Tagged: Wine Reviews

AWS Monterey Celebrates an Early Valentines Day at Lepe Cellars’ New Location!

THE STORY

When we heard that  Lepe Cellars had moved to a great new spot in Carmel Valley, we leapt at the chance to take the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter there for one of our 2026 tastings. We recalled fondly how Miguel Lepe and his tasting room manager Thyra Roth hosted us for our holiday party a couple of years’ back.

In February, we held an early Valentine’s celebration at their new venue.  Members brought food (delicious) to pair with the wines.  Upon arrival, we heard that Lepe Cellars was raffling off a magnum of Petit Verdot for us – what an extra treat on top of their industry discount they afforded our group! With 32 members and guests in the room, Thyra kept things hopping while Miguel talked to us about making single varietal, single vineyard wines to showcase our Monterey vineyards.  It was a fabulous event.

A picture of appetizers amid valentine's day decor - big red hearts and napkins
This was an early photo – members brought so many delicious appetizers to share!

I last presented Lepe Cellars here: Lepe Cellars Hosts a Jingle-Mingle!

THE WINES

I have 7 Lepe Cellars wines to present to you today, from that evening’s event plus a scouting trip last November. Winery notes come from their website or tasting sheet unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

3 members sitting around a table with employ plates enjoying the event
Members enjoying our social event.

2023 Lepe Cellars Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $75 (#1705)

Bottle label for the 2022 Barrel Select Pinot Noir with a banner across the middle indicating it is a 10 year celebration

Winery Notes: “Expressive and lush this wine opens with notes of red cherry and raspberry jam interwoven with notes of rose petals and clove. On the palate are notes of wild strawberry, dried herbs leading to a lingering vanilla finish.”

A member and 2 guests enjoying the event
We love it when new guests check us out!

My Review: Pale translucent ruby in the glass. Spicy nose of cinnamon and light cherry. Cherry and woody cinnamon stick on the palate. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Grenache, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $45 (#1706)

bottle label of the 2022 Grenache

Winery Notes: “Opens with notes of plum and dried cherries and a trace of wet stones. The palate unfolds with notes of fresh strawberry, savory soy and a hint of dried thyme.”

93 Points – Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast: “The mineral side of Grenache is rarely explored, but this bottling from a very rocky appellation puts the earth on center stage. Aromas of crushed riverstone meet with cherry and light baking spice on the nose. The palate’s strawberry and caramel flavors ride that stony edge into the finish.” — Matt Kettmann

2 members in matching burgundy shirts smiling, enjoying the event
Enjoying good wines and a good time!

My Review:  A pretty, medium ruby in the glass. A mellow, darker cherry nose. Nice smooth palate with dark fruit flavors and a lingering finish. I think this is one of the best Grenache wines made on the Central Coast.  November 2025

2023 Lepe Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Merit Vineyard, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $65 (#1707)

bottle label for the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Blackberry, black currant, vanilla.”

Picture of the couple who won the magnum of wine from the raffle with other guests in the background.
Lucky Winners of the Raffle!

My Review:  Medium, opaque garnet in the glass. A lot of smooth fruit with cherry notes. February 2026

2023 Lepe Cellars Cabernet Franc, Tre Gatti Vineyards, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $55 (#1708)

bottle label for the 2023 Cabernet Franc

Winery Notes: “This wine opens with inviting aromas of dark fruit, including black cherry and ripe blackberry, accented by a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it reveals layers of raspberry and red plum, leading into a lingering savory finish with notes of black pepper and dried herbs.”

A member and his guest enjoying the event
A warm welcome to a new guest!

