Tagged: Central Coast

2017 L’Aventure Optimus: Smooth, Rich, Delicious – a Quality Wine

THE STORY

At a recent Decanting Monterey Wine Pod tasting on our new front porch, we blind-tasted this lovely wine – the 2017 L’Aventure Optimus.

I’ve written about the Optimus several times, with the last one in 2023 here: Let’s Take Lunch to a New Level with L’Aventure.

THE WINERY

From the tech sheet:

“Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L’Aventure Winery, began making wine in 1982. In that same year, Stephan established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux. He and his family later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin in the Cotes de Castillion in Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, Stephan developed into an artisan winemaker of fastidious craftsmanship and gained a “maverick” reputation. His true desire was to be more innovative than AOC law would allow. In 1996, this led him, his wife Beatrice and their 3 children, on a journey to pursue his ideal as a winemaker. In 1997, after one year of research, they fell in love with a unique terroir in the west side Paso Robles. And L’Aventure began in 1998!”

THE WINE

I have just one wine to present to you today from L’Aventure. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2017 L’Aventure OPTIMUS Red Blend, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles AVA, $ (#1724) 49% Syrah, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot

This is a picture of the bottle label acquired from the tech sheet.
Image from the Tech Sheet

Winery Notes: “Optimus is the perfect introduction to our lineup. Also known as our “crazy” Paso blend, Optimus is beautifully balanced with a lot of freshness. This wine is approachable young but can be enjoyed for up to a decade.” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: We blind tasted this wine.The rich dark red/purple color had me declare it was a new world wine. The nose was reminiscent of a Rhone wine. I thought it was from Napa based on the smooth, rich and tasty palate. I guessed it was a Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Absolutely delicious. February 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Explore L’Aventure:

“Discover personalized tastings on the Westside of Paso Robles. Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. To ensure a dedicated experience for each party, reservations are required.”

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Carol Shelton’s Barbera d’Oakley Brings a Little Bit of Italy!

THE STORY

I don’t have many Carol Shelton wines left, but we enjoyed this one in December. The vineyard story alone makes it an interesting one – which I found on Carol Shelton’s website:

“The 130-year-old Planchon Vineyard in Oakley is the source of this interesting “Italian blend” of Barbera with its companion vines of Zinfandel and Merlot. The Barbera rows are a veritable jungle of vegetation on the perimeter of the ancient Zin vines; they thrive on their own roots in this sandy soil because the phylloxera bug that kills vines from the roots up is adverse to the grit of the sand under its shell. The blend is similar in many ways to a “SuperPiedmont,” where Bordeaux varieties (here we used Merlot) add structure and elegance to the straightforward black cherry and blackberry fruit of the Barbera grape, and the Zin and Carignane chime in with their own bright raspberry and spice notes.”

We met Carol Shelton, the Queen of Zin, many years ago at a Zinfandel Advocates and Producers event in Washington DC and have been fans ever since.

THE WINERY

From her website: “Carol Shelton has been Mastering the Zen of Zin since 1978. Focusing mostly on her favorite varietal, Carol is a guru of single vineyard Zinfandel. California has been the home world class Zin for over a century, making it the benchmark varietal of American wine culture. Carol & Mitch Mackenzie, her husband and business partner, have sought out exceptional vineyards throughout California including Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Mendocino, and the Cucamonga Valley of Southern California. Many of her vineyard sources are organically grown and 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 just this 1 wine from Carol Shelton. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Carol Shelton Barbera d’Oakley, Planchon Vineyard, Contra Costa AVA, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1716)

Winery Notes: “Vibrant nose of tart black cherry and blackberry, with a kiss of green herbs and earth, black peppery spice and vanilla oak. Mouth shows some nice tart cherry and pomegranate, and mouthfeel is silky smooth, almost dangerous in how easy it is to drink. This wine would be delicious with tomato-sauced pastas, harder cheeses, and grilled things, especially portabello mushroom caps! Buon appétito!”

My Review: Garnet in color. A warm, mellow nose of red raspberry, plum, bubblegum, spice and a hint of red cherry. The palate is bursting with red, tart cherry and cranberry juiciness.  This wine will wake you up! December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Carol Shelton has a relatively new tasting room in Santa Rosa, 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. You can read more on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Popping into I Brand for a Quick September Update

THE STORY

We popped into the I Brand & Family @ibrandwinery tasting room last September and found these new-to-us releases! Today I am sharing these 6 with you.

