Tagged: #winereviews

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

Anonymous: A Ballard Canyon Syrah for a Bargain Price

Banner with the words Anonymous Wine Collective K&L "Wines You'll Never forget - from wineries we'll never disclose" and 3 wine bottles on the side

THE STORY

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you will know that I am a sucker for Ballard Canyon AVA Syrah wines from Santa Barbara County.  When we stumbled upon an Anonymous one at a bargain price on K&L Wine Merchants website, we knew we had to give it a try.  This one was rated 94 points for only $20. For a Ballard Canyon Syrah.  Crazy, right?

We’ve been experimenting with Anonymous wines for a while now and have been very pleased.  You can try them yourselves by searching “Anonymous” on the K&L website. Love the labels – bottles wrapped in plain brown bags, reminiscent of a blind tasting.

THE WINE COLLECTIVE

From the Ryan Woodhouse’s K&L Newsletter introducing the Anonymous Wine Collective:

“The Anonymous Wine Collective is a dynamic range of wines made in collaboration between K&L and some of the most famous and critically acclaimed wineries in the biz. Some releases will be purely opportunistic, one-off wines, never to be repeated. Others will be ongoing collaborations where we work in tandem with world-class winemakers to make wines each year. Those ongoing relationships will be at the core of the project. Anonymous allows us to work with incredibly talented people and craft the wines, from vine to bottle. I’m proud to say that, with these first releases, I have personally walked in each of the vineyards from which they were sourced. The Anonymous Wine Collective isn’t about buying random, generic, soulless bulk wine. It’s about using our knowledge and long-cemented relationships to bring exceptional wines to our customers at prices that are a fraction of where these wines would typically sell. Our winery partners get an upfront commitment for the wines, often while they’re still in barrel; and in some cases while they’re still on the vine (now there’s trust for you)! In return, we get exceptional wine and phenomenal pricing, all while protecting the anonymity of the wineries behind the project.”

Image of 4 Anonymous wine bottles with labels depicting a wine bottle wrapped in a plain brown bag
Anonymous Wine Lineup – Image used with permission of K&L Wine Merchants

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 1 Anonymous wine. K&L notes come from the K&L website. Images come from anonymouswine.com, klwines.com and the back label of the bottle. Images are used with permission of K&L Wine Merchants. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites. Any other mistakes are mine and mine alone.

2024 Anonymous Envy Block Syrah, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, 14% ABV, $20 (#1781)

back label of wine bottle depicting wine detailes wih vineyard and winery redacted in black.
Back Label of the 2024 Anonymous Ballard Canyon Syrah

K&L Notes: “Another first for the Anonymous Wine Collective: a Syrah under our house label. And what an absolute beauty to kick things off. Sourced from one single hillside block of vines, that we’ve named “Envy Block” due to it’s reputation as the sweet spot on this estate for producing the most potent and explosive Syrah. This very block is coveted by some of the most famed cult producers on the Central Coast and has produced multiple 100-point wines. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Most wines sourced from this exact parcel retail between $80 and $160, many of them exclusive mailing-list offerings. Farmed with certified organic and biodynamic methods. The nose is wonderfully expressive with wild blackberry, black raspberry, dark cherry, dried herbs, violets, and hints of dusty earth. Beneath the exuberant fruit lies a compelling savory streak of cracked peppercorn, charred meat, and toasted exotic spice. Medium-plus in body, the wine carries a mouth-filling texture layered with fine tannins that provide impressive structure and length. The whole-cluster inclusion lifts the aromatics beautifully and keeps the wine fresh, energetic, and linear through the finish. This is a remarkably classy bottle of Syrah and, at this price point, an almost unbelievable value. I think it will resonate equally with lovers of savory Northern Rhône Syrah and fans of rich yet refined California Rhône-style wines. I couldn’t be happier with how this wine turned out – I only hope we made enough once people discover just how good it is for the money.” Ryan Woodhouse, K&L

My Review: The pretty garnet in the glass gives the appearance it’s going to be fruity. I get crushed berries, Concord grapes on the nose, big palate of intense fruits. Slightly bitter with a hint of earth on the finish. Tight upon opening, but then revealed a fabulous wine. For the price, it’s exceptional. May 2026.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Happy Sixth Birthday, Decanting Monterey!

Plus Wine Industry Insights from the 2025 Monterey County Crop Report

coastal image of a wine glass with rocks, trees and water

THE STORY

Today marks the sixth anniversary of Decanting Monterey, A Central Coast Wine Blog! When I envisioned this website, I wanted it to reflect my passion for exposing Monterey County wines to those who might not even know our wine growing region exists.  Or for those who might only have heard of our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards and wines. 

In our personal wine journey, we began exploring Monterey wines because our family lived nearby.  We would occasionally stumble upon a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon (Durney) or an outstanding red blend (Bernardus Marinus). The light went on for me personally when we were referred by one tasting room to visit a vineyard and winery in Carmel Valley, showing us that Monterey, in addition to those elegant Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, could produce impressive, award-worthy, full-bodied reds.  That winery was Parsonage.  And we discovered Mercy and Chesebro, with exceptional wines from Arroyo Seco, expanding our horizons on great wine producing regions in Monterey County. We found Ian Brand one day, when his tasting room first opened, and began to explore his paradigm-shifting winemaking. And Rombi for making perhaps the biggest, most complex reds in the county. Today we watch closely the ever-evolving wine landscape in Monterey including the emerging Carmel Coast AVA with newer wineries such as Domaine Messier.

image of logo - a black outlined wine bottle and glass with these words in red below: Decanting Monterey A Central Coast Wine Blog

Whether you get my weekly reviews delivered to your email (sign up today – it is free!), see them on social media (Instagram, Facebook, or CELLAR TRACKER, or discover them via Google search; I hope you are enjoying reading about our Monterey wines through my lens. I value every view, like, and comment. I write this self-funded blog out of passion for our Monterey wines, and have continued to keep this space ad-free for you. I deeply appreciate each and every one of you who is reading my posts!

