Tagged: @chesebro_wines

A Quest for the 2019 Chesebro Cabernet Sauvignon

THE STORY

When a friend (thanks, Brad!) emailed me that Chesebro was releasing its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, we made a bee-line for the tasting room. We could not get enough of the 2018 vintage. Alas, we were too early – it wasn’t yet available. We were able to catch up on the other newer releases and even got an invitation from tasting room manager Alex to their upcoming members’ release party. And so we did!  There, we got to spend time with Will, Mark Chesebro’s son and winemaker, and taste the highly anticipated 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today’s post includes wines from both tastings.

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting 9 Chesebro Wines.  I last presented their wines to you in March 2025 here: Chesebro Releases Its 2017 Classics! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted.  The professional reviews below are quoted from the winery’s website. I’ll be honest.  Sometimes I think I have already tasted wines and I do not take detailed notes.  Unfortunately, several in today’s post fall into that category. Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.

2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Grenache Rosé, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1673)

Winery Notes: “Beautifully light and fresh Provençal style Rosé. Perfect for everyday (especially warm ones).”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Light on the palate with a floral finish. Very tasty. I would happily serve to family, friends and even present in a class! September 2025

2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Albariño, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1674)  

91 Points Wine Enthusiast: “Intensely peachy aromas weave from stonefruit through white flower bouquets on the nose of this bottling. Orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine elements float atop the stonefruit core on the cleanly presented palate.”

91 Points James Suckling: “Threading the needle between mineral purity and subtle springtime blossoms, this is a wine of definition and tension, with enough phenolic complexity to reward attention. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors with terrific acidity. Drink now.”

My Review: My only note on this wine was that it presented quite tart. Worthy of a revisit and more detailed notes. September 2025.

2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1675)              

Winery Notes: “A Chardonnay hommage to Burgundy – 25% new oak… Clean and fresh with a broad mouthfeel and persistent finish.”

My Review: A tasty Chardonnay, reflective of our region and one I would gladly serve to guests! September 2025

2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Vermentino, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $28 (#1676)              

Winery Notes: “A unique Italian (and French) white variety typically found in Corsica, Sardina and Liguira. Smooth and light on the palate with mouthwatering acidity. It is aromatically complex with citrus, herbal and often floral notes. Versatile and fresh it can be a great pairing with many lighter dishes such as poultry, fish, vegetables and fresh cheeses.”

My Review: Acidic pineapple on the nose (very positive) carrying over to palate with a slightly bitter finish. It is so rare to stumble upon a Vermentino here – you have to love this wine! November 2025

2024 Cedar Lane Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.2% ABV, $28 (#1677)            

90 Points Wine Enthusiast: “Rounded aromas of peach bubblegum and tangerine sorbet are cut by a steely minerality on the nose of this bottling. That poppy, candied passionfruit flavor is framed by a chalky frame on the palate. “

92 Points James Suckling: “Aromas of pears, white figs, white grapefruit, citrus blossoms and saline minerality. The crunchy palate is both drying and mouthwatering, with shiso and white licorice throughout. Drink now.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Peach and melon on the nose. Refreshing tart lime on the finish. November 2025

2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1678)

Winery Notes: “”100% Cedar Lane Vineyard” Pinot Noir. Precision and class! Aromas of crushed red berry fruit, blood orange and forest floor with amazing nuance and Pinot Noir character. Fresh and playful throughout the palate leading to a long and caressing finish!” 93

93 Points Wine Enthusiast (Editor’s Choice):  “Aromas of fresh yet tightly wound white pepper, herb and raspberry pop on the nose. The Palate is bright and tense offering, cranberry, rose petal, and more peppery spice flavors.

My Review: Cherry ale on the nose. This is not like the SLH Pinots – it is richer in body and flavor, with a slightly sweet the finish (maybe that raspberry pop?). November 2025

2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard The Swallow Reserve Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1679)              

Winery Notes: “Produced only in top vintages. Winemaker’s selection. Only 42 cases made – 30% New French Oak.”

