Tagged: #montereywines

A Summer Gathering with Brosseau Wines!

THE STORY

Earlier this month, Brosseau held a celebration of summer and a release of its latest white blend and Pinot Noir (both excellent, by the way). I was pleased to be included in this event by my partner in wine for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter, Janet Torelli. In addition to the new wines,we enjoyed food prepared by Executive Chef Nance’ Danner Rocha, owner of Pacific Coast Private Chefs.

We were entertained with live music by Bill and his daughter, Shaeley Brosseau on the ukelele!

This is my second post about Brosseau wines.You can find my previous post here: New Brosseau Wine Studio Impresses AWS Monterey! I recommend reading that post for more info about Brosseau winery and the wine studio. You can read their whole story here: https://www.brosseauwines.com/About-Us/Our-Story

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Brosseau 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’ websites.

2023 Brosseau Balconies White Blend, Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $30 (#1790)

label for the 2023 Balconies White Blend

My Review: Golden in the glass. Honeysuckle, pear and caramel on the nose. I enjoyed this wine and wanted to take some home. August 2026

2021 Brosseau Estate Chardonnay, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1791)

label for the 2021 Chardonnay

My Review: Golden in the glass. Lots of minerality. I would have served this before the white blend. August 2026

2023 Brosseau Grenache Rosé, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $20 (#1719)

2023 Grenache Rose bottle label

My Review: Barely a hint of pink in the glass – I mean barely!  Honeysuckle and apple cider on the nose. The refreshing light yet balanced palate is followed by a distinctive, lingering thyme or rosemary herbal finish. March & August 2026

2023 Brosseau Estate Pinot Noir, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1792)

2023 Pinot Noir bottle label

My Review: Plum and cherry on the medium palate. Tasty. I tend to like his Pinot Noir wines. August 2026

2019 Brosseau Brody Red Blend, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $40 #1793)

website image of the 2019 Brosseau Brody Red Blend
Image from the Brosseau website

Winery Notes: “Scents and flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, sage, cherry, cocoa. Expansive mouthfeel, smooth tannins and vibrant acidity make for a pleasing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.”

My Review: Blueberry, cherry on the nose. Rich palate of dark plum, blackberry, dark cherry. I had purchased this wine in March without tasting it and super enjoyed it. May 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Integrating Nature, Society, Science, and the Arts

“Brosseau Wine Studio was born out of Bill’s intrinsic motivation to unite iconic vineyard sites from our special wine region, with people who are passionate about attention to detail in farming and winemaking. The Studio offers an exploratory wine experience and more. A place to nurture and encourage personal connections and artistry in wine and beyond.

“We are located less than 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean in the cool and foggy town of Marina, CA. To reserve a tasting experience with the Brosseaus, please click the link below. We look forward to visiting with you and sharing a personalized, immersive, and unforgettable experience.”

Read more and book your experience here: VISIT US AT BROSSEAU WINE STUDIO.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

A Taste of Monterey: Lovely Summer Tasting with a View!

THE STORY

In June, 2 of my neighbors and I decided to take a walk to A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row to get in our exercise with a little fun at the destination. We each got to select the 5 wines we wanted to taste, tailoring our individual tastings to our own palates. From our seats at the bar, we had a delightful view down the water side of Canner Row to the west and north across the massive Monterey Bay.   I’m excited to announce that one of the wines just has been selected for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s December holiday party!

2 smiling women at the tasting
My friend enjoying their wines!

A Taste of Monterey is under relatively new management.  We’ve met a few times since this tasting with owner Britt Talbert who is changing things up a bit there, expanding its wine holdings and food menu. It’s an exciting thing to see unfold.  Their new marketing director Gina Martin is fabulous to work with – and the new chef Bruce Finch has elevated the culinary offerings.  On another visit, we were presented a sample charcuterie board and everything on it was the finest quality and taste with a beautiful presentation. 

charcuterie board of olives, salami, array of cheeses, ad dried fruits front of 3 wine bottles.
Scrumptious Charcuterie Board!

You can read my last post about A Taste of Monterey here: A Taste of Monterey: An AWS Holiday Party to Remember!

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the 5 wines from my flight. 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, 12% ABV, $45 (#1687)

Bottle label for the Folktale Sparkling Rose

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: I’ve presented this one before – it is just such a delicious sparkling wine from our region. Pale pink. Tiny bubbles. A touch of peach and yeast on the crisp palate. June 2026

2023 Cru Chardonnay, Smith & Lindley Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands , Monterey County, $25 (#1787)

Label of the 2023 Cru Chardonnay

Winery Notes: “This Chardonnay is a lovely representation of Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It opens with notes pineapple, peach and apricot that develop into flavors of honeydew melon and kiwi with a finish accented by vanilla and coconut. The wine is beautifully balanced with delightful acidity, mineral accents and a long, rich finish.”

