We took our bottle of Muns Syrah to friends who had invited us for dinner. Turns out their favorite wine is Syrah, and they even planted a vineyard of Syrah grapes a few years ago.
Produced by Ed Muns and partner Mary Lindsay, the 2011 estate-grown Syrah ($25) is rich, well-balanced and complex, with intense aromas and flavors of dark fruits, licorice, earth and herbs. It paired well with our hearty split-pea soup.
Muns Vineyard does not open very often to the public, but 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 is their next open house and vineyard tour. Please contact Lindsay at [email protected] for reservations and directions. Muns says on his website, “Muns Vineyard brushes the sky on the Loma Prieta ridge top at 2,600 feet above Monterey Bay,” so, if it’s delicious wine and a grand view you’re looking for, then you’ll find it at Muns. They will also be participating in Passport Day on Nov. 18 (visit scmwa.com for info on that), and will be pouring for Winemaker Wednesday at Shadowbrook in Capitola on Dec. 13—when you can join them for some holiday cheer.
Dining at Hyatt Carmel Highlands
After a hectic week walking all over Washington D.C. in the summer heat, we were glad to get back to the clement weather of the Monterey Bay. Then to re-charge our batteries, we headed to one of our favorite spots for lunch, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, where an unrushed meal is as soothing as a visit to a spa. The hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, so check their website for special planned events at highlandsinn.hyatt.com or call 620-1234. A sumptuous dinner on Nov. 9 featuring the wines of Bernardus Winery will be one of the highlights. The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $120 inclusive.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands, 120 Highland Drive, Carmel, 620-1234. highlandsinn.hyatt.com
New Restaurants
Two new restaurants have opened in Aptos—Akira Sushi at 105D Post Office Drive (next to Armitage Wines tasting room and Starbucks); and Parish Publick House at 8017 Soquel Drive (in the space that was the Britannia Arms and then Kauboi). Welcome additions to the transformation of Aptos Village.
