Winemaker Notes
Blend: 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Roussanne
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the two Syrahs I was able to taste, the 2018 James Berry Vineyard reveals an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of spiced red and black fruits, cured meats, sandalwood, pepper, and new leather. Full-bodied on the palate, it starts out tight and reserved but blossoms with time in the glass, offering a rounded, expansive texture, ripe yet present tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This nuanced, elegant, seamless beauty will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for a solid decade. The blend is 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Roussanne.
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.
LEGLD18RBJB_2018 Item# 739112