Tagged: #WineBlog

Caelesta: Altitude + Limestone = Deliciousnesss!

front label for Caelestra wines

THE STORY

If you are an avid reader of Decanting Monterey, you know my better half scours K&L Wine Merchants for highly rated/bargain priced wines. And he knows I like those big reds from Paso Robles. So what could be more perfect than the 2 red blends from Caelesta I am presenting today. 

This is my first post about Caelesta wines.

THE WINERY

From their website: “Caelesta is the culmination of family, passion, and a dedication to expressing the unique terroir of the Templeton Gap AVA in Paso Robles. Situated at 1,400 feet with 360-degree vineyard aspects and Linne Calodo limestone soils, the Caelesta estate yields wines with velvety tannin structure, vibrant acidity, and unmistakable sense of place — all with a focus on sustainability for this generational ranch.” You can read more about them here: The Land.

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 2 Caelesta wines.Winery notes come from the K&L website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others.

2021 Caelesta Appollo Red Blend, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, 14.8% ABV, $20 (#1794) 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petite Sirah (still available as of 8/25)

2021 Apollo bottle label

K&L Notes: “Apollo is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with a smaller portion of Petite Sirah. Brian consulted with legendary Napa Valley winemaker Tony Biagi of Hourglass, PlumpJack, CADE, To Kalon Wine Co., Amici, Odette, and others to help hone his Cabernet Sauvignon skills after focusing primarily on Rhône varieties. It seems to have done the trick, as this Cabernet-based blend is stunning. Very lifted, with lavender, crushed cassis, blackberry, hints of green tobacco leaf, crushed-rock minerality, and sexy oak spice around the edges. A bold but beautifully polished wine. STUNNING value at this ludicrous price.” Ryan Woodhouse.  92-points Wine Enthusiast

My Review: Beautiful dense, dark color with a purple ring. Coats the glass when I swirl. Berry jam and black cherry on the nose. Tongue coating on the palate with juicy flavors finishing with cedar notes. A little earthy on the rich finish. We ordered some more. June 2026

2021 Caelesta Ara Red Blend, Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles, 14.8% ABV, $25 (#1795) 76% Tempranillo 24% Mourvèdre (sold out)

K&L Notes: “This is a gorgeous proprietary red blend grown at Caelesta Estate. The 2021 Ara combines Tempranillo with Mourvèdre, or Mataro as it would be known in Spain. The varieties work in perfect union with one another, delivering stunningly pure, rich fruit: macerated dark cherry, blackberry, woodsy spices, hints of leather, and dusty earth. Full-bodied and saturating on the palate, but with lots of dynamic energy and vibrancy, too. The rocky mineral core beams through the ripe fruit and lingers long on the palate. Drinking great now, but also a wine with clear potential to develop further complexity in the cellar, so don’t be afraid to buy a few to lay down for 5–8 years.” Ryan Woodhouse. 94 points – Wine Enthusiast.

My Review: Dark in the glass. Licorice and earth on the nose. Intense dark fruit with overtones of licorice and tannins, making this a chewy wine. Alcohol dominates the finish, making it slightly bitter. I’d like to retaste this wine in a few years, for sure! June 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

The Caelesta Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2855 El Pomar Dr, Templeton, CA. You can reserve a wine – or truffle (!) – tasting here.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

A Summer Gathering with Brosseau Wines!

THE STORY

Earlier this month, Brosseau held a celebration of summer and a release of its latest white blend and Pinot Noir (both excellent, by the way). I was pleased to be included in this event by my partner in wine for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter, Janet Torelli. In addition to the new wines,we enjoyed food prepared by Executive Chef Nance’ Danner Rocha, owner of Pacific Coast Private Chefs.

We were entertained with live music by Bill and his daughter, Shaeley Brosseau on the ukelele!

This is my second post about Brosseau wines.You can find my previous post here: New Brosseau Wine Studio Impresses AWS Monterey! I recommend reading that post for more info about Brosseau winery and the wine studio. You can read their whole story here: https://www.brosseauwines.com/About-Us/Our-Story

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Brosseau 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.

2023 Brosseau Balconies White Blend, Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV, $30 (#1790)

label for the 2023 Balconies White Blend

My Review: Golden in the glass. Honeysuckle, pear and caramel on the nose. I enjoyed this wine and wanted to take some home. August 2026

2021 Brosseau Estate Chardonnay, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1791)

label for the 2021 Chardonnay

My Review: Golden in the glass. Lots of minerality. I would have served this before the white blend. August 2026

2023 Brosseau Grenache Rosé, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $20 (#1719)

2023 Grenache Rose bottle label

My Review: Barely a hint of pink in the glass – I mean barely!  Honeysuckle and apple cider on the nose. The refreshing light yet balanced palate is followed by a distinctive, lingering thyme or rosemary herbal finish. March & August 2026

2023 Brosseau Estate Pinot Noir, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1792)

2023 Pinot Noir bottle label

My Review: Plum and cherry on the medium palate. Tasty. I tend to like his Pinot Noir wines. August 2026

2019 Brosseau Brody Red Blend, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $40 #1793)

website image of the 2019 Brosseau Brody Red Blend
Image from the Brosseau website

Winery Notes: “Scents and flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, sage, cherry, cocoa. Expansive mouthfeel, smooth tannins and vibrant acidity make for a pleasing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.”

