Tagged: @decanting_monterey

The Newly-Released 2022 Rombi Merlot is a Beauty!

THE STORY

It was great to stop in and see Kathy in the Rombi Wines tasting room in Carmel Valley Village back in December. We were able to catch up and I delivered some holiday chocolates for Sal.  My homemade, yet professional chocolates. People say I should sell them, but that would be work. We were pleasantly surprised to find this stunning, newly released 2022 Rombi Merlot now being poured in the tasting room.  I used to have to cellar his wines for about 10 years for them to seem ready (they are so big), but this wine is pretty awesome now. I asked Sal if there was anything special about this wine or the vintage he’d like to tell me and his only comment was that he didn’t make enough of it. I highly recommend stopping by some weekend to try it out for yourself.

Photo of the year label "2022" with the Rombi seal from the neck of the bottle

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: Rombi: A Preview of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon!I’ve written about them many times – you can search on my websitefor Rombi on the search bar.

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine.

2022 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $65 (#1703)

My Review: Red plum, blackberry and blueberry fruits plus cinnamon on the nose. Very smooth palate.  Medium grippy tannins. Juicy, delicious, with some wood on the palate. I am impressed by this wine for its flavor, structure and quality. December 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

AWS Monterey Chapter Kicks Off 2026 at Tira Nanza’s New Tasting Room!

THE STORY

In early January, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapterheld its first event of 2026 at the relatively new Tira Nanza tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I was pleased to see Alyssa in the tasting room.  We met her years ago – before we moved here – in the Chesebro tasting room. We had quite a crowd at the event and she handled us so calmly and professionally.

Not only was this our chapter’s first visit to Tira Nanza, but this also was the first time I have tasted a whole flight of their wines, as previously I saw them at trade or large public events.  We deeply appreciate the industry discount afforded to all our members!

I admire Greg and Sydney for taking on the former Galante Vineyards and making it their own – successfully – in a relatively short time. Their flagship estate wines – Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon – are stunners. Opening a tasting room in town is a bonus – especially for folks who find the drive to Cachagua a bit intimidating. Hats off to you both! I wish you great success.

We learned that the winery is using a second label “Offshoot” for wines made from grapes outside of their estate vineyard, even for grapes acquired a stone’s throw away! 

This is my first post all about Tira Nanza. My last post that included its wines was here: Trade Tasting Reveals the Gems of Monterey Wines!

THE WINERY

From their website: “Hello! We’re Greg and Sydney. We started Tira Nanza with the goal of creating a wine brand that truly values the process of making wine just as much as the finished product. While we enjoy drinking wine as much as the next person, this wasn’t what drew us to the industry. Having our hand in every step of the process (from planting, to farming, to winemaking, to bottling, to sharing it with all of you) and learning new things along the way is what truly excites us.

“In a world where efficiency reigns supreme, we believe that making great wines takes time, patience, intention, and most importantly, the ability to work with nature instead of against it. At the end of the day our mission is simple — for our wines to reflect the year, the land, and the heart behind them. By farming organically, using minimal intervention winemaking, and always aiming for balance (both in the vineyard and in the winery) our goal is to create wines with integrity and intention that also taste amazing.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Tira Nanza wines.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.

2024 Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1698)

Winery Notes: “Our Malbec Rosé has converted more than a few Rosé “non-believers” and the 2024 vintage makes the most compelling case yet. Our 2024 Malbec Rosé is completely dry, with notes of raspberry sorbet and fresh strawberries. Equally enjoyed by red wine drinkers and Rosé lovers alike, this Rosé is as versatile as they come.”

