Winemaker Notes
The 2014 is classic Heart Stone, probably the most elegant andfeminine of the line up. They made two picks at HSV. Like usual,the first pick was mainly Syrah along with a little Grenache andMourvedre co-fermented from the upper blocks. The secondpick comprised the bulk of the Grenache and Mourvedre andthe remaining Syrah, which was left whole cluster. Aged inmainly new puncheons, it shows a beautiful nose of violets withundertones of cranberry and raspberries. Lots of focus and along finish with hints of cola berry.
Blend: 57% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A classic Paso Robles Syrah (57% Syrah, 24% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre) that delivers on all accounts, the 2014 Heart Stone Vineyard is a big, rich, decadently styled beauty that offers tons of upfront spice, dark fruits, licorice and smoked earth aromatics, with more floral, violets and sappy underbrush notes coming through with air that keep it far for simple or straightforward. Utterly seamless on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a big, rich mid-palate and the chalky tannin that's the hallmark of these limestone hills on the west side of Paso Robles, this riveting, powerful, yet weightless beauty just begs to be drunk today, yet it will evolve easily for a decade or more.
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Wine Spectator
Potent and powerfully built, with a distinctive backbone of crushed stone minerality, plus complex flavors of licorice, black olive, dark berry and bittersweet chocolate. The tannins are big but polished. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2018 through 2028.
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.
NVS167552_2014 Item# 167552