Joullian Vineyards - Carmel Valley, California

What better way to escape the the Coastal fog (yes, June Gloom is here) than a quick jaunt up Carmel Valley Road to taste a little wine. Spontaneity is good, but so is tried and true.  So we took the group on a spontaneous trip to Carmel Valley Village, and a stop at Joullian Vineyards tasting room. Joulian never disappoints, and has something for all tastes. Due to the winery’s remote location, Joullian opened its tasting room in the charming Carmel Valley Village to help introduce visitors to Joullian wines.

The tasting room is located in the heart of Carmel Valley Village, just 1/2 block south of Carmel Valley Road upon the west entrance to the village. This quaint little Village plays host to a myriad of fine hotels, lodgings, restaurants, specialty shops and other local winery tasting rooms.

Joullian Vineyards specializes in estate-produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel and Monterey appellation Chardonnay. The 2013 Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc which is a blend of rich, ripe Sauvignon Blanc with juicy pomelo flavors and low sugar, crisp Semillon to boost minerality-then topped off with a dollop of Viognier for aromatic intrigue and complexity. Yes it is! Our white favorite at the moment.

One of our other favorites was the great drinking nice bold fruity zin, that drinks well now and will stand the test of time with a few years in the bottle. This just so happens to also a winner of a Best in Class in the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!   Rates 6+ and **** on the K&K scale. Purchased a bottle to take home, but there's a good chance it won't get to age more than a few days!  So go and get your own bottle, and taste the other nice wines on offer. And tell 'em Kiwi and Koala sent you.

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Tasting Room is open daily from 11am-5pm excluding major holidays (Tel. 831 659-8100).

Pruning in Carmel Valley, California

Its that time of year in California when the pruning of the vines is undertaken. This annual vineyard event arguably sets the stage for the coming vintage.
The pruning of the vine determines how many canes grow and that has an effect on the amount of vine growth which in turn affects the number of bunches of grapes each vine produces. Prune a grape vine correctly and you will increase the quality of the crop. There are numerous methods used to prune and train grape vines, but the philosophy is the same. Pruning prevents the vine from growing too much foliage, which in turn, amounts to not enough fruit or if done incorrectly can lead to too much fruit of less flavor.

A well-pruned vineyard allows for the right amount of sunlight and air circulation and these factors create an environment that is less likely to allow diseases or pests to take hold. 

We thought a close up look at a local vineyard would be nice so after a fortuitous meeting with Jack Galante, an appointment was made and we were set. The vineyard to be visited is the Almond Flat Vineyard of Galante Vineyards deep in Carmel Valley. At this site there are 700 acres with 60 acres if vineyard area but only 25 currently under vine. They have removed some older early planted vines and are preparing to replant when conditions seem best (currently under severe drought).

I met up with Jack at the winery office and it was off up the hillside to the Almond Flat Vineyard where we were to meet Vineyard and Ranch manager Eliud Ortiz to take a look at how he prunes.



The Almond Flat Vineyard is one of highest vineyards in the county at 1800 ft and is planted in Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Petit Sirah.

One of the questions we had was how do you choose when to prune? The answer was not direct, as with all operations in the wine business there are many factors, but for Eliud he tries to prune as late as possible before bud break. Some time about early March -April  depending on vineyard and varietal with higher vineyards typically going into bud break first., so keeping a close eye on the vines is paramount.

Each varietal is pruned a little different but generally pruning to achieve a yield of 2-3 tons per acre. With grape clusters being different sizes each vine varietal is pruned to deliver that amount. They generally start the pruning with Sauvignon Blanc then move through to Viognier then Pinot Noir and last Petite Sirah.

After pruning they put the wires down and as the season progresses raise the wires for canopy management. 

The Sauvignon Blanc is what we played with this day and for this varietal they do spur pruning. The vineyard is planted with vines in a 3 foot spaced row with rows planted 8 feet apart. Eliud prunes back to to 12 spurs of two buds for a total count of 24 buds with each bud  new growth comes with each producing two clusters  of grapes. It takes approximately a full day to prune 400 Sauvignon Blanc vines and for an older Cabernet Sauvignon a pruner may only get 200 completed. 

Depending on the year there is always ongoing work in the vineyards. Each season brings its own character and can increase or decrease the amount of TLC needed. Whether it's leaf pulling, suckering, ground crop management, pest management, if or when to irrigate (in a drought year like the current one) or determining when you need to net to keep the birds from eating your crop, the work never stops. Eliud estimates that on average it takes at least 30 minutes per vine annually to keep a vineyard healthy. With a hand maintained vineyards like these in this area there are approximately only 2-4 bottles of wine per vine and with that amount of TLC you will never see a $10 bottle produced.
With that being said that sounds like a good idea for another article. 

This video is Eliud showing us the way. Please help Eliud get back to the ranch.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-get-eliud-back-on-the-ranch-/297628#.VNA9D0yhw1Q.facebook

 

Thanks to Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards for taking the time to show us around and clue us in a little bit. After talking and watching all this work, for Eliud its back to work pruning, but for us its back to the drinking. 

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

What's next. bud burst, watch the video...

Next up Flowering...

Cowgirl Winery, Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley has become quite the place to go taste wine. While not at a winery most still provide great experiences and one of those is Cowgirl Winery. On a recent drive to the area a tasting was in order. How did we come across the Cowgirl Winery you want to know? Well recently at a tasting event in Salinas, Pigs Pinot and More, we were given a taste of their Chardonnay by Molly and invited to stop on by. There you have it, a tasting that generated a follow-up and ended in a sale.

On a spectacular winters day in Carmel Valley, Molly walked me through a tasting flight of the Cowgirl Winery wines. The flight comes with some local made bread from the Corkscrew Cafe and some nice Gouda cheese (must say it went fairly well with all the wines). The flight is the method they use for their tastings although you can buy a bottle of your favorite Cowgirl Wine and drink it there.

The tasting this day consisted of two whites (kind of) the 2012 Cowgirl Blush, a stone fruity light Rosé, the 2011 Cowgirl White, Chardonnay, a light clean style with nice floral nose and delicate yellow fruit and clean finish. The reds were the 2011 Hacienda (purchased). This is a blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This medium bodied Bordeaux blend has nice blue and purple fruit flavors and a nice finish. Last but not least was the 2010 Cowgirl Red. A Cabernet Sauvignon that is a nice fruit forward medium bodied wine that is easy to drink with a subtle minerality with slight stewed fruit quality. None of these wines have production over 500 cases.

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The wines were nice and all but the Cowgirl Red were very well priced at <**** making them all great anytime drinking wines. The Cowgirl Red was just *** still well priced. The wine was served in tumblers, which to a glass snob like me would not be my first choice. That having been said, it was somewhat appropriate given the decor, atmosphere and ambiance of this ranch - Hacienda type of setting which I was told, is the idea. Did I mention my tasting partner for the day was a chicken!

Tasting expert

One thing that was a little disappointing is the need to spend $100 (wine and or gift shop)to get your tasting fee waived. A little steep, perhaps (just an opinion).

A very nice casual western Hacienda type atmosphere and decor make this a great place to meet some friends, have a taste, buy a couple bottles and enjoy a sunny afternoon. So go on by and tell Molly we sent you, we recommend you do.

Hours of operation (Winter hours):
Mon-Thurs: 11:30-4:30pm
Fri-Sun: 11:30-5:00pm

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

WineWalkabout WW

Having recently been to Taste Morgan and enjoying the experience, a couple bottles were purchased for later enjoyment.

Both were from the Lee Family Farm Label. In 2005, Dan introduced a second label, Lee Family Farms, intended to provide a fun outlet for his exploration of “alternative” varietals. These wines were absolutely delightful and at **** prices should be a standard at at everyones dinner table.

How refreshing it was to taste these lovely wines that are also not very common, and that can be had for such reasonable prices.

The purchased wine that was pulled from the wine fridge to be enjoyed and is this weeks WineWalkabout WW, was the lovely 2011 Lee Family Farm Rio Tinto (a blend of 61% Touriga Francesa and 39% Touriga Nacional). On the palate, it is soft and velvet smooth with ripe concentrated blackberry and black cherry flavors, good acidity and a nice soft finish. This wine rates 6-7 and ****. A great drop at a great price!

Go by and visit Taste Morgan, tell em we sent you and say G'day.

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Taste Morgan Carmel Valley

Having been to Taste Morgan before and enjoying the experience, we felt it was time to go back and taste the latest releases and also to check out the remodeled tasting room. On a nice, sunny Californian autumn day it was off to the tasting room. Arriving at the Barnyard shopping center at the west end of Carmel Valley finding the Tasting Room is fairly easy.

Having scored a park right out front it was in to the newly remodeled Tasting Room. First impressions were very positive, with a much larger tasting bar that was nicely built and looked good as well. The room still has a very roomy feel and some away from the bar comfy chairs to sit at around small tables. Overall impressions of the remodeled space were very positive. The space is well used and remains very service oriented and yet very comfortable.
The next nice surprise was the number of tasting options with one being the Lee Family Farm Label. In 2005, Dan introduced a second label, Lee Family Farms, intended to provide a fun outlet for his exploration of “alternative” varietals. These wines were absolutely delightful and at **** prices should be a standard at at everyones dinner table.

How refreshing it was to taste these lovely wines that are also not very common and that can be had for such reasonable prices. We recon these wines are hit over the boundary for six (home run for you Baseball fans). The current tasting possibilities are
Albarino, Verdelho, Grenache Rose, Tempranillo and Rio Tinto (blend of Portuguese varietals: Touriga Nacional and Touriga Francesca).After the Lee Family Farm Tasting it was on to the big guns of the Morgan Label. The current releases are very nice and although very well respected for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Riesling was very nice as were both the Syrah's. There were three different tasting options and perhaps you should mark the calendar with three visits and get started tasting some very nice wines.
Left that afternoon having purchased two wines (broke the one bottle rule) for future enjoyment. A simply delightful Lee Family Farm 2012 Albarino, The 2012 Albarino displays a beautiful pale straw color and has aromas of white peach, mango, and little citrus. On the palate lingering flavors of nectarine, nice acidity, and apricot. This is a light bodied wine which is delicious as an aperitif or with light summer fare. Next was a lovely 2011 Lee Family Farm Rio Tinto (a blend of 61% Touriga Francesa and 39% Touriga Nacional). On the palate, it is soft and velvet smooth with ripe concentrated blackberry and black cherry flavors, good acidity and a nice soft finish. Both wines rate 6-7 and ****. Great drops at great prices!

A great way to start a day on the Carmel Valley Wine Trail is a taste at Morgan, some lunch in the Crossroads (without moving the car) and then head on down into the beautiful Carmel Valley. When visiting Taste Morgan, tell em we sent you and say G'day.

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Tasting Carmel Valley Wine Trail

When you hear of Carmel it is often times referring to Carmel by the Sea. Now Carmel by the Sea is a beautiful place, and as it happens also has a number of tasting rooms to break the monotony of walking around a beautiful sea side town, looking at all the stores and eating at all the great restaurants. But the Carmel we are referring to here today is Carmel Valley. Carmel Valley is a great place to visit and go wine tasting. Wine tasting you repeat in disbelief? Yes wine tasting!

The Carmel Valley Wine Trail is one of the lesser known wine tasting destinations that is very deserving of your attention. The Carmel Valley wine appellation was granted an official AVA designation in 1983. In Carmel Valley you will also find three championship golf courses, several world-class resorts as well as quaint country inns and many great places to dine, from simple and inexpensive to world class. The area has a lot to offer and you never have to leave the Valley if don't want to. Here is a LINK to some overview information of the Valley.

The Carmel Valley Wine Trail starts at the ocean end of the Valley  in the Crossroads shopping center at;
Taste Morgan. Next up as you travel into the Valley is Boete (pronounced 'bwah-TAY') and a little further in is Chateau Julien. As you go past the Laureles Grade on your left you are just a couple minutes from what is commonly know as the Carmel Valley Village.

Once in the village you can choose between about 20 tasting rooms. In the village you could walk to all the tasting rooms if you had a lot of time (a weeks worth of tasting). This is one of those places that requires multiple trips. One stop that will keep you in one spot all day is the East End Wine Row. A grouping of six tasting rooms, with five in a row and Cima Collina just 50 meters away in what used to be an old post office (very cool).
There are some lovely spots to just sit and have a taste or a glass and grab a bite, like Georis or Cima Cillina with their beautiful gardens. Spacious tasting rooms like Joyce and those with comfy couches like Holman. There are those nice and cozy tasting spots like Carmel Road and Joullian. There are a whole lot more (see Map) and most are well worth your time and taste buds.

Take a trip to Carmel Valley and enjoy this wonderful place and tell everyone we sent you!

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Previous visits;

Taste Morgan

Georis

Joullian

Joyce

Carmel Valley Info Video

Georis Tasting area.

Carmel Valley Adventures Joyce Vineyards.

Situated in a store front adjacent to a couple other tasting rooms (we’ll get to them soon enough) Joyce Vineyards tasting room has a friendly atmosphere and a fairly roomy tasting bar with an open feel. There are two distinct tasting offerings, The Premium Carmel Valley Estate Wines and the Premium Monterey County Wines. While there is a distinct price point difference between the two don’t make the mistake of assuming one is better than the other. They are different but both have strong pedigrees.  The first taste for the drinking duo was the 2010 Carmel Valley Joyce Vineyard Pinot Noir. A delightful bright, light and elegant Pinot Noir. It made both of us stop and savor!  What you say, Kiwi and Koala stop and savour! Those two usually go at it like two drought stricken Galahs at a billabong! But no you read it right, we savoured it!