My Review: Cloudy in the glass. Cherry, red currant on the very smooth palate, with a spicy finish. While a lighter style, it is quite tasty. I took one home. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Anniversary Red Blend, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $75 (#1709)

2022 Anniversary blend label - has a banner indicating it is 10 year celebration

Winery Notes: “Deep and velvety this red blend is bursting with notes of black berry jam, black currant and a touch of violet. The palate is juicy with notes of cranberry and plum and finish with rich notes of brown sugar and baking spice. 42% Petit Verdot (Merit Vineyard) 34% Cabernet Sauvignon (Merit Vineyard) 20% Cabernet Franc (Tre Gatti Vineyard) 4% Syrah (Zabala Vineyard).”

Miguel Lepe is pouring wine for our members with Thyra standing in the background
Miguel and Tira enjoying our evening!

My Review:  Medium garnet in color. Pepper, vanilla, and port notes on the nose. Big palate with balanced acidity and tannin. I like this wine. November 2025

2022 Lepe Cellars Syrah, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $55 (#1710)

Picture of bottle label for the 2022 Syrah

Winery Notes: “Blueberry, dark chocolate, dried herbs.”

My Review:  Garnet in color. A mellow blueberry on the nose. Nice palate with blueberry, blackberry and spice on the rich palate. This was tasted in November and not at this event. November 2025

2023 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $55 (#1711)

Picture of bottle label for the 2023 Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “Plum, boysenberry, chocolate.”

My Review:  Garnet in the glass. Sweet plum and port on the nose with a bright cherry palate. November 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

The Lepe Cellars tasting room is located at 19 E Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel Valley, CA and is open during these hours: Friday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm, Sunday – Monday 12pm – 5pm, Tuesday – Thursday by appointment only.

2 men standing beside the AWS Monterey Chapter banner outside of Lepe Cellars
Our AWS Monterey Chapter Banner!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Boëté Releases its Irresistible 2019 Cheval Rouge!

THE STORY

With an out-of-town friend in tow, we stopped into The Barrel Room in Carmel Valley Village to taste Boëté wines and pick up our allocation. The guys loved the setting – there was a tv screen to view the football game no matter where you sat! And we were served by both Dillon and Jana Saunders over the course of our tasting.  Always great to see them! According to my records, the only new wine was the 2019 Boëté Cheval Rouge.  I remember when the 2018 came out during the pandemic and I participated in their hearts painting activity over a Zoom call. How far we have come since those times.

The Boëté Cheval Rouge is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and, in this particular vintage, only a touch of Merlot.  This wine has an irresistible, dark yet sweet jamminess and as my favorite of the day. We served the 2018 vintage to friends in January and it has matured in the bottle to a point of extreme deliciousness.

I last wrote about Boëté Winery here: 2018 Boëté Cabernet Franc Revisit: Scrumptiousness in a Glass.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the five wines we tasted in December, including the newly released 2019 Cheval Rouge. The rest of these have been presented before – over the lifetime of Decanting Monterey – but all have new, updated tasting notes. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1560)

My Review: Garnet in color.  Plum, black currant, and eucalyptus on the nose. Medium weight on the palate with a tart cranberry, red currant finish. December 2025

2019 Boëté Reserve Cabernet Franc, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $54 (#1489)

My Review: Dark garnet in color. Eucalyptus, dark fruit, alcohol and some spice on the nose. Very dark berries and eucalyptus notes on the palate. One of the very best Cabernet Francs from Monterey County. December 2025

2021 Boëté Cheval Rouge, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1704)

My Review: Very dark in the glass. Black plum, BBQ sauce, and stems on the nose. Sweet jamminess like raspberry jam on toast on the smooth palate. This was my favorite wine of the day. December 2025

2018 Boëté Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $52 (#1490)

My Review: Prune, bacon and hints of smoke on the nose. Medium palate with tasty cherry flavors and mild acidity on the finish. December 2025 (2019 has been released since I wrote this)

2017 Boëté Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Saunders Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $80 (#339)

My Review: Dark plum, blueberry and cedar on the nose. Prune, blackberry, and blueberry with balanced acidity. Drinking well. December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste and purchase Boëté wines at The Barrel Room every day (closed Wednesdays), 12-5 p.m. 5 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley Village. 