My Review: Beautiful rose gold in color. Peach and pear on the nose. Nice palate with balanced acidity. I took one home. January 2026

2024 Offshoot Vermentino, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1699)

Winery Notes: “Playful and light-bodied with surprising complexity, our 2024 Offshoot Vermentino is the perfect white wine for summer. With notes of lime zest and the salinity of crushed oyster shells, this beloved Italian varietal will transport you to a sunny day on the coast.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Honeysuckle on the nose. Light, crisp and tart on the palate with a squeeze of lime on the finish.  A crowd favorite this evening. January 2026

2024 Tira Nanza Viognier, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $60 (#1700)

Winery Notes: “The 2024 vintage brought us not only our best ever crop of Viognier but maybe our best wine yet as well. We split the vineyard block in two, fermenting and aging the fruit from the older vines in a tulip shaped concrete tank and fermenting and aging the fruit from the younger vines in stainless steel. The resulting blend is a full-bodied wine that exudes intensely perfumed floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a captivating freshness.”

My Review: Pale yellow in the glass. Honeysuckle, melon and pear on the nose. Big palate of Meyer lemon and melon. Smooth and balanced. My favorite of the tasting. January 2026

2022 Offshoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County,               14% ABV, $48 (#1702)

Winery Notes: “As result of our smaller 2022 Tira Nanza Cabernet harvest, we decided to experiment with some local, organically farmed Cab from a nearby Cachagua vineyard. The result is our 2022 Offshoot Cab. Where our Tira Nanza Cab is all about finesse and elegance, this Offshoot Cab is all about power. Dark-fruited and supple with subtle notes of baking spices, this wine is sure to be a hit with lovers of big, jammy reds.”

My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in color. Dark, ripe plum and dark berries – quite jammy on the nose – with some cinnamon spice, all following over to the palate. I took one home. January 2026

2023 Tira Nanza Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $85 (#1701)

Winery Notes: “Silky smooth and with all the elegance and freshness of our previous vintages but with more structure and a power all its own, our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to both the incredible 2023 vintage and to our commitment to continued improvement. With enticing red fruit aromas, enhanced by the inclusion of 10% Merlot, this Cab spent 18 months aging in French Oak (75% neutral/once used, 25% new) and is absolutely ready to enjoy right now, but those patient enough to cellar a few bottles will reap the rewards as it continues to develop in bottle.”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Lean, dark berries and cassis on the nose. Very nice smooth palate of dark berries and forest floor. Due to the leaner style, I’d recommend serving this one before the Offshoot. The crown jewel to be cellared. January 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste Tira Nanza wines at their vineyard in Cachagua or their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Find more information here!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

American Wine Society Monterey Chapter Scopes Out Corral’s Fabulous New Outdoor Space!

THE STORY

Deep in the planning for the 2026 calendar of events, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s Scouting Party visited Corral Wine Co. The goal was to check out its fabulous outdoor space for an upcoming summer event. What we got was a fabulous, private tasting which even accommodated our mascot-by-default, Mushu. We enjoyed it so much that we followed up with Larry Bell and are all set for our summer 2026 outdoor event! Thanks, Larry and Marissa!

My last post about Corral Wine Co. was here: Introducing Our East Coast Friends to Corral’s High Quality Wines! I’ve written about them several times – just type “Corral” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.

THE WINERY

From their website: “In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast.

“We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Corral Wine Co.wines for the first time and a revisit of their 2021 Petite Sirah.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. My notes are amplified by the AWS Monterey Chapter Scouting Party. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.

2024 Corral Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1693)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of stone fruits, citrus, wet stone, and hints of gooseberry. On the palate lemon, citrus, peach while finishing with its nice racing acidity and minerality.”

My Review: Extremely pale in the glass. Acidic and minerality on the nose. Creamy peach and melon with pineapple notes on the light palate. November 2025

2023 Corral Chardonnay, Highlands Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56        (#1694)

Winery Notes: “Rich tropical fruit aromatics of grilled pineapple, and crème brulee with hints of lifted sweet toasted spice and roasted nuts and toasted marshmallow. Flavors of citrus and myer lemon, sweet baking spices, and lemon custard.”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Caramel on the balanced nose. Delicious palate of crushed pineapple. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $68 (#1695)

Winery Notes: “On the nose dark cherry, cassis and forest floor. On the palate dark berry, hints of leather and sweet baking spicecs. Rich bold mouthfeel with layers of soft tannins lingering through the finish with subtle sweetnees.”

My Review: Cloudy in the glass. Cherry, red currant really smooth with a spicy finish. While a lighter styled, it is quite tasty. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir,  Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56 (#1696)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of darker fruit, ripe cherry and a freshness made up of sandalwood and a slight earthiness, sweet spice, and a warm richness. With a nice rich and lush mouthfeel and a long lasting finish.”

My Review: True to varietal. Spicy, peppery with riper richer grapes. I prefer this one. November 2025

2023 Corral Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, $56 (#1697)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of blueberries and plum with a slight herbal aroma and hints of lavender leading way into red licorice and allspice with intense flavors of boysenberry, black cherry leading the way for cocoa powder and a nice mineral finish being enhanced by the limestone rich soil.”

My Review: Blueberry, cherry and spice on the nose. A spicy, tongue-coating palate. Really delicious. Medium tannins and a bit acidic. While not as big as other California Zinfandels, this is the best representation of a San Benito Zinfandel I have tasted so far. It would go well with your turkey and cranberries or a leftover turkey sandwich! November 2025

2021 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $56 (#1534)

Winery Notes: “Rich in color with aromas of dark fruit and ripe red fruits lead way to hints of sage, nutmeg and leather. Flavors of blackberries, baking spices, velvety tannins on the finish.”

My Review: Rich, thick, dark purple in color. Crushed black currant with eucalyptus and sage notes on the nose. Huge, rich palate of dark fruit, finishing with lingering intense black currant and saddle leather. This is one delicious wine. We took some home! February/March 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

VISIT US

“We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA”

Open Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6-ish p.m.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

A Taste of Monterey: An AWS Holiday Party to Remember!

THE STORY

In December, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter held its annual holiday party at A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row, at a time of year when we could enjoy its amazing views of the Monterey Bay. At this sold-out event, 40 members and guests indulged in 5 outstanding Monterey wines, perfectly paired with delicious appetizers. This was a fun and social gathering for our group, while we learned more about Monterey wines from our venue hosts, Jasmine Hernandez and Scott. Thanks, again, Jasmine and Scott, for such a wonderful event!

Group photo of AWS Monterey Chapter

Our chapter board previewed and selected the 5 wines for our tasting, which were sourced in different parts of Monterey County – from the famous Santa Lucia Highlands to the southern San Antonio Valley. The knowledgeable staff guided us through each wine. The favorite wine was the NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé. The most unique was the Russell Joyce Le Blanc, a blend of Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, from two vineyards in the Arroyo Seco AVA. Another favorite of the evening was the Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir – a notch above the typical SLH Pinot Noir!

Photo of venue staff, Jasmine and Scott

You can read my last post about A Taste of Monterey here: A Taste of Monterey: More Than Just Its Amazing Views! Read more about them on their website! Interested in joining the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter? Join the national American Wine Society and select Monterey as your chapter!

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the 5wines from this holiday tasting. They are all from Monterey County. Winery notes come from winery websites, unless otherwise noted. You can read more about each winery on its website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé, Monterey County, $45 (#1687)

Photo of Folktale Rose bottle

Winery Notes: “Brilliant rose gold in color, the Rosé Brut sparkling wine opens with soft notes of watermelon, kiwi and a beautiful yeasty quality that invites you in. The palate is elegant, with cherry, floral, and a creamy texture that has a bright finish.”

My Review: Fine bubbles with balanced acidity. Everyone enjoyed this perfect way to start our event. I have valued this wine since I first tasted it a few years back and it remains one of my top local sparkling wines. December 2025

2024 Russell Joyce Le Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA $35 (#1688)

Photo of Russell Joyce Le Blanc bottle

Winery Notes: “Discover the exceptional flavors of this fine white wine from Monterey, California. Experience the delightful combination of white peach, watermelon rind, and spring flower aromas. Refresh your palate with notes of salted green apple, grapefruit, and a hint of river rock.” (Monsieur Marcel)

My Review: Sweet, floral nose. Good acidity and lots of minerality with a Meyer lemon , grapefruit zest finish. December 2025

2021 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1689)

Photo of Tondre Pinot Noir bottle

Winery Notes: “The 2021 vintage Pinot Noir offers a captivating display of luscious red and black cherry fruit, skillfully intermingled with a delightful blend of assorted spices that perfectly embodies the essence of Tondré Grapefield and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The palate offers a velvety texture that exudes elegance. It’s acidity is balanced complementing the moderate tannins to perfection.”

