Tagged: Wine Reviews

Birthday Celebration with Bubblies and More from Caraccioli!

image of bottle of 2023 pinot noir with a poured wine glass next to it

THE STORY

My best friend from high school came down so we could celebrate the midpoint between our birthdays. While waiting for our table at popular Nora’s restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea, we popped over to Caraccioli Cellars for a quick tasting. We were only a couple of bubblies in when our lunch reservation came through – and our server invited us to simply come back after our lunch! Sweet!

photo of pasta and shrimp in a light cream sauce topped with capers and herbs
Delicious Shrimp Scampi from Nora’s

It’s been a long time (December 2021) since I had done a tasting at Caraccioli Cellars.  My post about that tasting was here: Caraccioli Cellars: Adding a Real Sparkle to Our New Year’s Eve!

THE WINERY

From Their Website:

“A family run winery, Caraccioli Cellars takes pride in developing wines that deliver an expression true to vintage and estate. Founded in 2006, Caraccioli Cellars’ commitment began utilizing solely Santa Lucia Highlands grapes and has transitioned to a completely estate winery. We aim to highlight Escolle Vineyard through all our sparkling and still wine expressions. The Brut Cuvée and Brut Rosé are the flagships of our production. Internationally renowned winemaker, the late Michel Salgues, founded the techniques that form the foundation of our winemaking practices. Under the direction of Scott Caraccioli, and the guidance and daily practices of Greg and Chris Vita his legacy lives on.”

You can read their whole story here: https://www.caracciolicellars.com/story/.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Caraccioli Cellars wines.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2020 Caraccioli  Brut Cuvée, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $65 (#1729)

image of label for 2020 Brut Cuvee

Winery Notes: “Hints of green apple and lemon curd balanced by rich autolytic characteristics of brioche and almond add a touch of honeyed depth. The fine creamy mousse and well integrated acidity lead to a finish that lingers endlessly.”

My Review: Tiny bubbles in the glass. Yeasty on the nose with faint creamy apple to balance acidity.  March 2026

2020 Caraccioli  Brut Rosé, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $75 (#1730)

image of label for 2020 Brut Rose

Winery Notes: “Nuances of freshly baked bread and delicate brioche reflect time on the lees, adding depth and texture. A lively, mouthwatering acidity drives the wine forward, creating an energetic and refreshing profile that is both celebratory and sophisticated. The finish is crisp and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of red fruit and refined toast.”

My Review: Barely pink in the glass. Delightful creamy mouse – very balanced and delicious. A nice crispness on the finish. A favorite. March 2026

2025 Caraccioli Rosé of Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $40 (#1731)

image of label for 2025 Rose

Winery Notes: “Delicate notes of melon, citrus zest, and ocean spray leave the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”

My Review: Perfume on the palate with banana notes on the finish. March 2026

2024 Caraccioli  Gamay Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $45 (#1732)

Winery Notes: “Prominent juicy blueberry and cherry flavors shine through supported by hints of red raspberry and a touch of minerality. The texture is smooth yet lively, carrying the fruit gracefully through to a lengthy, polished finish that lingers with fresh red fruit and a delicate savory note.”

My Review: Ruby in color. Cranberry and plum on the nose. Fresh and tasty. A little bit like a cherry jolly rancher, a slight touch of tannin on the finish. Chill a little first and this could be a fun wine. March 2026

2023 Caraccioli Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $60 (#1733)

image of label for 2023 Pinot Noir

Winery Notes: “Subtle nuances of spice, rose petal and red fruit frame the palate leading to a silky-smooth finish. Elegantly powerful and transparent, the bright red fruit is highlighted while savory notes play in the background.”

