Tagged: #santaluciahighlands

A Fabulous Afternoon with the Carmel Valley Uncorked Community!

image of the Carmel Valley Uncorked banner above the registration desk with a view behind it of winery tables where wine is being sampled and people gathering.

THE STORY

Carmel Valley Uncorked was founded to promote Carmel Valley as a premier wine tasting destination in Monterey County. With the dissolution of the Monterey County Vintner and Growers Association, the marketing of our wine regions has fallen to more local groups.  For us, Carmel Valley has always been the spot to wine taste.  We’ve been coming out there for decades – since the days when you could find Durney and Talbott’s rather rustic tasting rooms next to each other on Carmel Valley Road. 

Green tractor in front of golden vineyard

The Carmel Valley Uncorked event was held at Rancho Carmelo Vineyards, just past Carmel Valley Village. It was a lovely setting with beautiful fall colors in the vineyard views. 10 wineries were lined up, presenting 2 wines each. It was informal and friendly. We could mingle with winemakers, tasting room staff, and local people who simply like their wines. The event was organized by Kathy Baker of Rombi Wines; Walter Georis of Georis Winery was the spokesperson, stressing the importance of this community.

Walter Georis wearing a blur shirt and a hat with microphone addresses the crowd.

The food was provided by Jerome Viel.  I have never seen a more beautiful or large single charcuterie display.  The dinner was simple – delicious sausage and seafood-filled paella, salad with the perfect vinaigrette, and bread with the richest butter (I’m guessing that amazing butter Jerome gets from France). There were bottles of white and red wine from the participating winemakers spaced along the long tables. We chose to sit right in front of a bottle of Rombi wine and were pleased a Joyce white was also within reach to start with. Dessert appeared to be a plate of macarons, but it was more than that – I picked up a small chocolate one, only to find out that it was a rich, dark bite of a dense chocolate cake.

Long virw of charcuterie display

The event was terrific for building camaraderie amongst the Carmel Valley wine community – both the wineries/vineyards and the tasting rooms located there.  I appreciated the inclusion of wineries whose grapes come from elsewhere, while their tasting rooms are located in Carmel Valley, such as Twisted Roots.  It is the same approach I take in Decanting Monterey. Nice to see you, Josh and Julie Ruiz! And we met so many fans of the wineries, too, most of whom live in Carmel Valley.  What a great group of people!

Long outdoor dining tables with white chair await the guests

Making wine is no small feat.  As with vineyards across the globe, so much is out of control of the Carmel Valley vineyard owners. There was a lot of talk about the 2026 vintage.  Hot weather, followed by cooler weather, small berries and small yields dominated the discussion. With harvest now complete, the proof will be in the barrels.  There was a huge sigh of relief that at least the Big Sur fires stayed on the other side of the mountain ridge.

THE WINES

Today I have a slightly different approach, as I was enjoying the event and not taking detailed tasting notes.  I am including the winery notes where I can find them and a brief comment about the wine based on our combined recollection.  Also, I did not take pictures of all the wines, so I am guessing at some of the vintages. For those, I put an asterisk at the end of the year. I am presenting 15wines from the event. 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. I reserve the right to take next week off!

2022 Scratch Extra Brut Sparkling Rosé, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey, 12.2% ABV, $55 (#1816)

Scratch Sparkling Brut bottle label depicting Asian woman walking in background with a cart of collapsed cardboard boxes in front

Winery Notes: “Brut Rosé with a base of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Juicy red apple with a Granny Smith finish. Refreshing addition to you afternoons on the patio!”

My Impression: We thought this was a delicious way to start off this event!

2020 Pelio Estate Sparkling Cuvée, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $86 (#1817)

Pelio Estate bottle label with the name inside a beautiful wave depicting our region

Winery Notes: “The 2020 Pelio Estate Sparkling shows a very delicately hued light yellow in the glass. Aromas of bright citrus are complimented by a subtle note of fresh baked brioche and bread dough alluding to this wine’s extended aging on lees in the bottle. On the palate this wine shows flavors of Meyer Lemon, peach and red apple over well integrated acidity. A fine mousse gives a full, rich texture that persists to the finish.”

My Impression: Eye-catching and delicious.  I was impressed by this wine.

2025* Holman Ranch Susans Saignée Rosé, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.1% ABV, $39 (#1818)

Winery Notes: “The 2025 Susan’s Saignée Rosé has bright aromas of strawberry, jasmine and watermelon. The palate is soft with citrus notes, rounded with restrained notes of marine salinity. This wine is vibrant and youthful, refreshing throughout the spring and summer.”

2023* Carmelo Rosé, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $33 (#1819)

Winery Notes: “A visual delight in the glass, this Rosé invites you to savor a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Notes of vibrant red fruit, delicate floral undertones, and a subtle citrus zest create a refreshing and lively experience. The wine’s playful character mirrors the sunlit days of our vineyard, offering a delightful journey with each sip.”

2022* Georis Riesling, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $42 (#1820)

Walter Georis pouring the riesling

My Impressions: Heavy minerality with a touch – just a touch – of sweetness for a nice, dry wine. People were talking about it. There is still a misconception out there that a Riesling has to be sweet.  We’ve been enjoying dry Rieslings from Arroyo Seco for quite some time.  Try one! You will like it!

2025 Corral Good Fortune Chardonnay, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 13.2% ABV (#1821)

Good Fortune in a horseshoe bottle label

My Impressions: This is a new wine from Corral intended for the wholesale marketplace.  It has great aromatics and is a terrific, tasty little Chardonnay.

2025* Joyce Albariño, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $25 (#1822)

Winery Notes: “The fruit for this Albarino was harvested from several vineyards surrounding our winery in the Arroyo Seco AVA. This AVA is recognized as having the longest growing season in California. Strong daily winds that bring cool fog from the Monterey Bay allow the grapes to spend more time on the vine building flavor, complexity and acidity. Extremely rocky well-drained alluvial soils are the base for creating wines processing freshness & minerality. The combination of sand, granite, and shale loam soils with the ever present marine influence provide the perfect conditions for growing Albariño. AROMA wild peach, white flowers, salinity, sea spray. PALATE passion fruit, lime zest, pink grapefruit, oyster shell.”

My Impressions: The minerality shone through in this crisp Albariño, a great pairing with the paella dinner. 

2024 Pelio Estate Shelby  Cuvée Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $72 (#1823)

Pelio estate Pinot Noir bottle label

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Shelby gives a bouquet of bing cherries, red currant and baking spice with an underlying dried herbal component of sage and clove. On the palate this wine is bright featuring red fruits over barrel spice with elegant and integrated tannins.”

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

2023 Corral Pinot Noir, KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.25% ABV, $64 (#1824)

2023 Corral KW Ranch Pinot Noir bottle label

Winery Notes: “This wine offers deep, rich aromas of dark fruit, including black cherry, cranberry sauce, and toasted nutmeg, with hints of cassis and olallieberry. The palate features flavors of baking spices, strawberry, sweet cranberry, and Bing cherry, concluding with subtle notes of juniper and a long, lasting finish with significant depth.”

My Review: This Corral KW Ranch Pinot Noir stands above the typical Santa Lucia Highlands Pinots.  The fruit and winemaking style make it a richer, meatier Pinot that event his non-Pinot lover can love it!

2023 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, $65 (#1825)

My Impressions: This was the first wine I had at this event.  Why not start with a wine I know I will love?  I assumed I had experienced this wine before and did not capture any notes. I just realized it is a new-to-me wine, so I will have to come back with a fuller review the next time I taste it.  It was perfect to have Rombi right next to Georis for, in essence, a side-by-side tasting.  I overheard people talking highly about the two Merlots at the event.  If you think you aren’t a Merlot fan, try one of these. 

2019 Georis Clos des Moutons Merlot, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $90 (#1826)

Georis wine bottle label wit emblem in the middle

My Impressions: One of the top wines of the night and the most unctuous nose of the big reds at this event. Rich, with a little spice. Best Georis wine we’ve ever had.

2017 Boëté Reserve Cabernet Franc, Carmel Valley, Monterey County (#90)

My Impressions: I am a huge fan of Boëté Reserve Cabernet Franc wines.  We’ve had access to this specific wine for many years and it was showing terrifically this weekend. Keep it coming, John and Jana!

2022 Twisted Roots Tempranillo, Lodi, 14% ABV, $65 (#1827)

Twisted Roots tempranillo bottle label

Winery Notes: “Introducing Twisted Roots’ 2022 Tempranillo, a heartfelt tribute to our winemaker and co-owner’s Spanish heritage, crafted in his distinctive style to capture the soul of Spain. This elegant, medium-bodied wine enchants with a luscious blend of black and red cherry, accented by whispers of warm spice and subtle red fruit, all framed by velvety, soft tannins. Its restrained yet vibrant fruit profile makes it an effortlessly versatile companion, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to refined dinners. Savor this exquisite, easy-drinking Tempranillo that invites you to experience the passion and tradition of Twisted Roots Winery in every luxurious sip.”

My Impressions: Very cherry on the nose and palate– rich, smooth, and very drinkable.  This wine could have a place in my cellar, for sure!

2022 Carmelo Vineyards Syrah, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $40 (#1828)

Image of the Carmelo Vineyards Syrah bottle label wirh 2 gold palm trees over a black background

Winery Notes: “Savor the bold complexity of our Estate 2022 Syrah, a full-bodied masterpiece with notes of currant, blackberry, dried herbs, and toasted spice, boasting a bright yet complex purple core and a smooth finish, perfectly paired with flavorful meat dishes and starches.”

My Impressions: This was spicy and good – one of my favorites of the night. I had not experienced their Syrah before and it was a winner.

2022 Scratch C-47, Grenache/Syrah Blend, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV,  $65 (#1829)

image of C-47 bottle label with 3 clothespins

Winery Notes: “Super spicy on the nose with white pepper, black pepper, nutmeg and hint of juniper and fresh wet pipe tobacco. Blackberries, damson plum, vanilla and a little cocoa nib in the mouth. Super lush!”

My Impressions: I go through periods where I feel like I’m on Grenache overload – predisposed to say I don’t want it and won’t like it.  Then I taste a wine like this Grenache-Syrah blend and I completely change my mind.  Hands down, our favorite wine of the night. Blew me out of the water.  Way to go, Sabrine.

2021 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $85 (#1425)

My Review: When I had a choice of where to sit at the vast expense of two tables, I chose to sit right in front of the Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon. My notes from a previous tasting: “This wine is so good. It’s darker red in the glass than the Merlot. Has a nose of plum and allspice with a hint of cedar and dried orange peel. The palate has notes of pepper and herbes de Provence with a round mouth feel. At this young age, the tannins leave a very dry palate. It finishes with fig and cassis flavors. This wine is stupendous. It will age into one tremendous wine.” August 2024

3 bronze sculptures of Mariachi musicians
Mariachi Sculpture at Rancho Carmelo

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Surprising New Vineyards and Wines from I Brand & Family

THE STORY

We stopped by the I Brand & Family tasting room with our personal winery dog Mushu in July and stumbled upon a bunch of new releases! Today I am sharing all 10 wines with you. After this visit, we declared winery dog had had enough!

Picture of a red and white Bernedoodle lying on the floor, smiling up at the camera.

I’ve written about I Brand & Family many times in Decanting Monterey. The most recent full post was here: Popping into I Brand for a Quick September Update. The rest you can easily find by typing I Brand in the search bar.

THE WINERY

From their website:

“Wine, in its highest form speaks indelibly of place. We are singularly focused on the mountains, valleys and beaches surrounding the Monterey Bay. Ours is an exhaustive study of the past, present and potential of our home on this beautiful slice of the Central Coast.” You can read more about them here.

THE WINES

Tasting sheet with the Flight of the Monterey Bay outlined, $30 tasting fee waived with $70 purchase.

Today I am presenting 10 wines. Yikes! Winery notes in general come from the tasting sheet, their website or from the bottle label, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone!

