The Grapes of Wrath

What’s in a name? I don’t know. A winery called San Saba started out making innocuous wines. The son took over from the father, re-named the winery Wrath, brought in a new winemaker and now makes really cool wines. Their tasting room, located on the lower level of the Carmel Plaza in Carmel (Monterey County) is an amber lit small space with lots of cherry wood and a quartz bar but it’s a little professional, library-ish and austere looking. Of course, that’s only 1/3^rd of the equation, the other two parts are the wines and the staff. The wines are very good, not cheap, and the staff is knowledgeable, but this isn’t an energetic place. It’s not somber mind you, but does lack an upbeat energy. It’s polite, but not a hoot. Their tastings include the Standard = $10 for 3 wines; Single Vineyard = $20 for 3 wines; and the Pinot Noir = $30 for 5 tastes. So yes, it’s pricy. The Pinot’s are very good and I chose this tasting because it made financial sense, and I liked the wine (the 2009 Ex Vite Pinot Noir - $38). If you buy a bottle the fee is waived. They also offer cheese & crackers for $20 for 3 cheeses. It’s a fine stop with some fine wines and everything will be fine. And sometimes fine is pretty good. http://www.wrathwines.com/

Bottle prices: $30 - $49. Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir.