in the glass. Cassis and dark berries on the nose. Super huge palate of dark fruit, very smooth. Lots of oak on the finish. My all time favorite. July 2022
Winery Notes: “Our flagship wine, this vintage is opulent. The ripe black, blue, and red fruit are immense in the nose and the mouth. The palate explodes in an essence of summer savory with exotic Asian spices wrapped in umami. The fullness and concentrated richness of the finish are suggestive of a high end Amarone.”
My Review: Hot buttered rum on the nose. Dark fruit and a touch of cedar as it opened up. buttery bone marrow, leather, rosemary and figs on the palate. Asphalt, pencil shavings and caramel on the finish. April 2022
My Review: Very dark ruby in the glass. Raisin and cassis on the nose. Rich blackberry with bubblegum notes mid-palate with a touch of smoke/tobacco on the finish. Our favorite wine of the reunion weekend. April 2022
2018 Parsonage Xandro Reserve Red Wine, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (799) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah
Winery Notes: “A nose of ripe dark berries and wild flowers that creates its own unique perfume for this remarkable marriage of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at the peak of ripeness.
All of the beautiful dark fruit of the nose is joined by mocha and a bit of umami to create glorious hedonistic delights on the palate with uncommon continuity from beginning to end.”
My Review: Such a rich, dark ruby! Lovely nose of dark fruit and carmel. Super dark fruit on the palate. A la Penfolds Grange. We liked this wine and took some home. July 2022
2018 Parsonage Bixby Reserve Petit Verdot, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $90 (544)
Winery Notes: “The Bixby has always had a distinctly floral nose but the 2018 sets a new record for perfumed bouquet. We’re talking Chanel No. 5 here. And, no, we didn’t add any wildflowers to the fermenter. Honest! There’s delicious dark fruit on the nose and palate, mostly currant, black cherry, and huckleberry with a hint of mulberry. This is a very complex and age worthy wine that finishes with satisfyingly bracing tannins.”
My Review: Caramel on the nose and palate, mixed with bright fruit. Very tasty – not at all vegetal (which is how I used to think of Petit Verdot). July 2022
Parsonage is open for tastings by reservation only every day – clickherefor the details. You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.
In December 2020, we were hanging out with Sal Rombi when Gary from the Wine Trolley joined us. He shared with us his new business concept for offering wine tastings from smaller or out of business wineries, as well as offering bakery items which he makes himself. This became Taste Carmel Valley, also known as “The Sweet Spot” (http://www.carmelvalleysweetspot.com/).
Their sign outside boasts Boëté and Chock Rock wines. We have been huge fans of both – long-time members at Boëté – and have missed Chock Rock since they closed their tasting room some years back. This is a great venue to taste the fabulous Boëté wines, since they closed their tasting room.
Taste Carmel Valley (aka The Sweet Shop) is a cute place. It offers delicious family-made baked goods, unique wines, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and clothing. First, you are welcomed by their “Golden Daschund” and then the friendly staff inside. They let us know when Gary would be there to do a wine tasting for us and we came back.
On our big wine tasting weekend in June, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod stopped in to taste the Chock Rock Syrah. We found the tasting menu to be extensive. The concept is to choose 5 wines for $14. The list includes Chateau Sinnet, Karlsen (Chock Rock), Carmel Hills, Rancho Carmelo, Boëté, and Mesa del Sol. These are smaller wineries which do not currently have their own tasting room or have stopped making wine. As we pondered what to try besides the Chock Rock Syrah, Gary started pouring us wines. About 10 wines later, we finally got the Syrah!
Château Sinnet is no longer making wine and its Carmel Valley tasting room is closed (despite what you might find on Yelp, etc.). The location is still there, used now as a storeroom. Its unusual wines included a White Merlot, the Red Eyed Monkey and a Late Harvest Zinfandel. We liked to stop in there from time to time and were fans of the Red Eyed Monkey – this red blend even had its own Facebook fan club page!