I’ve written about I Brand & Family many times in Decanting Monterey. The most recent full post was here: Unexpected Find of 2014 I Brand Cabernet Sauvignon at Pacific’s Edge Leads to Discovery of Highly Rated 2021 Vintage!  The rest you can easily find by typing I Brand in the search bar.

THE WINERY

From their cool, refreshed website:

“Ian Brand’s journey to becoming one of California’s most distinctive winemakers is anything but conventional. Born in Connecticut to two psychologists, Ian eschewed the safe path early, chasing raw experience through remote Alaska, the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and a series of oddball jobs from pool boy to Olympic staffer. He stumbled into winemaking in the early 2000s, taking a low-wage job at Bonny Doon that quickly turned into a chaotic but formative education in the cellar. After sharpening his craft under the guidance of California Rhone pioneers at Big Basin and working alongside legends of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ian struck out on his own, driven by a belief in untapped potential in overlooked coastal regions, especially Monterey County.

“Building his winery from scratch in a warehouse in Salinas, often improvising equipment and working grueling harvest schedules, he’s become a champion of site-driven, honest wines that reflect both soil and sea. Along the way, he’s cultivated not just wine but community, helping launch young talents and crafting a winery that hums with gritty independence, artistic flair, and a touch of chaos. In 2018, his maverick approach earned him Winemaker of the Year from the San Francisco Chronicle, but Ian still insists he’s figuring it out as he goes.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting two wines. Winery notes in general come from the tasting sheet, their website, or from tasting room staff unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone!

2024 Paysan Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $24 (#1667)

Picture of the label for the 2024 Paysan Sauvignon Blanc

Winery Notes: “High-toned and aromatic with laser precision. Crushed lime leaf, yuzu zest, and grapefruit pith leap from the glass, followed by a cool mineral edge—think wet granite and sea spray. Subtle notes of white peach and fresh-cut grass add a savory, green lift. The palate delivers electric acidity without veering into aggression. Underripe honeydew melon, and gooseberry meet saline and chalky textures, offering both zip and depth. A touch of lemongrass and kiwi rounds out the mid-palate, keeping it mouthwatering and just slightly tropical. Crisp and tightly coiled, the finish lingers with a whisper of flint and citrus peel. This is Sauvignon Blanc in athletic form—lean, sculpted, and lively.”

My Review: Pale hay in the glass. Sweet, aromatic peach on the nose. Acidic on the palate with lots of minerality. September 2025

2023 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Fox Creek Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $36 (#1668)

My Review: Pale yellow. Yeasty and buttery, full bodied nose. Oak and butter followed by tart lime zest on the palate with a lingering finish. Quite a surprise. September 2025

2024 La Marea Cachudo, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $25 (#1669)

Picture of front label 2024 La Marea Cachudo

Winery Notes: “With its hallmark acidity and citrus-driven profile, there is a distinctive aromatic lift, rounded edges, and a subtle herbal thread. The result is both refreshing and adventurous. This wine speaks fluently in both terroir and tension. Zesty lime peel, green apple skin, and white peach open the aromatic palette, backed by notes of chamomile, crushed seashell, and a gentle hint of almond blossom. There’s a cool, coastal breeze quality despite the inland origin. Tightly wound and linear on entry, the wine fans out to reveal flavors of Meyer lemon, underripe nectarine, and a whisper of saline minerality. A phenolic texture—almost waxy—balances the raciness with a more grounded, savory edge. The finish lingers with notes of lemon verbena, wet stone, and green pear.”

My Review: Pale gold in the glass with a nice, even flavor on the palate. I preferred the 2023 vintage. September 2025

2022 Paysan P’tit Pape Rhône-Style Red Blend, Central Coast AVA, 13.3% ABV, $25 (#1670)

Winery Notes: “Inviting and expressive, the aromatics lean into ripe raspberry, cherry compote, and blood orange, lifted by notes of garrigue, pink peppercorn, and rose petal. A savory thread of smoked meat, lavender, and dusty earth underscores the fruit, courtesy of the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Juicy and medium-bodied, the palate carries a vibrant core of red fruits—cranberry, red plum, and strawberry preserves—framed by deeper notes of grilled herbs and cracked black pepper. The Grenache lends lift and brightness, while Syrah contributes structure and depth. Mourvèdre brings a grounding sense of game and spice and Cinsault adds a subtle floral note and softness to the blend. Silky tannins glide into a clean, energetic finish marked by hints of licorice root, dried sage, and cherry pit. There’s a tautness and freshness that keeps the wine agile, despite its warm-fruited generosity.

