THE STORY
We popped into the I Brand & Family @ibrandwinery tasting room last September and found these new-to-us releases! Today I am sharing these 6 with you.
I’ve written about I Brand & Family many times in Decanting Monterey. The most recent full post was here: Unexpected Find of 2014 I Brand Cabernet Sauvignon at Pacific’s Edge Leads to Discovery of Highly Rated 2021 Vintage! The rest you can easily find by typing I Brand in the search bar.
THE WINERY
From their cool, refreshed website:
“Ian Brand’s journey to becoming one of California’s most distinctive winemakers is anything but conventional. Born in Connecticut to two psychologists, Ian eschewed the safe path early, chasing raw experience through remote Alaska, the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and a series of oddball jobs from pool boy to Olympic staffer. He stumbled into winemaking in the early 2000s, taking a low-wage job at Bonny Doon that quickly turned into a chaotic but formative education in the cellar. After sharpening his craft under the guidance of California Rhone pioneers at Big Basin and working alongside legends of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ian struck out on his own, driven by a belief in untapped potential in overlooked coastal regions, especially Monterey County.
“Building his winery from scratch in a warehouse in Salinas, often improvising equipment and working grueling harvest schedules, he’s become a champion of site-driven, honest wines that reflect both soil and sea. Along the way, he’s cultivated not just wine but community, helping launch young talents and crafting a winery that hums with gritty independence, artistic flair, and a touch of chaos. In 2018, his maverick approach earned him Winemaker of the Year from the San Francisco Chronicle, but Ian still insists he’s figuring it out as he goes.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting two wines. Winery notes in general come from the tasting sheet, their website, or from tasting room staff unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone!
2024 Paysan Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $24 (#1667)
Winery Notes: “High-toned and aromatic with laser precision. Crushed lime leaf, yuzu zest, and grapefruit pith leap from the glass, followed by a cool mineral edge—think wet granite and sea spray. Subtle notes of white peach and fresh-cut grass add a savory, green lift. The palate delivers electric acidity without veering into aggression. Underripe honeydew melon, and gooseberry meet saline and chalky textures, offering both zip and depth. A touch of lemongrass and kiwi rounds out the mid-palate, keeping it mouthwatering and just slightly tropical. Crisp and tightly coiled, the finish lingers with a whisper of flint and citrus peel. This is Sauvignon Blanc in athletic form—lean, sculpted, and lively.”
My Review: Pale hay in the glass. Sweet, aromatic peach on the nose. Acidic on the palate with lots of minerality. September 2025
2023 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Fox Creek Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $36 (#1668)
My Review: Pale yellow. Yeasty and buttery, full bodied nose. Oak and butter followed by tart lime zest on the palate with a lingering finish. Quite a surprise. September 2025
2024 La Marea Cachudo, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $25 (#1669)
Winery Notes: “With its hallmark acidity and citrus-driven profile, there is a distinctive aromatic lift, rounded edges, and a subtle herbal thread. The result is both refreshing and adventurous. This wine speaks fluently in both terroir and tension. Zesty lime peel, green apple skin, and white peach open the aromatic palette, backed by notes of chamomile, crushed seashell, and a gentle hint of almond blossom. There’s a cool, coastal breeze quality despite the inland origin. Tightly wound and linear on entry, the wine fans out to reveal flavors of Meyer lemon, underripe nectarine, and a whisper of saline minerality. A phenolic texture—almost waxy—balances the raciness with a more grounded, savory edge. The finish lingers with notes of lemon verbena, wet stone, and green pear.”
My Review: Pale gold in the glass with a nice, even flavor on the palate. I preferred the 2023 vintage. September 2025
2022 Paysan P’tit Pape Rhône-Style Red Blend, Central Coast AVA, 13.3% ABV, $25 (#1670)
Winery Notes: “Inviting and expressive, the aromatics lean into ripe raspberry, cherry compote, and blood orange, lifted by notes of garrigue, pink peppercorn, and rose petal. A savory thread of smoked meat, lavender, and dusty earth underscores the fruit, courtesy of the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Juicy and medium-bodied, the palate carries a vibrant core of red fruits—cranberry, red plum, and strawberry preserves—framed by deeper notes of grilled herbs and cracked black pepper. The Grenache lends lift and brightness, while Syrah contributes structure and depth. Mourvèdre brings a grounding sense of game and spice and Cinsault adds a subtle floral note and softness to the blend. Silky tannins glide into a clean, energetic finish marked by hints of licorice root, dried sage, and cherry pit. There’s a tautness and freshness that keeps the wine agile, despite its warm-fruited generosity.
My Review: Sweet cherry on the palate with a touch of tobacco and licorice on the finish. A tasty little wine. September 2025
2022 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains, 11% ABV, $48 (#1671)
My Review: Reminiscent of a sour cherry jolly rancher. I’d like to taste this one again, as we have enjoyed this wine year over year. September 2025
2022 I Brand & Family Gamay Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $36 (#1672)
Winery Notes: “Fresh and aromatic, the nose opens with graphite, winter spice, boysenberry and orange-spiced cranberry sauce. Sweet notes of roasted chestnuts intertwine with hints of crushed granite, white pepper, and a touch of forest floor. Light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, the palate confirms the nose introducing pomegranate and tart cherry. Subtle spice and earthy undertones emerge, with a gentle herbal note and a whisper of clove from neutral oak aging. The wine’s silky tannins provide just enough structure without overshadowing its vibrant character. Clean and refreshing, the finish lingers with red berry brightness, a dash of pepper, and a mineral lift.”
My Review: While I did not take detailed notes on this wine, I recall it being very drinkable and tasty – would go great with a meal. September 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
The I Brand & Family Tasting Room, located at 19 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. It is open Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 5 pm. Reservations are recommended – more information here.
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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