A BRIEF RECAP OF THE LAST 6 YEARS

Year 1: Deep in the unvaccinated period of the pandemic in July 2020, Decanting Monterey initially was focused on wines from our own collection sampled at home, with or without our neighboring friends and our daughters, who eventually became known as the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod. I also established the @decantingmonterey Facebook page.

An assembly of many used wine glasses
Testing COVID Wine Tasting Procedures Back in 2020!

During Year 2, as we became fully vaccinated and boosted, we were able to get out to more local wineries at a more deliberate pace. Most of the posts were based on event-driven or winery tastings and fewer individual, cellar-driven posts. I started the @decanting_monterey Instagram feed.

During Year 3, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter invited me to join them as a Board Advisor. I arranged 8 of their monthly events. I also presented our Monterey wines to 3 classes: in Washington DC, in Northern Virginia, and to the Carmel Rotary. I covered 2 local wine events: the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival and the Monterey Winemakers Celebration.

Image of the inside of the huge Mer Soleil brrel room with wine tasting tables and people
Sun, Wind and Wine at Mer Soleil

Year 4 was the strongest year for Decanting Monterey. I was nominated for Best Local Blog in the Monterey County Weekly’s 2023 “Best of” competition. I covered 8 local wine events, including the 30th Monterey Winemakers Celebration, the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers 40th Anniversary, the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, the Grand Opening  of LadySomm in the Barnyard, the East End Passport, and the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival. Arranged 7 winery visits and supported 2 tasting events for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. I also presented 5 Monterey wines to an East Coast wine appreciation group.

During Year 5, we kept on going, covering the final Monterey Winemakers Celebration put on by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, which generously comped me VIP tickets. Decanting Monterey was named 2024/2025 Wine Blog of the Year by Corporate Live Wire and was the recipient of LuxLife Magazine‘s 2024 Hospitality Award for Best Monterey Wine Blog. It was also awarded 2025 Best Central Coast Wine Blog. During this period, I was selected as Vice Chair of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. I arranged 7 of their winery visits and supported 1 tasting event.

The author and her vice chair with rows of student chefs in the background
AWS Monterey Chapter Vice Chair and Me at Cabrillo College

During Year 6, I became the Chair of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter, so my time shifted to those responsibilities while maintaining the weekly blog posts for Decanting Monterey. I organized 7 of their events, most at our local wineries and created their social media sites. I reported on one wine tasting trip to Paso Robles and attended The Perfect Pair – a Cabrillo College Culinary & Wine Showcase of Santa Cruz Mountain AVA wines.

HIGH LEVEL STATS FROM YEAR SIX

Pie chart of California Counties depicted in year 6 of Decanting Monterey
Wines Presented by California County

  • www.decantingmonterey.com surpassed the 43,000 “views” mark. If you are seeing my blog on social media or via email, please be sure to click the link and open it!
  • In its lifetime, 402 total posts and 1,780 wines.
  • 237 wines (209 for the first time) were written up on Decanting Monterey in Year 6, including 168 reds, 55 whites, 14 rosés, including 9 sparkling wines.
  • Wines from 14 California counties are represented, with over 53% from Monterey and 28% from San Luis Obispo.
bar chart of wines by Monterey AVA showing Carmel Valley and Arroyo Seco leading the rest
Wines by Monterey AVA

  • Wines from 6 of the 10 Monterey American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) were covered, with the most from Carmel Valley, followed closely by Arroyo Seco and then the Santa Lucia Highlands.
  • Corral was the most represented family of wines, followed by Parsonage, Lepe Cellars, Odonata  and Chesebro.
  • There were no out-of-state or foreign wines presented.
  • Finally, we covered a Santa Cruz Mountain culinary and wine event and a trip to Paso Robles.  

2025 MONTEREY COUNTY CROP REPORT WINE HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve written before about the declining wine market as people focus more on their health and drink less. The recent release of the 2025 Monterey County Crop Report highlights this situation quite directly, with a staggering 25% drop in the value of wine grapes in the county in a single year. Since its height in 2015, the value of wine grapes has dropped 38%. It’s a worrisome trend for our vineyards and our wineries. Across the world, wine production is declining.  This Forbes article contains the global picture: The Wine Industry Continues To Struggle With Production And Consumption. I don’t know how much it affects our smaller, local wineries with their loyal followings, but the shift in the marketplace needs attention, with an eye to both short-term and longer-term strategies. Is this a permanent shift? Is wine becoming passé? Here are the stats from the crop report:

A listing of the top Monterey crops
Wine Grapes Have Been Steadily Decreasing over the Last Few Years
  • Grapes went down in ranking from 8th place in 2024, to 9th place in 2025 – behind strawberries, leaf and head lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, and nursery and flower.
  • Acreage of planted grapes declined from 39,600 in 2024 to 37,800 in 2025.  
  • Grape crop value decreased from $152,251,000 in 2024 to $114,603,000 in 2025.
Image from crop report showing acreage and value of fruit crops
Wine Grapes Continue to Decline in Acreage and Value

ONWARD, DECANTING MONTEREY!

While I have some posts already queued up for Year 7, let me ask my mighty readers:  Where should I visit next?  A new winery or region? A Monterey winery I may have overlooked? Please leave me a comment on this post and let me know what some of your favorite, local places are to wine taste that I should not miss in Year 7!

And, if you have not signed up for my free, weekly blog email. I judge how well I am doing by how many views, subscribers, and comments I receive. No ads and I don’t sell your data. Please help me spread the word and feel free to comment on my posts! And follow my Facebook (@DecantingMonterey) and Instagram (@decanting_monterey) sites.

Image of Larry Bell pouring wine into wine glasses
Larry Bell, Proprietor, Corral Wine Co.

