Tagged: San Benito AVA

Le P’tit Paysan: Let’s Go Back in Time a Little Bit…

We recently opened Ian Brand’s 2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon and I wrote up this whole side-by-side review of the 2017 and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (2018 previously reviewed here: https://decantingmonterey.com/le-ptit-paysan-new-releases-continue-to-impress/). A few weeks later, we discovered a 2012 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah in our wine room and decided to open it, as well. So, let me revise my planned post a bit!

About Le P’tit Paysan from wine.com: “The Le P’tit Paysan label is ‘Village’ wines reimagined for California. They take vineyards and lots that, for whatever reason, aren’t ready to stand on their own and we compose them into terroir specific, eminently drinkable wines that belong on your table. These wines are made with the same attention to detail that graces our single vineyard offerings, specific site selection, open top fermentation (reds) or whole cluster pressing (whites), a focus on endemic fermentations, no enzymes, no fining, gentle filtration only as needed.  Easy to drink but subtly serious, easy to pair but lovely on their own, demurring complexity, bright acidity, clean and fresh as the ocean air that blows in daily off the Monterey Bay.”

We liked the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and feel the direction of moving to Old Vines fruit from San Benito County, as he did with the 2018, is a great move.  That one was incredibly young when I tasted it and it deserves a revisit soon.  AND, for my DC-area readers, you can find the 2018 at lots of little markets around town!

2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, 13.3% ABV, $25 (#475*)

91 Points by wine.com: “Wineries often grapple with this question: Do we produce a style of wine that most consumers will like our do we deliver the best vision of the grape variety? The 2017 Le P’tit Paysan Cabernet Sauvignon pulls no punches and is a true to the grape variety as can be. TASTING NOTES: This wine is pert, well-built and Old World in style. Its aromas and flavors of black currants, earth, and dried herbs and held together in a tight and elegant format. It should pair well with a pan-seared lamb chop. (Tasted: March 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)”

My Review: Dark in the glass.  Black fruits on the nose with a touch of cedar.  Dark berry and cherry flavors on the palate.  Vanilla on the finish. A touch acidic. August 2021

2018 Le P’tit Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito County, $25 (#279*) (previously published)

Winery Tasting Notes: “currant, blueberry, cracked black pepper, medium-bodied”

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “This is a great example of Cab done in a more classical style, utilizing old vines for their aromatic and flavor range while remaining light on its toes. Aromas of crunchy blackberry, pepper and crushed wet stone lead into an energetic palate of black plum, chaparral spice and cracked pepper.” Matt Kettmann, 09/2021

My Review: Ruby in the glass.  A light, smooth bouquet and palate to match.  Very drinkable – not a big wine, but a great value and drinkable now! March 2021

2012 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, ~$21 (#476*)

Winery Notes: Black plums, blackberry, crushed rocks, black olive. Full and rich on the palate, but neither hot nor oaky. Structured without being overbearing, rich dark fruit, long finish with hints of stem tannins.

My Review: Inky ruby in the glass. Dark plum and blueberry on the nose. Soft blueberry and blackberry fruit is enveloped by a licorice finish. October 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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The Best of the Rest: I Brand & Family Wines

This is my last of three planned posts on my Spring Release 2021 I Brand wines, with this post focusing on the I Brand & Family label.  This label is for their “California inspired” wines, as compared to the country French and Spanish inspired wines of P’tit Paysan and La Marea, respectively. 

The 4 wines in today’s post are the I Brand & Family 2017 and 2018 Chardonnay, 2019 Pinot Noir (a first!), and a special 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, three of which I tasted in early March at their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. 

One of the things Ian Brand is known for is creative grape sourcing for his vineyards.  In the case of these wines, he is using rather well-known (at least well-known to us locals) vineyards – ones known for producing quality fruit for higher-end wines. 

Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands: “Honore’ Escoole purchased his summer property, for his family in 1878.  He established one of the most desireable benches in Monterey County.  Now, managed under the local Caraccioli Family.  This site, continues to deliver a distinct expression of the northern Santa Lucia Highlands.  Dominate soil Chualar Sandy Loam, which allows great root distribution and development.”  (from I Brand’s tech sheet)

Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County: “Enz Vineyard is located in San Benito County in the little-known Lime Kiln Valley AVA. Enz currently owns about 1,400 acres and is planted with 40 acres of vines. Mourvedre and Zinfandel are the prime varietals however, they also yield small quantities of Pinot St George, Pinot Noir, and Orange Muscat. Although Enz is fairly close to Monterey Bay, the vineyard elevation site above the fog line and the steep valley walls create a warm microclimate ideal for Mourvedre.” California Wine Navigator

Massa Vineyard, Cachagua, Carmel Valley: “Overlooking the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley, (“Cachagua” is believed to be an Indian derivative of the French “cacher” and the Spanish “agua” – “hidden waters”), and framed by the dramatic surrounding hills, lie the beautiful vineyards of Massa Estate, formerly Heller Estate and Durney Vineyards.” Heller Estate

“The Massa Vineyard is the new name for the underground classic Durney Vineyard right here in Carmel Valley…We are pleased to be working with the Massa family on excellent organic farming practices…This release comes from its 1971 planting, which we consider far and away the most exceptional blocks on the vineyard.” I Brand Spring Release newswletter

2017 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.2% ABV, $30 (#281*)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Amazing balance and roundness.  Rich nuttiness, and fruit showcased upon the nose. Partial malolactic fermentation, allows bright acidity to shine, while the creamy characteristic follows upon the palate.  Layers of fruit and baking spices envelop the mouth, providing a silky finish that lasts.  Baked apples, and pineapple lead, with a slight clove finish.  Enjoy now, or cellar for an optimal tasting experience.”  10 months on lees, 50% new French oak.  4 months stainless steel, partial malolactic fermentation.

My Review: Beautiful golden yellow in the glass like sunshine.  Fresh citrus squirt on the nose and more of same on the palate.  A lovely wine. March 2021

2018 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4% ABV, $30 (#282*)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: ““bright citrus, macadamia nut, subtle spice, silky smooth”  10 months in 50% new oak, last 4 months in stainess steel.” “Like a sunny day.”

My Review: Brighter yellow than the Albarino.  Mild, buttery and creamy nose.  Toasted marshmallow and butter on the palate with lemon curd on toast on the finish.  Delicious. March 2021

2019 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County, 13.2% ABV, $42 (#283*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “cherry, black tea, rhubarb, damp earth, dry acidity, will grow in expression over the next few years” “A cooler climate Pinot.”

My Review: Strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Raspberry and rhubarb on the palate.  Slight tannin on the finish.  March 2021

2018 I Brand & Family Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Block 10’, Massa Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 13% ABV, $75 (#284*) 

Winery Tasting Notes: “black current, violet, bergamot, strong & graceful, will age well over 10-12 years” “On par with the Monte Bello Road” (I Brand’s Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains)

My Review: Deep ruby – bordering on inky. Intense dark berry (great Cachagua fruit) on the nose. Inkiness continues on the palate – rich deep flavors.  The challenge will be to lay it down and not touch it – we are not that disciplined!  March 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

Le P’tit Paysan: New Releases Continue to Impress!

This is my second of three planned posts on my Spring Release 2021 I Brand wines, with this post focusing on the Le P’tit Paysan label. 

But, before we get to them, let’s start with a 2017 P’tit Paysan Viognier (as they say, “vee-oh-NYAY”) which I presented in a recent wine class.  Having lived near the Virginia wine region, where Viognier is plentiful, I have been impressed over the years with Le P’tit Paysan Viogniers.  In my wine class, we were each asked to present a Viognier from anywhere.  In our class we learned about wines from Argentina, France, California, Maryland, Virginia and Washington State! 

