Team C&J
Mesa del Sol Estate & Winery isn’t just a place to savor award-winning wines – it’s a historical haven nestled in the heart of Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco AVA. Founded centuries ago as a stagecoach stop, this charming estate has been reborn as a vibrant winery and vacation retreat under the guidance of Gary Lyons and Stacey Schrader.
But the true magic lies in the hands of Ian Brand, a winemaking legend in the making, who crafts exceptional wines using estate-grown fruit. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a unique wedding venue, or simply a bottle of “Prima Rossi” to tantalize your palate, Mesa del Sol offers an experience unlike any other – a blend of history, hospitality, and phenomenal winemaking.
Let’s uncork this bottle of 2019 Mesa del Sol “Prima Rossi” and prepare to be enchanted!
The Mesa del Sol Estate & Winery is known as both a comfortable and homey vacation retreat, as well as a Central Coast winery. This property is steeped in history. Believe it or not, the property that’s now home to Mesa del Sol was once a stagecoach stop more than 200 years ago!
We love that the new owners, Gary Lyons and Stacey Schrader, who purchased Mesa del Sol Estate & Winery in 2021, continue to nourish the wine side of the business just as much as the thriving private events scene here. Winemaker Ian Brand has been crafting these wines since 2011, and from what we’ve heard, the quality just keeps getting better.
While you can book estate tours and tastings by appointment, the best way to experience these wines is by reserving one of the cottages. Guests who stay overnight receive custom tours!
California wines made with a little Rhone inspiration are one of our favorite styles of wine, so we were already intrigued by the wines coming out of Mesa del Sol before we even cracked one open. What really piqued our interest, however, was when we learned that esteemed winemaker Ian Brand was the label’s behind the scenes genius.
Ian has such an incredible track record, and he’s only in his early 40s. To think, he has already been named The San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year. If you’re new to Ian’s wines, here’s what you need to know:
What we like about Brand’s style of winemaking is that he focuses on showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyards from which his grapes are sourced, rather than adhering to a singular, signature style. His methodology often involves seeking out underappreciated or overlooked vineyards that have distinct microclimates and soil compositions.
Brand prefers minimal intervention in the cellar, often employing techniques that allow for a more natural expression of the wine. This could include the use of native yeasts for fermentation and avoiding excessive filtration or fining, allowing the wines to maintain more of their original character and complexity.
If you haven’t already, check out his other labels, including Le P’tit Paysan, La Marea, and I. Brand & Family. We visited his tasting room in Carmel Valley recently and really enjoyed the experience.
Mesa del Sol Winery has an estate vineyard that is sustainably and organically farmed, and irrigation happens from the property’s own pond. The first vines were planted in 1999, and today, Mesa del Sol boasts eight planted varieties that all go into their estate wines. All of the grapes used in the brand’s red wines are sourced at the home vineyard site, and the white wines, a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, come from the Santa Lucia Highlands.
The Arroyo Seco AVA, which is directly east of Big Sur in Monterey County, has a distinctively cool climate when compared to its neighbors further inland. This “cool-climate gem,” as winemakers call it, benefits from both the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean, but also the warmer inland temperatures, which provides vineyard sites with the best of both worlds when it comes to grape growing.
This unique microclimate results in an extended grape growing season, and the extended hang time allows grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Syrah to develop complex flavors and elegant aromatics. For winemakers like Ian Brand, this delicate balance of climates produces about as perfect ripeness as a winemaker could ask for without any of that jammy sweetness associated with warmer regions.
The 2019 Mesa del Sol “Prima Rossi” red wine is a blend of 30% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 25% Sangiovese and 20% Grenache. In the glass, the wine is a pale purple with vibrant clarity.
The nose unfolds with aromas of black cherry, ripe olive, and black pepper. Earthy notes of crushed dirt add depth and complexity. Much of the palate mirrors the nose with more notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, and earth. Black cherry and olive notes return, joined by surprising hints of pomegranate and licorice, creating a unique and intriguing flavor profile.
This dry, full-bodied wine has noticeable tannins, a well-balanced structure, and a long, graceful finish.
The 2019 Mesa del Sol “Prima Rossi” is a bold and expressive red blend that offers a complex and engaging experience. It’s a full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannins and acidity, making it a perfect companion for grilled meats, hearty stews, or simply enjoyed on its own. We enjoyed this wine and think you will too.
USA
Greenfield
Red Blend
14.2
Ian Brand
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Burgundy
1 Hour
Now to 2029
Mesa Del Sol
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