CarmeloVineyards are adjacent to Parsonage and is where Frank Melicia resides – he is the winemaker for Parsonage, Silvestri and Carmelo, among other pursuits.
“Karlsen Family Wines and Chock Rock Vineyard was established in 2006 by veteran winemaker, Dan Karlsen and his wife Kathleen. Chock Rock Vineyard produces wine from their estate vineyard and other unique vineyard sites in Monterey County, California. The wines of Chock Rock are absolutely handcrafted at their estate micro-winery secluded high in the Santa Lucia Mountains at the farthest reaches of the Carmel Valley. Great fruit from unique sites coupled with 30 years of winemaking experience ensure world class quality wines. Karlsen offers Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé and Syrah.” There is a lot more to the story – check out Karlsen here: https://www.karlsenwines.com/ and Chock Rock here: https://www.chockrock.com/.
“Deep in the heart of Steinbeck country, nestled between the Arroyo Seco Gorge and the Ventana wilderness, lies Mesa del Sol. The historic stagecoach stop and organic winery showcases the best of Monterey County’s rugged landscape and elegant wines. Mesa del Sol produces Old Vine Zinfandel, Grenache, Syrah, and Sangiovese. We love the “Prima Rosso” blend of all four wines.”
For a lot of these wines, I will not be able to find winery notes. And, to be frank, this was our third stop for in-depth tasting, so note-taking was not so great by this point. And Gary was very entertaining. I’d like to go back in the future and do individual winery tastings here – lots to work with. OK, here we go…
2008 Château Sinnet Manatee White Merlot, $18 (#769)
Winery Notes: A Gold Medal winner from the Florida Grape Growers Association. Named for the vintner’s beloved manatees from his Florida home. Has its own Facebook fan page.
My Review: We actually really liked this wine and would consider buying it or serving it. It was very tasty. Not too sweet, as pleasant wine. June 2022
2020 Karlsen Rose of Pinot Noir, Monterey County, $28 (#770)
My Review: Caramel popcorn on the nose. Light on the palate with mild apple, pear and concrete notes. June 2022
2020 Carmelo Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, $28 (#771)
My Review: Butterscotch on the nose. Smokey on the palate (this was the year of the Carmel Fire). June 2022
Karlsen Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey County, $36 (#772)
My Review: We liked this Sauvignon Blanc – crisp. Regret we didn’t get better notes on this one. June 2022
2015 Mesa del Sol Zinfandel, Arroyo Seco, $32 (#773)
2014 Review by Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “A more mineral-driven style of Zinfandel, this bottling starts with aroma of gravel and baked earth along with exotic strawberry, red plum and sandalwood. The palate offers dried red fruits, hibiscus and carnation-like flavors, framed by a rocky sandstone-flecked minerality, proving mellow and elegant.” Matt Kettmann
2018 Review by International Wine Report – 90 points: “This 2018 Pinot Noir from Carmelo Vineyards, shows a bright aromatic profile with aromas of fresh strawberries, cherry, dried spice, dark chocolate, cured meat, vanilla blossom and earthy nuances that jump from the glass. On the palate there are lovely flavors of red berries, plum, currant and sour cherry throughout. The finish is long with live acidity. This is very enjoyable today and will age for the next 5-7 years.”
My Review: Very nice bouquet and good flavors on the palate. Bright, with a little earth, brambly with a hint of raspberry. “The perfect Pinot.” June 2022
2017 Review by International Wine Report – 88 points: “The 2017 Pinot Noir from Carmelo Vineyards offers aromas of dark cherries, currant, dried rose petals, dark chocolate, fig, and dried herbs. On the palate this is medium-bodied with lots of freshness and acidity that lifts the flavors of sour cherry, blood orange, strawberries, and spice box. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.”
My Review: I am not sure I would guess this was a Pinot Noir. Could definitely pick up smoke (Soberanes Fire year). June 2022
My Review: This was the wine we went there to taste. By then, we had had so many wines. Still delicious on the palate with alcohol notes and not as much fruit as I would have expected. I would like to go back and taste this again, as this was our favorite Chock Rock wine in the past. June 2022
2004 Château Sinnet Red Eyed Monkey, San Antonio Valley (#777) 45% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Zinfandel, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah
Winery Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.”