In addition to the 2017 Viognier, I am highlighting 3 Le P’tit Paysan wines from the I Brand Spring 2021 Club Release, which I sampled at their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. 

Colorfully-labeled Le P’tit Paysan wines sampled in early March at the I Brand Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village

About Le P’tit Paysan (I Brand’s French country-imspired brand from the label: “Le P’tit Paysan – a country man or woman; peasant; clown; in country fashion. We select grapes from vineyards off the beaten path to produce wines that express the soil, climate and character of their source.”

2017 Le P’tit Paysan Viognier “L’Apiculteur”, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Montery County, 13.4% ABV, $22 (#276*)

“L’Apitculteur” from the P’tit Paysan 2017 Viognier Tech Sheet

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: ““L’Apitculteur” translates, “keeper of the bees”.  Vibrant aromatics fill the nose with white floral qualities.  Honeyed stone-fruits fill the mouth, apricots, peaches and pears.  Cooler growing climate produces white floral components, and soft minerality.  Med-full bodied weight on the palate, supports a perception of sweetness, due to clean fruit and honeyed characteristics.”

My Review: Straw yellow in color.  Yummy boquet of sweet peach, grapefruit and gardenia.  Crisp on the palate, delicious, not sweet, with a slight citrus bitterness and perhaps some lavender on the palate.  Complex. March 2021

2020 Le P’tit Paysan Rosé Pierre’s Pirouette, Central Coast, 12.8% ABV, $19 (#277*) 75% Mourvèdre, 18% Grenache, 7% Cinsault

Le P’tit Paysan Pierre’s Pirouette is always one of my favorite rosés from the Central Coast!

From their webpage: “Our Rosé is a choice blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault. These vineyards are intentionally picked for their rocky & sandy soils which drive up the minerality and keep a balanced bright acidity. A perfect summer sipper with hints of strawberry, orange peel and a subtle spice. Undertone of crushed rock, sea spray and jasmine complete this complex but easy to drink wine. Pairs well with good friends and bonfires on the beach.”

Winery Tasting Notes: “ripe peach, rose petal, watermelon, lemon curd, fresh, bright & inviting”

My Review: Dusty rose in color.  Peachy watermelon on the nose.  Round flavors on the palate – Mourvèdre dominating.  A touch of sweetness and gentle tobacco on the lingering finish.  Agree with rose petal in the winery’s description! March 2021

2018 Le P’tit Paysan P’tit Pape Red Rhone Blend, Central Coast, 13.4% ABV, $22 (#278*)  52% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre

The 2018 P’tit Pape might be my favorite vintage of this blend yet!

Winery Tasting Notes: “dark cherry, cocoa, stewed plums, white pepper”

My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass. Chocolate raspberry truffle on the nose.  A richer palate of dark cherry and black currant, with rose petal and cherry on the finish.  This could be my favorite P’tit Pape yet! I am hoping to showcase this wine in an upcoming Washington Wine & Cheese Seminar class.   March 2021

2018 Le P’tit Paysan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito County, 12.9% ABV, $25 (#279*)

The grapes for this Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from nearby San Benito County.

Winery Tasting Notes: “currant, blueberry, cracked black pepper, medium-bodied”

My Review: Ruby in the glass.  A light, smooth bouquet and palate to match.  Very drinkable – not a big wine, but a great value and drinkable now! March 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

La Marea: Spanish-Inspired Wines “rooted in the sea, the soil and the sea air”

When my Spring Club Release became available for pickup, I contacted the I Brand tasting room to find a day I could stop by for a quiet, isolated outdoor tasting to taste their new releases. In addition to tasting those wines in early March, we have opened several other Ian Brand wines at home in 2021.  I’ll be presenting all of them in 3 separate posts by label:  La Marea, Le P’tit Paysan, and I. Brand & Family. Today’s post is about three La Marea wines, Ian Brand’s label for his Spanish-inspired wines.

