At the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s summer party, a long-standing member brought today’s Tobin James Cellars wine. It was the wine I kept going back to. But I didn’t really “get it” until after the party, that my friend, whose last name is Toscano, had brought this Super Toscano!
Back the late 1990’s, we visited Tobin James on the regular – such a fun atmosphere, delicious wines, and a little play area for kids right inside. We were amazed you could also find his wines in the California grocery stores!
“It all started with six tons of extra grapes…When a local grape harvester showed up at with six tons of Zinfandel grapes that he was willing to give away, Tobin “Toby” James, a young assistant winemaker at the time, asked if he could have the grapes to make his own wine. “Sure kid, knock yourself out,” the owner replied. A year and a half later, Toby’s first wine—the now-famous 1985 Blue Moon Zinfandel—won double gold medals, and a spot on The Wine Spectator’s coveted “Top 100 Wines of the Year.” Tobin James Cellars was born.
“For the next few years, Toby quietly produced his own popular small-batch wines, tasting and selling them out of a local wine shop in Paso Robles. Then in 1993, Toby finally took the plunge and built Tobin James Cellars. In 1996, Toby was joined by partners and winemakers, Lance and Claire Silver, who updated and expanded the winery. They also launched the “James Gang” Wine Club, California’s most popular wine club.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 1 Tobin James wine.Winery notes come from the winery’s website. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the websites of others. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2023 Tobin James Blue Moon Reserve Super Toscano, Paso Robles, 14.2% ABV, $95 (#1803) 46% Cabernet Sauvignon 46% Sangiovese 8% Merlot
Winery Notes: “Our perfect expression of a Paso Robles Super Tuscan blend. We are pleased to welcome 2023 Blue Moon Super Toscano to the Blue Moon family of reserves. Super Tuscans call Italy home, but our exciting Super Toscano reminds us that there is no place like our home, Tobin James Cellars, Paso Robles.
“Sourced from top vineyards in Paso’s Willow Creek and Adelaida, the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sangiovese highlight each other’s enticing red fruits and elegant acidity. It is medium bodied and the touch of Merlot refines the tannin structure.
“Savory herbs, Bing cherry, white pepper, and delicate dried rose petal aromas draw you in to take the first exciting taste. Pops of red pomegranate, red currant, cherry and cassis bring layers of rich flavors. The finish is luxuriously long and satisfying. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French Oak barrels enhances the aromas, mouthfeel, and adds subtle vanilla toast.
“Food pairings: Grilled lamb, rich braised meat dishes, pasta with truffle cream sauce, meaty pizzas. Pair with Fontina, Taleggio, aged Parmesan, Pecorino Toscano and Ricotta cheeses.”
My Review: Garnet in the glass. A pretty nose of raspberry blackberry, cedar, and Kalamata olive. A deliciously blended palate, medium richness, with cherry notes and light tannins on the finish. Juicy. This was drinking pretty well on Day 2 – and could have been decanted at our party. July 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“Located eight miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46, Tobin James Cellars sits among 71 acres of vineyards and oak dotted hills. Built from the ground up on the site of the old “10-mile Stagecoach Stop,” our old-fashioned western-style tasting room saloon embraces the rough and rugged frontier history of Paso Robles, California.”
The Tobin James Tasting Room is located at 8950 Union Road, Paso Robles, California 93446 Reservations are recommended. You can get a reservation by calling (805) 239-2204 or filling out an online form. Get more info on their tasting room here: https://www.tobinjames.com/contact
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a fellow member of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter asking if I was going to a wine dinner at La Casa Del Sazón showcasing OdonataWines. Both the food and wine menus appealed to me, as well as the incredible price for the whole event, less than half the price of a typical wine dinner on the Monterey Peninsula. Drive to Salinas during a Friday rush hour? Not as appealing, but we lucked out. We left early and planned a quick stop at Star Market to introduce my friends to their fabulous selection of local wines – and we still got there perfectly on time.
A Surprise Find Among the Many Local Wines at Star Market!
We were warmly welcomed by our table mates, and we all became fast friends. The whole room had a warm and excited vibe. Moreover, Odonata Winemaker Denis Hoey was there to tell us about his winery and each of the wines. The restaurant founders and their sons were in attendance for a heartwarming presentation about their journey. Each of the dishes – simple or complex – was a perfect complement to the wines. They indeed did prove that you can pair Mexican food with fine wines!
“Small lot wines with a focus on local grapes that are organic and grown sustainably.