My Review: This was presented as a “Mystery wine.” We found it to be very drinkable – smooth, dark fruit. Many years ago, we had purchased this wine and we still really like it – more than our Wine Pod partners did. June 2022
2014 Chock Rock Pinot Noir, Monterey County, $28 (#778)
Winery Notes: “100% Estate grown, a balanced wine with texture and mouth feel.”
My Review: Something seemed off with this wine. It smelled like a fortified wine, over the hill. Perhaps we needed a new bottle opened – we did not request one. I don’t think it was a proper representation of this wine. June 2022
2017 Château Sinnet Late Harvest Zinfandel, 16.2% ABV, $25 (#779)
My Review: OK, this was our last wine. And it tasted like a very done late harvest Zinfandel. These grapes were picked “as raisins.” June 2022
Taste Carmel Valley is located at 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 101, in Carmel Valley. The Sweet Spot is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Check with the staff or call (831) 624-1700 to inquire when wines will be poured. You can also order a variety of sandwiches and salads, even charcuterie plates!
I know, I just wrote up Idle Hour last month after my cruise, but we finally got the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod to their “new” Carmel Valley tasting room for a proper tasting in June. This is part 2 of our visit to Big Sur Vineyards’ tasting room – Idle Hour’s tasting room is nestled inside and, when they aren’t present to pour, Big Sur is kind enough to do so!
I have written about Idle Hour wines several times – just type “Idle Hour” in the search bar to find them. I include Idle Hour in this blog due to their tasting room located in Carmel Valley Village – and their increasing menu of Monterey County wines. You can read more about their winemaking approach and history here.
We were able to taste 5 wines on this day – 3 of them had been previously presented in this blog.
My Review: Powerful nose of grilled pineapple and peaches, following through on the palate. Yummy. Bouquet outpowers the palate. This is the same wine we had on our cruise – served one night in a regular wine glass and, the next time, in a Burgundy glass. This wine’s aromas and flavors really come out in proper stemware!
Winemaker’s Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.”
You all know by now that I am not that big of a Pinot Noir fan. The way this wine was made resulted in a more complex and rich wine, one of the best Pinot Noirs I have tasted from Monterey County. I selected this wine to present at my upcoming John Marshall Chapter, Northern Virginia AWS class.
Winery Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.”
My Review: While the winery webpage has the same description for both of these Pinot Noirs, we found them vastly different. This one was lighter in color, with barnyard and cherry notes on the nose. Flavors of bright cherry and earth on the palate.
Fresnolandia Review: “Idle Hour’s 2016 Petite Sirah is bittersweet; it begins on the tongue with a thick, sweet tart dark berry, transitions to a peppy berry, and ends with a tongue drying dark chocolate/licorice. To the nose, it is of a sweet, soy aroma; and if such a thing exists, also vibes of a dark berry vinegar.” Ronan Tetsu, 09/2020 https://www.fresnolandia.com/idle-hour-petite-sirah/
My Review: Dark purple in color, rich dark plum and blackberry. Smooth cherry some bitterness on the palate, dry and licorice finish. Super delicious. Alas, this is sold out. December 2020
You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. Check out how to visit them in Oakhurst here. You can taste their wines at the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room in Carmel Valley – just ask! The Idle Hour tasting room is in the back. Check their Facebook page Idle Hour Tasting Room @IdleHourWine for the latest info!
The Decanting Monterey Wine Pod, having picked up the wrong wines, had to make an emergency trip to the valley. Switch made, we decided to do a little tasting before heading home. At Big Sur Vineyards’ tasting room, we could taste their wines, as well as Idle Hour’s wines. It was a no brainer. Today’s post is about Big Sur Vineyards.