My Review: Cherry and forest floor on the nose. A richer than typical Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir palate. I liked this Pinot Noir.  This is the one wine which was recommended by the staff as an exceptional Pinot Noir to showcase for our tasting.  Way to go, Scott. December 2025

2019 Shale Canyon Merlot, Arroyo Seco AVA, $40 (#1690)

Photo of Shale Canyon Merlot bottle

Winery Notes: “Big, full-bodied Merlot with classic Bordeaux attributes. This wine begins with a big bouquet of ripe fruit and violets. The middle is graced with raspberry, pomegranate and cherry. A long finish of cedar and frim tannins. Only 246 cases produced.” (from A Taste of Monterey website)

My Review: This was a smooth, rich, full-flavored Merlot. Packed with plum, raspberry, cranberry and cherry, this wine was smooth and tasty. December 2025

2021 Marin’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $45 (#1691)

Photo of Marin's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bottle

Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon displays characteristics of black cherry and licorice with supple tannins on the finish. We used 15% new french oak on this wine. Only 6 barrels of this wine were produced.” (Vinoshipper website)

My Review: Coming from the most southern region of Monterey County’s winemaking, this Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the dark, riper fruits from this warmer climate. It is a full-bodied crowd-pleaser, one of the favorites of the event.

THE TASTING ROOM

Photo of sunset view from venue

A Taste of Monterey is located at 700 Cannery Row, Ste. KK (head to the back of the first floor and up the staircase), Monterey, CA – 93940 Phone: (831) 646-5446. Hours: Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-7pm.  Click here for more information on wine tastings and food. 

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Stikky Wine: What’s in Your Glass?

Recently I was asked to review Stikky Wine, a book by Stikky.  Have you ever heard of Stikky books? Neither had I! They are designed to teach you something and have it stick in an easy, fun, colorful way. Stikky Wine is exactly that. Whether you are a newcomer to wine or have some experience, this is a great book to have on hand. As the cover says, “Learn the six aroma families and three essential characteristics to enjoy great wine and talk like a pro – in just one hour.” At only $12, it is packed full of knowledge and would make a great stocking stuffer for that budding oenophile on your holiday gift list!

Photo of the cover of the Stikky Wine book

MY REVIEW

First off, this is such a cute, magenta/red wine colored book! It’s format is small and easy to flip through, colorful and a page-turner! Stikky Wine is a great introduction to wine appreciation which can be enjoyed by a complete novice to someone with extensive wine experience. Intimidated by wine? No longer. Just flip through this book, quickly learn and test yourself – and then practice with a real glass of wine! It doesn’t take long to learn about the aroma and palate profiles of the 6 major varietals and become your own mini expert on wine.It uses images and little quizes throughout to make the information stick.

A synopsis of the book from its website

The book is broken into two Sequences, with a stopping point at the end of each sequence to practice what you learned. It is followed by an Epilogue and Next Steps to keep your learning going.

Sequence One is an introduction to wine and how to assess your wine by color and aroma. The WHEFF approach teaches you to stop and think about what you’re actually smelling. Is there anything weird is there? Anything herbal or earthy? What fruits do you smell? Are there any floral aromas? Once you have mastered this technique, you can improve your ability to identify or guess the varietal before you even taste it! This should enhance my skills when we play Mystery Wine at home!

images depicting the 6 categories of smells you might find in your glass of wine
The WHEFF approach to wine aromas
image of a wine glass filled with earthy things like dirt, rocks, wood and leaves.
Anything earthy in your glass?

In Sequence Two, the techniques help you dive into the wine’s profile on your palate. It instructs you how to hold a sip of the wine in your mouth to experience the tannins, the acidity and the body, providing the details of what each of these is. Then it goes further to guide you on how to order wine in a restaurant – how to ask for the kind of wine you like within your budget – and when it is okay to send the bottle back.