I don’t want to leave today’s post without expressing my gratitude to those vintners who have comped me wine tastings, given me discounts, and especially those who have donated bottles of wine! I am grateful to Bernardus, Corral Wine Co., Lepe Cellars, Parsonage, Rombi, and Shale Canyon for their generosity this year in donated wines, steep discounts or assistance with group tastings. I am especially thankful for Sal Rombi who has repeatedly donated pre-release wines for us to taste in-depth and replacement bottles for many of the wines I have reviewed. And to my fellow board members at the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter who continue to trust me to organize their events. And, of course, the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod which makes this all tons of fun!

image from their holiday party of the AWS Monterey Chapter board members in front of a wine bottle holiday "tree"
Fellow AWS Monterey Chapter Board Members in December 2025

So, here we go – onto Year 7!  I don’t think I will ever surpass Year 4, but even coasting in this world of Monterey wines has allowed me to access and promote some of the very best California has to offer. I hope you will try some wines from Monterey County and share your experiences with me!

Central Coast Sharon

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Mark Bunter: Want to Know What’s in Your Glass?

THE STORY

Bunter Spring Winery held a members’ tasting in late May and I invited myself to attend.  We have been fans of Mark Bunter’s wines since we first discovered them many years ago.  This was a small, casual event at which everyone was made to feel like family.

Over the years we have known him he has made every type of wine, including crisp whites, fun red blends, experimental Syrahs and serious Cabernet Sauvignons. And listing every ingredient.  You need to know what you are drinking!

Mark isn’t making wine anymore, but everyone was encouraging him to get back in the game.  A selfish bunch, aren’t we! 

THE WINERY

From their website:

“Bunter Spring Winery is a small family operated winery in the Coombsville AVA in the southeast corner of Napa Valley.  We also have some production in Monterey.  Most vintages we make a few hundred cases of wine, mostly for ourselves, but also for sale to friends on our mailing list, and a few restaurants and wine shops.  Why make wine?  We just don’t care for many of the wines sold today. We make the kind of wine we want to drink: balanced, interesting, made with few or no additives, and low or no sulfite. We list all ingredients, the actual sulfite level, and the actual alcohol level on every label.  Incredibly, NO OTHER WINERY DOES THAT…”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 7 Bunter Spring wines, some of which I have written up before. As always, winery notes come from the tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the winery.  Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.

2022 Bunter Spring White Wine, Santa Clara Valley AVA, Santa Clara County, 13% ABV  $20 (#1480)

wine bottle with label for the 2022 white wine

Winemaker’s Notes: “Your basic dry white wine, like in the Southern Mediterranean. Good with fish.” 40 cases produced. 

My Review: Mark said this might be Sauvignon Blanc, but neither he nor we think so. Honey and lime on the nose. Acidic palate with a Meyer lemon finish. May 2026

2022 Bunter Spring Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Napa County (#1778)

wine bottle with label for the 2022 chardonnay

My Review:  Fresh Meyer lemon on the nose. Not like a Monterey Chardonnay at all. May 2026     

2021 Bunter Spring Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1482)

wine bottle with label for the 2021 Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes: “Mostly from a famous vineyard in SLH, plus a little lower Carmel Valley fruit.  French oaky, fruity, spicy, fun.”

My Review: This wine has aged a bit since my last review.  A brown-ness in the color. Cherry, plum and leather on the nose. Dark cherry, leather on the caramel-y palate. Still a bit heftier than your typical SLH Pinot Noir. May 2026

2018 Hippie Syrah, Napa County, 14.12% ABV, $30 (#1483)

wine bottle with label for the 2018 Hippie Syrah with a peace sin and orange background

Winemaker’s Notes: “Here, the ‘wild’ yeast behaved themselves during a peaceful anti-establishment fermentation. We added a little sulfite to the one third that underwent two weeks of carbonic maceration.   For a “Hippie” wine, it’s pretty square, with spicy American oak character and Napa depth of flavor, but it does have a little dank streak  any Deadhead could love. Ingredients: Organic grapes, water, sulfite. Not filtered, not fined.  At bottling: total sulfite 37 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (dry).

My Review: Purple in the glass Dark fruit, and a little smoke on the nose. The palate is still delicious. Continues to be one of our favorites of Mark’s wines! May 2026

2017 Bunter “Natur” Syrah, Coombsville AVA, Napa County, 12.86% ABV, $30 (#1483)

wine bottle with label for the 2017 Bunter 'nature' Syrah with a black shield featuring a leaping buck

Winemaker’s Notes: “50% carbonic maceration. Subtle, delicious, complex, with superb balance and a structure that complements many foods, and never overwhelms the palate. Definitely different from Cab, but familiar enough that any red wine lover could embrace it.  Ingredients: Organic grapes, water, sulfite. Not fined, not filtered.  At bottling: total SO2 39 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (bone dry).

My Review: Caramel on the nose, followed by an acidic palate. We’ve tasted this wine several times over the years and find it interesting as it matures in the bottle.  May 2026

2017 Bunter Spring “Supernatural” Syrah, Coombsville AVA, Napa County, 13.45% ABV, $30 (#1780) Organic, No Added Sulfites

wine bottle with label for the 2019 "Supernatural" Syrah

Winemaker’s Notes: “This wine meets all criteria to be labeled “Organic”.  Nothing was added to it.  It has a distinctive earthiness and toasted nut overtone, accentuated by a bourbon-like aroma and ripe red fruit flavors. The most “natural” of all our wines. Not filtered, not fined.  At bottling: total sulfite 4 ppm, residual sugar <0.1 g/l (totally dry).

My Review: Lots of berry fruit with a touch of blue cheese or soap on the nose. The fruit carries over to the palate with a sour finish. I’d like to try this one again with food. May 2026

2014 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County (#1780)

wine bottle with label for the 2014 Spring Cabernet Sauvignon featuring a red tulip

My Review: Delicious.  Mark knows how to make great wines. Sadly, this was not available for purchase! May 2026

You can sometimes find a pop-up tasting with Mark Bunter and Margaret Spring in the back room of the Big Sur Vineyards tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. Check out the Bunter Spring Winery Facebook Page and the Bunter Spring Winery Instagram page for more information.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

A Much Overdo Tasting at Windy Oaks!