My Review: Pale yellow and slightly viscous in the glass. Butter and grilled pineapple on the nose. Delicious palate of Meyer lemon, pineapple notes, very rich. June 2026

2022 Cru Pinot Noir, Smith & Lindley Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $25 (#1788)

bottle label of the 2022 Cru Pinot Noir

Winery Notes: “This lovely wine is a tribute to the Santa Lucia Highlands featuring both the earthy and fruit flavors that this region is so well known for. It opens with dark cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and cinnamon with beautifully balanced structure. It finishes with a hint of plum and chocolate on the long finish.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Coca Cola on the nose. Palate of tobacco and cherry, representative of SLH, but not my style of Pinot Noir. June 2026

2021 Le Mistral Joseph’s Blend, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $50 (#1789) 61% Grenache, 39% Syrah

Le Mistral: “Raspberry, blackberry jam, clove, hay, leather, lavender, and cherry cola notes. The wine is elegant and has juicy tannins from the soft oak influence. This wine would pair well with anything from chicken, pasta, steak, or lamb.” 93 points Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in the glass. Brown sugar and dark fruit one the nose. Pretty delicious. This is the wine we just selected for our holiday party. June 2026

2022 Paysan Petite Sirah, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $35 (#1309)

Winery Notes: “One way to beat the fall heat spikes of 2022 is to pick before they hit. Heat is a fact of life in the San Antonio Valley and the secret is to work with well adapted varieties. Thick skinned Petite Sirah is a lovely choice and on the fractured silicate and calcareous rock of Block One it yields a wine of surprising elegance and grace. I made the wines for Pierce Ranch for several years earlier in my career, so I know the vineyard well and this is one of their premier blocks. Fermented with 30% whole cluster and aged in neutral oak for 11 months.”

My Review: Damp soil and licorice on the nose. Dried dark fruit on the dry palate. I think this is worthy of a re-taste, as it should have been much fruitier, based on my previous reviews and expectations. June 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

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-8pm.  Click here for more information on wine tastings and food. 

3 wine glasses with red wine with the Monterey Bay behind it

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Parsonage Cheese Pairing: A Delicous Way to Unveil Powerful New Releases!

THE STORY

When we get a text or call from Summer, the tasting room manager for Parsonage, we pay attention! She told me that their annual wine and cheese pairing was already selling out! We managed to squeeze in a reservation just in time! The winery puts so much effort into matching their wines with cheeses from near and far.  We were surprised to find a number of new releases at this tasting, so there are a bunch of wines to reveal today.

Assortment of cheeses holding flags for each wine

One of the real treats was getting to taste a library wine – the 2003 Estate Syrah (pre-Rocco), which I reviewed a couple of years ago here: The Parsonage 2003 Cuvee Rocco: A Wine to Behold!

HandwrittenParsons Estate Syrah 2003 on a magnum

I was just getting ready to post a couple of Parsonage reviews about bottles aging in our cellar, so the timing of this event was perfect. Those wines were the 2018 Wildcard Red Blend (#533) and the 2014 Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (#1782). If you have either of these wines in your cellar, enjoy them!

Image of bottle label for 2014 Tanner with blue peacock on the quipted image

  • The 2018 Wildcard is drinking well: Dark plum, blackberry, blueberry, prune on the nose. Robust full palate of dark, warm, fruit, brown sugar, baking spices, this has grown into quite a delicious wine. May 2026.
  • The 2014 Tanner was stellar, demonstrating the value of holding onto these wines: Dark, almost purple in the glass. Rich bouquet of cassis, farm jammy fruit, and a touch of cedar. Smooth, balanced and rich palate. One of the best wines we had this month. (Don’t tell the others.) July 2026

My last post about Parsonage was here: The Sisters: A New Red Blend from Parsonage (and more)!

THE WINES

Today, in addition to the 2 above, I’m bringing you 4 newly-released Parsonage wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2024 Parsonage Chardonnay, Diamond T Vineyard, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $42 (#1782)

image of quilt of grape leaves and clusters - bottle label for this chardonnay

Winery Notes: “A tropical bouquet of pineapple and mango with subtle hints of ripe pear and white flowers. The full, round palate shows off these lovely fruit essences with a bracing and dynamic acidity.”