We have tasted their wines over the years, with owner Lenora Carey present almost every time we dropped in. I was in the tasting room shortly after the Soberanes fire, which destroyed her home and vineyards. Yet, there she was in the tasting room. I recall talking to Lenora about her COVID plans to use test tubes for the wine tastes, an approach that continues to be popular to this day. We enjoyed the approach, allowing us to taste the wines at our own pace. She wasn’t in the tasting room when we arrived; she had a graduation event for her son. But, never fear, she showed up about halfway through our visit, personable and engaged, as always. Her fortitude is impressive.
Ondine was helping out that day for both of our tastings. Thinking back to earlier vintages, I was surprised that almost all of the wines were from Arroyo Seco (one of my preferred sources in Monterey County). Ondine reminded me that, because the Big Sur Vineyards were damaged in the Soberanes fire, Lenora is sourcing grapes from elsewhere in Monterey County.
About Big Sur Vineyards: “Big Sur Vineyards is an award-winning winery with several San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medals. Our first vintage was 2013 and we picked Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah from neighboring vineyards, and called this wine Big Sur Red. It embodies all the things we love and value about Big Sur. This wine is bold, with big flavors and a touch of mystery.
“Big Sur Vineyards is a family wine business evolving with each vintage. We invite you to come try our wines at our Carmel Valley tasting room in the sun-drenched Carmel Valley village, just 15 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea. Enjoy our wines while taking in the view of the Santa Lucia mountain range from our sunny patio.”
I am presenting the 6 wines we tasted that day. The winery notes come from their website. Check out their bottle labels, depicting local scenes such as the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. Gotta love it.
2019 Big Sur Vineyards Grenache Blanc, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $38 (#761)
Winery Notes: “The single varietal limited release 100% Grenache Blanc was aged in neutral French oak to allow rich details while preserving fruit purity and freshness. Exceptional energy and brightness lead the way with a lingering sensation of richness. The nose is captivating with orange blossoms, mineral tones and sea foam leading to a medium bodied palate of tangerine, peach, sour apple and tropical fruits that feel racy and vibrant in the mouth along with steely precision and a tangy dry crispness.”
My Review: Light in color. Ripe pear on the nose. Crisp, light and a touch sweet on the palate with cream soda, apricot, melon and pear flavors. A touch of sweet lemon curd on the finish. I really liked this wine. June 2022
2019 Big Sur Vineyards Big Sur White, Arroyo Seco, 12.5% ABV, $36 (#762)
Winery Notes: “This year’s Big Sur White – a Rhone blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier – is youthfully fresh with a delicious, vivacious personality which shows delicate floral notes, crushed rocks and saltiness with a mix of citrus and stone fruits. It’s tangy on the palate that fills out with a touch of barrel aged richness. Enjoy this wine with Lebanese 7 spice lamb, broiled lobster, garlic chicken, medium-hard nutty cheeses such as emmenthaler, comté and gruyére. This wine love spicy foods! The result is a bright, but smooth white wine with tangerine, lime blossoms, almond oil, light herbs, melon flesh and a hint of butterscotch.”
My Review: Viscous in the glass. Pear on the nose, with a complex palate of crushed rocks, citrus, and a hint of apricot. Marine salt on the finish. Not sweet. June 2022
2018 Big Sur Vineyards Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $36 (#763)
Winery Notes: “One of our best sellers and one of our signature wines, our Chardonnay is a classic Monterey style with a hint of tropical fruit and a light creamy mouthfeel. On the palate it shows apple, pear, white peach and lemon. This vintage has a nice array of ripe flavors and fresh acidity which makes it perfect with the local catch of the day as well as poultry dishes and Brie chesses. This clear and lightly golden Chardonnay gets fuller and more complex with air in the glass, and adds a hint of hazelnut, clove and citrus notes.”
My Review: Viscous body. A touch of barnyard on the nose. The palate is balanced, flavorful with rich flavors of citrus and oak. A very pleasant wine. June 2022
2018 Big Sur Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir, Tondré Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $48 (#764)
Winery Notes: “The 2018 vintage or our Pinot Noir Reserve, hand-crafted by winemaker Mark Bunter is made from grapes sourced at the Tondré Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This central California location is considered by many to be one of the preeminent producers of Pinot Noir in California.