“Odonata Wines is a small family winery owned and operated by winemaker Denis Hoey. Located on the California coast, farming vineyards around the Monterey Bay Area. Odonata produces small batches of each of their wines and focuses on local grapes that are organic and grown sustainably. Hoey works closely with local growers to ensure the highest quality wines from the vines to the glass…”
“The credo we subscribe to is blending of old world winemaking methods and attitudes with new learning and a continuous search for improvement. We always want it to be interesting and exciting when you come to the tasting room or winery.” — Winemaker Denis Hoey
THE WINES
Today I will try to give you some food commentary along with the 7 wines, because it was the pairing of the two that sent this evening over the top. (Plus the people!) Winery notes come from their website unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a matter of practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2023 Odonata Sparkling Brut Cuvee, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County (#1796) 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
My Pour of the Sparkling Cuvee
My Wine Review: This was a delightful sparkling wine from start to finish. Tiny bubbles with a pleasant, dry palate with a hint of citrus and a slightly yeasty finish. Loved it. August 2026
2025 Cote du Denis Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV (#1797)
My Wine Review: Crisp and light, light with lemon and pineapple notes. To me, this Sauvignon Blanc tasted different from the others I have consumed from the Arroyo Seco AVA. The slightly sweet finish was offset by the crispy tortilla with guacamole. August 2026
Food Review:Home-smashed Guacamole with Flour Chips: I believe this was changed to a corn tortilla, crispy, salty and lime-y with the most delicious guacamole on top. This was one of my top dishes of the evening.
2024 Odonata Chardonnay, Boekenoogen Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $36 (#1798)
Winery Notes: “Bright aromatics of sweet cream butter, with a balanced amount of toasty oak, melding with baked yellow apple. Weighty on the palate, but lightened by crisp light fruit on the entry, and ending with a long and textured finish. Think salmon or grilled chicken.”
My Wine Review: A delicious Chardonnay, with hints of oak. Very smooth and quaffable. Even my “ABC” dining partner liked this wine. August 2026
Food Review: Grilled Cajun Shrimp Taco Gobernador: This dish was jam-packed with nicely spiced shrimp inside a crispy tortilla. It was a hefty and delicious mouthful which brought out the very best of the already-delicious chardonnay.
2022 Cote du Denis “Drink Me Chilled” Cinsault, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.75% ABV (#1799)
My Wine Review: I’ll be honest that this wine was not at all what I was expecting from a single varietal bottling of Cinsault. It was kind of weird. Starts off raisin-y, almost port-like on the palate, with its high alcohol content. But hang on – it grew on me as it stood up perfectly to the taco. Denis described it as a “strawberry dipped in chocolate.” That’s about right. August 2026
Food Review: Charred Poblano Carnitas Taco: Another hefty dish with a poblano chili opened across the tortilla, filled with delicious carnitas. There was a smear of a dark brown sauce – rather mole-esque – which brought the whole dish and the wine together.
2023 Odonata Pinot Noir, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV (#1800)
My Review: Cherry and spice on the nose. The richness of this wine on the palate complemented the spiciness of the salsa verde. I’m not the biggest SLH Pinot Noir fan (sorry, I am trying), but I liked this Pinot Noir. August 2026
Food Review:Chicken Enchilada Suiza with Salsa Verde: Another hefty portion jammed with tender, shredded chicken breast and covered in a very spicy salsa verde. Unfortunately, this was the one dish that was undercooked and came out a bit cold. Let’s face it, this kitchen and staff were performing a Herculean task with this dinner. Everything was perfectly timed and service was impeccable. I’ll go to the restaurant and order this again sometime.
2021 Odonata Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyard, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#1800)
Winery Note: “Bright cherries, chocolate, and herbs all play into a luscious texture. This wine will age and drink well for 10-15 years off the vintage, but it is soft enough to be enjoyed now. Hearty fare with a little fat is always a good pairing, but this wine can stand on its own as a nice glass to sip and savor.”
My Wine Review: Oh, so smooth already for a 2021. Rich dark fruit highlighted by blackberry and cherry on the palate. This shows the power of the Joullian fruit matched with the right winemaker. Paired exquisitely with the carne asada. I was the driver and had been very circumspect in my consumption all night – I was clearly holding out for this wine. August 2026
Food Review:Top-Sirloin Carne Asada with Grilled Onions: Wow – the onions were perfectly grilled – so tender – on top of the simply presented, flavorful slice of top sirloin. I didn’t think I could eat any more, but I ate the whole thing.