My Review: Pale cloudy in the glass. Pineapple and lemon on the nose. Bright yet balanced chardonnay. Acidic on the finish. August 2026

2023 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1783)

quilt image of boy and a hawk as the label for this bottle

Winery Notes: “Made from grapes at the pinnacle of perfect ripeness, this Pinot has brilliant notes of black cherry with dried rose petals, cola, and English breakfast tea.”

My Review: Fruity plum on the nose and on the palate. I get the rose petals and cola. It’s got some heft to it! August 2026

2022 Parsonage Dario Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1784)

tall grape vines and poppies quilted label for the Dario

Winery Notes: “A huckleberry-loganberry fusion with hints of cassis and graphite dominate the nose enhancing the complex palate. This vintage shouts out across the sea to the Chateaux of Petrus and Le Pin… “Bring it on!!””

My Review: Licorice and cedar on the nose. Concentrated dark fruit on the palate – needs more time in the bottle to come out of its shell. Excellent pairing with the Black Bomber white cheddar from the UK. August 2026

2021 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1786)

bottle label for the tanner with quilted blue pecock

My Review: I need to come back and taste this wine on its own, not after a big wine and cheese pairing. It is still young with a dry, tannic finish. Cellar this one. It has great potential. August 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Visit Parsonage in their Carmel Valley Tasting Room located at19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village!

They are open every day: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Make a reservation on line or call 831-659-7322.

They are members of the AWS Welcome Here program – show your membership card for a discount! Check them out on Instagram here: @parsonagewinery.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Anonymous: A Ballard Canyon Syrah for a Bargain Price

Banner with the words Anonymous Wine Collective K&L "Wines You'll Never forget - from wineries we'll never disclose" and 3 wine bottles on the side

THE STORY

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you will know that I am a sucker for Ballard Canyon AVA Syrah wines from Santa Barbara County.  When we stumbled upon an Anonymous one at a bargain price on K&L Wine Merchants website, we knew we had to give it a try.  This one was rated 94 points for only $20. For a Ballard Canyon Syrah.  Crazy, right?

We’ve been experimenting with Anonymous wines for a while now and have been very pleased.  You can try them yourselves by searching “Anonymous” on the K&L website. Love the labels – bottles wrapped in plain brown bags, reminiscent of a blind tasting.

THE WINE COLLECTIVE

From the Ryan Woodhouse’s K&L Newsletter introducing the Anonymous Wine Collective:

“The Anonymous Wine Collective is a dynamic range of wines made in collaboration between K&L and some of the most famous and critically acclaimed wineries in the biz. Some releases will be purely opportunistic, one-off wines, never to be repeated. Others will be ongoing collaborations where we work in tandem with world-class winemakers to make wines each year. Those ongoing relationships will be at the core of the project. Anonymous allows us to work with incredibly talented people and craft the wines, from vine to bottle. I’m proud to say that, with these first releases, I have personally walked in each of the vineyards from which they were sourced. The Anonymous Wine Collective isn’t about buying random, generic, soulless bulk wine. It’s about using our knowledge and long-cemented relationships to bring exceptional wines to our customers at prices that are a fraction of where these wines would typically sell. Our winery partners get an upfront commitment for the wines, often while they’re still in barrel; and in some cases while they’re still on the vine (now there’s trust for you)! In return, we get exceptional wine and phenomenal pricing, all while protecting the anonymity of the wineries behind the project.”

Image of 4 Anonymous wine bottles with labels depicting a wine bottle wrapped in a plain brown bag
Anonymous Wine Lineup – Image used with permission of K&L Wine Merchants

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 1 Anonymous wine. K&L notes come from the K&L website. Images come from anonymouswine.com, klwines.com and the back label of the bottle. Images are used with permission of K&L Wine Merchants. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites. Any other mistakes are mine and mine alone.

2024 Anonymous Envy Block Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $20 (#1781)

back label of wine bottle depicting wine detailes wih vineyard and winery redacted in black.
Back Label of the 2024 Anonymous Ballard Canyon Syrah

K&L Notes: “Another first for the Anonymous Wine Collective: a Syrah under our house label. And what an absolute beauty to kick things off. Sourced from one single hillside block of vines, that we’ve named “Envy Block” due to it’s reputation as the sweet spot on this estate for producing the most potent and explosive Syrah. This very block is coveted by some of the most famed cult producers on the Central Coast and has produced multiple 100-point wines. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Farmed with certified organic and biodynamic methods. The nose is wonderfully expressive with wild blackberry, black raspberry, dark cherry, dried herbs, violets, and hints of dusty earth. Beneath the exuberant fruit lies a compelling savory streak of cracked peppercorn, charred meat, and toasted exotic spice. Medium-plus in body, the wine carries a mouth-filling texture layered with fine tannins that provide impressive structure and length. The whole-cluster inclusion lifts the aromatics beautifully and keeps the wine fresh, energetic, and linear through the finish. This is a remarkably classy bottle of Syrah and, at this price point, an almost unbelievable value. I think it will resonate equally with lovers of savory Northern Rhône Syrah and fans of rich yet refined California Rhône-style wines. I couldn’t be happier with how this wine turned out – I only hope we made enough once people discover just how good it is for the money.” Ryan Woodhouse, K&L

My Review: The pretty garnet in the glass gives the appearance it’s going to be fruity. I get crushed berries, Concord grapes on the nose, big palate of intense fruits. Slightly bitter with a hint of earth on the finish. Tight upon opening, but then revealed a fabulous wine. For the price, it’s exceptional. May 2026.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Happy Sixth Birthday, Decanting Monterey!

Plus Wine Industry Insights from the 2025 Monterey County Crop Report

coastal image of a wine glass with rocks, trees and water

THE STORY

Today marks the sixth anniversary of Decanting Monterey, A Central Coast Wine Blog! When I envisioned this website, I wanted it to reflect my passion for exposing Monterey County wines to those who might not even know our wine growing region exists.  Or for those who might only have heard of our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards and wines. 

In our personal wine journey, we began exploring Monterey wines because our family lived nearby.  We would occasionally stumble upon a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon (Durney) or an outstanding red blend (Bernardus Marinus). The light went on for me personally when we were referred by one tasting room to visit a vineyard and winery in Carmel Valley, showing us that Monterey, in addition to those elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, could produce impressive, award-worthy, full-bodied reds.  That winery was Parsonage.  And we discovered Mercy and Chesebro, with exceptional wines from Arroyo Seco, expanding our horizons on great wine producing regions in Monterey County. We found Ian Brand one day, when his tasting room first opened, and began to explore his paradigm-shifting winemaking. And Rombi for making perhaps the biggest, most complex reds in the county. Today we watch closely the ever-evolving wine landscape in Monterey including the emerging Carmel Coast AVA with newer wineries such as Domaine Messier.

image of logo - a black outlined wine bottle and glass with these words in red below: Decanting Monterey A Central Coast Wine Blog

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 self-funded blog out of passion for our Monterey wines, 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!

A BRIEF RECAP OF THE LAST 6 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 eventually became known as the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod. I also established the @decantingmonterey Facebook page.

An assembly of many used wine glasses
Testing COVID Wine Tasting Procedures Back in 2020!

During Year 2, as we became fully vaccinated and boosted, we were able to get out to more local wineries at a more deliberate pace. Most of the posts were based on event-driven or winery tastings and fewer individual, cellar-driven posts. I started the @decanting_monterey Instagram feed.

During Year 3, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter invited me to join them as a Board Advisor. I arranged 8 of their monthly events. I also 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.

Image of the inside of the huge Mer Soleil brrel room with wine tasting tables and people
Sun, Wind and Wine at Mer Soleil

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 American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. I also presented 5 Monterey wines to an East Coast wine appreciation group.

During Year 5, we kept on going, covering the final Monterey Winemakers Celebration put on by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, which generously comped me VIP tickets. Decanting Monterey was named 2024/2025 Wine Blog of the Year by Corporate Live Wire and was the recipient of LuxLife Magazine‘s 2024 Hospitality Award for Best Monterey Wine Blog. It was also awarded 2025 Best Central Coast Wine Blog. During this period, I was selected as Vice Chair of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. I arranged 7 of their winery visits and supported 1 tasting event.

The author and her vice chair with rows of student chefs in the background
AWS Monterey Chapter Vice Chair and Me at Cabrillo College

During Year 6, I became the Chair of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter, so my time shifted to those responsibilities while maintaining the weekly blog posts for Decanting Monterey. I organized 7 of their events, most at our local wineries and created their social media sites. I reported on one wine tasting trip to Paso Robles and attended The Perfect Pair – a Cabrillo College Culinary & Wine Showcase of Santa Cruz Mountain AVA wines.