My Review: Very big flavors on the palate with a fabulous mouthfeel. I liked this wine and we took some home. September 2025

2023 Cedar Lane Vineyard Las Arenas, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $30 (#1680)       

Winery Notes: “Rhone Blend – 50% Grenache 50% Syrah grown on sandy soils in Arroyo Seco. Dense, dark and decadent….”

92 Points James Suckling: “Focused aromas of medicinal cherries, pepper and spices mark this 50-50 blend. The effusive fruit finds its way to the palate, where it’s layered with wild red berries, dried orange peel, leather and more spices. Dusty crushed rocks in the finish. Structured for solid mid-term cellaring. Drink or hold.”

My Review: Definitely a Rhone blend.  Spicy nose, with spice, cedar and menthol on the palate. Quite tasty. September 2025

2019 Chesebro Cabernet Sauvignon, Chaparral Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $48 (#1681)  

Winery Notes: “From the highest elevation (2400ft) vineyard in Carmel Valley (Chaparral Vineyard). Dry farmed 1.5 acres with tiny yields of less than 2 tons per acre. Aged 22 months in new French oak. Only 40 cases Produced.”

My Review: BBQ ribs on the nose. Sweet red and black fruits and spice on the jammy palate. Delicious, brimming with cherry and berry jam, finishing with eucalyptus notes. Pretty darn good. September 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Come Raise a Glass with Us! We are located at 19D East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.”

“We are now open for tasting on Friday through Sunday from noon until 5 PM and by apointment on other days. Due to our limited capacity please make an appointment on all days so that we may better serve you. Appointments can either be set up through this page…or by contacting Alex directly at Alex@chesebrowines.com or 831-238-2618. Due to our remote location, appointments are not available for the winery itself….” @chesebrowinestastingroom

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Decanting Monterey Hits the 5 Year Milestone: A Reprise!

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Decanting Monterey, A Central Coast Wine Blog! I really can’t believe what sprang from a pandemic pastime (literally) has persevered and is now an internationally-recognized effort.  Whether you get my weekly reviews delivered to your email (sign up today – it is free!), see them on social media (Instagram, Facebook, or CELLAR TRACKER, or discover them via Google search; I hope you are enjoying reading about our Monterey wines through my lens. I value every view, like, and comment. I write this blog out of passion for our Monterey wines, not for profit, and have continued to keep this space ad-free for you. I deeply appreciate each and every one of you who is reading my posts!

HUGE THANKS UP FRONT!

I want to express my gratitude to those vintners in year 5 who have comped me wine tastings, given me discounts, and especially those who have donated wine to the cause! I am grateful to Chesebro, Corral Wine Co., I Brand, Parsonage, and Rombi for their generosity this year in donated wines, steep discounts or assistance with group tastings. I am especially thankful for Sal Rombi who has donated pre-release for us to taste in-depth and replacement bottles for many of the wines I have reviewed. And to my fellow board members at the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society who continue to trust me to organize most of their events. And, of course, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod who make this all tons of fun!

Fellow AWS Board Members

A BRIEF RECAP OF THE LAST 4 YEARS:

Year 1: Deep in the unvaccinated period of the pandemic in July 2020, Decanting Monterey initially was focused on wines from our own collection sampled at home, with or without our neighboring friends and our daughters, who quickly became known as the COVID Wine Pod. It was 2 posts per week and, mostly, one wine at a time. Back then, some wineries had just reopened with their COVID procedures and we still weren’t venturing out much. I also established the @decantingmonterey Facebook page.

During Year 2, as we became fully vaccinated and boosted – and double boosted, we were able to get out to more local wineries at a more deliberate pace. And the COVID Wine Pod was renamed the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod! I also moved to a single post per week and presented a single wine class to my old DC wine group. Most of the posts were based on event-driven or winery tastings and fewer individual, cellar-driven posts.  And I started the @decanting_monterey Instagram feed.

During Year 3, I was able to get recognition as an entity with some stature behind it. Our local Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society invited me to join them as a Board Advisor. As a result, I arranged 8 of their monthly events. I presented our Monterey wines to 3 classes: in Washington DC, in Northern Virginia, and to the Carmel Rotary! I covered 2 local wine events: the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival and the Monterey Winemakers Celebration.

