Winemaker Notes
You know him only by his ring name, Rage, but he just took home the bare-knuckle brawling belt in a vicious onslaught of left jabs and right hooks. Still bleeding from his eye, he exits the makeshift parking lot ring, flips off the crowd, and hops in his black-on-black Silverado. On the way home, he picks up his lavender-shampooed Bichon Frise from the groomer, a dozen roses for his wife, and the poet laureate’s newest chapbook. He’s got a bookshelf next to his barbells and a spice garden not far from his speed bag, where he eats plums and sips kopi luwak coffee. You might think that makes him soft, but you wouldn’t dare say it to his face.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
An interesting blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petit Verdot, and 25% Syrah from a multitude of vineyards, the 2017 Bolt Cutter reveals a dense purple color as well as lots of cassis fruit, notes of ground pepper, bouquet garni (thyme/rosemary), and chocolate, full-bodied richness, and a rich, super-plush, sexy texture. It's another classic Herman Story wine that will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 5-7 years or more.
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Wine Enthusiast
Deep and dark aromas of cassis, roasted black cherry, snickerdoodle and gingerbread show on the nose of this blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Verdot and 25% Syrah. It's lush and powerful on the palate, where black-currant paste meets with star anise, nutmeg and violet flavors. Bright acidity lifts it all.
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!