My Review: Sweet cherry on the palate with a touch of tobacco and licorice on the finish. A tasty little wine. September 2025

2022 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains, 11% ABV, $48 (#1671)

My Review: Reminiscent of a sour cherry jolly rancher.  I’d like to taste this one again, as we have enjoyed this wine year over year. September 2025

2022 I Brand & Family Gamay Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $36 (#1672)

Winery Notes: “Fresh and aromatic, the nose opens with graphite, winter spice, boysenberry and orange-spiced cranberry sauce. Sweet notes of roasted chestnuts intertwine with hints of crushed granite, white pepper, and a touch of forest floor. Light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, the palate confirms the nose introducing pomegranate and tart cherry. Subtle spice and earthy undertones emerge, with a gentle herbal note and a whisper of clove from neutral oak aging. The wine’s silky tannins provide just enough structure without overshadowing its vibrant character. Clean and refreshing, the finish lingers with red berry brightness, a dash of pepper, and a mineral lift.”

My Review: While I did not take detailed notes on this wine, I recall it being very drinkable and tasty – would go great with a meal. September 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

The I Brand & Family Tasting Room, located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm.  Reservations are recommended – more information here.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Eric Kent: “…making wine, discovering new art and sharing them both”

THE STORY

Always looking for a wine bargain, we discovered today’s wine – an easy-drinking Eric Kent Cabernet Sauvignon on sale for $15 at K&L Wine Merchants. You can find quite a few current and past Eric Kent wines on their website. This is the first Eric Kent wine I have posted on Decanting Monterey.

What I found equally interesting was the art on the label. The featured artist on this bottle was Hilary Williams. This particular print is from 2017 and called “Haight Street Dream.” You can find more of her work on her Instagram site @hilaryatthecircus, which is where I found the title of this print!

THE WINERY

Eric Kent Wines (@erickentwines) is a “boutique producer of hand-crafted Sonoma County wines featuring inspiring artists’ works on our labels.” The website bio for Paul Kent, partner and winemaker, shares their purpose: “…Of course this work is hard, sometimes stressful and often less glamorous than one might imagine… but it’s also fascinating, exhilarating, inspiring and rewarding like nothing else I’ve ever done. The way I see it, making wine, discovering new art and sharing them both with others is about as good as it gets. To our many customers who make this possible, I offer my most sincere thanks. I raise my glass to each and every one of you!”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting a single wine from Eric Kent. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Eric Kent Cabernet Sauvignon, Contra Costa AVA, 14.5% ABV, $32 (#1568)

Winery Notes: “Bigger and bolder than our previous Appellation Series Cabernet, this vintage will please most people at the table. You’ll find plenty of sweet, ripe black cherry, black currant, framboise and plum, accented with just a touch of barrel spice. Tannins are surprisingly mild and well integrated already, adding to an overall suppleness and lush mouthfeel. Eager to please and easy to drink, here’s another no-brainer selection for casual get-togethers and summer fare off the grill.?”

My Review: Dark plum and cherry aromas on the nose. Not musty, but not fruity. Chalky on the smooth palate. Mint on the finish. Very drinkable! April 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste their wines by appointment only in Santa Rosa by going to their website or Instagram account and contacting them directly.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

2021 Carol Shelton Grenache Noir: a Balance of the Sweet and the Savory

THE STORY

When we are looking for a wine to open, it is easy to gravitate toward a Carol Shelton. Her wines are reliably tasty and on the big side of red. This Grenache Noir brings us something a little different from her usual big Zins. 

My last post about Carol Shelton Wines is here: Zinfandel Expert Carol Shelton: the Road to Zen.I’ve written about Carol and her wines several times.  Just type Carol Shelton in the search bar. 

THE WINERY

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.