“Our Pinot is bursting with aromas and flavors; ripe raspberry, cherry, crushed green leaves, dried orange peel with a hint of caramel and pomegranate. On the palate you discover the earthy attributes of the Pommard clone with its silky texture of black cherry, strong sweet tea with lemon and cassis. The wine is rich and elegant leaving you with a lasting impression of spice and fruit on the finish. Pair with duck breast with juniper berry sauce, grilled chicken and mushrooms and assorted creamy and semi soft cheeses.” 60 cases produced.
My Review: Garnet in the glass. Black tea on the palate. This is a tasty wine. June 2022
2018 Big Sur Vineyards Grenache Noir, Arroyo Seco, 14.2% ABV, $38 (#765)
Winery Notes: “The 2018 Grenache Noir usually makes up the dominant percentage in our signature Big Sur Red Rhone Style blend, and we are thrilled with the profound delicacy and soulful character it shows. The wine has an unbearable lightness of being with a head turning burst of fresh strawberries, rose petals and faint spiciness that is sublime. It drinks as graceful as a Pinot Noir and has wonderful sense of elegance gaining pomegranate, wild plum and fresh picked briar laced raspberry as well as subtle mineral tones, earth, faint pepper, fennel and sage. This lighter style Grenache Noir shows a fresh detail, clarity and purity of form in a balanced medium bodied wine that delivers on its potential and promise from its seductive nose to its lingering tangy finish.”
My Review: Ruby in the glass. Spicy pepper and plum on the nose. Cherry and smoke on the palate, reminiscent of a cherry Jolly Rancher on the finish. June 2022
2018 Big Sur Vineyards Syrah, Arroyo Seco, 13.8% ABV, $38 (#766)
Winery Notes: “Syrah is a big-bodied, dry red wine that tends to shine its brightest on the opening palate. Not only is Syrah flavor-packed, but it’s also one of the darkest colored inky wines you can find. Our 2018 Syrah has aromas of cherry, lavender, black pepper, and cassis wrapped in warm overtones of vanilla. The palate reveals red and black bramble fruit—currants, blackberries, raspberries. Tight grained tannins give way to a long, lingering finish of black pepper and a savory gaminess. Pairs beautifully with dry-rubbed brisket or well seasoned pork, any pizza with meat on it, grilled veggies and garlic mashed potatoes.”
My Review: A pretty, rich ruby in the glass. Menthol and dark fruit on the nose. Vanilla, plum and berries on the palate, not quite matching the powerful nose. June 2022
Want to buy or taste their wines? We were able to walk in for a tasting – but check out their website above to taste or buy their wines. Their tasting room is at 1 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley, with both indoor and outdoor tasting options:
“The Redwood Bar: Serving 6 tastes daily from Rosé to White to luscious Reds. You can also sip on a glass of your favorite and learn what makes Big Sur Vineyards so unique from our owner Lenora or our friendly staff!
“The panorama patio: No fog here! Come enjoy the sunshine in Carmel Valley while looking across at the Santa Lucia range. Share a bottle with friends and take in some rays! Sip a glass and stay a while!”
This Spring, we had the opportunity to travel with Idle Hour Winery for a fantastic trip along the Douro River in Portugal, followed by a private Tempranillo tour along the Ribera del Duero in Spain. How great it was to get to know the winery owners Anna Marie Dos Remedios and Deb Payne on a more personal level. The whole experience was amazing – so well done!
We hadn’t talked to Anna Marie pretty much all of the pandemic. We heard so much on this cruise about how Anna Marie and Deb had to re-tool their businesses (winery, inn, and restaurant) almost immediately – when people visitors quit coming to stay at their Queen’s Inn. Their priority became keeping people employed during this challenging time. As a result, the restaurant became more of the focus, putting wine making on the back burner.
