Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Ditch Digger opens with a bouquet of alpine flowers, followed by notes of raspberry, cocoa powder, and cracked black pepper. Densely packed layers of strawberry, pomegranate, coriander, and Hungarian paprika melt into supple tannins. A striking mineral note drives the lingering finish all the way across the palate.
Blend: 45% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah, 12% Carignan, 5% Graciano
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This flagship wine is designed to show the best qualities of the Denner estate. It evokes a Chateauneuf vibe, blended from 33% grenache, 32% mourvedre, 22% syrah, 5% cinsault, 4% counoise, 2% tannat and 2% carignan. Nicely layered red and black fruit with meaty, peppery accents. Full-bodied and moderately tannic, showcasing the vineyard rather than any new oak influence.
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Vinous
The 2020 Ditch Digger is lifted and floral in the glass, as dusty rose gives way to lavender and wild strawberries. This is round and supple on the palate, with ripe red fruits and sweet, sweet spice that saturates the senses, all neatly balanced by zesty acidity. It tapers off long yet wickedly fresh, packed full of energy and with a vivid crushed raspberry note.
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Wine Spectator
Generous yet deeply structured, with a fragrant mix of red and black fruit highlighted by stony mineral, licorice and savory spice accents. Ends on a lively, zesty accent. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan and Graciano. Drink now through 2030.
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.