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

The Newly-Released 2022 Rombi Merlot is a Beauty!

THE STORY

It was great to stop in and see Kathy in the Rombi Wines tasting room in Carmel Valley Village back in December. We were able to catch up and I delivered some holiday chocolates for Sal.  My homemade, yet professional chocolates. People say I should sell them, but that would be work. We were pleasantly surprised to find this stunning, newly released 2022 Rombi Merlot now being poured in the tasting room.  I used to have to cellar his wines for about 10 years for them to seem ready (they are so big), but this wine is pretty awesome now. I asked Sal if there was anything special about this wine or the vintage he’d like to tell me and his only comment was that he didn’t make enough of it. I highly recommend stopping by some weekend to try it out for yourself.

Photo of the year label "2022" with the Rombi seal from the neck of the bottle

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: Rombi: A Preview of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon!I’ve written about them many times – you can search on my websitefor Rombi on the search bar.

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine.

2022 Rombi Merlot, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $65 (#1703)

My Review: Red plum, blackberry and blueberry fruits plus cinnamon on the nose. Very smooth palate.  Medium grippy tannins. Juicy, delicious, with some wood on the palate. I am impressed by this wine for its flavor, structure and quality. December 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Decanting Monterey Selects Its Wine of the Year: 2020 Site Wine Co. Syrah!

Site: “Sourced from the most distinctive vineyard sites in California”

THE STORY

I never thought to name a Decanting Monterey Wine of the Year until I tasted the 2020 Site Bien Nacido Syrah. One of our many finds from K&L Wine Merchants, this wine surpassed all others for its flavor, structure and value.  We try a lot of wines in a year, from fine Bordeaux wines to grocery store bargains, but most of our wines we find right in our back yard – in Monterey County. I focus my blog on Central Coast wines with rare exception.

Because we are on K&L Wine Merchant’s Insiders mailing list, we often see bargains otherwise not available.  Through this access, we have tried Central Coast wines we might not otherwise have found. And that was the case with this wine. So we are stepping outside of Monterey County for today’s wine.

I have long been a fan of the Bien Nacido Vineyard, perhaps stemming from a 2018 trip down to Ojai, where we tasted Ojai Vineyard’s fabulous Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah. In addition, I visited Los Olivos in 2022 on the way to a high school reunion and tasted several Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrahs.  I have mentioned the Bien Nacido Vineyard or the Bien Nacido clone in 11 posts since starting Decanting Monterey in 2020.  Read this one to hear more about the legacy of the vineyard itself: Santa Maria AVA: Home to the Legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard!

I love Syrah, especially since we moved to the Central Coast, but not all Syrahs are the same. The vintage, the pick, the winemaker’s talents all play a role in making a wine great. And I worry a wine purchased without a tasting will be too earthy – or even too overdone (high alcohol), even for my preferences (not that I would turn one down!). A great wine will find that balance of flavor and structure – and a good price just makes it even better.  And today’s wine has it all.

THE WINERY

Have you heard of Site Wine Co.?  Neither had I.  Here’s what I found out from various articles but primarily their own website:

“The wines of Site come from grapes that have been sourced from the most distinctive vineyards in California. These sites promise wines that kindle our senses and intellect and leave a gut feeling of pleasure. I view each vintage with a fresh eye and an open mind. I don’t enforce a particular winemaking style but take an approach that’s nimble and dynamic and attuned solely to the vineyard and the vintage, not to a dogma.”

“Site purchases fruit from just 3 vineyards, Bien Nacido Vineyards (Syrah), Larner Vineyard (Syrah, Grenache and Viognier), and Stolpman Vineyards (Roussanne).”

