Loyal Fans: It’s that time of year again! Thanks to each and every one of you, Decanting Monterey once again was nominated for Best Local Blog of Monterey County – that makes 3 years in a row!! We are 1 of 5 finalists for this category. I am so thankful and humbled by this nomination.
Now I ask that you take the important next step: Please vote for Decanting Monterey, a labor of love to help educate others about our local vintners and their wines. For 5 years, I have been bringing you my personal experiences to broaden the world’s view of Monterey wines. If you appreciate my personal stories, the wines, the reviews, my insights, please vote today!
You may need to register with name, email and zip code, but you can also skip that part and just vote.
Please click on the photo for “Around Town,” then search for Best Local Blog and vote for “Decanting Monterey.”
You will need to vote for 19 other local spots to submit your vote – please look around and make your favorite picks! I’ll be voting for lots of our local places – both in and outside of the wine industry. For example, I’m thrilled Victorian Corner was nominated for Best Huevos Rancheros and Vivolo’s for Best Clam Chowder.
Our friends invited us to visit them in Half Moon Bay during their family vacation. We said yes – and their immediate next question was what wineries to visit. Wineries? Are there wineries in Half Moon Bay? The answer is yes! My quick research discovered several – who knew? I wrote to Barterra and they were able to open on very short notice just for our group.
We were hosted by Chris Minoletti who drove over from San Mateo just for our group. As the great grandson of Angelo Minoletti, he proudly described each wine to us. No, the grapes are not grown in Half Moon Bay – most of the grapes come from Lodi, with a few wines made from grapes in other regions of Northern California. We are grateful to his hosting us mid-week and we all tried to show our gratitude by buying his wine to share with others.
About Us: “My Grandfather, Angelo Minoletti, like thousands of immigrants, came to America to make a better life for his family. He settled in San Francisco’s North Beach and made wine for the family with my father, Attilio Minoletti. The making of wine was their simple pleasure, to enjoy with family. We continue this tradition as a family-owned and operated business.” Paul Minoletti
Tools of the Trade Collected Over the Years by the Minoletti’s
Our Philosophy: “We have a hands-on approach, visiting the vineyards who prioritize growing quality grapes and only harvest by hand. Our winemakers focus on crafting European-style wines that can be enjoyed now and have the potential for aging. We meet with our winemakers on a regular basis to stay up-to-date with harvest trends and ensure the quality of our wines.”
THE WINES:
Today I’m bringing you the 9 Barterra wines we tasted. The notes are amplified by the “Decanting Monterey Wine Pod North” – our friends and their family, one of whom is studying to be a sommelier! Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
Winery Notes: “This dry version of Gewürztraminer is full of spice and fruit, with notes of lychee, lime and green apple that all together is bright, savory. fresh, and floral. A medium body carries concentration through to a flinty, spicy lasting finish. Try this pleasantly refreshing wine with soft and fragrant cheeses. such as Munster or gorgonzola, or with an aromatic Asian dish that features ginger and exotic spices.”
My Review: Pale in the glass. Lychee on the nose. Dry, lean and light palate with a faint ginger finish. Such an interesting little wine – and not something you see around here very often! July 2025
2024 Barterra Vermentino, Lodi AVA, Central Valley, 12.5% ABV, $29 (#1577)
Winery Notes: “Influenced by a delta breeze, the vineyard where these Vermentino grapes grow remains cool even during the warm summer. Enjoy this pleasantly tart wine with notes of lemon and tropical fruit while sitting in the sun. Pairs well with seafood, like oysters on the half shell, and with pasta dishes that feature fresh vegetables or pesto sauce.”
My Review: Sweet honeysuckle, orange blossom on the nose with a touch of citrus. Light flavors on the crisp palate with some green apple, minerality. July 2025
2023 Barterra Chardonnay, Lodi AVA, Central Valley, 13.3% ABV, $29 (#1578)
Winery Notes: “This golden beauty has a silky smooth mouth feel enveloping golden apples and yellow peaches, along with hints of pineapple. A touch of vanilla bean emerges on the finish. Enjoy this Chardonnay with a wide variety of food, including seafood, chicken and tomato sauce dishes..”