More About La Marea from the Winery:  “La Marea, (Spanish for “The Tide”), made by Ian Brand of Le P’tit Paysan, is a tiny winery focused on single vineyard Spanish varietals “rooted in the sea, the soil and the sea air”. Brand believes Monterey and San Benito to be some of the most ideally suited climates in California for Spanish varietals like Albariño, Grenache (Garnacha) and Mourvedre (Monastrell). The proximity to the cool ocean waters Monterey Bay provides an optimal climate for Albarino while the warmer San Antonio and San Benito Valleys closely resemble the Spanish regions where these grapes thrive. This region, once the site of a shallow ocean bed millions of years ago, is one of the few spots in California with a high percentage of limestone found in the soil which gives the wines a high naturally acidity. As with his P’tit Paysan wines, Brand works with fruit harvested at lower Brix, ferments using a combination of native and cultured yeast, and favors neutral oak.”

2020 La Marea Albariño, Kristy Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 11.9% ABV, $24 (#269*)

“The Kristy Vineyard grows on the western bench over the Salinas River on the broken sediment of ancient sea beds where it is exposed to the consistent cooling winds off the Monterey Bay. Kristy is a special because Albariño in the vineyard reaches full phenological ripeness at low potential alcohol and bright natural acidity later in the season. Usually picked between 20-22 Brix with a sub 3 PH and nearly 9 g/L TA. Whole cluster pressed and cold fermented to preserve aromatics and freshness. Secondary fermentation is arrested.” La Marea

Winery Tasting Notes: “tropical fruit, lemon zest, subtle spice, lively acidity”

My Review: Pale yellow in color, fragrant Gardenia, grapefruit and lemon curd on the nose.  Vibrant acidity on the flavorful palate of sweet grapefruit, with a lingering lemony finish. March 2021

2016 La Marea Grenache Spur Ranch, San Benito County, 13% ABV, $20? (#270*)

“Spur Ranch Vineyard is part of an 11,000 acre ranch located at a 1000 foot elevation with a fifteen degree south facing slope on the south side of Chalone peak. The soils are high-calcareous content clay over the same mica shist substrate that dominates the Chalone appellation. Fermented whole berry with a small percentage of whole cluster with both native and selected yeast strains. Aged in 100% neutral barrels for 11 months. 135 cs produced.” La Marea

Winery Tasting Notes: “Beautiful and bright representation. Profile firmly representative of its unique micro-climate terroir. Cooler region, allows peak levels of ripeness, while also obtaining low alcohol levels. Freshness, purity of fruit and an elegant, silky style. Endless layers of red fruits fill the nose. On the palate, acid leads, allowing bright red fruits, strawberries, cherries and raspberries to pop with a beam of minerality. Green anise and fennel appear, while the red fruits maintain palate saturation.” 124 cases produced.

My Review: Translucent light cherry in color. Light cherry on the nose, a slight bit of vinegar. Very light on the palate, refreshing, almost as light as a rosé! After opening up, flavors became a little more complex. January 2021

2018 La Marea Grenache, Central Coast, 13.6% ABV, $30* (#271*)

The grapes for this “Central Coast” wine were sourced from San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties.

Winery Tasting Notes:  A traditional Spanish Grenache – “red plums, damp earth, baking spice, subtle complexity”

My Review: Bright, transluscent cherry.  Sweet raspberry on the nose, very smooth red currant on the palate, lingering light licorice flavors. March 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

Joyce Wine Company: “SMALL LOT WINES FROM MONTEREY CALIFORNIA, WITH BALANCE, FINESSE AND FOCUS”

We stopped in at Joyce Vineyards’ tasting room in December 2019 on a hunt for a Merlot for my next class.  I stumbled upon a great deal for their James Joyce Merlot, as well as the 2017 Cabernet.  We lucked into some specials for both of these wines.  James is winemaker Russell Joyce’s middle name – they produced both a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with their sideways label – the label is literally sideways and a bit of a play on the movie, “Sideways.”  Watch them for different Bordeaux blends, depending on yield, especially from their tiny Carmel Valley Estate Vineyard. 

