Herman Story Bolt Cutter 2016
-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
If wines were like fashion, this would be prêt-à-porter. It’s that perfect little black dress that transitions seamlessly from an afternoon sipping on cinnamon hibiscus highballs in the Upper East Side to an evening dancing in SoHo. The next morning, you hop into a finely upholstered Uber XL, sipping cardamom tea as you head out of the city for a weekend adventure featuring a stay at the little country inn that serves an unforgettable Apricot-Glazed Pork Shoulder. Because that’s just how you roll.
Blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 15% Syrah
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Bolt Cutter is based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, and the balance Syrah that spent two years in 70% new French oak. Sexy, Pomerol-like notes of blackberries, blueberries, ground herbs, lead pencil, and spice box all emerge from this fleshy, full-bodied, opulent red. It has fine tannins, terrific balance, and the class to keep for over a decade, although there's no need to delay gratification either.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Another crossover red—in this case, Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties (these blends are fast becoming one of California's "standard red blends") The 2016 Herman Story Bolt Cutter Cab Blend exhibits a beautiful synergy between those two famous French growing regions. TASTING NOTES: This wine combines the firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot with the tactile loveliness of Syrah. Its aromas and flavors show classic black fruit and dust, with a charming accent of wood and blackberries. Pair its complexity with a garlic and black pepper-infused roast pork tenderloin. (Tasted: October 31, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2018-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
Wilfred
Wong
Proprietor and winemaker Russell P. From began Herman Story Wines in 2001 with 7 barrels stashed in his employer’s cellar. What started as a modest homage to his rancher grandfather has become a beacon to those seeking opulent, structured Syrah and Grenache. To maintain balance while giving flavor full stage, Russell works with 30 top-tier vineyards in over 7 distinct growing regions between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. From's dedication has held the attention of discriminating consumers and reviewers alike, earning him a coveted position in Wine Spectator's Top 100 List in 2014 for his On the Road Grenache and and average 90+ score on CellarTracker across all wines and vintages.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!