Mostly all 6+ and *** for the Carmel Valley and 6+ and **** for Monterey County Wines with both having a 7 or two among them. Talking with Russell Joyce it was apparent that they put a lot of science into their wines but more importantly there is also art and soul! We have some disagreement as to whether it should be heart and soul, art and soul or art, heart and soul but never the less both Kiwi and Koala enjoyed the wine on offer at Joyce and would recommend this as a must try for Carmel Valley!

Tell Russell Kiwi and Koala said, you beauty!

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Carmel Valley Adventures Georis.

 On what was an amazingly beautiful Californian winter day of 70deg the Georis tasting area is a must stop. For the pure pleasure of being able to sit outside and enjoy the afore mentioned amazing day. Located in beautiful Carmel Valley in Monterey County it is hard to be in a better location. There’s a bird cage full of Budgies and other small cockatiels. There’s umbrellas with Tibetan Prayer Flags all in a lovely garden setting with small water features. The two choices are in flights and are the basis for your wine tasting experience. The first choice is a mix of whites and reds with the second being all reds. A plate of engaging cheeses and breads is also included. The choice to order some pizza and other foods is also on offer. (the staff forgot to get ours started). Sitting there enjoying the day with friends and loved one's in such a great setting drinking wine is hard to beat.

A very nice experience in a beautiful environment with good wines, all 5 plus and good value at *** and ****, but Georis really is a must stop on a nice day just because it is so pleasant and is such a great setting.

So pick a warm sunny day and go enjoy Georis, we 'recommend' you do! Hope you get your pizza, they looked good.

Happy Tasting,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Carmel Valley Adventures at Taste Morgan

The Taste Morgan Tasting room was our stop. Located in the Crossroads Shopping Center it seemed like a reasonable place to gather and create a starting point for a day in Carmel Valley. It’s situated in the shopping center in a nice little store front and or only $5 you get to indulge in 5 selections of what they have opened that day. The tasting bar is large enough for about six people or eight if your all on a fist name basis (or would like to be). There is also a couch and a couple of chairs in a group for a more relaxed casual taste while you wonder what the minions are up to. There is also some nice cork screws (no, reeeeally nice) for sale along with a collection of other wine related and brand name items. But enough with the bla bla bla and on to the reason for the visit, the wine!

Their estate vineyards have definite credentials as do their source vineyards. This shows in their wines, mostly Chardonnays and Pinot Noir’s, they all present themselves nicely with 5-7’s and ***. The only fly in the mix was a mix of Port Varietals that although started with promise on the nose fell flat on the pallets of our tasting dynamic duo.

Morgan vineyards have the politically correct and tree hugger adored, organic certification but more importantly, (at least to Koala) was the sustainable designation of their vineyards. A nice place to start a trip down the Carmel Valley and a worthy first taste. Tell em WineWalkabout said “g’day”.

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Kiwi and Koala Christmas Lunch

So as it is that time of year when most of the truly important things get shoved about to do the things that seem important Kiwi and Koala finally managed to sit down and have a seasonal get together lunch with significant others. It was a lovely sunny 65deg winter day with a light cool breeze.

The venue of choice, Wickets Bistro at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. As we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the Valet and given directions to the Bistro. The question was asked as we were welcomed to the bistro, inside or outside. Given the light cool breeze we decided inside by the windows was a better choice. 

Kiwi and Koala then set about the all so important business of selecting the wine for lunch. The wine list is quite extensive although generally a bit on the pricey side with most wines being in the one and two star range. It was decided that a 2005 Marinus was to be consumed especially given it is a Bernardus wine, and priced right.

Now the wine was selected we could get on and order food. A burger, two Sirloin sandwiches and an artisan pizza. As we started our wine and conversation building maintenance decided it was time to roto-root the bar drain just a few feet away. Just a couple minutes into this the staff showed up, apologized, and asked if they could move us outside with a heater if we wished. We took them up on the offer and moved outside. With heater it was a very comfortable and a  lovely setting by the croquet lawn.

So back to the important information. The 2005 Bernardus Marinus is a blend of 74.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4.8% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Cabernet Franc. A little tight at first and would benefit from some decanting (or another year or two in the bottle if you can wait) but was a Good Drop (7) **. The wine and food was enjoyed by all. While not inexpensive, the setting and the service combined with the good food and wine made for a reasonable value.

To Kiwi and Koalas surprise when the bill came Wickets had removed the wine from the bill as an apology for the roto-rooter incident. This was definitely above the bar as most places would have only removed the desert or the coffees which would also have been nice, but the wine, classy move.

To sum up the adventure, a good time was had by all with good food and good wine with that little bit extra and a bonus to boot. Kiwi and Koala will be going back and 'recommend' you give em a go.

Go to Wickets and tell them Kiwi and Koala sent you..........

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala