Tagged: @pasowine

Another Wine Room Surprise: 2021 Castoro Cellars Reserve Carignane

THE STORY

It’s always fun to find a Central Coast wine open in our wine room. Today’s wine is the 2021 Castoro Cellars Carignane. We have no idea where it came from. As I started to research this wine, their website made me smile.  Their phone number is 1-888-DAM-FINE!  Gotta love it!

This is my first post on Decanting Monterey about Castoro Cellars wines.

THE WINERY

From their website:

“The husband and wife team of Niels and Bimmer Udsen established Castoro Cellars in 1983 with the goal of producing worldclass wines from Paso Robles appellation grapes. Niels, born and raised in Ventura, California, got started in the Paso Robles wine business while studying Agribusiness at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Eventually, His love of production and wines led him and Bimmer to establish their own winery in the area…Castoro Cellars currently has over 1,400 acres of Estate vineyards, which are 100% certified organic by CCOF and all the vineyards are SIP Certified, making Casstoro Cellars the largest grower of certified organic grapes in the state of California.”

You can read their full history here.

THE WINE

Today I am presenting just one Castoro Cellars wine.Winery notes come from the winery’s website. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Castoro Reserve Carignane, Whale Rock Vineyard, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, 13.8% ABV (#1815)

Image of wine bottle label with seal at top "Dam Fine Wine" Castoro Cellars Reserve 2021 CARIGNANE Whale Rock Vineyard Paso Robles Estate Grown

Winery Notes from the Tech Sheet: “The Carignane is a great example of a winemaking approach we take on certain varieties. It was fermented in our traditional manner and allowed to express its inherent characteristics. Only then were decisions made on how to best let the varietal characters develop. As a result, the fermentation on skins lasted 14 days before pressing. After settling and clarification, the wine aged 15 months in small American oak barrels. Patience is rewarded with this variety. Its rustic, earthy nature that accompanies the bright aromas and crisp structure is noteworthy.” TOM MYERS, Winemaker

“APPEARANCE: Dark, vibrant red AROMA: Raspberry, cherry, cured meat and oak PALATE: Cranberry, cherry and blackberries, firm acidity with resolved tannins”

My Review: This wine has a hearty appearance in the glass. Warm fruit notes on the nose. Rich, dark palate with cherry notes, balanced by cranberry acidity. A robust wine. July 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

“Our beautiful tasting room and gardens are open for tasting daily by reservation or walk-up, and for pick­up and to go orders 10am — 5:30pm and feature some of the best 100% organically grown estate wines Paso Robles has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

Located at: 1315 North Bethel Rd., Templeton, CA 93465

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Tobin James Super Toscano – from a Super Toscano!

THE STORY

At the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s summer party, a long-standing member brought today’s Tobin James Cellars wine.  It was the wine I kept going back to.  But I didn’t really “get it” until after the party, that my friend, whose last name is Toscano, had brought this Super Toscano!

Back the late 1990’s, we visited Tobin James on the regular – such a fun atmosphere, delicious wines, and a little play area for kids right inside.  We were amazed you could also find his wines in the California grocery stores!

This is my first post about Tobin James wines.

THE WINERY

From their website:

“It all started with six tons of extra grapes…When a local grape harvester showed up at with six tons of Zinfandel grapes that he was willing to give away, Tobin “Toby” James, a young assistant winemaker at the time, asked if he could have the grapes to make his own wine. “Sure kid, knock yourself out,” the owner replied. A year and a half later, Toby’s first wine—the now-famous 1985 Blue Moon Zinfandel—won double gold medals, and a spot on The Wine Spectator’s coveted “Top 100 Wines of the Year.” Tobin James Cellars was born.

“For the next few years, Toby quietly produced his own popular small-batch wines, tasting and selling them out of a local wine shop in Paso Robles. Then in 1993, Toby finally took the plunge and built Tobin James Cellars. In 1996, Toby was joined by partners and winemakers, Lance and Claire Silver, who updated and expanded the winery. They also launched the “James Gang” Wine Club, California’s most popular wine club.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 1 Tobin James wine.Winery notes come from the winery’s website. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2023 Tobin James Blue Moon Reserve Super Toscano, Paso Robles, 14.2% ABV, $95 (#1803) 46% Cabernet Sauvignon 46% Sangiovese 8% Merlot

image of label of the Tobin James wine bottle

Winery Notes: “Our perfect expression of a Paso Robles Super Tuscan blend. We are pleased to welcome 2023 Blue Moon Super Toscano to the Blue Moon family of reserves. Super Tuscans call Italy home, but our exciting Super Toscano reminds us that there is no place like our home, Tobin James Cellars, Paso Robles.

“Sourced from top vineyards in Paso’s Willow Creek and Adelaida, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sangiovese highlight each other’s enticing red fruits and elegant acidity. It is medium bodied and the touch of Merlot refines the tannin structure.

“Savory herbs, Bing cherry, white pepper, and delicate dried rose petal aromas draw you in to take the first exciting taste. Pops of red pomegranate, red currant, cherry and cassis bring layers of rich flavors. The finish is luxuriously long and satisfying. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French Oak barrels enhances the aromas, mouthfeel, and adds subtle vanilla toast.

“Food pairings: Grilled lamb, rich braised meat dishes, pasta with truffle cream sauce, meaty pizzas. Pair with Fontina, Taleggio, aged Parmesan, Pecorino Toscano and Ricotta cheeses.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. A pretty nose of raspberry blackberry, cedar, and Kalamata olive. A deliciously blended palate, medium richness, with cherry notes and light tannins on the finish. Juicy. This was drinking pretty well on Day 2 – and could have been decanted at our party. July 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

“Located eight miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46, Tobin James Cellars sits among 71 acres of vineyards and oak dotted hills. Built from the ground up on the site of the old “10-mile Stagecoach Stop,” our old-fashioned western-style tasting room saloon embraces the rough and rugged frontier history of Paso Robles, California.”

The Tobin James Tasting Room is located at 8950 Union Road, Paso Robles, California 93446 Reservations are recommended. You can get a reservation by calling (805) 239-2204 or filling out an online form. Get more info on their tasting room here: https://www.tobinjames.com/contact

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Caelesta: Altitude + Limestone = Deliciousnesss!

front label for Caelestra wines

THE STORY

If you are an avid reader of Decanting Monterey, you know my better half scours K&L Wine Merchants for highly rated/bargain priced wines. And he knows I like those big reds from Paso Robles. So what could be more perfect than the 2 red blends from Caelesta I am presenting today. 

This is my first post about Caelesta wines.

THE WINERY

From their website: “Caelesta is the culmination of family, passion, and a dedication to expressing the unique terroir of the Templeton Gap AVA in Paso Robles. Situated at 1,400 feet with 360-degree vineyard aspects and Linne Calodo limestone soils, the Caelesta estate yields wines with velvety tannin structure, vibrant acidity, and unmistakable sense of place — all with a focus on sustainability for this generational ranch.” You can read more about them here: The Land.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 2 Caelesta wines.Winery notes come from the K&L website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others.

2021 Caelesta Appollo Red Blend, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, 14.8% ABV, $20 (#1794) 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petite Sirah (still available as of 8/25)

2021 Apollo bottle label

K&L Notes: “Apollo is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with a smaller portion of Petite Sirah. Brian consulted with legendary Napa Valley winemaker Tony Biagi of Hourglass, PlumpJack, CADE, To Kalon Wine Co., Amici, Odette, and others to help hone his Cabernet Sauvignon skills after focusing primarily on Rhône varieties. It seems to have done the trick, as this Cabernet-based blend is stunning. Very lifted, with lavender, crushed cassis, blackberry, hints of green tobacco leaf, crushed-rock minerality, and sexy oak spice around the edges. A bold but beautifully polished wine. STUNNING value at this ludicrous price.” Ryan Woodhouse.  92-points Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Beautiful dense, dark color with a purple ring. Coats the glass when I swirl. Berry jam and black cherry on the nose. Tongue coating on the palate with juicy flavors finishing with cedar notes. A little earthy on the rich finish. We ordered some more. June 2026

2021 Caelesta Ara Red Blend, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, 14.8% ABV, $25 (#1795) 76% Tempranillo 24% Mourvèdre (sold out)

K&L Notes: “This is a gorgeous proprietary red blend grown at Caelesta Estate. The 2021 Ara combines Tempranillo with Mourvèdre, or Mataro as it would be known in Spain. The varieties work in perfect union with one another, delivering stunningly pure, rich fruit: macerated dark cherry, blackberry, woodsy spices, hints of leather, and dusty earth. Full-bodied and saturating on the palate, but with lots of dynamic energy and vibrancy, too. The rocky mineral core beams through the ripe fruit and lingers long on the palate. Drinking great now, but also a wine with clear potential to develop further complexity in the cellar, so don’t be afraid to buy a few to lay down for 5–8 years.” Ryan Woodhouse. 94 points – Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Dark in the glass. Licorice and earth on the nose. Intense dark fruit with overtones of licorice and tannins, making this a chewy wine. Alcohol dominates the finish, making it slightly bitter. I’d like to retaste this wine in a few years, for sure! June 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

The Caelesta Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2855 El Pomar Dr, Templeton, CA. You can reserve a wine – or truffle (!) – tasting here.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

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