My Review: Blueberry, cherry on the nose. Rich palate of dark plum, blackberry, dark cherry. I had purchased this wine in March without tasting it and super enjoyed it. May 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

Integrating Nature, Society, Science, and the Arts

“Brosseau Wine Studio was born out of Bill’s intrinsic motivation to unite iconic vineyard sites from our special wine region, with people who are passionate about attention to detail in farming and winemaking. The Studio offers an exploratory wine experience and more. A place to nurture and encourage personal connections and artistry in wine and beyond.

“We are located less than 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean in the cool and foggy town of Marina, CA. To reserve a tasting experience with the Brosseaus, please click the link below. We look forward to visiting with you and sharing a personalized, immersive, and unforgettable experience.”

Read more and book your experience here: VISIT US AT BROSSEAU WINE STUDIO.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Mystery Wine Game Played Wrong Reveals 2017 Rombi Petite Sirah!

THE STORY

We gathered the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod on our new, heated front porch in May and, as is tradition we played Mystery Wine.  This is a game in which we try to deduce what wine is in the decanter and in our glasses.  There is an order to things: Is it Old World or New World? What country or state is it from? What region? What varietal? Which vintage? Can anyone guess the winery? But I blurted out: “It’s a Rombi Petite Sirah.” My husband firmly asked, “Am I doing this wrong?” and made us play the game in the proper order. I was correct.

You can read my last post about Rombi Wines here: The Newly-Released 2022 Rombi Merlot is a Beauty! I’ve written about them many times – you can search on my websitefor Rombi in the search bar.

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting just this one wine. Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.

2017 Rombi Petite Sirah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $75 (#331)

Front bottle label

This fruit comes from the former Galante vineyards (now Tira Nanza), supplemented with some of Sal’s own grapes.  We have been tasting this wine from pre-release to now.  Our first two, pre-release tastes of it in 2021 deemed it unapproachable and we set it aside.  By 2023, it had evolved into the beautiful wine we enjoyed once again this past spring. And we always decant or double-decant his wines. 

Back label

My Review: A rich, bright garnet in the glass. Dried cherry, berry and tobacco leaf on the nose. Thick on the palate with cherry and berry flavors and a slightly tannic finish. This is a “wow” wine. This wine has improved over the years and is very drinkable right now. April 2023/May 2026

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

O’Reilly Wins Gold at the California State Fair!

THE STORY

My friend and home winemaker Erin O’Reilly recently dropped off her 2023 Affatim Cabernet Sauvignon for us to try. She was “super excited” because it was awarded a Gold Medal at the Spring 2025 California State Fair Home Wine Competition! We shared it with the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod for a thorough review.

I’ve written about Erin and her wine story before in Decanting Monterey.  You can find my previous post here: tèr·ra·ve·nos – Wine Experimentation and Production at Home!

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR HOME WINE COMPETITION

From the link above:

“The California State Fair Home Wine Competition supports and promotes winemaking as a home craft and is designed to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the amateur winemaker. The competition provides an opportunity for these wines to be judged in an organized and professional manner while delivering impartial evaluation feedback, and to recognize the talent of the successful home winemaker.”

THE WINERY

Adapted from her website tèr·ra·ve·nos: Erin has completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program levels 1-3, and just earned her WSET Wine Diploma. In addition, she holds the Spanish Wine Scholar certification, along with the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) credential through the Society of Wine Educators. She has completed the Wine Studies and Wine Marketing Program through Santa Rosa Junior College. And, like me, she is a member of the lively Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society.  As Erin says, if you’re local, join us!

THE WINE

Today I’m presenting a single wine from Erin. Winery notes come from Erin directly. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2023 Affatim Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast AVA, 14.2% ABV (#1602) 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

Winery Notes: “Affatim means sufficient, amply, complete satisfaction. I was pleased with how this wine blend came together…The Cabernet Sauvignon 80% came from San Antonio Valley AVA, the Merlot 20% came from Almaden Valley in Santa Clara County…This is a solid wine, and I enjoyed making it and playing with blends and oak. I love how it all came together.”

My Review: Dark plum and cherry aromas on the nose. Not musty, but not fruity. Chalky on the smooth palate. Mint on the finish. Very drinkable! We enjoyed this wine! April 2025

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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