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting 1 wine, the 2021 Carol Shelton Grenache Noir. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

THE GRAPE

“Grenache Noir is the darker-skinned member of the Grenache family, which also includes green-skinned Grenache Blanc and mauve-skinned Grenache Gris—it is often just referred to as “Grenache” (or Garnacha in Spain), although that is sort of like just saying “Pinot” instead of Pinot Noir or Pinot Blanc/Gris. In any case, the variety is clearly color challenged, but it produces such lovely delicate red fruit that we can forgive that! We selected this lot from wines destined for the Coquille Rouge blend because we fell in love with its easy-drinking vivacity—enjoy!”

2021 Carol Shelton Grenache Noir, Contra Costa AVA, Contra Costa County, 13% ABV, $28 (#1567)

Winery Notes: “Color is only a bit darker than our Rosé! Nose shows delightful ripe strawberry aromas and some peppery spice, along with a bit of black cherry fruit, and of savory leather notes in the background. Lighter bodied in mouth but super soft and creamy with a nice tangy finish. This would be fantastic with any lighter dishes with poultry or fish, or vegetarian meals, especially with lots of mushrooms! Try Chicken with Snow peas and Shiitake mushrooms, perhaps?”

My Review: Pale, tinged garnet in the glass. Sweet plum and raspberry jam on the nose. Tasty cranberry and raspberry jam on the finish. A clear exhibition of this winemaker’s touch. Not like our Monterey Grenache wines. April 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Taste the Magic

“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…

“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.”

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Zinfandel Expert Carol Shelton: the Road to Zen

THE STORY

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.

My last post about Carol Shelton Wines is here: A Plentiful Supply of Central Coast Wines Right at Home. I’ve written about Carol and her wines several times – just type Carol Shelton in the search bar. 

ABOUT CAROL SHELTON WINES

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 TASTING ROOM – Taste the Magic

“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.”

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Lady Somm’s Grand Opening: A Spectacle Not To Be Missed!

THE STORY

Last June, I received Roxanne Langer’s (Lady Somm) business card from a neighbor. Roxanne and I started corresponding vie email with the intent of meeting up to discuss her wine business ideas. After scheduling, sniffles and holiday delays, we finally met in person in early February – after her concept for her business with her sister Tamara Carver, had been solidified. We met at their storefront located at the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. There was a lot of activity in their soon-to-be shop, with workers and deliveries happening nonstop throughout our conversation as they prepared for Lady Somm’s Grand Opening on March 21. 

I was excited to meet Roxanne and Tamara and learn about their vision for the business – to make this space a place for wine education, wine tasting, special events and dinners, and a shop for wine and other cute items. Although they weren’t originally thinking of a physical location such as the Barnyard, when the opportunity was presented to them, they couldn’t turn it down. The space is super cute, with a vintage feel and a feminine touch. 

Lady Somm is an ambitious undertaking in a place already dotted with wineries and wine shops. They distinguish themselves by their breadth of offerings and their depth of experience. As a Monterey wine educator myself, I offered them my help in any capacity. They invited me to their Grand Opening and subsequently invited me to one of their tastings. Thank you, ladies!

ABOUT LADY SOMM

From their website: “At the heart of Lady Somm are two sisters, Roxane Langer and Tamara Carver, whose passion for wine has blossomed into a mission to share it with the world. With backgrounds that span the globe and the wine spectrum, they invite you to join them on a journey of discovery, education, and enjoyment. Welcome to our world of wine.”

On their website, you can dive deeper into all of their wine education, tasting salon, travel and special events. I encourage you to take a peek! I am excited about their offerings – there is something for every budget.  It looks like a place for regular wine events, running the spectrum from informal to fancy.  It will be a fun place to hang out on the regular! I’m excited to try one of their Blind Tastings – can’t make the first one and hope they will do it again!

LADY SOMM’S GRAND OPENING

The Lady Somm Grand Opening on March 21st 2024 was quite an event!  Set outdoors on a lovely afternoon, it was replete with wine tastings, catered food and chocolates, as well as acrobatic and artistic performers. The local Chambers of Commerce and press were there to assist with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Artist Bekah Bull

Several of our local wineries were there, including Talbot, Wrath, Big Sur, Dawn’s Dream, and the Paso Robles-based Cordant Winery. I also got to speak with Qouign owner and baker/chocolatier Santana Rodriguez, who makes some of the most exquisite chocolates in our region. 

THE WINE

Today I am following my approach to events by focusing on wineries I do not know. I am presenting to you a single wine from Cordant Winery.  If I had noticed them sooner, I would have tried all their wines – this calls for a trip back down to Paso Robles! You can read more about visiting them here: “Join In Our Journey.”

ABOUT CORDANT

From their website: “Cordant wines are made without an agenda, but with close attention to detail.”

“We source grapes from a selection of the best vineyards throughout the California Central Coast from which to make our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone-style wines. Some are chosen with intention for vineyard designation because of their unique ability to express a specific location. Others are chosen purposefully to demonstrate what vineyards can do in combination, and for their ability to contribute to a greater good.”

2021 Cordant Indocile, Central Coast AVA, 14.5% ABV, $65 (#1282)

Winery Notes: “This year presented us with an opportunity to craft a new wine to showcase the uniqueness of the vintage. Cordant is known for producing both vineyard-designated and blended wines, such as our southern-Rhone inspired “Maniacal” GSM.  So it seemed only fitting that we craft a northern-Rhone inspired blend to showcase our cooler-climate Syrah vineyards. The result is the first release of “Indocile”. Sourcing Syrah from some of our favorite vineyards, many in Monterey County, this wine is brimming with a mixture of cool and warm climate characteristics: dark fruits, herbs de Provence, lavender, and cigar to name a few. At the same time, it is also incredibly silky and sensual on the palate; we can’t get enough of it.” 93 points: Decanter. 96 points Drunken Cyclist.

My Review: Typical for a big event, I was unable to take notes at this event, so I am going from memory.  This was a voluptuous, smooth, big red made in my style with lots of Syrah to make this a wine I could just keep drinking. I definitely need to get to Paso for a tasting.  March 2024

© Decanting Monterey 2023

*FOLLOW ME ON CELLAR TRACKER: Central Coast Sharon

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!

[wpedon id=3390]

Odonata 2018 Spiketail: Ramping Up for the Holidays!

THE STORY

We opened a 2018 Odonata Spiketail in mid-December as we were ramping up for the holidays.  Today’s short and sweet post includes reviews from two vintages of the same wine!

We last visited Odonata in March 2022 and captured our experience here: Odonata Plays “Mystery Wine” with Decanting Monterey!

ABOUT ODONATA from their website:

You can read about winemaker Denis Hoey in my recent post Odonata: The Truth About Durif.

THE WINE

I have 2 wines to present to you today from Odonata. Winery notes come from their tasting sheet or website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2017 Odonata Spiketail, 14.25% ABV, (#875) 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

I previously wrote up the 2017 vintage here: A Plentiful Supply of Central Coast Wines Right at Home.

Winery Notes: “Offering copious aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, raspberry, strawberries, licorice and roasted herbs. Bright acidity, beautiful density, and full-bodied opulence.” 120 cases produced.

My Review: Rich, dark ruby in the glass. Dark berry jam on the nose. Low key palate of jammy berry flavors – this is one delicious wine. June 202

2018 Odonata Spiketail, 14.2%, $65 (#1239) 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

My Review: We bought this on a whim without tasting it. Purple in color. Plum, orange rind, chalk, bubblegum and hot cocoa on the nose. Orange rind and chocolate on the dense jam of the chalky palate. Licorice and smoke on the finish. After it opened up, cinnamon was predominant on the finish. One of the most interesting wines I have enjoyed this year. August 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

VISIT ODONATA WINERY

“Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata Winery and Tasting Room. We hope you will stop by to sample a selection of our current releases!

Located at 645 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908 (tel: 831-566-5147)

Open 7 days a week (except major holidays) from 11 am to 5 pm. Open for Happy Hour on Fridays & Saturdays from 5-7 pm. No appointments are necessary for groups of 8 or fewer.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!

[wpedon id=3390]

Ranch 32: Local Meritage Undergoes an Experiment in Aging

We are almost caught up with our summer “Catchup Mondays” – Ranch 32 – Local Meritage Undergoes An Experiment in Aging. And this one will be really brief – because I already reviewed this wine back in 2021. But please read on…

THE STORY – AN EXPERIMENT IN AGING

Back in 2021, our daughter was served a delicious Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon.  When I needed an American “Claret” for a wine class, I discovered the Ranch 32 makes a Meritage. I bought it at BevMo in Carmel for $29.95 and got a second bottle for 5 cents. The first tasting in June 2021 showed a bit young, so I held onto the second bottle to see what would happen – an experiment in aging. I’d have to say my little experiment had a disappointing outcome.  I guess the bottom line is to drink these wines young!

I previously wrote up this wine here: “On the west side of the Salinas Valley, directly in the path of Monterey’s relentless afternoon winds, sits Ranch 32”.

ABOUT RANCH 32:

“Place is paramount.”

“It means everything to wine. The finest wines in the world are closely identified with the regions from where they originate. Ranch 32 is about showcasing the best wine from our estate vineyards located in select AVAs of Monterey County. It is about crafting wines of tremendous depth and character that reflect their origin. Ranch 32 is the taste of place.”

You can read more about Ranch 32 here.

THE WINE

I have just one wine to present to you today from Ranch 32. Winery notes come from BevMo and from www.wine.com. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2018 Ranch 32 Vineyard Reserve Meritage, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $30 40% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Malbec (#385)

BevMo Review – 85 points: “Aromas of blackberries and dark plums with overtones of mocha and dark chocolate; well-integrated tannins lead to a long, layered finish.”

My Reviews:

June 2021: Ruby in the glass with a lovely, rich bouquet of dark fruits: plum, berry, oak and a touch of cherry. The palate was balanced, quite drinkable and fresh, with a touch of tangerine on the finish.  This wine is young. It opened up into nice, round flavors over time. 

September 2023: Garnet in the glass. Dark fruit and a bit of earth on the nose, following onto the palate. Grass and apple on the finish.  An experiment in aging with a disappointing outcome.      

WHERE TO FIND

Ranch 32 doesn’t have a tasting room, but you can use this link on their website to find their wines: https://www.ranch32wines.com/find-a-store.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!

[wpedon id=3390]

A Warm Thanksgiving Thanks to You!

I wanted to take a moment on this crisp and sunny coastal Thanksgiving weekend to give a warm Thanksgiving thanks to you!

To Our Monterey Wineries and Winemakers: I write this blog from my heart for you. You work hard to create delicious, impressive wines from our unique earth and climate, sometimes challenging. I am so hopeful for our very promising 2023 vintage. I thank you in return for the consideration you give me in terms of industry discounts and even sometimes donated wine for my nonprofit classes.

To My Readers: I write this blog to you – to help share our Monterey and Central Coast wines that sometimes don’t get seen outside of our local area. We’ve got good stuff here and I want you to know about it. Wine tasting here is so much fun – good wine, friendly staff, low key and affordable. I love it when you will go to the actual website and leave me a comment or two. I hope to see more of that. And thank you so much for nominating Decanting Monterey as Best Local Blog. While I didn’t win, I am so grateful for your efforts to get this website seen and heard.

To Our Local Wine Organizations: The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, the Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans, and the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers Association I rely on you for information about our local wines and thank you for your generosity in access to your events. And the American Wine Society – Monterey Chapter, which welcomed me with open arms and has allowed me to advise them on our local wineries for their many events. If you aren’t a member, you can join today by joining the AWS and adding on our Monterey Chapter. We’d love to see you at our events.

To the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod: My husband and our friends, including our daughters who were trapped on the Monterey Peninsula with us during the pandemic. They were with me when this all started as a Facebook pandemic pastime and watched it grow into a real website and blog. I rely on the Wine Pod for tasting notes and opinions so you don’t always get just mine. Oh, and fun. We have had a number of fun adventures together exploring wineries and tasting wines.

To My Donors: I am so grateful to the people who have donated to Decanting Monterey. This is a self-funded wine blog with real operating expenses. I am proud that my handful of donors have come from our local wine industry, our local wine organizations, and from my readers. Thank you for your support.

WHAT WINES DID YOU SERVE FOR THANKSGIVING?

Now, to the most important question of the day: What local wines did you serve on Thanksgiving? We took a magnum of 2015 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, my favorite vintage of his Cabs. I previously wrote about it here.

MAKE A COMMENT TODAY!

I encourage you to make a comment on today’s post sharing the local wines that you enjoyed on Thanksgiving or over the weekend! I raise a toast to all of you in gratitude.

Central Coast Sharon

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!

[wpedon id=3390]

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

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

Verified by MonsterInsights