“Site is managed by Jeremy Weintraub, who is winemaker at Adelaida Cellars in Paso Robles, CA. Before Adelaida, Jeremy was winemaker at Seavey Vineyard, in Napa Valley, and before that he had winemaking and grape-growing stints in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Central Otago, Martinborough, Tuscany, and on Long Island.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine.  Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2020 Site Wine Co. Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14.3% ABV, $65 ($40 from K&L) (#1692)

Winery Notes: “This wine, comprising 100% syrah grapes from the same rows of Block Z at Bien Nacido Vineyards that I’ve been receiving since 2012, offers aromas of dark fruits, white pepper, and cooking spices. The mouth is medium-bodied with lively acidity and a long finish.” 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck

K&L Wine Notes: “Since we receive a lot of requests for ripe, concentrated wines that are great on their own as well as with food, I’m thrilled we can offer this outstanding Syrah from the Central Coast. It’s a big, dense and seamless red with lush smoky black fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Delicious.” John Downing

My Review: Beautiful, dense garnet in the glass. Saddle leather, chalk, dark cherry, cotton candy on the nose. Mouth filling, explosive rich red fruits on the palate, with cherry dominant. A delicious wine. October 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

‘Please contact the winemaker directly to schedule a tasting of his current release wines. The location, date and time will need to be agreed upon by all parties. A minimum of four guests is preferred for tastings. Email jeremy@sitewineco.com to arrange.”

If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

A Taste of Monterey: An AWS Holiday Party to Remember!

THE STORY

In December, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter held its annual holiday party at A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row, at a time of year when we could enjoy its amazing views of the Monterey Bay. At this sold-out event, 40 members and guests indulged in 5 outstanding Monterey wines, perfectly paired with delicious appetizers. This was a fun and social gathering for our group, while we learned more about Monterey wines from our venue hosts, Jasmine Hernandez and Scott. Thanks, again, Jasmine and Scott, for such a wonderful event!

Group photo of AWS Monterey Chapter

Our chapter board previewed and selected the 5 wines for our tasting, which were sourced in different parts of Monterey County – from the famous Santa Lucia Highlands to the southern San Antonio Valley. The knowledgeable staff guided us through each wine. The favorite wine was the NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé. The most unique was the Russell Joyce Le Blanc, a blend of Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, from two vineyards in the Arroyo Seco AVA. Another favorite of the evening was the Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir – a notch above the typical SLH Pinot Noir!

Photo of venue staff, Jasmine and Scott

You can read my last post about A Taste of Monterey here: A Taste of Monterey: More Than Just Its Amazing Views! Read more about them on their website! Interested in joining the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter? Join the national American Wine Society and select Monterey as your chapter!

THE WINES

Today I am presenting the 5wines from this holiday tasting. 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, $45 (#1687)

Photo of Folktale Rose bottle

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: Fine bubbles with balanced acidity. Everyone enjoyed this perfect way to start our event. I have valued this wine since I first tasted it a few years back and it remains one of my top local sparkling wines. December 2025

2024 Russell Joyce Le Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA $35 (#1688)

Photo of Russell Joyce Le Blanc bottle

Winery Notes: “Discover the exceptional flavors of this fine white wine from Monterey, California. Experience the delightful combination of white peach, watermelon rind, and spring flower aromas. Refresh your palate with notes of salted green apple, grapefruit, and a hint of river rock.” (Monsieur Marcel)

My Review: Sweet, floral nose. Good acidity and lots of minerality with a Meyer lemon , grapefruit zest finish. December 2025

2021 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1689)

Photo of Tondre Pinot Noir bottle

Winery Notes: “The 2021 vintage Pinot Noir offers a captivating display of luscious red and black cherry fruit, skillfully intermingled with a delightful blend of assorted spices that perfectly embodies the essence of Tondré Grapefield and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The palate offers a velvety texture that exudes elegance. It’s acidity is balanced complementing the moderate tannins to perfection.”