While on the cruise, we had several wine tastings and a wine dinner with the Idle Hour crew. Today I am highlighting the wines we tasted on the cruise. I made a deliberate decision not to take wine tasting notes on my vacation, but some were previously reviewed in this blog and I have included them again here. These are presented more or less in the order tasted. Any quotes below come from their website. Any factual errors outside of the quotes are mine alone. This is what happens when you don’t take proper notes…
I have written about Idle Hour wines several times – just type “Idle Hour” in the search bar to find them. I include Idle Hour in this blog due to their tasting room located in Carmel Valley Village – and their increasing menu of Monterey County wines. You can read more about their wine making approach and history here.
My Review: My daughter called this wine “spicy and good.” In addition to spice, I picked up cherry and raspberry on the palate with a little oak and green pepper. Upon this second tasting, I still find this lean and elegant.
Winemaker’s Notes: “Tempranillo has become one of our flagship wines, one of two wines of the many varieties we produce that will always be on the list here at Idle Hour. I fashion our Tempranillos after the region I find to be the most alluring in Spain, where this Iberian varietal calls home, the Ribera del Duero. Perhaps the variety sees more press from Rioja, where it is the main wine in the blends produced there. I find the 100% Tempranillo wines from the Ribera to be the most honest and enticing. I hope you enjoy our version!” 225 cases produced.
In my humble opinion, Idle Hour makes on of the best US-produced Tempranillo wines. She knows what she is doing. I’d love to do a side-by-side with those Ribera del Duero wines we had later on our trip.
2019 Idle Hour Alicante Bouschet, Madera County (Wine #728)
Here was a great opportunity to taste this as a single varietal bottling, as we usually find it as a blending grape. I would like to try this wine again!
While I can’t find any winemaker notes for this wine, we typically really like the Idle Hour Viognier for its true expression of the fruit. This was a great wine to start our on-board tasting!
This Chardonnay comes from one of my favorite Monterey County AVAs: Arroyo Seco. This is a clean, big Chardonnay. We tasted it during the first on-board tasting and it was very good – not the big, buttery Chardonnays we think of, but a great expression of the minerality in Arroyo Seco soil. We tasted it again at the Winemaker’s Dinner, this time in a Burgundy glass – what a difference the glass can make! It was big, fruitier, with much more depth and florals than the first time we tasted it. If you can find this wine, I highly recommend it.
Winemaker’s Notes: “The crispness and brightness of Bing Cherry followed by the earthy aromas of forest floor and the sweet and savory notes of sassafras and cola. This wine is the most Burgundian Pinot Noir I have ever made. It’s light color and silky tannins are testament to the extra year of aging on the sediment that I gave it. The wine finishes with the fine structure on your tongue of wet stones.”
You all know by now that I am not that big of a Pinot Noir fan. The way this wine was made resulted in a more complex and rich wine, one of the best Pinot Noirs I have tasted from Monterey County. I selected this wine to present at my upcoming John Marshall Chapter, Northern Virginia AWS class.
This was an interesting wine to taste! I was surprised how many people we were traveling with had never heard of Tannat. This was a big, boastful, delicious wine which quickly rose to be one of our favorites on the whole trip. Nicely done!
Crisp and tasty. If you can find it, I recommend it! And the label is equally delicious.
2014 Idle Hour Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah, Love Ranch Vineyard, Madera County, (Wine #730) 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier 4%
The more time I spend on the West Coast, the bigger Syrah wine fan I become. It has superseded my previous love of Zinfandel. It started with Carmel Valley Syrahs – then Arroyo Seco – then Santa Barbara – and now Washington State! We had a previous vintage of this Syrah which my husband just loved. And we both enjoyed the 2014, pairing well with our meal. We need to get more of this!
We tasted this during more of a social hour for the Idle Hour trip participants – we felt very privileges to have this vintage on board and we all enjoyed it very much.
You can purchase their wines from the Idle Hour website here. Check out how to visit them in Oakhurst here. Their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village may not be currently open. Check their Facebook page Idle Hour Tasting Room @IdleHourWine for the latest info!
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