HIGH LEVEL STATS FROM YEAR SIX

Pie chart of California Counties depicted in year 6 of Decanting Monterey
Wines Presented by California County

  • www.decantingmonterey.com surpassed the 43,000 “views” mark. 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, 402 total posts and 1,780 wines.
  • 237 wines (209 for the first time) were written up on Decanting Monterey in Year 6, including 168 reds, 55 whites, 14 rosés, including 9 sparkling wines.
  • Wines from 14 California counties are represented, with over 53% from Monterey and 28% from San Luis Obispo.
bar chart of wines by Monterey AVA showing Carmel Valley and Arroyo Seco leading the rest
Wines by Monterey AVA

  • Wines from 6 of the 10 Monterey American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) were covered, with the most from Carmel Valley, followed closely by Arroyo Seco and then the Santa Lucia Highlands.
  • Corral was the most represented family of wines, followed by Parsonage, Lepe Cellars, Odonata  and Chesebro.
  • There were no out-of-state or foreign wines presented.
  • Finally, we covered a Santa Cruz Mountain culinary and wine event and a trip to Paso Robles.  

2025 MONTEREY COUNTY CROP REPORT WINE HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve written before about the declining wine market as people focus more on their health and drink less. The recent release of the 2025 Monterey County Crop Report highlights this situation quite directly, with a staggering 25% drop in the value of wine grapes in the county in a single year. Since its height in 2015, the value of wine grapes has dropped 38%. It’s a worrisome trend for our vineyards and our wineries. Across the world, wine production is declining.  This Forbes article contains the global picture: The Wine Industry Continues To Struggle With Production And Consumption. 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. Is this a permanent shift? Is wine becoming passé? Here are the stats from the crop report:

A listing of the top Monterey crops
Wine Grapes Have Been Steadily Decreasing over the Last Few Years
  • Grapes went down in ranking from 8th place in 2024, to 9th place in 2025 – behind strawberries, leaf and head lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, and nursery and flower.
  • Acreage of planted grapes declined from 39,600 in 2024 to 37,800 in 2025.  
  • Grape crop value decreased from $152,251,000 in 2024 to $114,603,000 in 2025.
Image from crop report showing acreage and value of fruit crops
Wine Grapes Continue to Decline in Acreage and Value

ONWARD, DECANTING MONTEREY!

While I have some posts already queued up for Year 7, let me ask my mighty readers:  Where should I visit next?  A new winery or region? A Monterey winery I may have overlooked? 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 7!

And, if you have not signed up for my free, weekly blog email. I judge how well I am doing by how many views, subscribers, and comments I receive. 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.

Image of Larry Bell pouring wine into wine glasses
Larry Bell, Proprietor, Corral Wine Co.

I don’t want to leave today’s post without expressing my gratitude to those vintners who have comped me wine tastings, given me discounts, and especially those who have donated bottles of wine! I am grateful to Bernardus, Corral Wine Co., Lepe Cellars, Parsonage, Rombi, and Shale Canyon for their generosity this year in donated wines, steep discounts or assistance with group tastings. I am especially thankful for Sal Rombi who has repeatedly donated pre-release wines 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 American Wine Society Monterey Chapter who continue to trust me to organize their events. And, of course, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod which makes this all tons of fun!

image from their holiday party of the AWS Monterey Chapter board members in front of a wine bottle holiday "tree"
Fellow AWS Monterey Chapter Board Members in December 2025

So, here we go – onto Year 7!  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 2026

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

Mark Bunter: Want to Know What’s in Your Glass?

THE STORY

Bunter Spring Winery held a members’ tasting in late May and I invited myself to attend.  We have been fans of Mark Bunter’s wines since we first discovered them many years ago.  This was a small, casual event at which everyone was made to feel like family.

Over the years we have known him he has made every type of wine, including crisp whites, fun red blends, experimental Syrahs and serious Cabernet Sauvignons. And listing every ingredient.  You need to know what you are drinking!

Mark isn’t making wine anymore, but everyone was encouraging him to get back in the game.  A selfish bunch, aren’t we! 

THE WINERY

From their website:

“Bunter Spring Winery is a small family operated winery in the Coombsville AVA in the southeast corner of Napa Valley.  We also have some production in Monterey.  Most vintages we make a few hundred cases of wine, mostly for ourselves, but also for sale to friends on our mailing list, and a few restaurants and wine shops.  Why make wine?  We just don’t care for many of the wines sold today. We make the kind of wine we want to drink: balanced, interesting, made with few or no additives, and low or no sulfite. We list all ingredients, the actual sulfite level, and the actual alcohol level on every label.  Incredibly, NO OTHER WINERY DOES THAT…”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 7 Bunter Spring wines, some of which I have written up before. As always, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the winery.  Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.

2022 Bunter Spring White Wine, Santa Clara Valley AVA, Santa Clara County, 13% ABV  $20 (#1480)

wine bottle with label for the 2022 white wine

Winemaker’s Notes: “Your basic dry white wine, like in the Southern Mediterranean. Good with fish.” 40 cases produced. 

My Review: Mark said this might be Sauvignon Blanc, but neither he nor we think so. Honey and lime on the nose. Acidic palate with a Meyer lemon finish. May 2026

2022 Bunter Spring Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Napa County (#1778)

wine bottle with label for the 2022 chardonnay

My Review:  Fresh Meyer lemon on the nose. Not like a Monterey Chardonnay at all. May 2026     

2021 Bunter Spring Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1482)

wine bottle with label for the 2021 Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes: “Mostly from a famous vineyard in SLH, plus a little lower Carmel Valley fruit.  French oaky, fruity, spicy, fun.”

My Review: This wine has aged a bit since my last review.  A brown-ness in the color. Cherry, plum and leather on the nose. Dark cherry, leather on the caramel-y palate. Still a bit heftier than your typical SLH Pinot Noir. May 2026

2018 Hippie Syrah, Napa County, 14.12% ABV, $30 (#1483)

wine bottle with label for the 2018 Hippie Syrah with a peace sin and orange background

Winemaker’s Notes: “Here, the ‘wild’ yeast behaved themselves during a peaceful anti-establishment fermentation. We added a little sulfite to the one third that underwent two weeks of carbonic maceration.   For a “Hippie” wine, it’s pretty square, with spicy American oak character and Napa depth of flavor, but it does have a little dank streak  any Deadhead could love. Ingredients: Organic grapes, water, sulfite. Not filtered, not fined.  At bottling: total sulfite 37 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (dry).

My Review: Purple in the glass Dark fruit, and a little smoke on the nose. The palate is still delicious. Continues to be one of our favorites of Mark’s wines! May 2026

2017 Bunter “Natur” Syrah, Coombsville AVA, Napa County, 12.86% ABV, $30 (#1483)

wine bottle with label for the 2017 Bunter 'nature' Syrah with a black shield featuring a leaping buck

Winemaker’s Notes: “50% carbonic maceration. Subtle, delicious, complex, with superb balance and a structure that complements many foods, and never overwhelms the palate. Definitely different from Cab, but familiar enough that any red wine lover could embrace it.  Ingredients: Organic grapes, water, sulfite. Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 39 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (bone dry).

My Review: Caramel on the nose, followed by an acidic palate. We’ve tasted this wine several times over the years and find it interesting as it matures in the bottle.  May 2026

2017 Bunter Spring “Supernatural” Syrah, Coombsville AVA, Napa County, 13.45% ABV, $30 (#1780) Organic, No Added Sulfites

wine bottle with label for the 2019 "Supernatural" Syrah

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine meets all criteria to be labeled “Organic”.  Nothing was added to it.  It has a distinctive earthiness and toasted nut overtone, accentuated by a bourbon-like aroma and ripe red fruit flavors. The most “natural” of all our wines. Not filtered, not fined.  At bottling: total sulfite 4 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (totally dry).

My Review: Lots of berry fruit with a touch of blue cheese or soap on the nose. The fruit carries over to the palate with a sour finish. I’d like to try this one again with food. May 2026

2014 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County (#1780)

wine bottle with label for the 2014 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon featuring a red tulip

My Review: Delicious.  Mark knows how to make great wines. Sadly, this was not available for purchase! May 2026

You can sometimes find a pop-up tasting with Mark Bunter and Margaret Spring in the back room of the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. Check out the Bunter Spring Winery Facebook Page and the Bunter Spring Winery Instagram page for more information.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

A Much Overdo Tasting at Windy Oaks!

THE STORY

The Windy Oaks tasting room in Carmel Valley is a great space for a party.  Combine that with their impressive Pinot Noirs from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA – and you have a great event in the making. I’ve been talking to Angie, the tasting room manager, for sometime about hosting the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. When I stopped there in June, I decided to do a quick tasting.  

Image of tasting room manager pouring wine into a glass

Yikes – It’s been 4 years since I have presented a post on Windy Oaks wines. The last one was here: Windy Oaks: Les Deux Grands Crus and More Pinot Noir!

THE WINERY

“Windy Oaks: Fine Wines With A Sense Of Place

“Windy Oaks Estate’s premium wines are grown in unique terroirs in Monterey and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Winemakers Jim and Judy Schultze have been offering fine wines with a sense of place since 1999.” You can read more about them here.

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting 5 Windy Oaks wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I don’t correct typos from winery websites. Today’s wines come from both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. They have updated their tasting menu since I was there in June.

2020 Windy Oaks Sparkling Albariño, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $49 (#1773)

label of a vintage woman in a swing for the Albarino

Winery Notes: “Sourced from the Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County, the Methode Champenoise is utilized for a crisp and lively sparkling wine gauranteed to liven up any occasion!”

albarino bottle and glass with a pour of the wine

My Review: Light gold in the glass. Hint of apple on the nose. Tiny bubbles on the crisp, acidic palate with brioche on the finish. June 2026

2023 Windy Oaks Old Vine Viognier, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $35 (#1774)

bottle label image for the Old Vines viognier

Winery Notes: “This dry, elegant and mineral-toned Viognier is beautifully textured and richly flavored with full body with apricot lemon honeysuckle and butter cream with hints of chalky stones and vanilla.”

My Review: Yellow/light gold and viscous in the glass. Heavy nose of grilled peach and toast. Rich palate of oak, peach, and Meyer lemon. There is a lot going on in this glass. Intriguing. Viognier is hard to find in Monterey County. This one was unexpected. June 2026

2022 Windy Oaks Henry’s Block Pinot Noir, Schultze Family Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, 13.6% ABV, $64 (#1775)

Elegant front label for the Henry's Block Pinot Noir

Winery Notes: “Henry’s Block is among the original plantings at Windy Oaks in the late 90’s. Named after one of our founders father: Henry. Single Acre, French/Swiss clone of Pinot Noir, Wadenswil 2A.”

My Review: Translucent ruby in the glass. Light cherry notes on the slightly sweet nose. I picked up alcohol on the nose, as well. Nice palate. June 2026

2022 Windy Oaks Clone 943 Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Rodeo Queen Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA,     Monterey County, $54 (#1776)

label from the front of the 2022 Pinot Noir bottle - lady in swing

Winery Notes: “Dark ruby and aromatic the Rodeo Queen Clone 943 has an array of  red fruits, spice, floral notes and subtle toasty French oak.”

My Review:   A really pretty ruby in the glass. Macerated fruit with cherry and earthy notes. Rich dark fruit on the yummy palate, with a bit of smoke on the finish. June 2026

2021 Windy Oaks Night Owl Red, Monterey County, $25 (#1777)

Label image of the 2022 Night Owl Red depicting the silhouette of an owl sitting on a branch with a golden moon in the background

Winery Notes: “A classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, that is delightfully playful, dark garnet/red hued and full of flavor with a medium weight body and easy textures captures Monterey County’s Mediterranean warmth and marine influenced cool/crisp detail.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Dark fruit and a little brown sugar on the nose. Grenache dominates the palate. A good food wine. June 2026

THE TASTING ROOMS

You can visit Windy Oaks at the winery in Corralitos, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Carmel Valley Village.  Check here for the details here: Visit Us.  Please call 831-724-9562 for reservations and other pertinent info.

© 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

Happy Holidays with a Bernardus Post!

THE STORY

While my dog was getting groomed at The Dawg House in Carmel Valley Village, I decided to pop into the Bernardus Winery Tasting Room to do a serious tasting. I got caught up on all the news Bernardus and was able to take my time with each wine.  The biggest news I learned was that long-time tasting room manager Heather Rammel has left Bernardus for Pebble Beach and regional sales manager Jeff Jung now runs the tasting room. 

We have celebrated so many holidays with a fine bottle of Bernardus Marinus or Marinus Signature, so I dedicate this holiday post to them.  I hope you enjoy the holidays with family and friends and a glass of your favorite Monterey County wine!

My last post about Bernardus is here: 2024 Bernardus Marinus Dinner – Nothing Short of Spectacular!

THE WINERY

I’ve written many times about founder Ben Pon’s vision to grow quality Bordeaux blends right here in Monterey County.  With his passing, a few things have shifted, but the consistent factor has been vineyard manager Matt Shea.  There is more on their website to read, but here is a little snippet:

Where Dutch Elegance Meets Monterey Terroir

“Built upon lasting relationships with the region’s most respected growers, Bernardus sources its fruit exclusively from Monterey County vineyards. Throughout the years, Mr. Pon, winemaker Jim McCabe and Vineyard manager Matt Shea have worked tirelessly to cultivate strong relationships with local grape growers who set aside blocks specifically dedicated for Bernardus. Their top-quality fruit is the backbone of Bernardus’ single-vineyard wines, including Griva, Rosella’s, Garys’, Sierra Mar, Soberanes and others. “All of the vineyards we work with have similar farming practices,” Shea says.”

