THE STORY
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a fellow member of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter asking if I was going to a wine dinner at La Casa Del Sazón showcasing Odonata Wines. Both the food and wine menus appealed to me, as well as the incredible price for the whole event, less than half the price of a typical wine dinner on the Monterey Peninsula. Drive to Salinas during a Friday rush hour? Not as appealing, but we lucked out. We left early and planned a quick stop at Star Market to introduce my friends to their fabulous selection of local wines – and we still got there perfectly on time.
We were warmly welcomed by our table mates, and we all became fast friends. The whole room had a warm and excited vibe. Moreover, Odonata Winemaker Denis Hoey was there to tell us about his winery and each of the wines. The restaurant founders and their sons were in attendance for a heartwarming presentation about their journey. Each of the dishes – simple or complex – was a perfect complement to the wines. They indeed did prove that you can pair Mexican food with fine wines!
THE WINERY
From their website:
“Small lot wines with a focus on local grapes that are organic and grown sustainably.
“Odonata Wines is a small family winery owned and operated by winemaker Denis Hoey. Located on the California coast, farming vineyards around the Monterey Bay Area. Odonata produces small batches of each of their wines and focuses on local grapes that are organic and grown sustainably. Hoey works closely with local growers to ensure the highest quality wines from the vines to the glass…”
“The credo we subscribe to is blending of old world winemaking methods and attitudes with new learning and a continuous search for improvement. We always want it to be interesting and exciting when you come to the tasting room or winery.” — Winemaker Denis Hoey
THE WINES
Today I will try to give you some food commentary along with the 7 wines, because it was the pairing of the two that sent this evening over the top. (Plus the people!) Winery notes come from their website unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a matter of practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2023 Odonata Sparkling Brut Cuvee, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County (#1796) 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
My Wine Review: This was a delightful sparkling wine from start to finish. Tiny bubbles with a pleasant, dry palate with a hint of citrus and a slightly yeasty finish. Loved it. August 2026
2025 Cote du Denis Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV (#1797)
My Wine Review: Crisp and light, light with lemon and pineapple notes. To me, this Sauvignon Blanc tasted different from the others I have consumed from the Arroyo Seco AVA. The slightly sweet finish was offset by the crispy tortilla with guacamole. August 2026
Food Review: Home-smashed Guacamole with Flour Chips: I believe this was changed to a corn tortilla, crispy, salty and lime-y with the most delicious guacamole on top. This was one of my top dishes of the evening.
2024 Odonata Chardonnay, Boekenoogen Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $36 (#1798)
Winery Notes: “Bright aromatics of sweet cream butter, with a balanced amount of toasty oak, melding with baked yellow apple. Weighty on the palate, but lightened by crisp light fruit on the entry, and ending with a long and textured finish. Think salmon or grilled chicken.”
My Wine Review: A delicious Chardonnay, with hints of oak. Very smooth and quaffable. Even my “ABC” dining partner liked this wine. August 2026
Food Review: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Taco Gobernador: This dish was jam-packed with nicely spiced shrimp inside a crispy tortilla. It was a hefty and delicious mouthful which brought out the very best of the already-delicious chardonnay.
2022 Cote du Denis “Drink Me Chilled” Cinsault, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.75% ABV (#1799)
My Wine Review: I’ll be honest that this wine was not at all what I was expecting from a single varietal bottling of Cinsault. It was kind of weird. Starts off raisin-y, almost port-like on the palate, with its high alcohol content. But hang on – it grew on me as it stood up perfectly to the taco. Denis described it as a “strawberry dipped in chocolate.” That’s about right. August 2026
Food Review: Charred Poblano Carnitas Taco: Another hefty dish with a poblano chili opened across the tortilla, filled with delicious carnitas. There was a smear of a dark brown sauce – rather mole-esque – which brought the whole dish and the wine together.
2023 Odonata Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV (#1800)
My Review: Cherry and spice on the nose. The richness of this wine on the palate complemented the spiciness of the salsa verde. I’m not the biggest SLH Pinot Noir fan (sorry, I am trying), but I liked this Pinot Noir. August 2026
Food Review: Chicken Enchilada Suiza with Salsa Verde: Another hefty portion jammed with tender, shredded chicken breast and covered in a very spicy salsa verde. Unfortunately, this was the one dish that was undercooked and came out a bit cold. Let’s face it, this kitchen and staff were performing a Herculean task with this dinner. Everything was perfectly timed and service was impeccable. I’ll go to the restaurant and order this again sometime.
2021 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyard, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#1800)
Winery Note: “Bright cherries, chocolate, and herbs all play into a luscious texture. This wine will age and drink well for 10-15 years off the vintage, but it is soft enough to be enjoyed now. Hearty fare with a little fat is always a good pairing, but this wine can stand on its own as a nice glass to sip and savor.”
My Wine Review: Oh, so smooth already for a 2021. Rich dark fruit highlighted by blackberry and cherry on the palate. This shows the power of the Joullian fruit matched with the right winemaker. Paired exquisitely with the carne asada. I was the driver and had been very circumspect in my consumption all night – I was clearly holding out for this wine. August 2026
Food Review: Top-Sirloin Carne Asada with Grilled Onions: Wow – the onions were perfectly grilled – so tender – on top of the simply presented, flavorful slice of top sirloin. I didn’t think I could eat any more, but I ate the whole thing.
Papa Hoey VSOP Brandy, Central Coast, 40% ABV, $55 (#1800) 100% Petite Sirah
Winery Notes: “Expect notes of cinnamon and cardamom, along with warming spices. It presents a broad and rich mouthfeel, concluding with a long-lasting finish. Savor this spirit in a cocktail, or enjoy it neat after dinner as a digestive. It pairs wonderfully with a touch of dark chocolate!
My Review: I am not a brandy person, yet I found this one much more approachable and, based on my limited exposure, quite fine. I would not hesitate to share with a brandy fan. My table mates seemed to enjoy it. August 2026
Food Review: Dubai Chocolate Cake: What a delightful small triangle of dark chocolate with a delicious dark chocolate ganache on top. With a green dash and hint of crushed pistachio on top and the center filling, it was a perfect ending to our meal and went well with the brandy.
THE TASTING ROOM
Visit the Odonata Tasting Room: “Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata winery and tasting room. We hope you will stop by our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.” Open Daily 11 am – 5 pm. Located at 645 River Road, Salinas CA, 93908.
And check out the La Casa Del Sazón near you – Salinas is not that far (#2 in Old Town has such great atmosphere and exudes Mexican culture) and there is also one conveniently located in Monterey.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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