HOW TO ORDER

You can order this book directly at Stikky here: Stikky Wine. I think I’m going to order a few copies right now!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

A Little Holiday Bonus: Hendry Mike & Molly Zinfandel

Off the topic of Central Coast wines for a moment, I wanted to share with you one of our favorite wines of Fall 2025 – the 2022 Hendry Mike and Molly Zinfandel. I shared this wine with my virtual wine class and thought I’d just make a quick post here. If you are a Zin lover, this is a great find.

We are long-time Hendry Ranch Wines fans from a tasting we did at the winery with George Hendry many years ago.

2022 Hendry Mike & Molly Zinfandel, R.W. Moore Vineyard, Coombsville AVA, Napa, 15% ABV, $45 ($30 on K&L Wine Merchants Insider Advantage) (#1686)

Winemaker Notes: “This full-bodied wine is graceful and smooth on the palate, offering flavors of black, brambly fruit, pepper, and warm spices, and while enjoyable now, it will continue to develop beautifully over the years, pairing excellently with braised short ribs, rack of lamb, stews, burgers, and hard, aged cheeses such as Gouda or Parmesan.” 93 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Scott Beckerley, K&L Review Date: 11/2024: “To be honest, I have a hard time with a lot of zinfandels. I am not really into heavy or (especially!) extracted wines. This Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel is neither of these. Don’t be fooled by the alcohol content, it is quite balanced and 100% delicious. There are generous black fruits, cassis, black cherry, blackberry. This is backed up by pretty outstanding acidity and depth of alternating (and graceful) smooth tannins. Super, duper solid!”

My Review: Garnet, almost purple in the glass. Spice, plum and blackberry on the nose. Rich palate of plum, blackberry and cherry with a raspberry finish. One of our favorite wines of the Fall 2025. November 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

*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

Rombi: A Preview of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon!

THE STORY

We had the privilege of receiving a pre-release bottle of the 2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon and tried this baby back in September. We had a lot of emotions tasting this wine – its smoothness and deep fruit flavors presaging an elegance yet to come. 

As I come back to Monterey wines after my 9 weeks of posts from my wine adventure in Paso Robles, I give thanks on this Thanksgiving Day to our Monterey County vintners for what they do every day to bring us these quality wines.  And their generosity to me by offering free tastings, discounted purchases, and the occasional gifted bottle of wine. A toast to each and every one of you!

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: Rombi Releases A Brand New, Stunning 2023 Petit Verdot!

ABOUT ROMBI WINES

“Since 2006, hands-on winemaking that reflects a unique sense of place”

“Wine is a gift from nature, and every bottle produced at Rombi Wines tells a story of the land, the geography, the climate, and the hands-on philosophy of one man. Salvatore Rombi takes winemaking personally, obsessing over every detail — from harvest to barrel aging — to produce a unique range of elegant yet bold and complex red wines from the Carmel Valley Appellation. Rombi’s small vineyard and intimate tasting room provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable wine journey. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a strict allegiance to sustainable farming practices, Rombi creates award-winning, limited-production vintages. As an ode to terroir — the rock and soil, but also the land and legacy, culture and commitment, time and tradition — the wines from Rombi are always bottled poetry.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine, the 2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, which was gifted to me, pre-release.

2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV (#1665)

Photo of the pre-release bottle with the year handwritten in a silver marker

My Review: Pre-release. Dark garnet in the glass. Dark cherries, berries, vanilla, leather and licorice on the nose. Intense dark fruit and smooth palate presage an elegance yet to come. Good texture. It finishes quite dry and tannic at this youthful point. While I don’t yet detect the heft/depth I expect from a Rombi, I think that is a reflection of its youth.  It reminds me of those very early tastes of his 2015 vintage, which has remained one of my favorites. This wine obviously needs much more time in the bottle. We double decanted this wine, as one always should with a Rombi. September 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

I highly recommend visiting their tasting room for an experience and wines you will remember. Go see Sal.

