2018 Villa Creek 'High Road' James Berry Vineyard Red Blend Paso Robles

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 2018 High Road is Villa Creek's 16th vintage crafted with grapes from James Berry Vineyard. Justin Smith of Saxum fame grew up on the property and took the reins from his parents Pebble and Teri several years ago. This is a stunning family owned and farmed vineyard in west Paso Robles’ esteemed Willow Creek District. This wine has texture, finesse, and approachability along with weight, complexity and the ability to cellar. Deep garnet in color, it offers amazing aromatics of black and red fruits, cured meats, west Paso lupine and spice. Its palate is sexy, rich and textural with just enough verve to have you salivating for more. While enjoyable now it will deliver in spades with a few years of patience in your cellar. Drink 2021-2035.

Blend: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre.

Cris and JoAnn Cherry moved to Paso Robles in 1996 to open a restaurant, partake in the burgeoning wine scene and raise their children in the country. In 2001, they purchased their first grapes to make wine for their restaurant. And so began Villa Creek Cellars, their best expression of west Paso Robles' Rhone grape varieties. Today, they farm their own certified biodynamic and certified organic vineyard, the MAHA Estate in the hills west of Paso Robles. They continue to purchase grapes from the region's most esteemed vineyards and strive to create exciting wines that reflect the land from which they originated.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Vinous - " Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black/blue fruit and floral oil aromas pick up exotic spice and pipe tobacco nuances with air. Fleshy, juicy and impressively concentrated, offering ripe boysenberry, black raspberry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavors that tighten up steadily on the back half. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with resonating florality, gently gripping tannins and superb persistence."


Jeb Dunnuck - Ground pepper, leafy herbs, plums, and even a touch of blue fruits emerge from the 2018 High Road James Berry Vineyard. A rich, full-bodied wine from this estate, it has plenty of fruit, good mid-palate depth, and the class to evolve nicely for over a decade. "


Wine Spectator - "A broad-shouldered blend with an intense framework of tannin and acidity that propels rich and gutsy notes of blackberry, smoked meat and grilled herb. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre."