The blade caught the bottle’s neck just as the last streaks of sunlight melted over Carmel—a perfect evening, the kind where the ocean air feels crisp but the sky still holds a hint of warmth. There was a heartbeat of silence, a flash of steel, and then the cork and glass collar burst free in one clean strike. Sparkling wine fanned into the twilight, glasses raised, and the night began with that unmistakable thrill: this was going to be special.
We gathered for “Pinots from Around the World,” a tasting designed to challenge our palates and stretch our sense of place. The deck overlooked Carmel’s beautiful sunset, the Pacific shimmering in the distance, and the gentle hum of summer carried just enough of the ocean breeze to make each sip feel alive. Our host, John Micek (also known for his wine Red Stitch), greeted us with open arms and a "sick charcuterie plate". The enthusiasm that made the evening feel effortless, yet extraordinary.
Savoring the Experience
The tasting wasn’t just about drinking; it was about experiencing. Each wine arrived with its own character, prompting the Wine Scholars to pause, swirl, and breathe deeply, letting aromas evolve before the first sip. Notes were compared, impressions shared, and friendly debates arose over subtle distinctions: Was that earthy note more forest floor or mushroom? What the heck is a New Zealand Pinot?
Between wines, laughter punctuated the quiet moments of reflection. Friends guiding each other through nuances in acidity, tannin, body, and finish. Even the lighter Pinot Gris pours offered lessons, showing how acidity and texture can refresh the palate and prepare it for the next Pinot Noir. And then...the ah-ha moment the team locked in on that “north star” moment— the standout of the night. 
The tasting wasn’t just about drinking; it was about experiencing. Each wine arrived with its own character, prompting the Wine Scholars to pause, swirl, and breathe deeply, letting aromas evolve before the first sip. Notes were compared, impressions shared, and friendly debates arose over subtle distinctions: Was that earthy note more forest floor or mushroom? What the heck is a New Zealand Pinot?
The Flight
Burgundy: Côte de Nuits – Earth-driven, with a whisper of forest floor and cherry skin; elegant restraint in every sip.
Burgundy: Côte de Beaune – More delicate and floral, red currants mingling with rose petal, a thread of subtle spice weaving through.
Pinot Noir: California – Plush and sun-kissed; ripe raspberry with a velvety finish, warming the palate like summer sun.
Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley – Bright acidity and wild strawberry, balanced perfectly by a whisper of clove and soft tannins.
Pinot Noir: New Zealand – Central Otago – Vibrant and precise, with a hint of herbal lift and a core of dark cherry, alive with southern hemisphere energy.
Pinot Grigio: France – Alsace – Textured, richer than expected, pear and subtle almond, a cleansing bridge between reds.
Pinot Grigio: Alto Adige – Crisp mountain minerality, lemon zest, and a clean, alpine finish; a breath of freshness before the grand finale.
Burgundy: Côte de Nuits – Earth-driven, with a whisper of forest floor and cherry skin; elegant restraint in every sip.
Burgundy: Côte de Beaune – More delicate and floral, red currants mingling with rose petal, a thread of subtle spice weaving through.
Pinot Noir: California – Plush and sun-kissed; ripe raspberry with a velvety finish, warming the palate like summer sun.
Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley – Bright acidity and wild strawberry, balanced perfectly by a whisper of clove and soft tannins.
Pinot Noir: New Zealand – Central Otago – Vibrant and precise, with a hint of herbal lift and a core of dark cherry, alive with southern hemisphere energy.
Pinot Grigio: France – Alsace – Textured, richer than expected, pear and subtle almond, a cleansing bridge between reds.
Pinot Grigio: Alto Adige – Crisp mountain minerality, lemon zest, and a clean, alpine finish; a breath of freshness before the grand finale.
The “north star” of the evening? A 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast, a wine that once claimed Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year. Having it in the mix was like anchoring the entire tasting—if you could spot that star blind, you knew your compass was true. Its layers of red fruit, tea leaf, and soft, resolved tannins reminded everyone why Pinot Noir can be so hypnotic: every sip demands attention, patience, and admiration.
The Art of Sabrage
There’s nothing like the moment before the blade strikes—the tilt of the bottle, the collective hush, the razor of anticipation. And then: steel met glass, a flash, a rush of bubbles breaking free. Sabrage is part theatre, part ritual, and this one didn’t just start the night—it set the tone for adventure. Watching the sparkling mist settle, laughter rising with the effervescence, it was impossible not to feel the thrill of being exactly where you were meant to be.
Learning Through the Glass
For me, nights like this aren’t just about pleasure—they’re about education. Tasting across regions and styles sharpens your palate, teaches the nuances of terroir, and reinforces how subtle differences in climate, soil, and technique transform the same grape into a universe of possibilities. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, with shared observations, guesses, and the inevitable debates over aroma, acidity, and structure.
A Night to Remember—and a Taste of What’s Next
The fireplace flickered, glasses caught the glow, and the Pacific breeze carried laughter into the night. Each wine had its moment, each sip its story, and together they created something greater than the sum of the parts. This was a Carmel evening at its best: warm light, fresh air, treasured friends, and wine that demanded both respect and wonder.
And if last night was any indication, the next tasting (Red Italian Varietals) promises even more. A region some of us have explored, wines that challenge and surprise, and moments you’ll wish you were part of. Keep your glass ready—the journey isn’t over, and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Cheers!
Alex Morales, Founder of Wine Scholars
Bravo. Sorry to have missed it.. See you next time
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