My Review: Cherry and forest floor on the nose. A richer than typical Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir palate. I liked this Pinot Noir.  This is the one wine which was recommended by the staff as an exceptional Pinot Noir to showcase for our tasting.  Way to go, Scott. December 2025

2019 Shale Canyon Merlot, Arroyo Seco AVA, $40 (#1690)

Photo of Shale Canyon Merlot bottle

Winery Notes: “Big, full-bodied Merlot with classic Bordeaux attributes. This wine begins with a big bouquet of ripe fruit and violets. The middle is graced with raspberry, pomegranate and cherry. A long finish of cedar and frim tannins. Only 246 cases produced.” (from A Taste of Monterey website)

My Review: This was a smooth, rich, full-flavored Merlot. Packed with plum, raspberry, cranberry and cherry, this wine was smooth and tasty. December 2025

2021 Marin’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, San Antonio Valley AVA, $45 (#1691)

Photo of Marin's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bottle

Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon displays characteristics of black cherry and licorice with supple tannins on the finish. We used 15% new french oak on this wine. Only 6 barrels of this wine were produced.” (Vinoshipper website)

My Review: Coming from the most southern region of Monterey County’s winemaking, this Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the dark, riper fruits from this warmer climate. It is a full-bodied crowd-pleaser, one of the favorites of the event.

THE TASTING ROOM

Photo of sunset view from venue

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-7pm.  Click here for more information on wine tastings and food. 

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

A Little Holiday Bonus: Hendry Mike & Molly Zinfandel

Off the topic of Central Coast wines for a moment, I wanted to share with you one of our favorite wines of Fall 2025 – the 2022 Hendry Mike and Molly Zinfandel. I shared this wine with my virtual wine class and thought I’d just make a quick post here. If you are a Zin lover, this is a great find.

We are long-time Hendry Ranch Wines fans from a tasting we did at the winery with George Hendry many years ago.

2022 Hendry Mike & Molly Zinfandel, R.W. Moore Vineyard, Coombsville AVA, Napa, 15% ABV, $45 ($30 on K&L Wine Merchants Insider Advantage) (#1686)

Winemaker Notes: “This full-bodied wine is graceful and smooth on the palate, offering flavors of black, brambly fruit, pepper, and warm spices, and while enjoyable now, it will continue to develop beautifully over the years, pairing excellently with braised short ribs, rack of lamb, stews, burgers, and hard, aged cheeses such as Gouda or Parmesan.” 93 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Scott Beckerley, K&L Review Date: 11/2024: “To be honest, I have a hard time with a lot of zinfandels. I am not really into heavy or (especially!) extracted wines. This Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel is neither of these. Don’t be fooled by the alcohol content, it is quite balanced and 100% delicious. There are generous black fruits, cassis, black cherry, blackberry. This is backed up by pretty outstanding acidity and depth of alternating (and graceful) smooth tannins. Super, duper solid!”

My Review: Garnet, almost purple in the glass. Spice, plum and blackberry on the nose. Rich palate of plum, blackberry and cherry with a raspberry finish. One of our favorite wines of the Fall 2025. November 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Popping into I Brand for a Quick September Update

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)

Picture of the label for the 2024 Paysan Sauvignon Blanc

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)

Picture of front label 2024 La Marea Cachudo

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

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

Marin’s Vineyard: A Rare Viognier from Monterey County!

THE STORY

When my DC virtual wine group picked “viognier near you” as its September theme, I was delighted – I thought it was going to easy to find one from our local wineries. One winery told me they quit making it a long time ago; I guessed I hadn’t noticed.  I spoke with Will Chesebro, winemaker at Chesebro, who informed me they grafted their viognier vines to Albariño. There was lack of demand, no buyers. Chesebro recommended Marin’s Vineyard, which took me to A Taste of Monterey, where you can find wines from our wineries with smaller production, among others. That’s where I found today’s wine.

I did some digging after making this purchase and found a few other bottlings of Monterey viognier from Scheid Vineyards and Odonata, plus there may be others I have missed or they have sold out. If you know of a Monterey County Viognier, please let me know!! Leave me a comment or email me.

According to the 2024 Monterey County Crop Report, in 2024 there were still 111 acres of viognier harvested here. Digging into past years’ reports, in 1995, Viognier started to be reported separately (vs “other whites”) starting at 26 harvested acres and ending the decade at 58 acres. From 2000 to 2010, there was tremendous growth in acres harvested, reaching 163 in 2009. In 2012 and 2014, there were 170 acres harvested, representing the peak of Viognier in Monterey County.  And in the past 6 years, it has averaged 111 acres harvested.  It’s still out there, people!

THE WINERY

From their website:

“At Marin’s Vineyard, we produce thoughtfully hand-crafted wines that reflect our grass root efforts and ranching heritage – specializing in Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec of southern Monterey County. Family owned and operated by Brenda, Duane, and Marin Wolgamott. Established in 1999. Our vineyard is located in Lockwood, CA and the newly opened tasting room is in Downtown Atascadero.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine.  Winery notes come from the tasting sheet, the bottle or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

Marin’s Vineyard 2021 Stockholder’s Reserve Viognier, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $28 (#1666)

picture of the front label of the 2021 Marin's Vineyard viognier with pretty painted cactus.

Winery Notes: “In this vintage I was playing around with how I want the aromatics to express themselves. It was a stainless steel tank fermentation and then aged in neutral oak barrels for 6 months. It’s a very classic Viognier style with lots of floral honeysuckle and an medium body finish with dried apricot.”

From the label: “…The desert cactus is stouthearted and beautiful, giving inspiration to our winemaking styles. This barrel aged Viognier displays characteristics of fresh apricot, with a round mouthfeel and rich golden color. Only 250 cases made.”

Wine Enthusiast – 89 points: Light aromas of honey, sliced apple and banana are fairly mellow on the nose of this bottling. The palate is fatter and ripe with dried peach, mango and banana flavors.” — Matt Kettmann, July 2024

My Review: Yellowish tan in the glass. Melon, peach and honeysuckle on the nose. Opened a bit tart and bitter, but mellowed into apple, pineapple, honey and floral notes on the palate, finishing with apricot. September 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Because Lockwood is so much closer to the Paso Robles wine growing region, it opened its tasting room there.

“Marin’s Vineyard is a welcoming wine tasting room at the heart of Downtown Atascadero.

“Come visit our Tasting Room!”

Hours: Thursday and Friday 4:30-8pm, Saturday 2-8pm, Sunday 1-6pm

Location: 5983 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422

Call or Text: 831-905-2692

If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Rombi: A Preview of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon!

THE STORY

We had the privilege of receiving a pre-release bottle of the 2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon and tried this baby back in September. We had a lot of emotions tasting this wine – its smoothness and deep fruit flavors presaging an elegance yet to come. 

As I come back to Monterey wines after my 9 weeks of posts from my wine adventure in Paso Robles, I give thanks on this Thanksgiving Day to our Monterey County vintners for what they do every day to bring us these quality wines.  And their generosity to me by offering free tastings, discounted purchases, and the occasional gifted bottle of wine. A toast to each and every one of you!

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: Rombi Releases A Brand New, Stunning 2023 Petit Verdot!

ABOUT ROMBI WINES

“Since 2006, hands-on winemaking that reflects a unique sense of place”

“Wine is a gift from nature, and every bottle produced at Rombi Wines tells a story of the land, the geography, the climate, and the hands-on philosophy of one man. Salvatore Rombi takes winemaking personally, obsessing over every detail — from harvest to barrel aging — to produce a unique range of elegant yet bold and complex red wines from the Carmel Valley Appellation. Rombi’s small vineyard and intimate tasting room provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable wine journey. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a strict allegiance to sustainable farming practices, Rombi creates award-winning, limited-production vintages. As an ode to terroir — the rock and soil, but also the land and legacy, culture and commitment, time and tradition — the wines from Rombi are always bottled poetry.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine, the 2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, which was gifted to me, pre-release.

