Winemaker Notes
Bright and sappy aromas of blackberry, rose petal, and soy intermingle to create a complex, yet pure introduction to this classic blend. The palate powers along with fresh strawberry, Szechuan peppercorn, cocoa and orange zest that evolve into chewy, refined tannins that finish with a lively lift.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Grenache-based 2018 Ditch Digger is blended with 20% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah and 5% splashes of Cinsault, Counoise and Graciano. The nose is deep and nuanced, with red and black fruits accented by notes of white pepper, exotic spice, tea leaves and blood orange. It offers impressive depth of fruit on the palate, which is medium-bodied, finely grained and juicy, and it finishes with tremendous spice. It deserves another 2-3 years in the cellar.
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Wine Spectator
A quietly dynamic red that shelters a vibrant and structured core beneath expressive notes of blackberry, crushed stone and blood orange. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsaut, Counoise and Graciano. Drink now through 2028.
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.