Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
More inky purple-colored, the 100% Syrah 2017 Nuts & Bolts was brought up 18 months in 83% new French oak. Tons of meaty, barbecue, spice, chocolate, and assorted dark fruits emerge from the glass, and this puppy packs a punch on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, ripe, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a rocking finish. Drink this meaty, spicy, peppery powerhouse of a Syrah over the coming 7-8 years.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Fans of Paso Robles richness should flock to this bottling by Russell From and team. Aromas of seared black currant, charred meat, cocoa and fudge cake drop into an explosively rich palate that’s unctuous with cassis, coffee and gingerbread into the finish. Yet there’s a sizzle of acidity that gives tension throughout.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Aside from the winery's very cool looking labels, Herman Story Wines is producing high-level wines. The 2017 Nuts & Bolts is a memorable Syrah. TASTING NOTES: This wine packs a wallop, yet stays finely balanced. Its stand-up aromas and flavors of black fruit and oak are soothing and smooth on the palate. Pair it with a well-seasoned hunter's stew. (Tasted: May 21, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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!