THE STORY

The Windy Oaks tasting room in Carmel Valley is a great space for a party.  Combine that with their impressive Pinot Noirs from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA – and you have a great event in the making. I’ve been talking to Angie, the tasting room manager, for sometime about hosting the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter. When I stopped there in June, I decided to do a quick tasting.  

Image of tasting room manager pouring wine into a glass

Yikes – It’s been 4 years since I have presented a post on Windy Oaks wines. The last one was here: Windy Oaks: Les Deux Grands Crus and More Pinot Noir!

THE WINERY

“Windy Oaks: Fine Wines With A Sense Of Place

“Windy Oaks Estate’s premium wines are grown in unique terroirs in Monterey and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Winemakers Jim and Judy Schultze have been offering fine wines with a sense of place since 1999.” You can read more about them here.

THE WINES

Today, I am presenting 5 Windy Oaks wines. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I don’t correct typos from winery websites. Today’s wines come from both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. They have updated their tasting menu since I was there in June.

2020 Windy Oaks Sparkling Albariño, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $49 (#1773)

label of a vintage woman in a swing for the Albarino

Winery Notes: “Sourced from the Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County, the Methode Champenoise is utilized for a crisp and lively sparkling wine gauranteed to liven up any occasion!”

albarino bottle and glass with a pour of the wine

My Review: Light gold in the glass. Hint of apple on the nose. Tiny bubbles on the crisp, acidic palate with brioche on the finish. June 2026

2023 Windy Oaks Old Vine Viognier, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, $35 (#1774)

bottle label image for the Old Vines viognier

Winery Notes: “This dry, elegant and mineral-toned Viognier is beautifully textured and richly flavored with full body with apricot lemon honeysuckle and butter cream with hints of chalky stones and vanilla.”

My Review: Yellow/light gold and viscous in the glass. Heavy nose of grilled peach and toast. Rich palate of oak, peach, and Meyer lemon. There is a lot going on in this glass. Intriguing. Viognier is hard to find in Monterey County. This one was unexpected. June 2026

2022 Windy Oaks Henry’s Block Pinot Noir, Schultze Family Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, 13.6% ABV, $64 (#1775)

Elegant front label for the Henry's Block Pinot Noir

Winery Notes: “Henry’s Block is among the original plantings at Windy Oaks in the late 90’s. Named after one of our founders father: Henry. Single Acre, French/Swiss clone of Pinot Noir, Wadenswil 2A.”

My Review: Translucent ruby in the glass. Light cherry notes on the slightly sweet nose. I picked up alcohol on the nose, as well. Nice palate. June 2026

2022 Windy Oaks Clone 943 Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Rodeo Queen Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA,     Monterey County, $54 (#1776)

label from the front of the 2022 Pinot Noir bottle - lady in swing

Winery Notes: “Dark ruby and aromatic the Rodeo Queen Clone 943 has an array of  red fruits, spice, floral notes and subtle toasty French oak.”

My Review:   A really pretty ruby in the glass. Macerated fruit with cherry and earthy notes. Rich dark fruit on the yummy palate, with a bit of smoke on the finish. June 2026

2021 Windy Oaks Night Owl Red, Monterey County, $25 (#1777)

Label image of the 2022 Night Owl Red depicting the silhouette of an owl sitting on a branch with a golden moon in the background

Winery Notes: “A classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, that is delightfully playful, dark garnet/red hued and full of flavor with a medium weight body and easy textures captures Monterey County’s Mediterranean warmth and marine influenced cool/crisp detail.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Dark fruit and a little brown sugar on the nose. Grenache dominates the palate. A good food wine. June 2026

THE TASTING ROOMS

You can visit Windy Oaks at the winery in Corralitos, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Carmel Valley Village.  Check here for the details here: Visit Us.  Please call 831-724-9562 for reservations and other pertinent info.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

New Brosseau Wine Studio Impresses AWS Monterey!

THE STORY

As soon as we heard about the Brosseau Wine Studio in Marina, our AWS Scouting Party went to check it out – and quickly arranged for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter to visit. Bill Brosseau was happy to host our group to tell his family vineyard story – from spending his childhood weekends there to making it his own – and now his efforts to improve how others manage their vineyards and make wine.

Bill Brosseau stands behind the lineup of wines for the tasting
Bill Brosseau and his wines!

At this event, we tasted 7 of his wines plus appetizers provided by Pacific Coast Private Chefs! In addition, he offered us a special deal:  If we bought 5 bottles, we received a 6th one for free.  If we bought 9 bottles, we received 3 bottles for free! Over the top, man!

image of a beautiful veggie tray supplied by the caterer

This is my first post all about Brosseau wines. I previously reviewed in a few wines made from Brosseau grapes. These include I Brand’s La Marea Grenache and Folktale’s Le Mistral Syrah. You can find these by typing “Brosseau” in the Decanting Monterey search bar!

2 board members speaking before the group with 4 members in the picture
AWS hosts share event information with members and guests

THE WINERY

Bill gave us a little background on his wines.  They are made from organic grapes yet he still needs to make every process in his winery organic – down to the salt in the water softener – to get the USDA stamp of approval. His vineyard produced 46 tons of fruit this year. He considers his winemaking “more of an R&D lab.” He is currently playing with a sparking wine. He shared that wines are influenced by his mood. He considers his space at the wine studio as community. His wines are available in local restaurants and he only ships inside of California.

 You can read their whole story here: https://www.brosseauwines.com/About-Us/Our-Story.

tall cylinders filled with soils from the region, depicting the variances in soil by color, content and texture
Vineyard soil samples from the region

Moreover, we learned about the motivation for his wine studio “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.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 7 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 Chenin Blanc, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 13.8% ABV, $30 (#1717)

image of the Chenin Blanc bottle

My Review: Light golden in the glass with buttery aromatics. Delicious palate with just the tiniest bit of lime zest on the finish. My favorite wine of the tasting. March 2026

2018 Brosseau Old Vines Chardonnay, Chalone AVA Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#1718)

image of the Chardonnay bottle

My Review: Golden in color. Musty caramel on the nose. A full-bodied palate with a slightly acidic finish. March 2026

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

image of the Grenache Rose bottle

My Review: Barely a hint of pink in the glass – I mean barely!  Honeysuckle on the nose and a balanced palate. March 2026

2018 Brosseau Old Vines Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1720)

image of the Pinot Noir bottle

Winery Notes: “Deep red hue. Aromas of cherry, sage, boysenberry, pomegranate, and wild thyme leap readily out of the glass. With some air, notes of roasted strawberry and jasmine complete the aromatic experience. The flavor profile segues nicely from aromas and is met with minerality. Fine tannins, modest acidity, and dense concentration make this a full sensory experience. This wine finishes with intricacy and a playful youthfulness. Enjoy now through 2032.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Rich nose of dark fruit and cherry. Some tobacco on the slightly tannic finish. This is a delicious Pinot Noir. March 2026

2023 Brosseau Grenache, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1721)

image of the grenache bottle

My Review: After that delicious Pinot Noir, this wine came off a little sharp on the palate for me. Worthy of a retaste! March 2026

2019 Brosseau Cuvée Kilene Syrah, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#1722)

image of the syrah bottle

My Review: Beautiful deep garnet in color.  While I did not detect anything distinct on the nose, the palate was rich, balanced and tasty. I took one home! March 2026

2019 Brosseau Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalone AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $50 (#1723)

image of the cabernet sauvignon bottle

My Review: This wine did not follow that big Syrah very well.  As it was one of the most popular wines of the night, it deserves a retaste! That’s on me! March 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.

image of 8 of the barrels in the wine studio

“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

AWS Monterey Chapter Kicks Off 2026 at Tira Nanza’s New Tasting Room!

THE STORY

In early January, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapterheld its first event of 2026 at the relatively new Tira Nanza tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I was pleased to see Alyssa in the tasting room.  We met her years ago – before we moved here – in the Chesebro tasting room. We had quite a crowd at the event and she handled us so calmly and professionally.

Not only was this our chapter’s first visit to Tira Nanza, but this also was the first time I have tasted a whole flight of their wines, as previously I saw them at trade or large public events.  We deeply appreciate the industry discount afforded to all our members!

I admire Greg and Sydney for taking on the former Galante Vineyards and making it their own – successfully – in a relatively short time. Their flagship estate wines – Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon – are stunners. Opening a tasting room in town is a bonus – especially for folks who find the drive to Cachagua a bit intimidating. Hats off to you both! I wish you great success.

We learned that the winery is using a second label “Offshoot” for wines made from grapes outside of their estate vineyard, even for grapes acquired a stone’s throw away! 

This is my first post all about Tira Nanza. My last post that included its wines was here: Trade Tasting Reveals the Gems of Monterey Wines!

THE WINERY

From their website: “Hello! We’re Greg and Sydney. We started Tira Nanza with the goal of creating a wine brand that truly values the process of making wine just as much as the finished product. While we enjoy drinking wine as much as the next person, this wasn’t what drew us to the industry. Having our hand in every step of the process (from planting, to farming, to winemaking, to bottling, to sharing it with all of you) and learning new things along the way is what truly excites us.

“In a world where efficiency reigns supreme, we believe that making great wines takes time, patience, intention, and most importantly, the ability to work with nature instead of against it. At the end of the day our mission is simple — for our wines to reflect the year, the land, and the heart behind them. By farming organically, using minimal intervention winemaking, and always aiming for balance (both in the vineyard and in the winery) our goal is to create wines with integrity and intention that also taste amazing.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Tira Nanza 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’ notes.

2024 Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1698)

Winery Notes: “Our Malbec Rosé has converted more than a few Rosé “non-believers” and the 2024 vintage makes the most compelling case yet. Our 2024 Malbec Rosé is completely dry, with notes of raspberry sorbet and fresh strawberries. Equally enjoyed by red wine drinkers and Rosé lovers alike, this Rosé is as versatile as they come.”

My Review: Beautiful rose gold in color. Peach and pear on the nose. Nice palate with balanced acidity. I took one home. January 2026

2024 Offshoot Vermentino, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1699)

Winery Notes: “Playful and light-bodied with surprising complexity, our 2024 Offshoot Vermentino is the perfect white wine for summer. With notes of lime zest and the salinity of crushed oyster shells, this beloved Italian varietal will transport you to a sunny day on the coast.”

My Review: Pale in the glass. Honeysuckle on the nose. Light, crisp and tart on the palate with a squeeze of lime on the finish.  A crowd favorite this evening. January 2026

2024 Tira Nanza Viognier, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $60 (#1700)

Winery Notes: “The 2024 vintage brought us not only our best ever crop of Viognier but maybe our best wine yet as well. We split the vineyard block in two, fermenting and aging the fruit from the older vines in a tulip shaped concrete tank and fermenting and aging the fruit from the younger vines in stainless steel. The resulting blend is a full-bodied wine that exudes intensely perfumed floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a captivating freshness.”

My Review: Pale yellow in the glass. Honeysuckle, melon and pear on the nose. Big palate of Meyer lemon and melon. Smooth and balanced. My favorite of the tasting. January 2026

2022 Offshoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County,               14% ABV, $48 (#1702)

Winery Notes: “As result of our smaller 2022 Tira Nanza Cabernet harvest, we decided to experiment with some local, organically farmed Cab from a nearby Cachagua vineyard. The result is our 2022 Offshoot Cab. Where our Tira Nanza Cab is all about finesse and elegance, this Offshoot Cab is all about power. Dark-fruited and supple with subtle notes of baking spices, this wine is sure to be a hit with lovers of big, jammy reds.”

My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in color. Dark, ripe plum and dark berries – quite jammy on the nose – with some cinnamon spice, all following over to the palate. I took one home. January 2026

2023 Tira Nanza Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $85 (#1701)

Winery Notes: “Silky smooth and with all the elegance and freshness of our previous vintages but with more structure and a power all its own, our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to both the incredible 2023 vintage and to our commitment to continued improvement. With enticing red fruit aromas, enhanced by the inclusion of 10% Merlot, this Cab spent 18 months aging in French Oak (75% neutral/once used, 25% new) and is absolutely ready to enjoy right now, but those patient enough to cellar a few bottles will reap the rewards as it continues to develop in bottle.”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Lean, dark berries and cassis on the nose. Very nice smooth palate of dark berries and forest floor. Due to the leaner style, I’d recommend serving this one before the Offshoot. The crown jewel to be cellared. January 2026

THE TASTING ROOM

You can taste Tira Nanza wines at their vineyard in Cachagua or their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Find more information here!

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

American Wine Society Monterey Chapter Scopes Out Corral’s Fabulous New Outdoor Space!

THE STORY

Deep in the planning for the 2026 calendar of events, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s Scouting Party visited Corral Wine Co. The goal was to check out its fabulous outdoor space for an upcoming summer event. What we got was a fabulous, private tasting which even accommodated our mascot-by-default, Mushu. We enjoyed it so much that we followed up with Larry Bell and are all set for our summer 2026 outdoor event! Thanks, Larry and Marissa!

My last post about Corral Wine Co. was here: Introducing Our East Coast Friends to Corral’s High Quality Wines! I’ve written about them several times – just type “Corral” in the Decanting Monterey search bar.

THE WINERY

From their website: “In 2017, in a barn in Corral de Tierra, California, we barreled our first batch of estate Pinot Noir. We’re still in that same barn, but we’ve made even more varietals from some of the best grapes on the Central Coast.

“We’re a family-owned operations – we’re not fancy, but we make good wine.”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 5 Corral Wine Co.wines for the first time and a revisit of their 2021 Petite Sirah.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. My notes are amplified by the AWS Monterey Chapter Scouting Party. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.

2024 Corral Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, $32 (#1693)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of stone fruits, citrus, wet stone, and hints of gooseberry. On the palate lemon, citrus, peach while finishing with its nice racing acidity and minerality.”

My Review: Extremely pale in the glass. Acidic and minerality on the nose. Creamy peach and melon with pineapple notes on the light palate. November 2025

2023 Corral Chardonnay, Highlands Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56        (#1694)

Winery Notes: “Rich tropical fruit aromatics of grilled pineapple, and crème brulee with hints of lifted sweet toasted spice and roasted nuts and toasted marshmallow. Flavors of citrus and myer lemon, sweet baking spices, and lemon custard.”

My Review: Golden in the glass. Caramel on the balanced nose. Delicious palate of crushed pineapple. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir, Bell Ranch, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $68 (#1695)

Winery Notes: “On the nose dark cherry, cassis and forest floor. On the palate dark berry, hints of leather and sweet baking spicecs. Rich bold mouthfeel with layers of soft tannins lingering through the finish with subtle sweetnees.”

My Review: Cloudy in the glass. Cherry, red currant really smooth with a spicy finish. While a lighter styled, it is quite tasty. November 2025

2022 Corral Pinot Noir,  Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $56 (#1696)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of darker fruit, ripe cherry and a freshness made up of sandalwood and a slight earthiness, sweet spice, and a warm richness. With a nice rich and lush mouthfeel and a long lasting finish.”

My Review: True to varietal. Spicy, peppery with riper richer grapes. I prefer this one. November 2025

2023 Corral Zinfandel, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley AVA, San Benito County, $56 (#1697)

Winery Notes: “Aromas of blueberries and plum with a slight herbal aroma and hints of lavender leading way into red licorice and allspice with intense flavors of boysenberry, black cherry leading the way for cocoa powder and a nice mineral finish being enhanced by the limestone rich soil.”

My Review: Blueberry, cherry and spice on the nose. A spicy, tongue-coating palate. Really delicious. Medium tannins and a bit acidic. While not as big as other California Zinfandels, this is the best representation of a San Benito Zinfandel I have tasted so far. It would go well with your turkey and cranberries or a leftover turkey sandwich! November 2025

2021 Corral Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV, $56 (#1534)

Winery Notes: “Rich in color with aromas of dark fruit and ripe red fruits lead way to hints of sage, nutmeg and leather. Flavors of blackberries, baking spices, velvety tannins on the finish.”

My Review: Rich, thick, dark purple in color. Crushed black currant with eucalyptus and sage notes on the nose. Huge, rich palate of dark fruit, finishing with lingering intense black currant and saddle leather. This is one delicious wine. We took some home! February/March 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

VISIT US

“We’d love to pour for you at our Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village: 19 East Carmel Valley Rd. Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA”

Open Sunday – Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday – Saturday 12-6-ish p.m.

© Decanting Monterey 2026

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

Indigené Cellars: “Sip and Savor the Terroir”

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 3

THE STORY

Still on Day One of our weekend in Paso Robles, I was on a mission to taste Monterey wines at Indigené Cellars.  We had a hard time finding them, as they are located off the alley, unlike most of the downtown wineries facing the central plaza. They are tucked away right next to Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, where we had dinner. As a bonus, we got to meet briefly vintner Raymond Smith while we were at the winery. (For more about our Paso weekend, see all my posts here and subscribe for free to see all the upcoming installments!)

I heard about Indigené Cellars some time back and had corresponded with Raymond about finding a way to sample some of his Carmel Valley AVA wines.  I’ve tasted the Ambiente once before, but this was or chance to taste a broader portfolio of his wines.

THE WINERY

About Indigené Cellars from their website:

“Established in 2006, Indigené Cellars has astounded discerning wine lovers for more than a decade. Our small, family-run winery is dedicated to terroir-based winemaking to produce exceptional and noteworthy wines. We at Indigené invite you to experience our humble translation of art, nature, and tradition.”

About Raymond Smith:

“Raymond Smith, founder of Indigené Cellars celebrates the origin of the terroir in every bottle of wine he makes. After years of bottling and tasting both fruit off the vine and wine, Smith has found his niche making wines that, as the land, are in a constant state of evolution and known to wow visitors with every sip.

“Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Smith worked as a ship joiner and grocery clerk, relocating to Paso Robles, CA, a small town on the Central Coast in the late 1980’s. He quickly acclimated himself to the many aspects of the wine business. Shortly thereafter he helped build and eventually owned and operated a small fleet of mobile wine bottling lines, developing great relationships with growers and producers, who shared the intricacies of the wine business.  Smith chose to further challenge himself and work to create excellent growing conditions and ideal cellaring practices, focusing on distinguishing aromas, transcending earth-tone textures, a balanced, fruit-driven palate, and a well-structured tannin to create unique noteworthy varietals and elegant blends.”

THE WINES

Today I’m bringing you the 5 Indigené wines we tasted. The notes are amplified by the “Decanting Monterey Wine Pod North.” 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.

2023 Indigené Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $30 (#1616)

Winery Notes: “Complex and Focused citrus notes brushed with light minerality. Layered tones of almond and quince frame vanilla and asian spice that fade as the medium toast expands.” 

My Review: Honeydew and white peach on the nose. Crisp palate with minerality shining through. Tasty. August 2025

2020 Indigené Ambiente (Tuscan Blend), Paso Robles AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#1617)

Winery Notes: “Smooth aromas of blistered black cherry and cola show on the nose of this bottling. The palate proves to be a pleasantly down-the-middle expression of the grape, offering both cherry and an array of nutmeg and cola spices.”  Gold Medal Best in Class, Central Coast Wine Competition

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Creamy aromas of caramel and black plum pudding make for a rich entry to the nose of this bottling. The palate is thick in mouthfeel, offering baked berry alongside allspice, pepper and more caramel flavors.” — Matt Kettmann, March 2024

My Review: Rose petal and oak on the nose. Thin dark fruit on the palate with tar and tannin. August 2025

2012 Indigené Venado Grande Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA, 14% ABV, $40 (#1618)

Winery Notes: “Features an expressive mix of flavors built around dried currant, dusty, cedary oak, a gravel pit of newly crushed rock and melted black licorice.”

My Review: Fabulous nose. And a big finish. Holding up well – in its prime.  August 2025

2021 Indigené Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1619)

Winery Notes: “Deep garnet hue with rich black cherries, cocoa and new leather nose. Cherry and ripe plum notes are wrapped beautifully in lavender, expresso powder and dark chocolate. Medium to full bodied…”

My Review: Smooth and yummy. A fine representation of wine from Cachagua, Carmel Valley. August 2025

2018 Indigené Parenthesis Syrah, Paso Robles AVA, 14.8% ABV, $50 (#1620)

Winery Notes: “Opaque purple and brilliant violet hue. Floral laced notes of black and blue fruits are medium to full Bodied. A wild herb and olive tapenade slant brings restraint to the earthy minerals and long polished tannins.”

My Review: Rather cassis like. I’m a huge Syrah fan and would like to try this wine again. August 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

“Come visit us at our downtown Paso Robles location.”

815 12th St Suite B. (off the alley behind the building), Paso Robles. Open Thursday – Saturday, 1 pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.”

Check them out on Instagram here: @indigenecellarsofficial.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

Herman Story: “The best wine you’ve ever been served outside a tire shop.”

Ambitious Paso Robles Weekend Part 2

THE STORY

We continue our wine tasting adventures in Paso Robles with a whopper.  I remembered tasting a Herman Story wine with our Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and put it on our list. (For more about our Paso weekend, see last week’s post here and subscribe for free to see all the upcoming installments!)

Herman Story is located in an unlikely place for a tasting room.  No, not right off the town square, but literally between a tire shop and a welding supply place. We were very happy with the experience and the wines. We tasted lots of wines, got a tour of the facility, and even got to taste a prized Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah. We bought more wine here than at any other winery. I would go back in a heartbeat.

My previous post about Herman Story is here: Herman Story Wines: “…made, schlepped, peddled, and drunk with friends.”

THE WINERY

About Herman Story from their website (which is hilarious, by the way and worthy of a look):

“Here’s a little secret:

“We’re cooks, not chemists. You might be saying, what about terroir? Science? The technical details I read on that one critic’s vintage report? Don’t worry, that’s all part of it. Get grapes from exceptional vineyards, make careful decisions in the cellar, be relentless about quality, you’ll be turning out showstoppers.

“At the end of the day, we make wines that’ll pair just as well with a triple-stacked bacon cheeseburger as they will with an extravagant eight-course tasting menu. Wines you can contemplate at a massive mahogany desk or chug while your friend falls from a keg-stand into an inflatable pool of Jello. Either way, they’re a damn good time.”

About Russell P. From:

“Before he was a winemaker, a self-proclaimed black belt, and an internationally renowned runway model, Russell always had a borderline-concerning obsession with great food and wine. After graduating from Cal Poly with a few winery internships (and a bunch of noise complaints) under his belt, he started Herman Story in 2001 with seven humble barrels of Syrah stashed in his employer’s cellar.” You can read more about Russell here.

THE WINES

Today I’m bringing you the 8 Herman Story wines we tasted. The notes are amplified by the “Decanting Monterey Wine Pod North.” 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.

2021 Herman Story Witness Protection Chardonnay, Paso Robles AVA, 14.4% ABV, $72 (#1608)

Winery Notes: “This is the Wednesday night book club that turns out to be a front for a sports gambling ring. Up front, refined lemon-meringue formalities and Anjou pear prose, but behind closed doors, reserved suburbanites slamming sidecars and placing bets that would give their accountants conniptions. Take the over on spiced pineapple, call stone fruit to cover the spread, and throw a parlay on vanilla, nutmeg, and that buzzing streak of minerality. Then gather your things, collect your winnings, and tell them you can’t wait for chapter two.” 

My Review: Nice bouquet with peach, a smidge of butter. A good Chardonnay. August 2025

2020 Herman Story On the Road Grenache, Paso Robles AVA, 15.7% ABV, $72 (#1609)

Winery Notes: “These hard-boiled bootleggers know how to make a scene. An hour before, you were at the local juice joint, downing black cherry and black tea elixirs with a couple of licorice-suited cool cats. Then you had to scram, and fast. Now, you’re hightailing a Model T across the frozen Detroit River with the coppers in hot pursuit and this wine in tow. Pop a bottle for good fortune. Candied-blackberry satin, mossy mineral mother of pearl, spiced pie crust pistols, maraschino liqueur, the wind in your face and Canada’s shrouded shores, just out of sight.” 

My Review: No notes. August 2025

2021 Herman Story Bolt Cutter, Paso Robles AVA, 15.8% ABV, $72 (#1610) 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 10% Syrah

Winery Notes: “All the brash ferocity of a Clubber Lang left hook, tempered by the gentle nuance of his post-boxing career as a pâtissier. Chef’s whites with the sleeves torn off and sideways toque blanc, hands capable of furious jab flurries, now nimbly crafting marzipan blueberry cannelés, honey-drizzled blackberry tarts, star anise garnishes, black leather vests, crumbled graham cracker, and heavy gold chains, all delicately arranged on tiny alabaster plates. And he pities the fool who sends any of it back.”

My Review: Dirt and dark plum on the nose. I didn’t capture notes for the palate.  August 2025

2022 Herman Story Nuts & Bolts Syrah, Paso Robles AVA, 15.9% ABV, $72 (#1611)

Winery Notes: “Grandma always told you: never get into an Old West-style duel with a flintlock-wielding grizzly bear. But now, you’ve gone and completely ignored that advice. First pace, charred raspberry tree bark. Second pace, leather quivers full of white flowers. Third pace, molasses marble mushroom stew. Fourth pace, roast brisket meat hooks. Fith, mulberry maple-hilted bowie knives. Then you turn to find razor-sharp claws, mineral-tinged fisticuffs, and the answer to the lingering question of how gram-gram got that scar.”

My Review: Cinnamon and dark plum on the nose. My only tasting note is that “I could drink that.” We opened one of these at home and it proved that to be true.  One of my favorites of the day. August 2025

2021 Herman Story White Hawk Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara AVA, 15.9% ABV, $82 (#1612)

Winery Notes: “You didn’t know this old, marble-pillared hotel had a basement bar until you hit the wrong elevator button. A little ten-seater, solid maple, shrouded in sweet tobacco haze, backed by toasted Scotch barrels, a clientele donning mulberry Stetsons and swing dresses – straight from the dark-fruit memories of decades past. The barkeep plates up a perfectly crusted Ribeye, tinged with thyme and spicy pepper, beside a Rob Roy in a crystal glass. Sophisticated and timeless. Except when you try to go back, the concierge says the owner passed in 1958, and it’s been closed ever since.”

My Review: This is an enormous wine – fruity, intense, with tobacco on the finish. August 2025

2021 Herman Story Milk & Honey, Paso Robles AVA, 15.9% ABV, $72 (#1613) 72% Tempranillo, 19% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre, 2% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes: “Like you always say, it’s not a private-school fundraiser until someone throws a punch. To the great dismay of the superintendent, the scrum is upending trays of red velvet macarons and auction ready gift baskets. Benefactors in chocolate-lapelled jackets grappling over pepper-plum tortes. Punch-soaked valedictorians wielding cognac lamb chops like hatchets. Dark-fruit haymakers full of menace and mille-feuille. And by the time the smoke has settled and they’re searching for the provocateur, you’re already in the parking lot, sipping bourbon with the custodians.”

My Review: Really dark and tannic. That’s all I wrote. August 2025

2023 Herman Story First Time Caller Petite Sirah, Paso Robles AVA, 15.7% ABV, $72 (#1614)

Winery Notes: “There we have it, folks: a new champ of Brain Busters. You’ve bested your opponents in a grueling gauntlet of trivia trials. Now, Johnny, tell them what they’ve won. Headed your way is a coveted package including a full truckload of blueberry coulis, Violet-lavender mead, and herb-charred tenderloin. But that’s not all. We’re throwing in an all-inclusive trip to black-licorice shores, Black Amber plum paradise, cacao molé trails, and bramble mountain. All you have to do is answer this final, ever-so-simple question: Can you handle it?”

My Review: Toast, caramel, and a little stinky on the nose. Earthy on the palate. This is a huge wine which will last. Needs to age. August 2025

2022 Herman Story Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, 15.8% ABV, $82 (#1615)

Winery Notes: “There’s a man who lives in a 1961 Shasta Airflyte on the shore of Loch Ness, and word is he can talk to Nessy. So hike out into the berry-strewn, brambly hills, through herb-laden forests and along crumbling slate crags, until you smell the stewed plum and pepper-crusted venison backstrap. There, he’ll outfit you with a huckleberry-flint bowie knife, vanilla-clove paracords, and an old Polaroid 600, then take you paddling in a dinghy, trying to fathom the boundless depths below.”

My Review: Dark, dark fruit and bacon fat on the nose. I’m in love with the fresh dark fruit on the palate of this wine. Bien Nacido is one of my all-time favorite vineyards for Syrah. August 2025

THE TASTING ROOM

Yes, odd location. Yes, a must-stop winery if you like your big reds like I do.  I’d go back in a heartbeat.

“Located between the tire shop & the welding supply place”: 1227 Paso Robles Street, Paso Robles Thursday – Monday, 11am-5pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-4pm.”

Check them out on Instagram here: @hermanstorywines.

© Decanting Monterey 2025

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

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