”Bernardus has one estate vineyard — Ingrid’s, located in the western part of Cachagua and planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — managed by Matt Shea, a champion of sustainable practices, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ensure vine and soil health. His goal is to produce the best possible fruit while caring for the land on which it grows. All that time and attention to detail mean the best possible fruit.

“”My philosophy for farming comes from my background of spending 13 years in Oregon growing premium Pinot Noir organically, biodynamically and conventionally,” he says. “I have fused all of those types of farming into an approach that is as sustainable as possible and really tailored to this type of vineyard in Monterey County…”’

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 6 Bernardus wines from this single tasting. Winery tasting notes come from their website or tasting sheets, unless otherwise indicated. You can read more about these wines on their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.

2024 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 12.7% ABV, $28 (#1682)

Winery Notes: “Our 2024 Signature Griva bottling has aromas of lime zest and lemon curd accented by notes of grassy minerality. The palate exhibits full flavors, hints of tropical fruit with meyer lemon, grapefruit, and a rich mouthfeel are supported by refreshing acidity. This year our Griva Sauvignon Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc with no added Semillon. It was so expressive we decided to bottle it pure.”

My Review: Pale golden in the glass.  Sweet pineapple and butter notes on the fragrant nose.  Full flavor on the palate of Meyer lemon, tart pineapple with grapefruit zest on the finish.  This is my favorite 2024 Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc. October 2025

2022 Bernardus Chardonnay, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $55 (#1683)

Winery Notes: “Our 2022 Rosella’s Chardonnay exhibits beautiful fruit forward aromas highlighted by rich toasted oak and caramel notes.  The palate is intense, exhibiting ripe peach accented by tropical fruits. This wine is wonderfully balanced, it shows the richness and intensity of fruit grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, while also having a nice long crisp finish to bring all the flavors into focus.”

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Ingrid’s Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $80 (#1684)

My Review: Pale golden, one shade brown in color.  Mellow pineapple, banana and oak on the nose.  Citrus on the palate with a lime zest twist. October 2025

Winery Notes: “Our 2021 Ingrid’s Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes spicy, dark red fruit aromas. The wine is very intense and beautifully focused. Flavors exhibit essences of black cherry, ripe berries and subtle toasty oak notes. Our 2021 Ingrid’s Pinot Noir is very structured, allowing for several years of ageing or it can be enjoyed in its youth for its bright fruit expression.”

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  A yummy nose of cherry, forest floor and deep plum. Wow this is delicious – dark berries, a touch of earth, but so rich, smooth and drinkable right now.  I enjoy this style of Pinot Noir. October 2025

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $70 (#1685)

92 points – Wine Enthusiast: “Baked black cherry, rhubarb, damp spice and dark herb aromas align on the nose of this bottling. There’s an earthy core to the palate, where black cherry, mace and chai flavors make for a spicy sip.” — Matt Kettmann, December 2023

My Review: Transluscent dark ruby in the glass.  Mellow SLH Pinot nose with a lighter palate with cherry and cranberry flavors. October 2025

2019 Bernardus Marinus Signature Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey Caounty, 14.2% ABV, $125 (#1474)

My Review: Intense dark garnet in color.  Forest floor, vanilla and dark fruits – cherry, plum, blackberry –  on the nose.  Smooth palate of well-blended varieties not yet showing its full potential.  Right now lacking a bit of the richness that will show with age. If you must consume it now, decant it! Give this one more time to develop in the bottle.  It is going to be a good one.  October 2025.

An Earlier Review: This wine represents the “future” – it is so young and still tight. Pepperoni and black licorice on the nose. Stewed fruit with bright fruit on the back of the palate. Meaty. Needs much more time in the bottle.  It paired well with the lava cake. November 2024

2018 Bernardus Marinus Signature Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#1447)

Winery Notes: “This 2018 vintage of our highly regarded Signature Marinus exhibits a beautiful, deep robe. The aromas are redolent with dark red fruits and dried spices. On the palate we find bright ripe-red fruit flavors and notes of cedar on a long, rich finish, promising a long life to come! A wonderful example from our estate vineyard!”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Delicious jammy cassis, dark berries and oak on the nose.  The palate conveyed all the dark fruits with a tannic finish.  This is a good vintage. October 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Experience the Luxury of Bernardus Winery”

“Established in 1994, Bernardus opened the doors to the first-ever tasting room in Carmel Valley. We are located about 15 miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, and showcase some of the best wines in the region. Join us for a tasting on our patio, at our tasting bar, or in our newly renovated signature Pon room, perfect for private bookings.”

The Bernardus Tasting room, located at 5 West Carmel Valley Road, is open every day:

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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

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