Denner The Ditch Digger 2017
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Ditch Digger is made up of 55% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 5% Graciano and 2% Carignan. Medium ruby, it has bright, inviting scents of raspberries and red cherries layered with scents of powdered sugar, citrus peel, violet and lilac perfume with an earthy undercurrent. The medium-bodied palate is ultra layered and perfumed, with a pleasantly chalky frame and fantastic juiciness, finishing very long and fragrant. Lovely!
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Wine Enthusiast
Plush aromas of rose water, plum, gingerbread spice and vanilla show on the nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsaut, 5% Graciano and 2% Carignan. The palate offers cola, black plum and pepper spice, sitting atop tannins that still require a bit of time to smooth out. Drink 2021–2032.
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Wine Spectator
A gutsy red, with power and polish, offering a tight core of minerally tannins and acidity that provides a lively contrast to the rich black raspberry, bacon fat and crushed rock notes. Firm finish. Hands off for now. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Graciano and Carignan. Best from 2021 through 2029.
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The 108 acres under vine are comprised of 19 different varieties in 26 unique blocks. Each block is farmed with painstaking attention to detail, allowing only for the best possible grapes to reach the winery. Aron Nevarez, the vineyard manager, is committed to environmentally friendly farming practices, using only sustainable inputs and minimal irrigation.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Growing on high elevation bedrock slopes, the vineyards of Paso Robles Willow Creek AVA sit at between 960 and 1,900 feet in elevation.