Taste Award-Winning Vintages at Rombi Wines:

“At Rombi Wines, our unique tasting room provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. Salvatore Rombi is most often on hand to guide you through the winemaking process and your tasting experience. Step off the beaten path and discover Rombi, where every bottle tells a story.

“Rombi Wines Tasting Room is at 1 Center St., in the charming Carmel Valley Village. We are open Saturdays and Sundays from noon–5 p.m., although appointments can be made for weekday visits.”

(831) 659-7200

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

ADELAIDA: A PLACE OF GREAT VINEYARDS AND WINES!

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 9

THE STORY

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery was our final stop during our 3-day wine tasting adventure in Paso Robles.  We made it! We were warmly greeted by Lisa who hosted us during our visit. Our group shared 2 different tastings. Lisa gave us an engaging presentation about the winery and each of the wines. We had fun wines (the Picpoul Blanc) and serious wines (the HMR Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Sharon kind of wines (the GSM and Syrahs). Our tasting was followed by a tour of its building and the private area for use by its club members.  The idea of joining their club was very tempting.

This is the first time I have presented Adelaida in Decanting Monterey.

THE WINERY

From their website:

“Located in the mountainous terrain of Paso Robles, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery is built on a vision of excellence: for wine, for community, and for the environment. Sustainable agriculture and a winemaking team guided by nature come together to create classic California wines that convey a sense of this unique place. Our vineyards offer a wide range of mesoclimates, aspects and soil types. We farm them organically, with an eye toward the long-term benefit of our customers, our team, and our land. We invite you to our Ranch to experience first-hand the vibrant, peaceful charm of Adelaida Vineyards, the heart of Adelaida district in Paso Robles.”

You can read so much more here about Adelaida’s history planting the first Pinot Noir and some of the first Cabernet Sauvignon in the region.

THE WINES

I have 8 wines to present to you today from Adelaida. Winery notes come from their website or tasting room, unless otherwise indicated. As a rule, I do not correct typos on winery websites. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Adelaida Signature Sparkling Wine, HMR Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 11% ABV, $80 (#1657)

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Sparkling wine is a beautiful representation of the vintage. Clean and bright, this blanc de noir exudes balance and finesse with tantalizing bubbles and a depth of flavor attributable to its tirage. When done using the traditional method, the essence of brioche and biscuit is evident but not at the center stage. Pear blossom, granny smith apples, and starfruit lend a balancing hand to brighten each sip. Serve this sparkling wine cold and in your favorite flute. Drink now through 2034.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Tiny bubbles. Guava, smoked turkey/Muenster cheese on the nose. Yeasty, cheesy notes on the creamy, lemony palate. August 2025

2023 Adelaida Picpoul Blanc, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1658)

Winery Notes: “The 2023 Picpoul Blanc lives up to its French translation of “stings the lips.” This wine features beautifully lifted aromas of lemon zest and jasmine, making it truly intoxicating. On the palate, you’ll find refreshing notes of kiwi, grapefruit, and Meyer lemon, complemented by a distinct minerality reminiscent of river stones…”

My Review: Medium golden in color. Unripe peach on the nose. Palate is both sweet and tart at the same time, just like lemonade with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and unripe peach. Very balanced. I could drink this on the patio. August 2025

2020 Adelaida Pinot Noir, HMR Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 13.3% ABV, $40 (#1659)

Winery Notes: “These esteemed old vines display the compelling attributes of new-world fruit entwined around old-world flavor and structure. Fruit forward aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and musky rose combine beautifully with savory allspice and rich earth. The rare soil combination, over limestone clay, creates both finesse and structure. Upon release, the wine is vibrant and juicy, this flavor profile originates from the natural bright fruit acidity of grapes grown in limestone soils. Overall, one of the more graceful vintages of HMR to sip and savor…”

My Review: Dark nose of cherry and campfire -a little earthy. Earth, rhubarb, tobacco and burnt marshmallows on the palate. Rather Burgundian. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Anna’s Red, Anna’s Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#1660)

