Winemaker Notes
James Berry Vineyard is a shining star in the west hills of Paso Robles and we are among the fortunate few to have an allocation of grapes o this world renowned estate. People often take a sip of High Road and say “this tastes like James Berry Vineyard”. As winemakers, that is the ultimate compliment. It says we have succeeded in our mission to represent the place. A swirl of the glass reveals a perfumed bouquet that is more a gentle caress than a slap on the cheek. The palate is graceful and a little bit edgy with layers of cassis, tobacco, mint. A dusting of white pepper mingles with the seamless tannins. Give this one a year to relax and this sensual elixir will keep giving for years. Drink 2019-2029.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 High Road James Berry Vineyard is another gem in the lineup. Based on 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, aged in 30% new French oak, it boasts full-bodied notes of red and black fruits, cured meats, toasted spices, and ample pepper, with a distinctive meatiness. Rounded, sexy yet also with terrific depth and intensity, it’s already drinking brilliantly yet will keep for a decade or more.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Villa Creek High Road James Berry Vineyard is a beautiful red wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with its bright fruitiness. Pair its aromas and flavors of red fruit, along with its layered palate with a nicely-seasoned Porchetta. (Tasted: April 23, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, powerful, fruit-driven Central Coast wines. But with eleven smaller sub-AVAs, there is actually quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California’s Central Coast.
Just east over the Santa Lucia Mountains from the chilly Pacific Ocean, lie the coolest in the region: Adelaida, Templeton Gap and (Paso Robles) Willow Creek Districts, as well as York Mountain AVA and Santa Margarita Ranch. These all experience more ocean fog, wind and precipitation compared to the rest of the Paso sub-appellations. The San Miguel, (Paso Robles) Estrella, (Paso Robles) Geneso, (Paso Robles) Highlands, El Pomar and Creston Districts, along with San Juan Creek, are the hotter, more western appellations of the greater Paso Robles AVA.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône blends, both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruit-driven, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.