2025 Paysan Jacks’ Hill Chardonnay, Monterey, 12.7% ABV, $24 (#1805)

Winery Notes: “Jacks’ Hill has been a cornerstone of the winery from the beginning. It has also been one of our longest continual works in progress. Vintage after vintage, we’ve kept refining it — learning what the wine needs, what it doesn’t, and getting closer to the Chardonnay, we always wanted it to be. Over the last few years, we feel like it has really found itself. There’s a completeness to the wine now — depth and texture, with the restraint and simplicity we spent years trying to find. (Ian pat yourself on the back) Jacks’ Hill has grown up with us. Right now, we think it’s drinking better than it ever has. People seem to have noticed.”

My Review: Wheat in color. Delicious nose of grilled pineapple and honeysuckle. Minerality is overwhelmed by a citrus punch at the end. July 2026

2024 I Brand & Family Melon de Bourgogne, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone Appellation, Monterey County, 11.3% ABV, $33 (#1806)

Sudeways label of I Brand & Family 2024 Melon de Bourgogne, Graff Family Vineyard, Chalone, Monterey County Art by Vince Contreras

Winery Notes: “Jack fruit and underripe pineapple mixed with casaba melon and oyster brine. Palate is broad and subtly rich with d’anjou pear and lemon rind mixed in seawater. The salinity draws through the finish, where it combines with the skin tannins to coat the mouth and linger.”

My Review: Pale yellow. Subtle grilled pineapple on nose. Lemon tart on the palate. July 2026

2025 La Marea Cachudo, Pierce Ranch Vineyard, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 13.4%ABV, $29 (#1807)

front label of La Marea Cachudo with a drawing of old Spanish buildings leading to the sea

Winery Notes: “Cachudo is made from a single grape variety commonly grown in coastal Portugal but with no US equivalent name. Grown in a high hanging valley in the lee of the Ventana Mountains, this white wine displays redolent fruit and beautiful acidity from the warm California sunshine.”

My Review: Pale Yellow. A hint of caramel, toast and pineapple on the nose. Nice palate with round flavors on the finish. I liked this best of the whites. We selected this wine for our AWS holiday party. July 2026

2023 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 12.7% ABV (#1808)

front label 2023 I Brand & family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

Winery Notes: “Aromatics of Meyer lemon and nutty pralines lead the way on the nose, quickly evolving into a beautiful floral bouquet of honeysuckle. Bright acidity starts things off on the palate with layers of fruit; including under ripe pear and granny smith apple, rounding out with a warmth reminiscent of quince. The bright acidity blends with well-integrated tannins, finishing neatly with toasted oak.”

My Review: Pale in the glass with a lovely nose of butterscotch and mellow pineapple. Mild citrus on the palate. July 2026

2025 Paysan Rosé, Central Coast, 12% ABV (#1809) 73% Mourvedre, 21% Grenache, 6% Cinsault

Winery Notes: “The 2025 rosé opens with lifted aromatics of wild strawberry, alpine raspberry, and underripe watermelon, layered with white peach and fresh nectarine. Floral tones of rose petal and orange blossom mingle with coastal notes of sea spray and crushed herbs. On the palate, Mourvèdre provides gentle weight and structure while Grenache and Cinsault bring brightness and lift. Flavors of cranberry and red currant carry through a core of stone fruit, framed by a mineral backbone and lively acidity. A subtle saline edge and citrus zest linger on a clean, refreshing finish that invites another sip.”

My Review: Ballet slipper pink in color. Mellow nose of peach and cinnamon. Sour watermelon on the palate. July 2026

2025 I Brand & Family Bloomy Tacos, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, 9.2% ABV, $20 (#1810)

front label of 2025 Bloomy Tacos wine on a beige label with black drawing of a cactus-y, Venus fly trap-like plant and handwritten name

Winery Notes: “Sometimes we get creative. I’ve seen all kinds of grapes done in a carbonic fermentation and largely they come out tasting more of the technique rather than the place and our entire raison d’être is to make wine of place. Cinsault is a funny grape. It falls into the ‘might be a table grape’ taxon along with things like muscat and mission – grapes that don’t necessarily reach the levels of sugar accumulation and acid retention to be real wine grapes but are used for wine nonetheless. On the other side of the classification are things like Sultana, AKA Thompson Seedless, which is definitely a table grape but it’s sometimes used for wine by unreputable producers. Regardless, the idea was to create something vinous and useful on the table at a lower alcohol. This is 9.6% alcohol and a joy to drink, crunchy and refreshing, great with a chill. Don’t mind the cloudiness or a light sediment. It’s natural wine!”

My Review: Purple-red in the glass. Grape Hi-Chew on the nose. On the palate, someone forgot the sugar in my grape! There is a lot going on in this unusual wine. I would pour it over ice cream for sure. Leave it to Ian to try something different to keep us on our toes. July 2026

2023 La Marea Grenache, Central Coast, 14% ABV, $32  (#1811)

Label of 2023 La Marea Grenache wine with a Spanish town in the foreground and water in the background.

Winery Notes: “Aromatic and savory, the nose shows black plum and red currant layered with bay laurel, dried herbs, and a touch of graphite. On the palate, ripe plum gives way to brighter red fruit tones — Bing cherry and wild strawberry — accented by thyme and cracked pepper. Mineral notes of river stone and crushed rock emerge with air. A floral lift of violet carries through the mid-palate, framed by fine, dusty tannins and a long, structured finish.”

My Review: Sweet Asian spices on the nose. Light, but meaty enough to be quafable. A standout among our local Grenache. July 2026

2023 I Brand & Family Gamay Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 12.7% ABV, $36 (#1812)

Wine label for the 2023 I Brand & Family Gamay Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

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: Garnet in the glass. Warm nose with a decent palate and an acidic finish. July 2026

2024 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Merk Vineyard, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.6% ABV, $48 (#1813)

Wine bottle label 2024 I. Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Merk Vineyard, Carmel Valley

Winery Notes: “I drove by the Merk Family Vineyard on the way to Massa for years. There’s a little shingle hanging over the one lane mountain road next to a locked gate. It garnered my interest because the road cut next to the gate is lily white marine deposit. The coastal mountains are scrapings of the pacific plate combined with granitic extrusions pushed into rugged folds as the North American Plate subducts the Pacific Plate. Because of the depth of the Pacific Ocean, limestone and calcareous soils, widely pursued for grape production, is far rarer on the West Coast than the Old Continent. I’d need to pour some hydrochloric acid on the Merk soils to determine their calcareous content but early returns remind me of young Chalone Pinot Noirs when Chalone was cooler and they had a winemaker at the helm that understood mountain fruit. I don’t choose to make Pinot Noir often, but when I do they are wild iterations.” Decanter 95; Dunnuck 94

My Review: Pretty in the glass.  A lovely warm, yet fresh, nose. Intense fruit on the palate, balanced by a touch of acidity on the finish. July 2026

2023 I Brand & Family Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains, 13% ABV, $48 (#1814)

Wine Bottle label with the I Brand seal at the top with I Brand & Family in large print, Cabernet Franc, Bates Ranch 2023 Santa Cruz Mountains.

Winery Notes: “Bates Ranch does not need much explaining. Old Santa Cruz Mountain vines, mountain exposure, and the kind of site that gives Cabernet Franc its spine before the cellar ever gets involved. Serious ground, serious farming, and a wine that feels like it came from somewhere specific.” “The bouquet is rich with aromas of dried red fruits and cocoa nibs. Hints of espresso and chocolate-covered cherry lead the way on the palate, rounding to strawberry. Coastal fir lingers with pronounced tannins that create a wonderful tension with the wine’s mellow acidity.” Vinous 93

My Review: Dark ruby in the glass.  Smokey pepper and stewed dark fruit on the nose. July 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

“Our tasting room is nestled in Carmel Valley Village.  And like our wines, boasts its own cultural and storied history within the community.  Once a bookshop named “The Encounter,” the building was once owned by the sister of Joan Baez and was a beloved venue that would frequently be visited by such legends as John Lennon and Bob Dylan.”

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 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

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

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