Winery Notes: “Nearly even volumes of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre along with small additions of other estate grown varietals combine to bring balance to the glass with aromas of fresh strawberry, red raspberry, black licorice, and a hint of rose perfume. The palate offers flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and leather which combine to create a balanced and quaffable wine…” 96 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Dark purple in the glass. Subtle sandalwood on the nose. Dark jammy fruit on the palate with a dark fruit finish – smooth and very drinkable. “This is what GSM should taste like.” Took some home and continue to enjoy it. August 2025

2020 Adelaida Signature Syrah, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, $75 (#1661)

My Review: Inky garnet in color. Smoked meat, tobacco and earth on the nose. A jammy, dark and delicious palate with balanced tannins. Second favorite wine here. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Syrah, Anna’s Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.9% ABV, $50 (#1662)

Winery Notes: “…the decadently deep color exudes bursting ripe blueberries, exotic spices, and wild mountain herbs. Freshly tilled soil, licorice, and rose petals perfume the glass, followed by layers of mixed berry compote, fine leather, vanilla, and struck flint. Syrah makes some of the darkest wines in the world but is not austere or tannic. Enjoy this full-bodied beauty anytime…” 97 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Brambly, with brighter fruit on the nose and palate. I liked this fun little wine. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Signature Cabernet Franc, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, $80 (#1663)

PHOTO OF BOTTLE LABEL

Winery Notes: “Viking Vineyard’s steep south-facing mountain exposures generate low-yielding plants and full-bodied wines. The original site was acquired by Adelaida in 1991, and our initial planting consisted of 15 acres primarily dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a small sliver of Syrah.” 95 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Almost purple in the glass with stemmy green pepper on the nose. Lean, deep, dark fruit on the palate. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.4% ABV, $125 (#1664)

PHOTO OF BOTTLE LABEL

Winery Notes: “Planted in 1991, Viking Vineyard is celebrated among Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts for its ability to produce wines with striking intensity and memorable length. AROMA: Black currant, Blackberry, Violet, Sweet tobacco FLAVOR: Plum preserves, Nutmeg, Mocha FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled, dry aged ribeye with black garlic butter and baked potato; Porcini & Chantrelle risotto with shaved black truffle.” 95 points – Wine Advocate

My Review: Lots of red and black fruits on the nose. Lovely big palate. Sorry I don’t have more detailed notes – this wine deserved better! August 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Adelaida’s historic property features views of our organic walnut ranch, intentional wildlands, and estate vineyards. Guests can enjoy a wide range of tasting experiences.” It’s a beautiful location. Open for tastings Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Get all the info and make a reservation here! Their basic tasting is $25 – a definite bargain for the quality of wines and experience.  I’d go back and try their food pairing tasting next time.  Adelaida is definitely worth a revisit!

Photo of a painting of the vineyard

If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

HALTER RANCH: A PERFECT LUNCH PLUS TASTING!

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 8

THE STORY

Halter Ranch was a perfect stop for our last day in Paso Robles: a delicious lunch plus a guided tasting. I was on a mission to try the latest vintage of their Block 22 Syrah. We were all serious about getting a good lunch, after skipping lunch the day before. On a covered, California room-styled patio, we were lucky to hit a break in the music so we could hear the server. IMHO, the wines paired very nicely with the Halter Ranch burger.

The Halter Ranch Burger

You can read my last post about Halter Ranch Vineyard here: And It’s a Wrap: Lunch Tasting at Halter Ranch.

THE WINERY

“Set along the westernmost boundaries of Paso Robles and surrounded by the wild Santa Lucia Mountain Range of California’s Central Coast, the Halter Ranch Estate is a 2,700-acre organic nature estate dedicated to land, art, and 100% organically farmed grapes. Envisioned by Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world-leading land conservationist Hansjörg Wyss, the estate is an homage to his mother, Alice Halter. It is a haven for the natural world to continue flourishing while it delivers exceptional, timeless wines.” (from their website)

THE WINES

I have 6 wines to present to you today from Halter Ranch. Winery notes come from their website or tasting room, unless otherwise indicated. As a general rule, I do not correct typos on winery websites. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2022 Halter Ranch Libelle Sparkling Rose, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 12.5% ABV, $65 (#1651) 51% Grenache, 49% Picpoul Blanc

Winery Notes: “Introducing the inaugural Libelle Sparkling Rosé, a stunning evolution of our beloved Libelle Sparkling Picpoul Blanc, now complemented with Grenache. The 2022 Libelle Sparkling Rosé showcases aromas of guava, strawberries, raspberries, and cream. The palate is crisp, fresh, and layered with pomegranate, tangerine, and grapefruit, followed by a complex finish of toasted almonds and vanilla.”

My Review: Ballet slipper pink with tiny bubbles. A yeasty nose is followed by a slightly sweet strawberry and red grapefruit palate with a lemony finish. August 2025

2022 Halter Ranch Cuvée Alice, Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA, 14.5% ABV, $96 (#1652) 43% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 13% Mourvédre, 6% Tannat

Winery Notes: “This reserve blend honors Alice Halter, the mother of proprietor Hansjörg Wyss. The 2022 Cuvée Alice boasts bright aromas of cherry, watermelon, and floral characters including freesia and rose petals. The entry is crisp, flashy, and brimming with mouth watering flavors of currant, raspberry, and bramble fruits. Balanced freshness along with low tannin structure make this wine perfect for pairing with food.

My Review: Dark garnet in color. Plum, cassis and licorice on the nose. Big palate of dark fruit. Extremely tasty. August 2025

2022 Halter Ranch Block 22 Syrah, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $92 (#1653)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black tea, and caramel fill the glass of the 2022 Block 22 Syrah. The entry is soft, rich, and mouth-coating, layered with flavors of raspberry, olallieberry, and baking spices. The sumptuous midpalate segues into a finish with soft, integrated yet present tannins.”

My Review: Dark in the glass. Cassis, dark plum and brown sugar on the nose. Rich palate of super dark fruit saturating the palate. Reflective of a hot vintage – a bit over extracted. I like this wine but didn’t buy any this time. August 2025

2021 Halter Ranch Alicante Bouschet, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.1% ABV, $80 (#1654)

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Alicante Bouschet has aromas of baked plum, berry compote, boysenberry, and pie filling. The entry is deep, dark and blue, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and black currant. The palate is rich, intense, and layered with structure and tannins. Lay this one down for 5 years for its best presentation.”

My Review: Extremely dark in the glass. A fruity nose of dark plum, followed by cassis on the palate. At first it presented a little rough, but mellowed out. August 2025

2021 Halter Ranch Ancestor, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.6% ABV, $88 (#1655) 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Petit Verdot, 13% Malbec

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Ancestor exudes aromas of blackberry, blueberry, mineral, and slate, with a touch of chocolate. The entry is round and soft, bursting with flavors of blue and black fruits, cassis, and cocoa. The mid-palate transitions into a long, textured finish, layered with baking spices and soft, yet present tannins.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Dark plum and blackberries on the nose. A fruitier palate of red and black fruits, with a leather and tobacco finish. August 2025

2021 Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.3% ABV, $68 (#1656) 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 17% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon exudes aromas of raspberry, olallieberry, cinnamon, caramel, and toasted oak. The palate is soft and mouth-coating upon entry. Dark blue fruit flavors, including blueberry and boysenberry, are framed by elegant, integrated tannins on the finish.”

My Review: Purple in the glass. Dark plum and dark berries on the nose. Big smooth palate of chocolate and crushed berries. We really liked this wine and took some home! August 2025

THE TASTING ROOMS

“Explore the beautiful Halter Ranch tasting rooms. In each of these wine tasting locations, you’ll learn more about the wine-making process, take in beautiful views, and of course, taste some exceptional wines.

“Halter Ranch wines are ethically farmed, organically grown, and sustainably finished. We believe in working with the land we grow on, not just taking from it. We reject harmful monocultures and are committed to growing practices that are ethically responsible and free from additives and chemicals.”

Check out their tasting room locations here.

If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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