These December 2019 prices were bargains for such nice quality wines.

About Joyce Wine Company: “Joyce Wine Company is the result of family interest in Monterey Country’s diverse terroir.  With minimalistic cellar practices and on-site production, our goal is to produce wines with balance, finesse and focus while exploring the endless potential of the coastal terroir in Monterey County…Joyce Vineyards began as a chance planting by Francis Joyce in 1989 on a steep hillside in Carmel Valley. Joyce Wine Company now tells the stories of Monterey County’s unique terroir through Francis’ son Russell Joyce, a second generation winemaker who grew up working amongst the vines at the family’s estate. Russell showcases the area’s premier AVAs in a classic and minimal approach to winemaking. He utilizes this approach to create wines of purity and elegance while focusing on the local varietals grown in Monterey County and its surroundings.”

Joyce Wine Company produces about 8,000 cases annually in the same Salinas industrial park as Ian Brand, and sources grapes from some of our best known vineyards across the Central Coast, primarily Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, and San Benito AVAs. 

“San Benito County lies along the San Andreas Fault just beneath the Gabilan Mountain Range; neighboring Monterey County. The calcareous soils combined with warm days and mild nights provide the ideal growing conditions for Bordeaux varietals. The Teague Vineyard uses minimal irrigation, producing grapes with great intensity and concentration.”

2017 James Joyce Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito AVA, 14.2% ABV, $30  80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec (#20*)

The distinctive “Sideways” label for their 2017 James Joyce Cabernet!

Winemaker Notes (website):  The 2017 James Joyce Cabernet comes from the Teague Vineyard, planted against the Diablo Mountain Range.  The soil is heavy clay and loam.  With minimal irrigation, the roots are stressed to dig deep for water.  Bordeaux varietals grow well in this climate of warm days and mild nights.   For this Cabernet, the “grapes were 100% destemmed and left on the skins with minimal extended maceration 7 days past dryness and full fermentation.” The Cabernet Sauvignon took longer to ferment.  “The wine was aged on heavy leas for 16 months and no new French oak was used.  Never fined or filtered.” 1000 cases of this wine were produced. 

According to www.wine.com, the winemaker described this wine as: “In addition to the blackberry base, minty herbs and leather, this offers a strong woody character and pine needle aromas. The very dry black-currant fruit is awash in flavors of dill, savory black pepper and black olive.” 

My Review: “Classic!” my daughter says. This wine is very dark ruby in color, with a mocha-plum nose and a refreshing and smooth plum and cassis on the palate.  It is a nice wine one could enjoy every day. 

2016 James Joyce Merlot, Central Coast, 13.9% ABV, $25 (181*)  90% Merlot 5% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Cabernet Franc

My DC friends got to enjoy this case of wine I had purchased for my Fall 2020 wine class, indefinitely postponed!

Winemaker’s Notes (condensed from the Tech Sheet): The Merlot grapes were harvested by hand, “…destemmed, and placed in small open top fermenters where they were cold soaked for 4-5 days before fermentation began naturally.  Primary fermentation lasted between 14-18 days before the wine was drained and the must gently pressed.  The wine was then transferred to 100% neutral French oak barrels where it finished malolactic fermentation.  Once this fermentation was completed, a small sulfur addition was made and the wine was left to age sur lie for 16 months before being bottled un-fined and unfiltered.” 850 cases produced.

Tasting Notes from The Cave: “Aromatics: Plum, Black Cherry, Baking Spice. Palate: Lush & Supple, Bright Acidity, Velvety Tannins”

My Review: Deep, rich ruby in color. Cherry and a hint of caramel on the nose. Rich and bright, juicy cherry-berry on the palate, smooth tannins with lingering licorice and a touch of spearmint.

The Joyce Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village is open – make a reservation here.

You can buy Joyce wines from their web site, tasting room, and commercially marketed at www.wine.com and other websites and local markets. 

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.

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