My Review: Pale gold in color. Caramel with a hint of lime on the nose. Skipped malolactic fermentation and was aged in 20 % new American oak. Buttery mouthfeel without the buttery taste. Crisp and tasty. July 2025
2023 Barterra French Colombard, Mendocino County, 9.5% ABV, $26 (#1579)
Winery Notes: “Natural residual sugar, light and semi-sweet, and balanced with good acidity. Nice vivid aromas of white pears, golden apple, floral honeysuckle and fruit cocktail. Pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, particularly Thai cuisine.”
My Review: One shade tan in the glass. Faint sweet plum on the nose. Faints sweet cherry, plum and cherry on the palate. Hey, for a semi-sweet wine, it is fine. July 2025
2021 Barterra Carignan, Lodi AVA, Central Valley, 12.5% ABV, $42 (#1580)
Winery Notes: “This 100% Carignan expresses itself as eminently elegant. The natural acidity balances mouthwatering, refreshingly tart blackberries, and savory notes of classic mirepoix infused with coffee that builds on the lasting finish. Think Pinot Noir when deciding what to pair with Carignan. Try seared duck breast or any cinnamon-spiced dishes, berry-based sauces, and smoky meats.”
My Review: Ruby in color. Smoke and brown sugar (like a toasted marshmallow) with cranberry undertones on the nose. Plum, dark cherry and berry on the palate. Toasted marshmallow and pepper on the finish. Some tannin on the finish. Good mouthfeel. July 2025
2021 Barterra Wanderlust Red Blend, Lodi AVA, Central Valley,15.3% ABV, $42 (#1581)
Winery Notes: “Enjoy an immense abundance of richness and get lost in the pure darkness of black fruits. This blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Petit Verdot will dazzle your taste buds with gripping tannins on the finish that inspire a sense of adventure. Try pairing this with something from the grill.”
My Review: Dark in the glass. Deep garnet, brown sugar, rib barbecue on the nose. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, lavender (herby soap), plum blackberry, mocha, and dark berry on the palate, with a slightly stemmy finish. Petite Syrah dominates the palate, while the Petit Verdot comes out on the finish. July 2025
2021 Barterra Sojourn Red Blend, Lodi AVA, Central Valley, 15.2% ABV, $42 (#1582)
Winery Notes: “Concentrated savory rich ripe strawberry and cherry are supported by smooth rounded tannins and a bit of oak, finishing with hints of cinnamon and melted milk chocolate. The nice balance of tannin, fruit and acid pairs well with a very wide range of foods, from red sauce pastas to steaks.”
My Review: Increasingly garnet in color. Golden brown sugar melded with dark fruit, like a cherry cordial, on the nose – almost vanilla. The palate displays smoked meats and leather from the Syrah, along with some jammy fruit, with a peppery finish from the Zin. July 2025
2021 Barterra Odyssey Red Blend, Lodi AVA, Central Valley, 15.2% ABV, $42 (#1583)
Winery Notes: “Abundant fruits of strawberry, black currant, blackberry, and black cherry are balanced with supporting tannins framed with balanced acidity. Potpourri and savory cinnamon rolls lead to red rose petals and black coffee on the finish. This wine will hold up to just about any big flavorful food, so a classic pairing would be a grilled ribeye or lamb roasted with sea salt, rosemary and olive oil.”
My Review: Newest release from mid-May. 1/3 each Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Dark garnet in the glass. Dark, jammy fruit with a hint of smoke. Big palate of dark fruit and BBQ, with tannins throughout. Cellar this baby. July 2025
2021 Barterra Exploration Red Blend, Lodi AVA, San Joaquin County, 14.2% ABV, $42 (#1584) 60% Petit Verdot, 20% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan
Winery Notes: “Take your tastebuds on a delicious journey beginning with notes of raspberry sorbet followed by rose petals, tart red plum and sour cherry. Continue to enjoy the supporting tannins, balanced and medium-bodied, with a lasting finish that pleases the palate.”
My Review: Dark berry, brown sugar and smoke on the nose. Really big delicious palate. Could be my favorite. July 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Barterra Winery is an urban winery with a tasting room in Princeton Harbor in Half Moon Bay. We believe that wine tasting should be approachable and educational. We offer guided tastings in a relaxed atmosphere where you can experience and learn about unique varietals and blends from the finest wine regions in Northern California.”
Location: 151 Harvard Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA
Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 12pm to 6pm, Monday – Friday: By appointment only
On a hunt in Carmel Valley for a local Riesling for a virtual wine class, this 2017 Joyce Wine Company Alluvial Fan Dry Riesling was recommended to me. I found it at The Winehouse and brought it home. I decided not to have any wine during our virtual class and tucked it away. When it got pulled out as I cooking wine, I intervened and tried to clarify that this was not a cooking wine! Separately, we found the 2019 The Wine House Cabernet Sauvignon in our wine room and shared it on a Sunday night.
“The origins of Joyce Winery trace back to when now owner and winemaker Russell Joyce’s father stumbled upon the small rural town of Carmel Valley California in 1972. Russell’s father was in search for a place where he could both practice his day job but also set up a race shop for his race cars he used to compete in his professional racing career. The close proximity of the infamous Laguna Seca raceway along with the rural feel of the area appealed to him being a small town farm boy from Wisconsin. After settling down and starting a family he was on to his next passionate endeavor – wine. In 1986 he planted the small 5 acres around the family home and Joyce Winery was born.
“Russell, born in 1986 grew up working on the small vineyard his entire childhood. From pulling weeds, hand terracing vineyard rows and pressing grapes in the small mirco-winery located on the property a passion was being provoked without him even realizing it at the time. A self taught winemaker Russell has spent his entire adult life pursuing his dream of creating Joyce Winery into a sustainable winery that he can hopefully one day share with his children. Working day jobs along the way in produce and metal fabrication in the Salinas Valley helped pay the rent but his passion for winemaking never subsided.
“The next chapter led to Russell setting up a small production winery in an industrial building in the rural Salinas Valley. Struggling every step of the way the small winery accommodated the production from about 2006 – 2019. Strapped for space Russell and his wife Charlotte began searching for a rural piece of land, vineyard or winery they could purchase in hopes of one day developing it into a family estate. After several failed deals Russell stumbled upon the old Ventana Winery in Soledad, Ca. Familiar with the Arroyo Seco AVA from years of purchasing fruit Russell saw a great potential in this site even though it was quite run down. In 2020 a handshake deal was made with the former Ventana Winery partners and the next chapter for Joyce Winery began.
Russell Joyce 2024 Monterey Wine Trade Event
“Russell has spent years rebuilding the old winery along with developing much of the barren land around the winery to make it suitable for a new organic vineyard. He has partnered with the original Ventana Vineyard owners in developing some new plantings of gamay noir and other aromatic white wine varieties suited to the terroir. All of the long-standing contracts to purchase fruit come from neighboring family owned vineyards all within a 10 mile radius of the winery.”
“Charlotte and Rachel Beshoff, two young sisters, along with Charlotte’s husband Russell Joyce, founded The Wine House with a shared vision: to create a welcoming space where the community could come together and enjoy the sunny ambiance of Carmel Valley in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. As owners of Joyce Wine Co., Charlotte and Russell sought a place where they could showcase some of their favorite local wines and craft beers. The building that houses The Wine House, originally the Hatton Dairy storefront, dates back to the 1950s. The Wine House officially opened its doors in December 2017, following the relocation of the Joyce Wine Co. tasting room which is right next door.
“Focusing on artisanal California wines and small craft breweries, The Wine House offers a thoughtfully curated selection of wines, beers, and seasonal small bites. The expansive outdoor patio features two large fire pits, while cozy indoor bench seating and communal tables create a relaxed, social setting.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting just 2 wines. Winery notes in general come from the tasting sheet, their website, the label, or from tasting room staff. Any errors are mine and mine alone!
2017 Joyce Wine Company Alluvial Fan Dry Riesling, Monterey County, 12% ABV (#1570)
Winemaker Notes: “This Riesling was inspired by the sloped alluvial fans in which these vineyard sites reside. The well drained soils of the alluvial fans are created as water drains from the Santa Lucia Mountains down into the Salinas Valley washing down a build up of coarse-grained sediment. The strong marine influence of the Monterey Bay coupled with these soils and thoughtful, minimalistic winemaking practices allow this wine to show the natural tension and vibrancy of Monterey County Riesling.”
My Review: “Pale in the glass. Faint honeysuckle and white peach on the nose. Lime and minerality, petroleum dominate the palate. May 2025”
2019 The Wine House Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito County, 13.8% ABV (#1571)
My Review: I didn’t get specific tasting notes on this wine. I recall it as an enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon – not as complex or voluptuous as a Napa or Carmel Valley. It passed the taste test at our house and pairs well with Sunday Night Dinner.
THE TASTING ROOM
The Joyce tasting room is located at 1 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village is open. It has a lovely outdoor setting and The Wine House is right in front of it. You can find more information and make a reservation here.
The Winehouse: “Welcome to The Wine House, your neighborhood destination for beer and wine. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking to unwind, we offer a curated selection of local wines and craft beers in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Come gather with friends, enjoy a glass, and experience the best of what our community has to offer.”
“We are located in the heart of the charming Carmel Valley Village. Our patio seating is open on a first come, first serve basis. No reservations.” Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 3-8pm; Friday & Saturday 1-8pm, Sunday 12-7pm, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
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.
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.
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 valuedecreased 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!
I just realized the 2025 Best of Monterey County® nominations are open! The deadline for nominations is Sunday, July 20th! My simple ask is that you please go in and vote for Decanting Monterey as Best Local Blog. Here is the link: https://2025-best-of-monterey-county-nominations–mcweekly.contest.vote/. If you have already voted, please go back in and add this single nomination. If you haven’t nominated anyone yet, please do so today (or by Sunday). Yes, you need to nominate 20 entities across the categories. If you are local or have ever visited the area, you have the knowledge to do so! Yes, you have to register your email, but you don’t need to sign up for anything. Thanks so much!
The last time we took a scenic drive through the Carmel Highlands, my husband suggested we dine at Pacific’s Edge sometime. When he asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday, I asked we go there for a sunset dinner! He brought along one of my favorite wines to open with our meal. When we found this 2014 I Brand & Family Monte Bello Road Cabernet Sauvignon on the menu, we immediately pivoted and ordered that instead. We remember these rare bottlings of Monte Bello Road and were excited to see how far it had come. While we didn’t get to see a sunset (alas, coastal weather), our fine dining experience was enhanced by this special I Brand & Family@ibrandwinery wine.
But hold the presses! When doing some research for this article, I stopped in the tasting room to ask some questions. Tasting Room Manager Will found the original tech sheet for this wine and informed me the 2021 vintage received a 98 point rating from Jeb Dunnuck! Wow – impressive!
According to I Brand’s tech sheet, “Fellom Ranch is located atop of the Montebello Ridge outside of Saratoga, California between 2000-2400 fee The vineyard overlooks the San Francisco Peninsula and bay and the legendary Ridge Montebello Vineyard, with which it shares a border. The property was purchased by State Senator Roy Fellom in 1929. The modern vineyard was planted in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s by Roy (Bud) Fellom III. We get the east and northeast facing portion, which is mostly Beringer selection from 1980 and 1982. At the base of Montebello Ridge is the largest lime quarry in Northern California and the upthrusted seafloor that forms the Montebello and Black Mountain Ridges, unique to California.” You can read more about Fellom Ranch Vineyardshere.
THE WINE
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!
2014 I Brand & Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte Bello Road, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, 14.8% ABV, $50 (#1568) (Fellom Ranch, Montebello Road)
Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points: “Elegant aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, violets and black pepper show on the nose of this bottling, which comes from grapes located adjacent to the historic Ridge winery. Sandalwood frames the palate, which offers the region’s typical herb and spice-rack flavors atop a rounded blackberry core. The tannins are firm now, and need some time to resolve.” Matt Kettmann, 06/2018
My Review: Rich nose of crushed berries and cherry, with blackberry and dark cherry dominant. Nose carries over to the slightly chalky palate. The leanness of Ian Brand’s style is balanced by the richness of the fruit in this solid Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking well. May 2025
2021 I Brand & Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Fellom Ranch Montebello Road, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, 14.8% ABV, $50 (#1569)
Winery Notes: “Deep dark purple. Aromas of black currant, cherries, clove spice, toasted oak, and cocoa. On the palate, lush & ripe, bramble fruit, enters medium-to-full bodied, supple tannin, and acid tension structure. A lovely wine with pleasure to fill the palate today and for years to come.” 98 points – Jeb Dunnuck
My Review: Rich nose of crushed berries and cherry, with blackberry and dark cherry dominant. Nose carries over to the slightly chalky palate. The leanness of Ian Brand’s style is balanced by the richness of the fruit in this solid Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking well. May 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
“Carmel Valley Decanter!”