Papa Hoey VSOP Brandy, Central Coast, 40% ABV, $55 (#1800) 100% Petite Sirah
Winery Notes: “Expect notes of cinnamon and cardamom, along with warming spices. It presents a broad and rich mouthfeel, concluding with a long-lasting finish. Savor this spirit in a cocktail, or enjoy it neat after dinner as a digestive. It pairs wonderfully with a touch of dark chocolate!
My Review: I am not a brandy person, yet I found this one much more approachable and, based on my limited exposure, quite fine. I would not hesitate to share with a brandy fan. My table mates seemed to enjoy it. August 2026
Food Review: Dubai Chocolate Cake: What a delightful small triangle of dark chocolate with a delicious dark chocolate ganache on top. With a green dash and hint of crushed pistachio on top and the center filling, it was a perfect ending to our meal and went well with the brandy.
THE TASTING ROOM
Visit the Odonata Tasting Room: “Nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and at the beginning of the River Road wine trail lies the Odonata winery and tasting room. We hope you will stop by our tasting room and sample a selection of our current releases. We are open 7 days a week and no appointments are necessary.” Open Daily 11 am – 5 pm. Located at 645 River Road, Salinas CA, 93908.
And check out the La Casa Del Sazón near you – Salinas is not that far (#2 in Old Town has such great atmosphere and exudes Mexican culture) and there is also one conveniently located in Monterey.
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.
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)
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.
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!
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)
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
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
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)
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.”
In June, 2 of my neighbors and I decided to take a walk to A Taste of Monterey in historic Cannery Row to get in our exercise with a little fun at the destination. We each got to select the 5 wines we wanted to taste, tailoring our individual tastings to our own palates. From our seats at the bar, we had a delightful view down the water side of Canner Row to the west and north across the massive Monterey Bay. I’m excited to announce that one of the wines just has been selected for the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter’s December holiday party!
My friend enjoying their wines!
A Taste of Monterey is under relatively new management. We’ve met a few times since this tasting with owner Britt Talbert who is changing things up a bit there, expanding its wine holdings and food menu. It’s an exciting thing to see unfold. Their new marketing director Gina Martin is fabulous to work with – and the new chef Bruce Finch has elevated the culinary offerings. On another visit, we were presented a sample charcuterie board and everything on it was the finest quality and taste with a beautiful presentation.
Today I am presenting the 5 wines from my flight. They are all from Monterey County. Winery notes come from winery websites, unless otherwise noted. You can read more about each winery on its website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé, Monterey County, 12% ABV, $45 (#1687)
Winery Notes: “Brilliant rose gold in color, the Rosé Brut sparkling wine opens with soft notes of watermelon, kiwi and a beautiful yeasty quality that invites you in. The palate is elegant, with cherry, floral, and a creamy texture that has a bright finish.”
My Review: I’ve presented this one before – it is just such a delicious sparkling wine from our region. Pale pink. Tiny bubbles. A touch of peach and yeast on the crisp palate. June 2026
2023 Cru Chardonnay, Smith & Lindley Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands , Monterey County, $25 (#1787)
Winery Notes: “This Chardonnay is a lovely representation of Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It opens with notes pineapple, peach and apricot that develop into flavors of honeydew melon and kiwi with a finish accented by vanilla and coconut. The wine is beautifully balanced with delightful acidity, mineral accents and a long, rich finish.”
My Review: Pale yellow and slightly viscous in the glass. Butter and grilled pineapple on the nose. Delicious palate of Meyer lemon, pineapple notes, very rich. June 2026
2022 Cru Pinot Noir, Smith & Lindley Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 13.9% ABV, $25 (#1788)
Winery Notes: “This lovely wine is a tribute to the Santa Lucia Highlands featuring both the earthy and fruit flavors that this region is so well known for. It opens with dark cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and cinnamon with beautifully balanced structure. It finishes with a hint of plum and chocolate on the long finish.”