2023 Rombi Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV (#1665)

Photo of the pre-release bottle with the year handwritten in a silver marker

My Review: Pre-release. Dark garnet in the glass. Dark cherries, berries, vanilla, leather and licorice on the nose. Intense dark fruit and smooth palate presage an elegance yet to come. Good texture. It finishes quite dry and tannic at this youthful point. While I don’t yet detect the heft/depth I expect from a Rombi, I think that is a reflection of its youth.  It reminds me of those very early tastes of his 2015 vintage, which has remained one of my favorites. This wine obviously needs much more time in the bottle. We double decanted this wine, as one always should with a Rombi. September 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

I highly recommend visiting their tasting room for an experience and wines you will remember. Go see Sal.

Taste Award-Winning Vintages at Rombi Wines:

“At Rombi Wines, our unique tasting room provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. Salvatore Rombi is most often on hand to guide you through the winemaking process and your tasting experience. Step off the beaten path and discover Rombi, where every bottle tells a story.

“Rombi Wines Tasting Room is at 1 Center St., in the charming Carmel Valley Village. We are open Saturdays and Sundays from noon–5 p.m., although appointments can be made for weekday visits.”

(831) 659-7200

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

ADELAIDA: A PLACE OF GREAT VINEYARDS AND WINES!

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 9

THE STORY

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery was our final stop during our 3-day wine tasting adventure in Paso Robles.  We made it! We were warmly greeted by Lisa who hosted us during our visit. Our group shared 2 different tastings. Lisa gave us an engaging presentation about the winery and each of the wines. We had fun wines (the Picpoul Blanc) and serious wines (the HMR Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Sharon kind of wines (the GSM and Syrahs). Our tasting was followed by a tour of its building and the private area for use by its club members.  The idea of joining their club was very tempting.

This is the first time I have presented Adelaida in Decanting Monterey.

THE WINERY

From their website:

“Located in the mountainous terrain of Paso Robles, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery is built on a vision of excellence: for wine, for community, and for the environment. Sustainable agriculture and a winemaking team guided by nature come together to create classic California wines that convey a sense of this unique place. Our vineyards offer a wide range of mesoclimates, aspects and soil types. We farm them organically, with an eye toward the long-term benefit of our customers, our team, and our land. We invite you to our Ranch to experience first-hand the vibrant, peaceful charm of Adelaida Vineyards, the heart of Adelaida district in Paso Robles.”

You can read so much more here about Adelaida’s history planting the first Pinot Noir and some of the first Cabernet Sauvignon in the region.

THE WINES

I have 8 wines to present to you today from Adelaida. Winery notes come from their website or tasting room, unless otherwise indicated. As a rule, I do not correct typos on winery websites. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Adelaida Signature Sparkling Wine, HMR Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 11% ABV, $80 (#1657)

Winery Notes: “The 2021 Sparkling wine is a beautiful representation of the vintage. Clean and bright, this blanc de noir exudes balance and finesse with tantalizing bubbles and a depth of flavor attributable to its tirage. When done using the traditional method, the essence of brioche and biscuit is evident but not at the center stage. Pear blossom, granny smith apples, and starfruit lend a balancing hand to brighten each sip. Serve this sparkling wine cold and in your favorite flute. Drink now through 2034.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Tiny bubbles. Guava, smoked turkey/Muenster cheese on the nose. Yeasty, cheesy notes on the creamy, lemony palate. August 2025

2023 Adelaida Picpoul Blanc, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1658)

Winery Notes: “The 2023 Picpoul Blanc lives up to its French translation of “stings the lips.” This wine features beautifully lifted aromas of lemon zest and jasmine, making it truly intoxicating. On the palate, you’ll find refreshing notes of kiwi, grapefruit, and Meyer lemon, complemented by a distinct minerality reminiscent of river stones…”

My Review: Medium golden in color. Unripe peach on the nose. Palate is both sweet and tart at the same time, just like lemonade with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and unripe peach. Very balanced. I could drink this on the patio. August 2025

2020 Adelaida Pinot Noir, HMR Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 13.3% ABV, $40 (#1659)

Winery Notes: “These esteemed old vines display the compelling attributes of new-world fruit entwined around old-world flavor and structure. Fruit forward aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and musky rose combine beautifully with savory allspice and rich earth. The rare soil combination, over limestone clay, creates both finesse and structure. Upon release, the wine is vibrant and juicy, this flavor profile originates from the natural bright fruit acidity of grapes grown in limestone soils. Overall, one of the more graceful vintages of HMR to sip and savor…”

My Review: Dark nose of cherry and campfire -a little earthy. Earth, rhubarb, tobacco and burnt marshmallows on the palate. Rather Burgundian. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Anna’s Red, Anna’s Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#1660)

Winery Notes: “Nearly even volumes of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre along with small additions of other estate grown varietals combine to bring balance to the glass with aromas of fresh strawberry, red raspberry, black licorice, and a hint of rose perfume. The palate offers flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and leather which combine to create a balanced and quaffable wine…” 96 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Dark purple in the glass. Subtle sandalwood on the nose. Dark jammy fruit on the palate with a dark fruit finish – smooth and very drinkable. “This is what GSM should taste like.” Took some home and continue to enjoy it. August 2025

2020 Adelaida Signature Syrah, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, $75 (#1661)

My Review: Inky garnet in color. Smoked meat, tobacco and earth on the nose. A jammy, dark and delicious palate with balanced tannins. Second favorite wine here. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Syrah, Anna’s Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.9% ABV, $50 (#1662)

Winery Notes: “…the decadently deep color exudes bursting ripe blueberries, exotic spices, and wild mountain herbs. Freshly tilled soil, licorice, and rose petals perfume the glass, followed by layers of mixed berry compote, fine leather, vanilla, and struck flint. Syrah makes some of the darkest wines in the world but is not austere or tannic. Enjoy this full-bodied beauty anytime…” 97 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Brambly, with brighter fruit on the nose and palate. I liked this fun little wine. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Signature Cabernet Franc, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, $80 (#1663)

PHOTO OF BOTTLE LABEL

Winery Notes: “Viking Vineyard’s steep south-facing mountain exposures generate low-yielding plants and full-bodied wines. The original site was acquired by Adelaida in 1991, and our initial planting consisted of 15 acres primarily dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a small sliver of Syrah.” 95 points – Jeb Dunnuck

My Review: Almost purple in the glass with stemmy green pepper on the nose. Lean, deep, dark fruit on the palate. August 2025

2021 Adelaida Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Viking Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 14.4% ABV, $125 (#1664)

PHOTO OF BOTTLE LABEL

Winery Notes: “Planted in 1991, Viking Vineyard is celebrated among Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts for its ability to produce wines with striking intensity and memorable length. AROMA: Black currant, Blackberry, Violet, Sweet tobacco FLAVOR: Plum preserves, Nutmeg, Mocha FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled, dry aged ribeye with black garlic butter and baked potato; Porcini & Chantrelle risotto with shaved black truffle.” 95 points – Wine Advocate

My Review: Lots of red and black fruits on the nose. Lovely big palate. Sorry I don’t have more detailed notes – this wine deserved better! August 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Adelaida’s historic property features views of our organic walnut ranch, intentional wildlands, and estate vineyards. Guests can enjoy a wide range of tasting experiences.” It’s a beautiful location. Open for tastings Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Get all the info and make a reservation here! Their basic tasting is $25 – a definite bargain for the quality of wines and experience.  I’d go back and try their food pairing tasting next time.  Adelaida is definitely worth a revisit!

Photo of a painting of the vineyard

If you make it there, tell them Decanting Monterey sent you!

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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