My Review: Viscous in the glass and garnet in color. A mellow nose of alcohol balanced by charred broccolini (wait – that was our lunch!). Cranberry and crushed red cherry on the rich palate. Flavorful with a nice mouthfeel. Not your typical SLH pinot, in a good way. March 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

“Our Carmel tasting room blends the small-town charm of Carmel-by-the-sea with a contemporary, sleek and trendy atmosphere. Designed by Si Teller, the space boasts a lustrous Perota bar slab, which offers an ideal place to taste through an ever changing flight of our wines. The dark walls and dynamic lighting accentuate the tasting ambience and create an unforgettable cellar like experience. We offer multiple vintages so our visitors can find the wine that fits their palate best, all the while learning the distinct differences.”

Located on Dolores between Ocean and 7th Streets, Carmel by the Sea. Reservations highly recommended. Learn more and make a reservation here.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Yes, Folks, There’s a New Parsonage Rocco Syrah Out There!

THE STORY

Time for another Parsonage pickup and a tasting of a few new releases, including a brand new Rocco!

But a quick American Wine Society Monterey Chapter News Alert:  Parsonage has joined the AWS Welcome Here program! If you are an AWS member, simply show your membership card and you will get a discount! If you are not a member or a participating winery and would like to join, check out our home page for more information!

Image of logo stating AWS Members WELCOME americanwinesociety.org

My last post about Parsonage was here: Parsonage Loses Parklet and Redesigns Beautiful Interior! Let’s jump into these wines!

THE WINES:

Today I’m bringing you 3 of the new releases we tasted in March. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2022 Parsonage Wild Card Red Wine, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $42 (#1725)

2022 Wild Card

Winery Notes: “Lots of lush red fruit with floral and herbal notes in the alluring nose of this six varietal blend. The medium-structured palate is loaded with red berries, cherries, and hints of mulberry and pomegranate.”  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Syrah

My Review: Pale purple in color with a clear rim. Deep jammy fruit in the nose with some rose petals and mocha notes. Jolly rancher on the palate. March 2026

2022 Parsonage The BDL Red Wine, Central Coast AVA, 15% ABV, $44 (#1726)

bottle label for the 2022 BDL
2022 The BDL

Winery Notes: “Our Bordeaux-style beauty. The bouquet leaps from the glass with dark fruit, anise and tobacco. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot harmonize in a satisfying melange of dark berries, cherries and plum with a medium-firm mouthfeel and finish.” 

My Review: Garnet in glass. Dark cherry and oak on the nose. Balanced palate with a tannic finish. Still young, but could age into a nice wine. I took one home. March 2026

2022 Parsonage Rocco Reserve Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1727)

Image of 2022 Rocco label of a little blond boy and a dog looking at the vineyard.
2022 Rocco Reserve Syrah

Winery Notes: “The nose, the palate, they shout out I am a beautiful serious beast of a wine!! This vintage of Rocco is an unrestrained force of nature. Dark in berries, currants, cherries, and chocolate. Swirling in the background are savory spices and meaty umami wrapped in a muscular palate structure. The ’22 Rocco bellows from the mountaintops, “PAIR ME WITH A RIBEYE!!”

My Review: Beautiful garnet in the glass. Smooth, dark fruit on the nose. Mocha and a touch of funk on the nose and palate. This is year over year one of my favorite wines and I took one home. March 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Visit Parsonage in their Carmel Valley Tasting Room located at19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village!

Their winter hours are: Wednesday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday Make a reservation on line or call 831-659-7322.

Check them out on Instagram here: @parsonagewinery.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Carol Shelton’s Barbera d’Oakley Brings a Little Bit of Italy!

THE STORY

I don’t have many Carol Shelton wines left, but we enjoyed this one in December. The vineyard story alone makes it an interesting one – which I found on Carol Shelton’s website:

“The 130-year-old Planchon Vineyard in Oakley is the source of this interesting “Italian blend” of Barbera with its companion vines of Zinfandel and Merlot. The Barbera rows are a veritable jungle of vegetation on the perimeter of the ancient Zin vines; they thrive on their own roots in this sandy soil because the phylloxera bug that kills vines from the roots up is adverse to the grit of the sand under its shell. The blend is similar in many ways to a “SuperPiedmont,” where Bordeaux varieties (here we used Merlot) add structure and elegance to the straightforward black cherry and blackberry fruit of the Barbera grape, and the Zin and Carignane chime in with their own bright raspberry and spice notes.”

We met Carol Shelton, the Queen of Zin, many years ago at a Zinfandel Advocates and Producers event in Washington DC and have been fans ever since.

THE WINERY

From her website: “Carol Shelton has been Mastering the Zen of Zin since 1978. Focusing mostly on her favorite varietal, Carol is a guru of single vineyard Zinfandel. California has been the home world class Zin for over a century, making it the benchmark varietal of American wine culture. Carol & Mitch Mackenzie, her husband and business partner, have sought out exceptional vineyards throughout California including Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Mendocino, and the Cucamonga Valley of Southern California. Many of her vineyard sources are organically grown and decades old. She develops close partnerships with each grower to ensure her wines maintain and express the unique terroir of the vineyard.”

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this 1 wine from Carol Shelton. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Carol Shelton Barbera d’Oakley, Planchon Vineyard, Contra Costa AVA, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1716)

Winery Notes: “Vibrant nose of tart black cherry and blackberry, with a kiss of green herbs and earth, black peppery spice and vanilla oak. Mouth shows some nice tart cherry and pomegranate, and mouthfeel is silky smooth, almost dangerous in how easy it is to drink. This wine would be delicious with tomato-sauced pastas, harder cheeses, and grilled things, especially portabello mushroom caps! Buon appétito!”

My Review: Garnet in color. A warm, mellow nose of red raspberry, plum, bubblegum, spice and a hint of red cherry. The palate is bursting with red, tart cherry and cranberry juiciness.  This wine will wake you up! December 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Carol Shelton has a relatively new tasting room in Santa Rosa, open for tastings 7 days a week from 11 – 4.  Reserve tasting fee is $20 per person each tasting fee may be waived with purchase of one bottle. You can read more on their website!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

2021 Stolpman Originals Syrah Delivers Quality at a Value Price!

THE STORY

I can’t say I was surprised to find another Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah in our wine room, but what I was surprised by was the flavor of this nicely rated, well-priced 2021 vintage!  K&L Wine Merchants steered us right once again with the value and quality of this wine.  My last writeup of a Stolpman wine was here: Santa Barbara County Syrah: Getting One Rhône Varietal Right!!  

THE VINEYARD

From the Stolpman Vineyards website:

“Oldest Syrah Vines in Ballard Canyon AVA

“The Originals Syrah vines are not only our “Original” planting, but they are the oldest vines in Ballard Canyon AVA.  The wine made from these vines in the mid 1990’s generated the Syrah-planting fervor which eventually led to the publication of Ballard Canyon AVA.  Because we withhold irrigation for months on end during our arid growing season, these vines have rooted deeply into our limestone in search of moisture.  They yield small crops of tiny, concentrated grapes.”

THE WINE

Today I’m bringing you just this one wine. Winery notes come from their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Stolpman Vineyards Originals Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $30 (#1715)

Winemaker’s Notes: “A spectrum of red, blue, and black fruit pack into an opaque, luxuriously sleek mid-palate before crunchy, youthful tannin. The big, rich, coating body beckons for the savory, dry finish.  One of the densest Originals vintage in the fourteen year history of the cuvee.  The hedonistic waves begin to envelope the pronounced tannin within minutes of breathing, giving a glimmer forward to maybe 2026 when this wine will hit its next level and fall into a beautiful 10 year stride thereafter.” 94 points – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Translucent dark garnet in the glass. Menthol and earth on the nose. Earthy palate of dark fruits and cotton candy.  We tasted this wine a couple of times in the Fall of 2025. 

THE TASTING ROOM

Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2434 ALAMO PINTADO AVE, LOS OLIVOS. Reservations are recommended.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

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

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