My Review: Ruby in color. Coca Cola on the nose. Palate of tobacco and cherry, representative of SLH, but not my style of Pinot Noir. June 2026
2021 Le Mistral Joseph’s Blend, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $50 (#1789) 61% Grenache, 39% Syrah
Le Mistral: “Raspberry, blackberry jam, clove, hay, leather, lavender, and cherry cola notes. The wine is elegant and has juicy tannins from the soft oak influence. This wine would pair well with anything from chicken, pasta, steak, or lamb.” 93 points Wine Enthusiast
My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in the glass. Brown sugar and dark fruit one the nose. Pretty delicious. This is the wine we just selected for our holiday party. June 2026
2022 Paysan Petite Sirah, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, 12.8% ABV, $35 (#1309)
Winery Notes: “One way to beat the fall heat spikes of 2022 is to pick before they hit. Heat is a fact of life in the San Antonio Valley and the secret is to work with well adapted varieties. Thick skinned Petite Sirah is a lovely choice and on the fractured silicate and calcareous rock of Block One it yields a wine of surprising elegance and grace. I made the wines for Pierce Ranch for several years earlier in my career, so I know the vineyard well and this is one of their premier blocks. Fermented with 30% whole cluster and aged in neutral oak for 11 months.”
My Review: Damp soil and licorice on the nose. Dried dark fruit on the dry palate. I think this is worthy of a re-taste, as it should have been much fruitier, based on my previous reviews and expectations. June 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
A Taste of Montereyis located at 700 Cannery Row, Ste. KK (head to the back of the first floor and up the staircase), Monterey, CA – 93940 Phone: (831) 646-5446. Hours: Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-6pm; Friday-Saturday 12pm-8pm. Click herefor more information on wine tastings and food.
When we get a text or call from Summer, the tasting room manager for Parsonage, we pay attention! She told me that their annual wine and cheese pairing was already selling out! We managed to squeeze in a reservation just in time! The winery puts so much effort into matching their wines with cheeses from near and far. We were surprised to find a number of new releases at this tasting, so there are a bunch of wines to reveal today.
I was just getting ready to post a couple of Parsonage reviews about bottles aging in our cellar, so the timing of this event was perfect. Those wines were the 2018 Wildcard Red Blend (#533) and the 2014 Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (#1782). If you have either of these wines in your cellar, enjoy them!
The 2018 Wildcard is drinking well: Dark plum, blackberry, blueberry, prune on the nose. Robust full palate of dark, warm, fruit, brown sugar, baking spices, this has grown into quite a delicious wine. May 2026.
The 2014 Tanner was stellar, demonstrating the value of holding onto these wines: Dark, almost purple in the glass. Rich bouquet of cassis, farm jammy fruit, and a touch of cedar. Smooth, balanced and rich palate. One of the best wines we had this month. (Don’t tell the others.) July 2026
Today, in addition to the 2 above, I’m bringing you 4 newly-released Parsonage wines. 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.
2024 Parsonage Chardonnay, Diamond T Vineyard, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $42 (#1782)
Winery Notes: “A tropical bouquet of pineapple and mango with subtle hints of ripe pear and white flowers. The full, round palate shows off these lovely fruit essences with a bracing and dynamic acidity.”
My Review: Pale cloudy in the glass. Pineapple and lemon on the nose. Bright yet balanced chardonnay. Acidic on the finish. August 2026
2023 Parsonage Hawk Reserve Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1783)
Winery Notes: “Made from grapes at the pinnacle of perfect ripeness, this Pinot has brilliant notes of black cherry with dried rose petals, cola, and English breakfast tea.”
My Review: Fruity plum on the nose and on the palate. I get the rose petals and cola. It’s got some heft to it! August 2026
2022 Parsonage Dario Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1784)
Winery Notes: “A huckleberry-loganberry fusion with hints of cassis and graphite dominate the nose enhancing the complex palate. This vintage shouts out across the sea to the Chateaux of Petrus and Le Pin… “Bring it on!!””
My Review: Licorice and cedar on the nose. Concentrated dark fruit on the palate – needs more time in the bottle to come out of its shell. Excellent pairing with the Black Bomber white cheddar from the UK. August 2026
2021 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $98 (#1786)
My Review: I need to come back and taste this wine on its own, not after a big wine and cheese pairing. It is still young with a dry, tannic finish. Cellar this one. It has great potential. August 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
Visit Parsonage in their Carmel Valley Tasting Room located at19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village!
They are open every day: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Make a reservation on line or call 831-659-7322.
They are members of the AWS Welcome Here program – show your membership card for a discount! Check them out on Instagram here: @parsonagewinery.
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.
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)
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.
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
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.”
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 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.
Plus Wine Industry Insights from the 2025 Monterey County Crop Report
THE STORY
Today marks the sixth anniversary ofDecanting 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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 valuedecreased from $152,251,000 in 2024 to $114,603,000 in 2025.
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.
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!
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!
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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)
My Review: Delicious. Mark knows how to make great wines. Sadly, this was not available for purchase! May 2026
Recent Comments