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.
On a whim, we stopped by the I Brand & Family @ibrandwinery tasting room last month to discover their spring releases were available to try! Angie walked us through them all. I like to see what Ian Brand is making, as you never know what surprises might be revealed – a rare varietal or an unusual source. It is wine education in a bottle! Today’s offerings were new vintages of mostly familiar (by now) sources, some still young in the bottle – ones to cellar a bit before opening. Again, I refer to the lost vintage of 2020 reds.
Today I am presenting 6 wines we tasted in mid-February. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, their website, or from tasting room staff. This was our last stop of the afternoon. Any errors are mine and mine alone!
2024 La Marea Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 12.3% ABV, $25 (#1535)
Winery Notes: “Aromas of white nectarine and honeysuckle abound. Bright acidity leads on the palate framed by a redolence of underripe pineapple and stone fruit, which persist and blend with wet river rock on the finish.”
My Review:Light in the glass. Sweet floral and bubble gum (banana) nose, with a slightly sweet palate, missing some of the acidity and minerality we’ve come to expect. Worthy of a retaste, as this is usually one of our favorite wines year over year. February 2025
Winery Notes: “Initial aromas of watermelon and cantaloupe are inescapable, transitioning to trailside strawberry with a touch of air. Melons and strawberries persist on the palate, and bright red fruits continue into the finish transforming into a pleasing strawberry-basil herbaceous salinity.”
My Review: Pretty light pink in the glass. Magnolia and wet hay on the nose. Good acidity on the bright palate. Young but good. February 2025
2021 La Marea Grenache, Central Coast AVA, 14.4% ABV, $30 (#1537)
Winery Notes: “Black Plum, currants and herbaceous notes like bay laurel abound on the nose framed by subtle hints of graphite. Tree-ripened plum leads on the palate quickly revealing more subtle red fruit characteristics, including Bing cherry and strawberry with thyme. The palate transitions into more river rock and broken stone characteristics and hint toward Tellicherry peppercorn. Violets fill the mid palate and are wrapped neatly in dusty tannins.”
My Review: Bright, translucent ruby in the glass. Tobacco on the nose. Earth and light cherry on palate. Some sediment. February 2025
2023 I Brand & Family Mourvèdre, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 12.5% ABV, $45 (#1538)
Winery Notes: “Telicherry peppercorn and carraway seed lead the bouquet, evolving into spiced black plum notes. The peppery and spiced plum carries over to the palate attack and the exquisitely spicy finish for a light-to-medium-bodied and chillable red. Pronounced yet balanced tannins. Finishes with notes of California garrigue; think sagebrush, manzanita, and mugwort.”
My Review: Almost purple in color. Bing cherry on the nose. Some violet and light cherry notes with a dark finish. A lighter palate than a typical Mourvèdre. February 2025
2022 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Flint Vineyard, Cienega Valley AVA, San Benito County, 13.2% ABV, $36 (#1539)
Winery Notes: “The Flint Vineyard is at the base of Mount Harlan, home to Calera, and because the cold air sinks off the mountain onto the property, it buds out late and picks about a month later than Enz and a couple of weeks later than the ‘cool climate’ Santa Lucia Highlands. The Flint Vineyard bears the signature of the special mixed granitic and calcareous soils of the Cienega combined with the darker red fruits and cherry compote character of a cool climate Pinot Noir…
“Berries were tiny in 2022 and the crop was light. Fermented uninocultated on 50% whole cluster with the balance whole berries for two and a half weeks. Aged in used French oak barrels on lees for 20 months. Our 2022 Flint Pinot Noir shows the tension of the vintage quelled by a long rest in barrique.”
My Review: Sweet fruit on the nose. Cherry and chocolate. Very smooth and drinkable. This wine makes me appreciate what Pinot Noir can be. We took some home. February 2025.
2022 I Brand & Family Syrah, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $48 (#1539)
Winery Notes: “Earthy, meaty notes of peppered beef jerky. Graphite and clay transition into a savory mix of fire-roasted tomato confit and guajillo chili, which evolve into dark fruit reminiscent of a spiced blueberry compote ending with cumin and cardamom on the finish.”
My Review: This was our last wine of the day, so the notes are a little skimpy and don’t do service to the wine – will need to try this one again. Cherry flavors on a lean palate. A tad acidic. February 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.
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