My friends from Corral Wine Co.

Year 4 was the strongest year for Decanting Monterey. I was nominated for Best Local Blog in the Monterey County Weekly’s 2023 “Best of” competition. I covered 8 local wine events, including the 30th Monterey Winemakers Celebration, the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers 40th Anniversary, the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, the Grand Opening  of LadySomm in the Barnyard, the East End Passport, and the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival. Arranged 7 winery visits and supported 2 tasting events for the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society, and hosted 1 wine dinner. I also presented 5 Monterey wines to an East Coast wine appreciation group.

Wine Pod Visit to Zabala Vineyards

During Year 5, we kept on going, but covered far fewer events due to serious injury (all better now, thanks!):

Wine Blog of the Year!

I have some high-level stats to share with you about Year Five of Decanting Monterey!

  • www.decantingmonterey.com surpassed the 33,000 “views” mark – which more than doubled in a single year!! This statistic is very important to me.  If you are seeing my blog on social media or via email, please be sure to click the link and open it!
  • In its lifetime, 349 total posts, including this one.
  • 183 wines (168 for the first time) were presented on Decanting Monterey in Year 5.
  • 138 red wines were presented, as well as 32 whites, 13 rosés, including a single sparkling wine.
  • Wines from 11 California counties are represented, with over 60% from Monterey.  In addition to the counties depicted on the chart, there were also a few from Madera, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Yolo counties. 

  • Wines from 7 of the 10 Monterey American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) were covered, with the most from Carmel Valley, followed by the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey.
  • Parsonage was the most represented family of wines, followed by Bernardus, I Brand, and Chesebro.
  • In addition, we included 5 wines from Washington State, and one each from Australia, France and Spain.
  • Finally, we covered 2 wine events at LadySomm, and a trip to Amador.

2024 Monterey County Crop Report: Wine in Decline

I’ve written before about the declining wine market as people focus more on their health and drink less. The recent release of the 2024 Monterey County Crop Report highlights this situation quite directly, with a staggering 21% drop in the value of wine grapes in the county. It’s a worrisome trend for our wineries, as Dave Faries mentioned in the Monterey County Weekly article: The plummeting demand for wine has many in the industry worried. But is the situation so dire? I don’t know how much it affects our smaller, local wineries with their loyal followings, but the shift in the marketplace needs attention, with an eye to both short-term and longer-term strategies. I wrote about this in my Amador post here: Is this a permanent shift? Is wine becoming passé? Is anyone making a good de-alcoholized red wine? Here are the telling stats from the crop report:

Screenshot from the 2024 Monterey County Crop Report

  • Grapes went down in ranking from 5th place in 2023, to 8th place in 2024 – behind strawberries, leaf and head lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and spinach.
  • Acreage of planted grapes declined from 40,200 in 2023 to 39,600 in 2024.
  • Grape crop value decreased from $194,642,000 in 2023 to $152,251,000 in 2024.
Grapes left hanging in Amador Fall 2024

WHAT’S NEXT?

While I have some posts already queued up for Year 6, let me ask my mighty readers:  Where should I visit next?  I have a short list of wineries not yet presented and new or relocated tasting rooms. And I do have a short trip to Paso Robles coming up. Beyond that? Please leave me a comment on this post and let me know what some of your favorite, local places are to wine taste that I should not miss in Year 6!

And, if you have not signed up for my free, weekly blog email, please do! I judge how well I am doing by how many views, subscribers, and comments I receive. (Go, Instagram!) No ads and I don’t sell your data. Please help me spread the word and feel free to comment on my posts! And follow my Facebook (@DecantingMonterey) and Instagram (@decanting_monterey) sites.

So, here we go – Year 6!  I don’t think I will ever surpass Year 4, but even coasting in this world of Monterey wines has allowed me to access and promote some of the very best California has to offer. I hope you will try some wines from Monterey County and share your experiences with me!

Central Coast Sharon

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Chesebro Releases Its 2017 Classics!

THE STORY

Usually, I catch the announcement when a new Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage is released, but the release of their latest vintage of this wine caught me by surprise. La Montagne Sauvage is one of the Monterey County wines I presented in my very first class many moons ago – it holds a special place in this aficionado’s portfolio.  I discovered the release of this wine and 2 other new releases when I stopped in to pick up a couple of bottles of their Sparkling rosé. I came back with one of my Decanting Monterey Wine Pod expert tasters to make sure I got these classics right. We were fortunate to be hosted that day by Alex Lallos, their Tasting Room Manager.

I commend Chesebro for continuing to produce exceptional wines at affordable prices – something they should be extremely proud of.

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting 3 Chesebro Wines.  I last presented their wines to you in January 2025 here: Kicking Off the New Year with a Chesebro Favorite! Winery notes come from the label, their tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted.  Any errors are mine and mine alone; however, as a general rule, I do not correct any typos from the winery’s website.

2017 Chesebro Piedras Blancas, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.4% ABV, $30 (#1415)

Winery Notes: “A Rhone style white (85% Roussanne, 10% Vermentino, 5% Sauvignon Blanc) Our richest and most complex / ageworthy white. Don’t be afraid to put this Rhone syled white from our estate vineyard in Carmel Valley deep in your cellar. A blend of mainly Roussanne, it is modeled after the most famous white wines in Chateauneuf du Pape, France. Rich and viscous with aromas of stone fruit and flavors of baked apples and oak. A full bodied and very srious white for the true connoiseur in mind. Pair this heady white whith cream sauces, roasted fowl and sweetbreads.”

My Review: Pale, dusty gold in the glass. Light mouthfeel. Peach and melon on the nose. Mellow palate with gardenia, white peach flavors, a lot of minerality, and balanced acidity. Turns out this wine was released in Summer 2024 – but I have better tasting notes this time! February 2025

2017 Chesebro La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $35 (#1524)

Winery Notes: “Our proprietary Rhone belnd of Syrah (80%), Grenache (15%) and Mourvedre (5%) modeled after the legendary wines of the Southern Rhone Valley in France. Grown at 1800′ elevation, this is our flagship wine and our most popular blend from a small 2.5 acre vineyard in the mountains of Carmel Valley. Rich and broading with aromas of dark blackberries, chaparral, sage and all-spice. An ageworthy and deeply profound example of what these Rhone varietals can do on the granite soils of Upper Carmel Valley. ONLY 80 Cases Produced.”

My Review: Dusty garnet in color. Jammy nose with dark cherry and spicy notes. Medium palate with dark cherry flavors and a dry finish. Tasty. This is one of my favorite wines to present in a class. We took some home. February 2025

2017 Chesebro Syrah, CM Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.6% ABV, $38 (#1525)

Winery Notes: “Single barrel series. Only 25 cases produced. 100% single vineyard Syrah from our estate vineyard in Carmel Valley. Aromas of dark blueberry and currants, spice, sandal wood and cedar. Some deep earthy forest notes as well. Wonderfully balanced with chalky tannins, fine acidity and brambly fruit. Medium-full bodied.”

My Review: Big bright flavors on the exploding palate. A range of cherry flavors. Really delicious. Probably my favorite wine of the day. Took some home! February 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Come Raise a Glass with Us! We are located at 19D East Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village.”

From the Chesebro Facebook Page, used with permission

“We are now open for tasting on Friday through Sunday from noon until 5 PM and by apointment on other days. Due to our limited capacity please make an appointment on all days so that we may better serve you. Appointments can either be set up through this page…or by contacting Alex directly at Alex@chesebrowines.com or 831-238-2618. Due to our remote location, appointments are not available for the winery itself….”

SOME SPECIALS AT WINE.COM TO SHARE WITH YOU

New Customer March Promotion

  • Promotion: $20 off $150 on your First Order at Wine.com 
  • Code: MARCH20
  • Dates Live: NOW-3/31/25
  • Link ID: 10004860

Top Themes this Week

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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